Make two wills if you own property abroad

Britons that own property in both the UK and abroad are being advised to make two wills.

With inheritance laws differing from country to country, it is important that a will is in place in all lands in which persons own property, to prevent loved ones being short-changed during probate.

Although as a UK resident all international assets are subject to UK inheritance tax, rights to assets differ in different countries.

For example, unless specifically specified otherwise in a French will, all assets kept in the country will be subject to forced heirship, meaning that spouses could be left without rights to property.

Britons are also reminded that when making a will in another country it must relate only to the assets owned in that country, expressly excluding UK property, money and possessions.

If provisions are made in a foreign country for UK assets, British wills may be invalidated.

The same rule must also apply to UK wills.

Published by Tessa Jones