International Estate Planning

International Estate Planning Solicitors London

Living and working in an increasingly international community means more people than ever own property and other assets abroad. Osbornes Law have a sophisticated international estate planning team working alongside international lawyers to protect our clients’ global assets.

Contact us

Contact

  • “The agile team at Osbornes acts for a wide range of high-net-worth individuals and families in complex estate and trust litigation, advising on a wide array of contentious trust and estate matters.”

  • “Jan is an expert in international probate work and is praised for a sensible and pragmatic approach to cases.”

Expert International estate planning lawyers

International estate planning is important for anyone owning foreign assets – whether you are an individual who has a holiday home in Europe or you’re a high-net-worth entrepreneur with global business interests and properties. The last thing you want is to be faced with unexpected and unwelcome taxation and inheritance rules in another country. 

Why consider international estate planning? 

Effective estate planning involves considering each asset you own and looking at how the rules of the relevant country may apply. With assets and business interests outside of the UK, there may be complicated cross-border succession and taxation issues that need special consideration to ensure your goals can be met.

The expert international estate planning lawyers at Osbornes have significant exposure to clients owning foreign assets, including in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, India, Singapore, Hong Kong, the USA, Brazil, Argentina and beyond. Our clients are British nationals, UK-based foreign nationals, ex-pats and non-doms. 

We provide a tailored strategy

Robust estate planning and wealth structuring for clients owning cross-border assets is a complex business requiring detailed technical knowledge of local laws and regulations. This includes how succession, forced heirship and inheritance tax rules apply in a given jurisdiction and how they may conflict with UK rules. It may also be necessary to consider how the EU Succession Regulation may impact clients.

We, therefore, work closely with local lawyers in different jurisdictions, as well as chartered tax advisers and other professionals, to achieve the most effective mechanisms to protect clients’ assets and interests.

Our approach to each client is holistic; we strive to understand the full extent of your unique financial circumstances and foreign holdings, and then we consider your specific priorities and goals.

Only then will we develop a bespoke strategy that utilises the rules in the relevant jurisdictions alongside English rules to best protect your assets and estate.

Read our blog post Cross Border Issues – Wills and Succession

Common issues that arise in international estate planning include:

Succession planning

Succession rules in different jurisdictions vary quite significantly and it is important to understand how they may interact in your case. We help clients ensure that ownership and the transfer of foreign assets and business interests are structured in the most tax-efficient way to protect future generations.

Tax mitigation

A key objective in estate planning is to minimise the potential income and capital gains tax; and the inheritance tax liability on death. Owning global assets means you ought to consider how the tax rules in the relevant jurisdiction apply – and what you can do reduce your tax bill. It may also be advisable to take steps to change your tax domicile to make your international wealth more tax efficient. We can advise you on the domicile and deemed domicile rules.

Family disputes

The need to control cross-border assets can arise during a relationship or family breakdown. We advise clients in what can be distressing and difficult situations to protect their control and ownership of assets held in their name.

Cross-border wills

A will is one of the best ways to safeguard your wealth and your family. Owning foreign assets means it may be desirable to have a foreign will, in addition to an English will, to protect your cross-border assets. In some cases, a ‘worldwide will’ will suffice. Our specialists will advise you on the merits of having multiple wills to ensure your inheritance goals are achieved in accordance with applicable local laws.

Trusts

Setting up a trust can prove highly effective in protecting assets and providing for your family. A robust trust can provide a regular income for your loved ones and can effectively ring-fence your assets for tax purposes, saving potentially significant sums of money.

Alternative structures

There are other holding vehicles that can achieve a similar objective to trust structures, including family investment companies, family limited partnerships and foundations with the aim of keeping assets within, for example, the control of your family or to benefit a charity – or even to protect assets from confiscation.

Protecting elderly clients’ assets

We have an empathetic team that is experienced in protecting the elderly and vulnerable who own assets abroad and need help managing their finances. These are delicate situations and can become quite complex, but with specialist help, we can assist family members who are concerned about protecting their loved one’s cross-border wealth.

Make a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)

It’s never too early to appoint attorneys under an LPA to make decisions about your property and finances if you lose mental capacity. But whether it will be acceptable in another jurisdiction depends on its own laws. Therefore, it might also be prudent to appoint attorneys using the equivalent of an LPA in the relevant country in case the need arises and the English LPA is not accepted. We can also advise on whether a power of attorney made abroad can be ratified and used in England.

Owning property and other assets in other countries gives rise to complex legal and tax considerations and it is wise to take specialist legal advice. Wherever you are based, we can assist.

