International for you

Our private client lawyers regularly help individuals with issues affecting their family, property or estate, abroad.  Often, our UK based clients have property portfolios, businesses or family overseas. Now that Brexit has happened and the UK has left the European Union (EU), there is an added element of uncertainty and confusion from clients about what this means for their interests in Europe. 

Dealing with anything in another jurisdiction, whether Europe or further afield, can come with added complexity. Our expert team works collaboratively with lawyers overseas for the best possible outcome for those involved. While we can only advise on the law of England and Wales, our membership of the Nextlaw Referral Network means we can access lawyers on the ground across the globe. 

Property abroad
For individuals who are not United Kingdom (UK) resident or domiciled but who own assets situated in the UK, they may not always appreciate that ownership of UK assets will bring into play a range of UK tax and legal issues (for example, when the owner dies).  Such issues make it important for these individuals to consider how best to deal with their UK assets, whether through a will or by means of a trust.  

For individuals who are UK resident or domiciled with assets outside the UK, it may be advisable to have a will in that country and a will here.  Care needs to be taken regarding the scope of both wills, therefore the lawyers in both countries should liaise with one another, to ensure holistic advice is given. 

For British nationals with assets in countries covered by the EU Succession Regulation, your UK will could dispose of your assets in the foreign country by making an election in your will.  Again, seek professional advice here and in the country where the property is situated should be considered. 

Family
Our family team can help with multi-jurisdictional issues, from advising how you might try to protect your foreign assets when getting married, to assisting clients on separation who have lived or married abroad and may have assets, such as property, in another country. We can also advise where you may want to relocate with your children overseas and need permission, or what to do if you wish to prevent a child from being taken abroad without your consent.

Employment
If you are working abroad for a UK company under a contract that is regulated by English & Welsh law, we can advise you on employment related concerns. 

Probate
Our probate team regularly assists with estates where the deceased was domiciled outside of England & Wales.  We are experienced in applying to reseal grants of representation issued within a Commonwealth country and can also assist in obtaining a first grant of representation for deceased clients who died domiciled in a country outside of the Commonwealth.  We often work with lawyers and accountancy firms on multi-jurisdictional estates.  

We are experienced in advising on domicile issues, inheritance tax for non-domiciled clients and assisting with the administering of the English assets in a non-domiciled client’s estate.

Contentious trusts and probate 
We deal with disputes concerning trusts and estates with assets located or spread across various jurisdictions.  Whether you are trying to assert your entitlement to a legacy or a trust which holds assets abroad, or you are a trustee / executor / administrator who lives abroad and you are facing difficulties with beneficiaries or with another executor / administrator / trustee resident in England & Wales, we are here to help.  

Dispute resolution
We can assist where there is an international element to a dispute. This includes helping clients who are based outside the UK, or where the other parties to the matter are based outside the UK, with disputes involving English law. 

Where English law does not apply, we work with overseas lawyers on our client’s behalf to achieve the best possible outcome, whether defending or bringing a claim. We have an extensive network of overseas firms we have dealt with for many years.