Making a will to cover both french and english properties?

[lindyloo]

Does anyone know of a solicitor in the Birmingham, U.K. area that is skilled at drawing up a will which will cover a property in france and a property in the U.K?

[Pickles]

There is an alternative: have an English will drawn up that specifically excludes the French property but recognises the existence of a French will (which is straightforward), then approach your notaire in France about a French will to cover your French assets. This was the advice that we received: I understand that it will save some trouble with the need to translate and establish the validity of the English will over the French property (not impossible, it's probably just easier to give the French system a document that conforms to its needs and expectations rather than some kind of hybrid).

Regards

Pickles

[lindyloo]

Thanks Pickles sounds good advice to me.

[nectarine]

Thanks Pickles, that answered a question that I had rattling around in my head for some while but which lindyloo asked for herself.  Isn't this forum just great!!!

Thanks again

[jc]

We were also advised in both France and England to keep the two estates separate for IHT and CG purposes as well.