Navigating Inheritance Across Borders – With the Right Guidance
Life doesn’t stop at borders and neither does death.
In today’s global world, it’s increasingly common for people to live abroad, hold dual citizenship, or own assets in more than one country. But what happens when a loved one passes away overseas and leaves behind a will or property in Israel?
That’s when the legal complexities beginand when having an experienced inheritance lawyer in Israel becomes essential.
A Will Exists – But the Death Occurred Abroad
Whether the will was drafted in Israel or in another country, it cannot be executed in Israel without going through the proper probate or inheritance process here.
Even if the foreign court already issued a probate order, Israeli authorities require their own legal process to recognize the will or distribute the assets located in Israel.
As someone who has worked extensively with cross-border estates, I can tell you: without proper legal handling, heirs may find themselves stuck for monthsor even years.
Common Scenarios I Handle
- An Israeli citizen who retired in Europe and passed away abroad, leaving a will abrad and a home in Israel.
- A foreign national with investments or real estate in Tel Aviv who passed away in his home country in the UK.
- Children or relatives living overseas trying to claim their rightful inheritance from Israeli banks or land registry.
- A will drafted in English, German, or French that needs to be recognized and approved in Israeli legal proceedings.
What Needs to Be Done?
To handle a will in Israel when the testator passed away abroad, several legal steps are required:
- Obtain an Israeli Probate or Inheritance Order
Even if a foreign order exists, it is usually not enough. You must apply for a parallel probate order in Israel. - Translate and Apostille Foreign Documents
Death certificates, wills, and court documents must be translated into Hebrew and often require apostille authentication. - Determine Applicable Law
Israeli law applies to assets only if the deceased wrote this in his / her will In most cases the will refers to foreign legal systemsand a legal opinion on foreign law may be necessary. - Resolve Tax and Reporting Issues
While there’s no inheritance tax in Israel, some transfers (such as real estate) may trigger capital gains taxes or require detailed declarations. - Coordinate Between Jurisdictions
Each country has its own succession rules. A professional familiar with both Israeli and international inheritance law can streamline the process and avoid conflicts.
Why Work with a Local Expert?
Trying to manage Israeli legal bureaucracy from abroad is complicated.
Add to that the emotional burden of losing a loved one, the language barrier, and unfamiliar legal terms – it’s no wonder many heirs feel overwhelmed.
As a multilingual Israeli attorney with over two decades of experience in wills, estates, and probate, I provide comprehensive services that include:
- Remote probate representation in Israel
- Document preparation, translation, and notarization
- Communication with Israeli banks, land authorities, and government offices
- Conflict resolution between heirs
- Coordination with lawyers abroad when needed
My goal? To bring clarity, order, and compassion to a difficult time and to ensure that your rights and the wishes of the deceased are fully respected.
If your loved one passed away abroad and left a will or assets in Israel, don’t navigate the process alone.
Legal complications can arise quickly but with the right guidance, they can be resolved efficiently.
Reach me out today for a confidential consultation. I’ll help you take the next step professionally, personally, and with care.
Or via email: ariela@ars-law.co.il
