Inheritance & Estates
When someone dies, the legal questions can be complicated. Who inherits? Who can act? What happens to the property? And what if someone disagrees?
Find Your Situation Make an EnquiryInheritance problems rarely involve just one question.
An estate may involve a will, family relationships, property, money, debts, contracts, tax considerations and assets in more than one country.
The first step is to understand what has happened and identify which legal issues actually need to be dealt with. You do not necessarily need to know the legal terminology before asking for help.
What is happening?
Start with the situation rather than trying to identify the legal label.
There Is a Will
You need to understand what the will says, who is appointed to deal with the estate and what happens next.
There Is No Will
You need to understand how the estate may be dealt with where the deceased did not leave a valid will.
You Are an Executor
You have responsibility for dealing with an estate and need to understand your role, responsibilities and next steps.
You Are a Beneficiary
You believe you are entitled to receive something from an estate and need to understand your position.
Someone Disagrees
A family member, beneficiary or another person is challenging the way the estate is being dealt with.
There Is a Property
The estate includes a house, land or other property that needs to be dealt with, transferred or sold.
The Estate Is Contested
There is a dispute about the will, the estate, entitlement or how assets should be distributed.
Assets Are Abroad
The deceased owned property, accounts or other assets outside the country where the estate is being dealt with.
You Are Not Sure
You know there is an inheritance problem but do not know what legal step should be taken first.
A will may be only one part of the legal picture.
The existence of a document does not necessarily answer every question about an estate. The surrounding circumstances, ownership of assets, family relationships, previous agreements and events after death may all matter.
Questions worth asking
Where inheritance becomes complicated
Some estates require more than straightforward administration.
Will Disputes
Concerns may arise about what a will says, how it was made, or whether someone is challenging its effect.
Beneficiary Disputes
People may disagree about entitlement, distributions or the way the estate is being administered.
Executor Problems
An executor may need guidance about their role, decisions, responsibilities or communication with beneficiaries.
Estate Property
A house or land can create additional questions about ownership, occupation, sale or transfer.
Family Disagreements
Inheritance disputes can become emotionally difficult as well as legally complex. Clear information can help identify the real issue.
Cross-Border Estates
Where people, property or assets are connected with different countries, the legal position may require additional analysis.
What information may matter?
Before taking action, gather the documents and information that help establish what has happened.
How we approach an inheritance problem
The aim is to understand the legal position before deciding what action is appropriate.
Understand
Establish what happened and who is involved.
Gather
Identify the documents and evidence that matter.
Identify
Separate the factual issues from the legal issues.
Assess
Consider the available options and potential risks.
Plan
Decide what should happen next and who should deal with it.
When an inheritance includes property
Property can create a separate layer of legal questions. There may be issues concerning ownership, occupation, registration, sale, transfer, co-ownership or disputes between people connected with the property.
Consider the bigger picture
Before selling, transferring, signing an agreement or taking action concerning estate property, it can be important to establish who has authority and what rights or obligations may exist.
Discuss the SituationWhat if the estate crosses borders?
An inheritance can become more complicated when the deceased, beneficiaries, property or other assets are connected with different countries.
Property Abroad
The estate may include a home, land or other property located in another country.
Beneficiaries Abroad
People entitled to an estate may live in different countries or have different legal connections.
Documents from Another Country
Foreign wills, official documents, registrations or other records may form part of the legal picture.
Different Legal Systems
Different countries may have different rules and procedures concerning estates and property.
Recognition of Decisions
A decision, document or legal process in one country may raise questions about its effect elsewhere.
Where Should It Be Dealt With?
One of the first questions may be identifying which country and which professional support is appropriate.
You do not need to know the legal answer before making an enquiry.
Start with what happened. Tell us who is involved, what documents you have, what has happened so far and whether there is a deadline.
Before contacting BLP, consider:
Understand the estate before deciding what to do next.
