International probate lawyers
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Clear, expert advice on international probate
Administering an estate with assets held in another jurisdiction can involve complex legal, tax and administrative requirements.
Drawing on their extensive experience and trusted global network, our international probate lawyers help clients navigate these requirements and gain access to assets held abroad. We aim to make the process straightforward and affordable, offering fixed fees wherever possible.
Contact our international probate team
International probate services
North America Share Administration
Our international probate team helps executors and beneficiaries navigate the complex legal, tax and procedural requirements involved in dealing with shares held in the US or Canada.
Resealing a Grant of Probate
Where a Grant of Representation has already been issued in an eligible jurisdiction, our international probate team can assist with the application to have the grant resealed in England and Wales, enabling executors to access and administer assets held here.
Grant of Representation Applications
For estates administered in another jurisdiction, our international probate team supports executors and administrators around the world with Grant of Representation applications in England and Wales, Guernsey and the Isle of Man, as well as coordinating Jersey applications through trusted local lawyers.
Unclaimed property (shares and proceeds)
Our international probate team helps clients recover unclaimed US shares or proceeds, guiding them through the often complex procedural requirements, documentation and verification processes that vary from state to state.
Why choose Scott Bailey
Expert guidance from experienced professionals
When dealing with international probate, small mistakes can have significant consequences. Our specialist team, working alongside a global network of trusted professionals, helps clients navigate complex procedures across multiple jurisdictions with confidence.
Exceptional value. Complete transparency.
Our focus is on providing an excellent service at a fair and proportionate cost. Our pricing is competitive and we always communicate likely costs clearly from the outset, offering fixed fees wherever possible.
Direct access and personal service
At an uncertain time, being able to trust the advice you receive is critical. With Scott Bailey, you will know exactly who is handling your matter, and they will be there to support you throughout the process, whether you have a quick question or require an in-depth consultation.
Clear advice. Compassionate support.
International probate can be daunting. The procedures executors and beneficiaries must navigate often feel complicated, strict and far from user-friendly. Our expert team provides clear, straightforward advice, relieving the burden of managing these processes at an already difficult time.Expertise across multiple jurisdictions
USA and Canada
For estates holding US or Canadian shareholdings, we help executors and beneficiaries navigate the often complex administration process. Our team assists with death registration, share transfers and sales, obtaining Medallion Signature Guarantees, complying with IRS reporting requirements and withholding tax procedures, and recovering unclaimed or escheated assets. We provide practical guidance throughout, helping to ensure North American investments can be administered efficiently and estate funds recovered where possible.
Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man
With extensive cross-border probate experience, we assist clients in obtaining Grants of Representation in Guernsey and the Isle of Man and offer a streamlined service for Jersey applications through trusted local counsel.
Qualifying Commonwealth jurisdictions
For grants issued in qualifying jurisdictions under the Colonial Probates Act 1892, including Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, we can assist with applications to have the grant resealed in England and Wales, enabling executors and personal representatives to deal with UK-based assets without the need for a separate grant application.
England and Wales
We provide expert cross-border probate support, helping overseas personal representatives obtain authority to deal with assets in England and Wales, while assisting UK estates with the administration of assets located abroad.
International probate fees
We provide clear information about likely costs from the outset and offer fixed fees wherever possible.
- Resealing and Grant of Representation applications: fixed fees generally start from £2,500.
- US share administration: usually charged at £275 per hour, with a typical matter requiring around 20 to 25 hours of work.
- Additional costs: court fees, notarial fees, courier charges and other third-party expenses are charged separately.
Once we have assessed your matter, we will confirm whether fixed fees are suitable, provide a detailed fee estimate and outline any likely additional costs.
Our process
Whilst every international probate matter is unique, we aim to make the process as straightforward as possible for our clients.
- Assess the matter: We will review the estate, identify the relevant jurisdictions and outline the likely process and costs. An initial video or telephone consultation is usually required. For international clients, we can arrange this outside our normal working hours where needed.
- Complete the initial checks: We will carry out the required identification and international compliance checks, including verifying any overseas lawyer or representative involved.
- Prepare the application: We will explain what is required, prepare the necessary documents and provide clear instructions for signing and notarisation. We have an in-house notary who can assist clients based locally.
- Access and administer the assets: Once the necessary authority has been obtained, we will help you access, transfer or administer the assets in line with your instructions.
Meet our international probate team
Richard Wadsworth
Richard Wadsworth is Partner and Head of our Wills, Trusts and Probate department.
He has worked for many years in this area of law, having qualified into private client work in 2007. He undertakes all areas of private client work including lifetime estate and tax planning, probate and estate administration, trust creation and administration, Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection work. He also undertakes Executor, Trustee, attorneyship and deputyship appointments, as well as advising clients who are taking on those roles themselves.
Richard has wide experience of dealing with complex Will drafting and complicated estate administration matters including those involving foreign assets, business assets and agricultural assets. His family circumstances have led him to take a particular interest in structuring provision for disabled beneficiaries, assisting families with succession planning and subsequent trust administration.
In 2024, Richard became a full member of STEP, demonstrating his commitment to high professional standards and specialist expertise in advising families across generations.
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We would like to hear from you. Please send us a message by filling out our form or contact us using the details below.
Phone: 01590 676933
Fax: 01590 679663
Scott Bailey LLP, 63 High Street, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 9ZT
