If you have moved abroad to live, it is important that you make a Will to deal with any assets you have in the new country; as well as the country you have left. This will avoid any issues about which country’s laws apply when dealing with your estate when you pass away. 

If you do not make a Will, the administration of your estate will be carried out in accordance with the laws of intestacy of the country in which you are domiciled. Your country of domicile is the nation you have the closest ties with and the laws of intestacy of that country will apply if you pass away without making a Will.

In this country, the starting point is usually your father’s domicile when you were born but it is possible to acquire a different domicile of choice. You can only be domiciled in one country at a time so if you split your time between different countries deciding on your domicile could cause problems for those administering your estate.

To avoid any issues, you should make a Will which is valid in each country you hold assets in so that you can set out your wishes and ensure that your estate in each country is properly distributed.

To discuss any of the issues raised above, please contact a member of the Private Client team on 01384 410410.