Whether you are dealing with a will, an estate, property, beneficiaries or a disagreement, start with the facts. The right next step depends on the circumstances.
Make a Confidential EnquiryInheritance rarely stops at one country.
A will, a property, a bank account or a family relationship can connect an estate to several countries. The first question is often not “Who gets what?” — but which law, authority and professional should deal with it?
Start Here International EstatesWhat is happening with the inheritance?
You do not need to know the legal terminology before asking for help. Start with the situation you are facing.
Someone Has Died
You need to understand what happens to their money, property, possessions, investments, debts and other assets.
There Is a Will
You need to understand the will, the executor's role and how the estate should be administered.
There Is No Will
The estate may have to be dealt with under the applicable intestacy and succession rules.
You Are an Executor
You have responsibility for dealing with the estate and may need to identify assets, liabilities, tax and beneficiaries.
You Are a Beneficiary
You want to know whether you are entitled to inherit and what steps can be taken if the estate is not being dealt with properly.
Someone Is Challenging the Estate
There may be a dispute about the will, entitlement, administration, assets or distribution of the estate.
There Is Property
The estate includes a house, land or other real estate which may need to be transferred or sold.
Assets Are Abroad
The deceased, beneficiaries or assets may be connected with another country.
I Don't Know Where to Start
That is a legitimate starting point. The first step may simply be identifying which country and which legal system matter.
A will is only one part of an estate.
Inheritance can involve succession law, property law, family rights, tax, probate or equivalent procedures, trusts, business interests and rules governing assets situated in another country.
The Person Who Died
Where did they live? Where were they habitually resident? What was their nationality? Where did they own property and financial assets?
The Family
Who are the spouse, civil partner, children, dependants and other relatives? Are there competing claims or questions about entitlement?
The Estate
What property, bank accounts, investments, businesses, pensions, shares, valuables and liabilities form part of the estate?
The Documents
Is there a will? Are there earlier wills, trusts, powers of attorney, property documents, contracts or foreign documents?
The Countries
Which countries have a connection to the deceased, beneficiaries, property, financial assets or the administration of the estate?
The Tax Position
Estate and inheritance taxes can be separate from succession law. Cross-border estates may require country-specific tax advice.
Inheritance in the UK
The UK does not have one single system of succession law. England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have different legal systems and procedures.
England & Wales
Estates may involve wills, executors, administrators, probate, debts, tax, property and distribution to beneficiaries.
Scotland
Scottish succession law and estate procedures are distinct from England and Wales. The legal position should therefore be assessed under the relevant Scottish rules.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has its own legal and probate framework. Do not assume that an English or Scottish procedure automatically applies.
What can you do yourself in the UK?
In England and Wales, an executor or administrator can in some circumstances apply for probate personally rather than instructing a solicitor or probate practitioner. GOV.UK expressly provides an online and postal application route. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
However, administering an estate can involve identifying assets and debts, valuing the estate, tax reporting, property, trusts and competing claims. GOV.UK recommends considering professional advice where an estate is substantial or complicated, including where trusts are involved. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Who might you need?
Solicitor
May assist with estate administration, contentious estates, wills, trusts, property and wider legal issues.
Barrister
May provide specialist advice, opinion, drafting or advocacy where the matter and professional rules permit.
Probate Practitioner
May assist with probate applications and estate administration, depending on the circumstances and authorised service.
Tax Adviser / Accountant
May be appropriate where the estate involves tax calculations, business interests, investment income or complex financial issues.
Property Professional
Property may require valuation, sale, transfer, registration or specialist advice.
Foreign Professional
If assets are situated abroad, a suitably qualified professional in that country may be required or strongly advisable.
Inheritance across Europe
European inheritance matters cannot simply be treated as one uniform system. National succession rules vary significantly between countries.
