International Probate Solicitors

Managing an estate is never simple – and when assets are spread across different countries, the legal, tax and practical challenges multiply. Whether you’re managing an overseas estate with UK connections or managing a UK estate with international assets, our specialist probate team can help.

Who we help – we advise executors, administrators, families, trustees and professionals.
How we help – our flexible service includes UK probate applications, estate tax advice and compliance.
Why choose us – for our recognised expertise in complex international estates and seamless advice across jurisdictions.
Recognition for our solicitors
Frequently asked questions – on UK probate for estates with international considerations.
Latest news and insights – articles and updates from our expert team.

Who our international probate solicitors can help

Our solicitors offer tailored advice and efficient, effective solutions to anyone dealing with a cross-border estate, including:

Executors and administrators living outside the UK who need help managing the UK elements of an estate in another jurisdiction
Families and beneficiaries dealing with the complexities of a cross-border inheritance
Foreign lawyers, banks or professionals managing international estates with UK assets
Non-resident individuals or trustees handling estates that include UK land, property or financial accounts
International families with UK-domiciled relatives, or assets held in the UK
Trust companies and private client advisers needing UK-based probate assistance

How our probate specialists can help

We help executors and administrators navigate complex cross-border estates with confidence – from full estate administration to discrete advice on UK-specific elements of an international estate. For example:

Inheritance Tax & UK tax compliance

Accurate valuation of UK assets and liabilities
Completion and submission of Inheritance Tax forms (IHT400 and others)
Advice on tax reliefs, exemptions and allowances
Double taxation relief where applicable

Probate Registry applications

We can advise and prepare applications covering the following circumstances:

Original Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration
Where English intestacy rules apply due to ownership of land or property
“Colonial” probate in eligible jurisdictions – where a Grant of Probate has already been issued in a jurisdiction with an historic connection to the UK including Australia, Canada (most provinces), South Africa, Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, Malaysia, Jamaica and Nigeria
Applications for Probate in other jurisdictions where a Grant has already been issued and the original Will is not available

Estate tax advice and compliance

Our team included chartered tax advisers who can advise and deal with all aspects of UK income tax and Capital Gains Tax which may apply, particularly where property is involved, including:

Registration with HMRC for estate taxation
Capital Gains Tax and Income Tax returns
Preparation and filing of both annual and post-property sale tax returns with HM Revenue & Customs

Support for overseas executors and administrators

We appreciate that the heavily paper-based estate administration process in the UK can be a challenge for those living overseas, so we go above and beyond to ensure everything can be done in as streamlined a way as possible, including:

Step-by-step guidance and support on the probate and estate administration process
Using our own trust corporation to act as attorney, if appropriate
Regular communication across time zones and platforms

Flexible estate administration services

Our fully bespoke service is designed to suit your level of involvement, your jurisdiction, and the complexity of the estate. It includes:

Managing every aspect of the UK estate on your own or your client’s behalf
Probate-only or IHT-only assistance
Advice on specific questions or one-off issues

Why choose Clarke Willmott for international estate administration?

Multi-faceted team including chartered tax advisers, STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) qualified solicitors and qualified financial advisers.
Specialists in probate and complex estates – involving UK or foreign assets and multiple jurisdictions
Trusted network around the world – long-standing, trusted relationships with foreign lawyers, accountants, wealth managers and family offices
Recognised for the quality of our advice – ranked in Chambers HNW and Legal 500 for our private wealth expertise
Full-service capability – seamless advice across wealth planning, trusts, property, family and commercial law.

Recognition for our solicitors

“The team have been attentive, considerate and personable.” Legal 500 2026

“Clarke Willmott have good strategic competence, effectiveness and very good leadership. They have good financial awareness and knowledge with a clear understanding of how to implement a plan.” Chambers High Net Worth 2025

“The team at Clarke Willmott covers every aspect of the private client spectrum. They provide an exceptional level of service based on their technical expertise, positive approach and a willingness to go the extra mile for their clients.” Legal 500 2026

“Clark Willmott took a practical approach to our problems and came up with a quick, simple solution which was very simple for the client to understand and appreciate.” Chambers High Net Worth 2025

International probate FAQs

Do I need a UK Grant of Probate for a foreign estate?

If the estate includes UK-based assets (such as property or bank accounts), a UK Grant of Probate may still be required, even if probate has already been granted overseas, especially if the foreign Grant isn’t recognised in the UK.

What is a Colonial Grant or re-sealing of probate?

A Colonial Grant allows a Grant of Probate from certain former Commonwealth jurisdictions to be accepted in the UK with fewer formalities. This can speed up the probate process significantly.

We regularly assist with ‘Colonial Grants’ for clients in Australia, Canada, South Africa, Singapore and other jurisdictions, to ensure the UK courts recognise the overseas probate and release assets.

Can I apply for UK probate from abroad?

Yes. You don’t need to be in the UK to apply for probate, but the process is still largely paper-based and can be difficult to manage from overseas. We regularly assist non-resident executors with this process and can also act as your attorney if needed.

What taxes apply to a UK estate with international elements?

UK Inheritance Tax may apply to all UK-based assets, regardless of the deceased’s nationality. Capital gains tax and income tax may also arise, particularly if assets are sold. Our solicitors can help manage all filings and negotiate with HMRC where appropriate.

Can Clarke Willmott handle all UK elements of an estate?

Yes. We can take care of the UK estate administration in full, or assist with specific aspects like tax, probate applications, or advice on UK legal issues. Our service is flexible to your needs and can work alongside your advisers in other countries.

Contact a specialist international probate solicitor today

For expert support on international probate, call our specialist solicitors on 0800 652 8025 or use the form below to get in touch.

We advise clients across the UK from our offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton and Taunton.

Your key contacts

Jeremy Bourke

Partner (Australian Qualified)

Bristol

Jeremy specialises in the administration of complex estates, particularly those which may have either or a combination of cross border elements, being subject to Inheritance Tax, or which include a testamentary trust, with a focus on providing effective and practical solutions for executors and trustees.

View profile for Jeremy Bourke >

Carol Hawking (previously Cummins)

Consultant

Bristol

Carol enjoys long term relationships with her clients and likes to get to know the families well so that she can help them at each key step in life with a focus on protecting the family wealth from erosion by tax and outside claims so it remains in the family for future generations.

View profile for Carol Hawking (previously Cummins) >

Latest news and articles

Private wealth

Tips for tricky estates

Our “Tips for Tricky Estates” aim to support both contentious and non-contentious practitioners by providing short, practical monthly tips that touch on common challenges that arise either in estate administration, or estate disputes.

Press release

Clarke Willmott advises Acquisan on acquisition of Liberty guard

Lawyers at national law firm Clarke Willmott have advised Acquisan, a provider of welfare units and site accommodation, on its acquisition of Liberty Guard.

Private wealth

Lasting powers of attorney: top ten tips

Our specialist solicitors share tips to help you ensure that your lasting power of attorney is effective and reflects your wishes. Call 0800 652 8025 for a free consultation. Offices in in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, London, Manchester, Southampton & Taunton.

Industry news

Private capital tax implications following the Budget

Jacqui Lazare and Tom Chiffers, partners in national law firm Clarke Willmott LLP’s private capital team, look at the key highlights from the Autumn Budget and the tax implications for private individuals.

Request a consultation

Request a consultation – TC

First name *

Last name *

Telephone number *

Email *

Local office

Please provide us with a few details to help us find the right person to help you.

To read about how and why we use your personal information, please visit our privacy page.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Captcha

If you are human, leave this field blank.

On this page