An international will ensures assets in multiple countries are distributed according to your wishes. Different countries have different inheritance laws, and a will valid in one country may not be recognized in another.
12 steps across 2 sections
1. Steps Process
- Inventory assets by country — List all assets in each country.
- Research inheritance laws — Check for forced heirship rules (France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Middle East, Latin America).
- Decide: single or multiple wills — If multiple, ensure they do not accidentally revoke each other.
- Consult attorneys in each country — Cross-border estate planning requires expertise in each jurisdiction.
- Draft and execute — Follow execution requirements of each country (witnesses, notarization, language).
- Register the will — Some countries require registration with a court or notary.
- Review regularly — Update when assets, family, or laws change.
2. Key Details
- Forced heirship: Many countries require portions go to children/spouse regardless of will
- Each country may require separate probate
- US estate tax applies to worldwide assets of US citizens
- Community property presumptions vary by country
- Include digital asset provisions
Common Mistakes
- Assuming US will covers foreign assets
- Not accounting for forced heirship
- Multiple wills accidentally revoking each other
- Not considering tax implications in each country
Pro Tips
- Include clause in each will stating it applies ONLY to assets in that country
- Consider appointing executors in each country with significant assets
- Powers of attorney may also need to be country-specific