It is never too early to think about estate planning. For those who hold significant assets in more than one country, proactive estate planning becomes even more important.
International Estate Planning
It is never too early to think about estate planning. For those who hold significant assets in more than one country, proactive estate planning becomes even more important.
International estate laws are extremely complicated. There are a number of different issues that must be considered, from domicile to expatriation and estate tax filing requirements. If you need international estate planning guidance, I’m here to help.
I frequently represent multinational families, Americans who hold significant assets abroad, and German speakers who have property or assets in the United States. I work closely with co-counsel in both jurisdictions.
To get immediate assistance with your international estate planning, contact me today.
International Estate Planning Services I Offer in America and Abroad
Basic Revocable Living Trust Package
A revocable living trust is one of the most popular and effective estate planning tools. It is a fundamentally flexible vehicle that allows for the efficient distribution of assets and can be altered or even cancelled within the lifetime of the original grantor.
It should be noted that setting up a revocable living trust — as important as it is — is not, by itself, a comprehensive estate plan. I offer clients a basic revocable living trust package that will provide you with complete protection. We begin with an initial estate planning and tax consultation, where I will take the time to answer your questions and understand your goals and interests. Then, I will help you put all relevant estate planning documents and estate planning vehicles into place, potentially including:
- A revocable living trust agreement;
- A pour-over will; and
- Advance medical directives, including health care surrogacy.
We will also make sure that your revocable living trust is properly funded so that it is legally valid. I believe in providing peace of mind through careful and effective estate planning.
Complex Trust Structures and Funding
Trusts must be properly structured and properly funded. All trusts are not created equal. If you are creating a trust that involves international assets, in any manner, you need to speak to an estate planning attorney who understands complex trust structuring and complex trust funding.
Whether you hold a considerable amount of overseas assets, you are planning on passing on property to a resident of another country, or your spouse or family member is a non-U.S. citizen, it is essential that you seek legal guidance from a qualified estate planning attorney.
There are many different issues that could affect you. For instance, there are strict limits on the value of tax-free assets that a U.S. citizen can pass on to their non-citizen spouse. As another example, there are other important regulations that could affect international real estate. You need a trust that is well-suited and properly structured for your specific situation.
Trusts with Foreign Assets
Trusts that hold foreign assets are inherently more complex. Many foreign jurisdictions do not recognize common law trust agreements. Creative international structuring and tax planning is required to fund the trust. If you consider funding a trust with foreign assets, I am here to help.
In accordance with federal regulations, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has put strict reporting requirements in place for U.S. residents who are beneficiaries of a foreign trust. The failure to comply with U.S. tax law could potentially result in substantial penalties.
Basic Will and Testament Package
As an international estate planning attorney, I provide guidance to multinational families. I understand the unique challenges that these families face in the estate planning process. My law firm frequently serves clients from Florida and from German-speaking regions around the globe, including from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
With my basic will and testament package, I offer clients who do not want to form a revocable living trust a strictly private initial estate planning and tax consultation. During this consultation, we will discuss your circumstances and craft a viable plan that is consistent with your objectives. From there, I can help you craft a basic will and testament, a living will, power of attorney, and health care surrogacy arrangements in accordance with your family’s needs.
Complex Wills and Testaments
Of course, a basic will and testament is not always going to be appropriate for a global family. If you have close relatives who are overseas, you should work with an estate planning attorney who has experience handling international issues.
You may need a complex will and testament that more effectively provides you and your family with the security and peace of mind.
International Estate Planning
I regularly advise foreign clients — particularly those in German-speaking areas — on a wide range of complex global inheritance and estate planning matters. Further, I frequently work with American clients who have non-U.S. citizens spouse or who have close family members who reside abroad.
Contact an International Estate Planning Lawyer Today
I advise clients on the full range of estate planning matters, including complex international inheritance issues. As everyone’s situation and objectives are different, I am committed to providing my clients with fully personalized estate planning services.
If you need international estate planning guidance, please do not hesitate to contact me today.