Speak to a lawyer today

For a free initial conversation call 020 7485 8811

Email us Send us an email and we’ll get back to you






    • "Commitment to the cause, willingness to go the extra mile and complete command of the area mean they always give the right advice and do the best job possible."

      Legal 500 2023

    • "They are completely committed to doing the absolute best they can for every single client. They are bright, knowledgeable and innovative."

      Legal 500 2023

    • "This team perhaps does not have the reputation in this area it ought to have. It quietly handles some very big, high profile disputes. It has an expert team to do so and provides sensible pragmatic advice to its clients."

      Legal 500 2023

    • "The agile team at Osbornes acts for a wide range of high-net-worth individuals and families in complex estate and trust litigation, advising on a wide array of contentious trust and estate matters."

      Legal 500 2023

    • "I wish to thank you for your advice, efficiency and professionalism throughout which has been greatly appreciated."

      Client review

    • "I am proud to be a private client of Osbornes Solicitors LLP, a client of many years. I appreciate the swift and efficient work of the Private Client Department Team."

      Client

    • "Jan Atkinson, with her steely, steady, calming presence, instils confidence in the most highly-strung of us clients. With her masterful knowledge of the law, old and new, and its application, Jan can navigate through the most complex of cases to a successful end."

      Legal 500 2021

    • "I find Osbornes’ client-friendly approach welcoming and refreshing"

      Legal 500 2021

    • "A medium-sized London firm dealing with big litigation and doing it extremely well because of a depth of expertise and experience."

      Legal 500 2021

    • My family had the pleasure of Jan Atkinson working with us on the will and probate issues of [my mother's] estate in Camden and Ireland after she passed on last year. Jan and her assistant(s) offered us a fantastic service at a sad time.

      Client Review

    • "Jan Atkinson stands out for her wide-ranging knowledge and experience of estates; whatever problem you throw at her, she has seen it all before and is able to find a creative and sustainable solution. She has exceptional commitment to her clients and explores every avenue to find the best solution for them"

      Legal 500 2021 - Jan Atkinson

    • The team is very caring, experienced and detailed and was clear about the  next steps and offered very helpful advice and suggestions

      Legal 500

    • Jan Atkinson has extensive experience in private client matters, which underpins her excellent skills in the contentious probate area. Plus she is strong on international matters

      Legal 500 2020 - Jan Atkinson

    • A small but formidable team, punching above its weight. Jan Atkinson is a seasoned pro. Approachable but no push-over

      Legal 500 2020 - Jan Atkinson

    • "They are an outstanding firm to work with. They are consistently impressive in their work."

      Chambers UK

    • "Elspeth Neilson is very reliable and practical."

      The Legal 500

    • "The team frequently deals with cross-border estates for high–net-worth individuals."

      The Legal 500

    • "The team were extremely professional in putting my needs first. There was a joined-up approach to catering for the client, and all lawyers involved were briefed and constructive."

      Chambers UK

    • The situation was handled by your extremely competent, efficient hands - I would not hesitate to recommend Osbornes to others.

      Wills, Probate and Disputed Estate Client

    • "Service prompt and effective. I have absolute confidence in Maggie."

      Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

    • I am happy with the service that I got and would recommend you to other potential clients.

      Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

    • I found Osbornes always very helpful and efficient.

      Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

    • We are very pleased with the services of Osbornes. Highly professional and through with close attention to detail.

      Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

    • I would highly recommend Jan Atkinson in any probate matter and Osbornes Solicitors in any other legal matters.

      Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

    • Jan Atkinson is a very proficient lady whom I would highly recommend to anyone involved in probates.

      Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

    • Thanks for all your work and explaining everything so clearly. For any legal matters in the future I would not hesitate in instructing Osbornes.

      Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

    • We have found your service to date as the most informative we have come across.

      Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

    • Osbornes Solicitors always responded promptly to any request for information I had.

      Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

    • “Geoffrey’s affairs were dealt with just the right combination of friendliness and professionalism, which really helped.”

       

      Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates Client

    • Jan Atkinson is confident with a straightforward approach. Her practice covers both contentious and non-contentious matters, including wealth planning and estate administration.

      Chambers UK

    • I would like to thank everyone in my case for the excellent job!

      Wills, Probate & Disputed Estates client

    Accreditations

    • Times best law firms 2023
    • Spears 500 logo
    • legal 500 leading firm
    • chambers logo
    • Chambers & Partners High Net Worth ranked individual

    New and Insights From our LawyersVIEW ALL

    1. lady holding a cup
      22.5.2023

      Case Law: Dementia-Induced Mild Cognitive Impairment

      Dementia is a harsh reality for increasing numbers of families. Sadly, it means the disputed wills solicitors at Osbornes Law...

