International Estate Administration

What is International Estate Administration

Administering an estate is challenging even when all assets and beneficiaries are in one country. When the estate spans multiple jurisdictions involving foreign property, overseas investments, international bank accounts or beneficiaries living abroad the process becomes significantly more complex.

Our specialist international estate management solicitors guide executors, trustees and families through every stage of cross-border estate administration. We coordinate the legal, tax and practical requirements of each country involved, ensuring the estate is administered lawfully, efficiently, and in accordance with the deceased’s wishes.

Our international estate administration expert Solicitors are ready to help. Call our solicitors for professional legal advice on 0330 107 0107 or request a call back.

Why International Estates Administration Requires Specialist Advice

Different countries apply different rules on succession, probate, tax and estate authority. Without coordinated advice, executors may face:

Conflicting legal requirements between jurisdictions
Delays in accessing overseas assets
Unexpected tax liabilities in multiple countries
Difficulty enforcing English grants abroad
Forced heirship or local succession laws overriding the Will
Challenges dealing with foreign institutions or regulators

Our solicitors ensure every jurisdiction is managed correctly and that the estate is protected at every stage.

Our Expertise

UK Grants of Probate for International Estates

We obtain Grants of Probate or Letters of Administration in England and Wales, including reseal applications and cases where the deceased lived overseas but held UK assets.

Coordinating Foreign Succession Procedures

We work closely with trusted foreign lawyers to manage local probate requirements, ensuring all jurisdictions operate in harmony and without duplication.

Collecting, Managing & Distributing Overseas Assets

Whether the estate includes property, company shares, investments, or bank accounts abroad, we assist with:

Verifying ownership
Liaising with foreign institutions
Arranging transfers or sales
Repatriating funds where required

Estate Tax & Reporting

International estates may face inheritance tax, estate tax, capital gains tax, and reporting obligations in multiple countries. Working alongside tax advisers, we help executors understand and manage these liabilities.

Handling Cross-Border Disputes

Conflicting legal systems and differing expectations can lead to disputes involving executors, beneficiaries, or foreign authorities. We provide strategic advice to help minimise risk and resolve issues efficiently.

Support for Executors & Beneficiaries Abroad

We assist personal representatives based overseas who need to administer a UK estate, and beneficiaries residing abroad who require guidance on their rights and obligations.

Who We Advise

Executors administering estates with assets in multiple countries
Families dealing with the estate of someone who died abroad or had international ties
Beneficiaries living overseas
Foreign personal representatives requiring a UK Grant of Probate
Trustees managing cross-border trusts and inheritances
Professional advisers supporting internationally mobile clients

Our Global Approach

International estate administration requires clarity, coordination and cultural awareness. Our Solicitors:

Work with a global network of trusted foreign lawyers
Provide a single point of contact for all jurisdictions
Deliver consistent, timely updates throughout the process
Ensure that each step complies with local and English law
Help executors fulfil their duties with confidence and accuracy

Every international estate is unique and our tailored approach ensures it is handled with the highest level of care and professionalism.

Why Choose IMD Solicitors ?

Expertise in international probate and succession law
Experience dealing with complex, multi-jurisdictional estates
Strong relationships with foreign advisers worldwide
Clear, pragmatic advice designed to reduce delays and avoid pitfalls
A sensitive approach to families navigating loss during an already challenging process

How Our International Estate Management Solicitors Can Help

Administering an estate with international assets can be complex and time sensitive. Where a deceased individual owned property, investments or business interests outside the UK, careful coordination is required to ensure the estate is administered efficiently and in accordance with the relevant laws in each jurisdiction.

Our international estate management solicitors take a clear and practical approach, guiding executors and personal representatives through every stage of the process. We help you navigate cross-border legal systems, deal with overseas authorities and manage tax, probate and succession issues to minimise delays and reduce risk.

We act for estates involving foreign property, overseas bank accounts, international investments and multi-jurisdictional family arrangements, ensuring the administration is handled smoothly while protecting the interests of beneficiaries.

Contact Our International Estate Administration Solicitors in London & Manchester

If you are responsible for administering an estate with overseas assets, require assistance obtaining foreign grants or reseals of probate or want to ensure the estate is administered in a legally compliant and tax efficient manner, please contact our private wealth team or request a call back using our online form.

We regularly advise on estates with assets held across multiple jurisdictions, working closely with trusted overseas lawyers and tax advisers to ensure UK estate administration requirements are met while addressing local laws and international considerations.

Whether you are dealing with a straightforward overseas asset or a complex, high value international estate, our solicitors are here to support you with clarity, confidence and care.

Contact our professional solicitors today on 0330 107 0107 or request a call back.