International Succession Planning

U.S. citizens living abroad
Dual nationals
Families with property in multiple countries
Business owners operating internationally
Foreign nationals with U.S. assets
International investors
Families relocating across borders

If assets, heirs, or ownership interests are situated in different jurisdictions, succession planning must reflect the laws of each relevant country.

Cross Border Will Structuring
We draft coordinated wills for clients with assets in multiple countries. Where appropriate, we prepare jurisdiction specific instruments that work together without conflict, reducing probate complications and ensuring enforceability abroad.

Multi Jurisdictional Succession Strategy
We analyze domicile, citizenship, tax residency, and asset location to determine which country’s laws may govern inheritance. This includes review of civil law and common law systems, marital property rules, and potential competing claims.

International Trust Planning
We evaluate whether trust structures will be recognized in relevant jurisdictions and advise on alternatives where civil law systems do not recognize traditional trust frameworks.

Corporate and Equity Succession Coordination
For business owners, we align estate planning with shareholder agreements, operating agreements, and equity transfer provisions to prevent governance disputes or unintended ownership shifts.

Holding Company and Ownership Review
Where appropriate, we assess ownership structures to improve continuity, liability segmentation, and long term transfer planning across borders.

Estate and Inheritance Tax Exposure Review
We identify potential estate and inheritance tax exposure across jurisdictions and coordinate planning strategies to reduce duplicative taxation risk.

Forced Heirship Planning
In countries with mandatory inheritance regimes, we structure planning strategies that anticipate compulsory share claims and protect business or real estate assets.

Expatriation and Pre Relocation Planning
For clients relocating internationally or considering citizenship changes, we review asset positioning prior to relocation to reduce unintended succession or reporting consequences.

Coordination with Foreign Counsel
When additional jurisdiction specific input is required, we work directly with foreign counsel to ensure alignment and enforceability across legal systems.

Our Approach

We begin with jurisdictional analysis, identifying domicile, tax residency, asset situs, and governing law implications. We then map all assets and ownership interests by country.

We review existing estate documents, shareholder agreements, and corporate governance frameworks to ensure alignment.

Where necessary, we coordinate directly with foreign counsel to ensure enforceability and compliance across jurisdictions.

The objective is clarity, continuity, and preservation of wealth and control across borders.

International succession planning is proactive. Early coordination provides flexibility, reduces exposure, and protects family and enterprise stability.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Schedule a Consultation: Book a personalized consultation to discuss your estate planning needs, including asset protection, tax strategies, and inheritance planning.
2. Assess Your Global Assets: We’ll help you identify all assets across jurisdictions and outline the legal and tax implications of each.
3. Develop a Customized Plan: Our team will create a tailored estate plan that aligns with your goals, whether it involves trusts, wills, business succession, or charitable giving.
4. Ensure Legal Compliance: We’ll coordinate with international legal and tax professionals to ensure your estate plan meets all necessary requirements.
5. Secure Your Future with Confidence: With your estate plan in place, you can move forward knowing your wealth and legacy are protected for generations to come.

Do I need international succession planning if I already have a domestic will?
If you own assets or have heirs in more than one country, a domestic will alone is often insufficient. International succession planning ensures your documents are enforceable across jurisdictions and do not create unintended conflicts.

What if I own property or a business abroad?
Assets are generally governed by the laws of the country where they are located. Without coordinated planning, your estate or company may face foreign probate proceedings, transfer restrictions, or delays in recognizing new ownership.

Can one plan cover multiple countries?
In some cases, yes. In others, coordinated instruments are required to avoid revocation issues or conflicting legal interpretations. The structure depends on your asset profile and jurisdictional exposure.

Will my heirs face tax in more than one country?
They may. Estate or inheritance taxes can apply based on citizenship, residency, or asset location. Proper planning helps reduce duplicative taxation risk through coordinated structuring.

How do I get started?
We begin with a consultation to review your citizenship, domicile, asset locations, and ownership structure. From there, we design a succession strategy aligned with your global footprint.