      Read more
    2. eu flags
      26.4.2023

      German Court Rules on EU Succession Regulation

      Succession laws vary from country to country which historically made the administration of cross-border estates potentially complex. Since 17 August 2015, the...

      Read more
    3. the moon
      1.3.2023

      How to prevent someone contesting a will

      It is fairly rare in my experience for a parent to write a child out of their will but that...

      Read more
    4. primrose hill london
      8.2.2023

      Gifting Property to Children

      Can I gift property to my children? Gifting a property to your adult children is a relatively complex transaction but...

      Read more
    5. house in regents park london
      15.11.2022

      Contentious Probate Case Studies

      Contentious probate involving business assets Osbornes Law acts for the defendants to a claim issued to pronounce in favour of...

      Read more
    6. last will and testament disputes
      27.10.2022

      Contesting A Will Case Studies

      Will dispute on grounds of lack of capacity Our contesting a will solicitors acted for the claimants, the adult daughters...

      Read more
    7. Closeup of a hand signing
      2.8.2022

      Do you need to register your trust?

      The Trust Register was introduced in 2017 as part of anti-money laundering regulations. Previously, only trusts with a UK tax liability...

      Read more
    8. Businessman and Male lawyer or judge consult having team meeting with client, Law and Legal services concept
      19.7.2022

      Beware of appointing your children as executors

      Where tensions exist between family members, making your children the executors of your will can cause huge problems with probate,...

      Read more
    9. money in different currencies
      19.1.2022

      Does your will deal with cross-border assets?

      If you own assets in more than one country, it’s important to make a robust Will that deals effectively...

      Read more
    10. Elderly woman hold smartphone feels disappointed by received bad news
      18.11.2021

      Family Tensions and Deputyship 

      Disputes between a deputy and the family of the individual concerned, can escalate and become increasingly distressing if issues are...

      Read more
    11. 18.11.2021

      Particularly sensitive issues around mental capacity

      Mental capacity, the right to sex and the carer’s risk of prosecution  Does everyone have the right to a...

      Read more
    12. Woman signing document
      25.10.2021

      Inheritance Claims CFA Success Fee Judgment

      The Court of Appeal upholds the recoverability of CFA success fees in 1975 Act claims in the case of Hirachand v...

      Read more
    13. scrap metal
      20.10.2021

      Evidence Needed When Contesting A Will

      ‘Scrap King’ Multi-million Inheritance Dispute Confirms the High Standard of Evidence Needed to Contest a Will   Gary Goodwin, son of...

      Read more
    14. inheritance tax form
      20.10.2021

      Contentious Probate Dispute Surrounding Interpretation

      The ‘nil rate band’ offers an incentive to testators to make their will in a tax-efficient manner, maximising the amount...

      Read more
    15. fraud file
      20.10.2021

      Handwriting Expert Witness Concludes Will Forgery

      It’s not unheard of for an individual to forge someone’s will with the aim of securing an inheritance....

      Read more
    16. couple holding hands
      20.10.2021

      Understanding Testamentary Capacity

      What is testamentary capacity? Testamentary capacity refers to a person’s ability, both legally and mentally, to create a valid...

      Read more
    17. toy houses on coins
      20.10.2021

      Contested Will Claim Against Estate Fails

      The recent reported case of Shearer v Shearer highlights that adult children cannot expect an estate to support their affluent...

      Read more
    18. 17.9.2021

      Funding of Probate disputes

      Contentious Probate can be very expensive and clients often find it difficult to find the money to cover their legal...

      Read more
    19. 13.9.2021

      Worldwide Probate Dispute

      The deceased died in Ireland leaving very considerable wealth and assets all over the world, including England, but without leaving...

      Read more
    20. 13.9.2021

      Estate administration with a value of £6million

      In this international probate case, we are acting for the executors in an estate administration with a value of £6million....

      Read more
    21. 13.9.2021

      International probate involving 17 properties

      Osbornes Law represented the administrator of this international estate where the deceased was domiciled in India. There are ongoing court...

      Read more
    22. 13.9.2021

      Complex probate involving 4 wills

      The case study relates to complex probate involving four separate wills. The deceased had made four wills in rapid succession,...

      Read more
    23. 13.9.2021

      Probate with assets worth between US$600m & US$800...

      This probate case relates to a property in London which was funded by our clients, who are based in Australia...

      Read more
    24. 13.9.2021

      US/UK cross border probate

      Our probate lawyers in London were instructed by a US-based widow of her late husband’s £8 million English estate. As...

      Read more

    VIEW ALL