European Union
EU succession rules provide mechanisms for certain international succession cases, including rules concerning jurisdiction, applicable law and recognition. However, important areas remain governed by national law, including matters such as tax and aspects of property and family law. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
European Certificate of Succession
The European Certificate of Succession can help heirs, legatees, executors and administrators prove their status and exercise rights in other participating EU countries. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Habitual Residence
For many EU cross-border successions, the deceased's last habitual residence is an important starting point when determining jurisdiction and applicable law.
Choice of Law
Under the relevant EU succession framework, a person may in appropriate circumstances choose the law of their nationality to govern their succession.
Which country's inheritance rules may matter?
The starting country may depend on where the deceased lived, where property is located, nationality, the wording of a will and the nature of the asset.
France
Succession, wills, property, family rights and tax may all need separate consideration.
Spain
Regional and national rules can matter, particularly where the estate involves property and cross-border family connections.
Italy
Succession, wills, reserved rights, property and tax may need to be considered together.
Germany
German succession rules may become relevant where the deceased or estate has a German connection.
Poland
Polish succession law includes specific rules concerning wills, statutory succession and protected shares.
Portugal
Portuguese succession, property and tax rules may become relevant to estates containing Portuguese assets.
Greece
Greek succession and property procedures may need local professional assistance where Greek assets are involved.
Cyprus
Cyprus has its own inheritance and estate framework, with local procedures applying to relevant assets.
Türkiye
Turkish succession, property registration, inheritance/transfer tax and local procedures may apply to Turkish assets.
Switzerland
Swiss inheritance matters require consideration of the relevant Swiss rules and the cross-border position.
Norway
Norwegian succession rules may be relevant where the deceased, beneficiaries or assets have a Norwegian connection.
Other European Countries
Each country should be checked separately rather than assuming that another country's inheritance rules apply.
The European Commission's e-Justice Portal provides country-specific information on succession rules across participating jurisdictions. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
When the inheritance reaches beyond Europe
International estates can involve several legal systems at the same time. A person may live in one country, hold citizenship of another, own property in a third and have beneficiaries elsewhere.
United States
Estate and probate rules can vary by state. The location of assets and the relevant state jurisdiction may therefore be critical.
Canada
Provincial and territorial rules may affect succession, administration, property and taxation.
Australia
Succession and probate matters can involve state or territory rules, particularly where property or proceedings are involved.
Middle East
Local succession, family, property and religious-law frameworks can be highly significant depending on the jurisdiction.
Asia
Inheritance systems vary widely. Local property, succession, registration and tax requirements may need separate advice.
Africa & The Americas
Jurisdiction, property location, succession rules and local procedural requirements should be checked country by country.
Worldwide does not mean one global inheritance law.
There is no single worldwide procedure that automatically transfers every asset to beneficiaries. The correct approach is usually to identify each relevant jurisdiction and then determine what that country's law and procedures require.
Ask these questions before taking action
Where did the person live?
Identify their residence and, where relevant, habitual residence at the time of death.
What nationality did they have?
Nationality may become important to the applicable succession law in certain jurisdictions.
Where are the assets?
List property, land, bank accounts, investments, businesses and valuable possessions by country.
What does the will say?
Identify the latest will, earlier wills, choice-of-law clauses, trusts and other relevant documents.
Who are the beneficiaries?
Establish family relationships, dependants and anyone who may have a potential claim.
Which country has authority?
Determine which court, probate registry, notary or other competent authority should deal with the relevant issue.
What taxes could arise?
Consider inheritance, estate, gift, property, income or capital gains taxes according to the relevant countries.
Which professional is actually needed?
It may be a solicitor, barrister, foreign lawyer, notary, accountant, tax adviser, property professional or another specialist.
Not every inheritance matter needs the same level of professional help.
1. You Can Usually Start Yourself
You may be able to gather documents, identify assets, establish family relationships, locate a will and obtain basic information from official authorities.
2. Professional Advice Is Advisable
Consider professional assistance where the estate is substantial, complicated, disputed, tax-sensitive or involves trusts or significant property.
3. A Local Professional May Be Needed
If the estate includes property or legal proceedings in another country, local law and local procedure may require a professional in that jurisdiction.
4. A Specialist May Be Required
Some matters may require specialist expertise rather than a general inheritance adviser — for example tax, trusts, property, litigation or foreign law.
When inheritance becomes more complicated
Disputed Will
Questions may arise about validity, interpretation, execution, capacity, undue influence or competing wills.
Family Dispute
Family members may disagree about entitlement, distribution or the conduct of an executor or administrator.
Missing Assets
Bank accounts, property, investments or business interests may need to be identified and traced.
Property Abroad
Foreign land may require local succession, property registration, tax and professional procedures.
Trusts
Trust structures can create additional legal, administrative and tax considerations.
Business Interests
Shares, partnerships and privately owned businesses can create valuation, control and succession issues.
Debts & Liabilities
An estate must be considered as a whole before assets are distributed to beneficiaries.
Multiple Wills
Different documents may exist for different assets or countries. Their relationship must be examined carefully.
Beneficiary Abroad
A beneficiary living overseas may create additional banking, tax, documentation or recognition issues.
Build the inheritance file
Good preparation can make it easier to understand the estate and identify what professional assistance is actually required.
Identity & Death
Death certificate, identification details, date and place of death.
Wills
Latest will, previous wills, codicils, trusts and related documents.
Family Information
Spouse, civil partner, children, dependants and other relevant family relationships.
Property
Addresses, title documents, mortgages, valuations and information about property located in each country.
Financial Assets
Bank accounts, investments, pensions, shares and business interests.
Debts
Mortgages, loans, credit, liabilities, unpaid taxes and other potential claims against the estate.
Correspondence
Letters from executors, beneficiaries, banks, authorities, lawyers, accountants or other professionals.
Important Dates
Date of death, will dates, deadlines, court dates, tax deadlines and dates of previous transactions.
Foreign Documents
Foreign wills, certificates, title documents, inheritance certificates, translations and notarised documents.
Understand the estate before deciding what to do next.
Map the Situation
Identify the deceased, family, assets, documents and countries involved.
Identify the Legal Questions
Separate succession, property, tax, family, procedural and dispute issues.
Identify the Right Jurisdiction
Establish which country's law and authority may deal with each part of the estate.
Identify the Right Professional
Determine whether the matter calls for a UK lawyer, barrister, foreign lawyer, notary, tax adviser, accountant or another specialist.
Choose the Next Step
Proceed yourself where appropriate, obtain advice, instruct the relevant professional or prepare for a dispute.
Start with the correct authority
UK — GOV.UK Probate & Estates
Official UK guidance covers dealing with an estate, probate, valuation, debts, tax and distribution.
Europe — European e-Justice
The European e-Justice Portal provides country-specific information on succession and inheritance rules across participating European jurisdictions.
EU — Cross-Border Inheritance
The EU's Your Europe service explains practical issues concerning international inheritance within the EU.
Country-Specific Research
For assets outside the UK, identify the official court, probate authority, land registry, notarial authority or tax authority for the relevant country.
Ask one final question
If the answer is yes, you can begin taking the appropriate next step. If the answer is no, the priority may be to clarify the legal map before signing documents, distributing assets, transferring property or entering into a dispute.
Inheritance does not have to be understood all at once.
Start with what happened. Identify the people, assets, documents and countries involved. Then work out what needs to happen next.
Make a Confidential EnquiryImportant legal information: This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Inheritance and succession law varies between jurisdictions and can depend on residence, nationality, domicile or habitual residence, the location and nature of assets, family circumstances, the wording of a will and applicable tax rules. Cross-border estates may require advice from appropriately qualified professionals in more than one jurisdiction. Professional requirements also vary between countries. Information and procedures can change, so current official guidance should be checked before taking action. Nothing on this page guarantees a particular legal or financial outcome.
Before You Transfer Your Wealth — Understand the Consequences First.