Making a will when living abroad

tiamaria

Hi, hope this is the best place to post this.

A friend of mine who lives abroad wants to change his will and has asked me to pick up one of those "make your own will" packs you can get from newsagents.

I've looked online & was going to purchase but I thought I'd have a quick look at the FAQ's and found this-

Q1 . Do you have your permanent home in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland?

No – This Will Kit is not suitable for you because you are not domiciled in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. The law differs between different countries.

Is there any way around this? he is a British citizen and doesn't actually own any property either here or abroad afaik.

Savvy_Sue

Wherever he lives most of the time, is probably the place where he needs to make his will, and he probably needs to be aware of inheritance law in that country as well. It may be relatively straightforward if he doesn't own a property, but does he have a UK base where some of his 'stuff' lives when he is abroad?

tiamaria

Thanks Sue, no not really, he sold his house and business when he went abroad, he intended to buy over there but he ended up renting instead.

I think his savings have dwindled over the years but he must have something hence asking me to pick up a will.

Savvy_Sue

In that case, if he doesn't have a UK base, he needs to take advice where he is now. If you say where he is, someone may know of a forum where you can get initial advice.

dzug1

Potentially he needs to make two wills - one for his assets, however meagre, in each country.

missile

A friend of mine who lives abroad wants to change his will

I would suggest he contacts whoever prepared the will he wants to change. I did mine via correspondence.

tiamaria

He lives in Cyprus.

Savvy_Sue

Which half? It might make a BIG difference! I've asked on the Living Abroad thread if anyone can pop over and suggest an expat forum where he might get some help (but I would suggest that's help finding a good bilingual solicitor, rather than advice on what to do!)

tiamaria

Thanks for that, btw he's in the Greek half.

Savvy_Sue

OK, one suggestion is here.

and I've sent a PM to the poster mentioned there to see if she will look at your thread.

Savvy_Sue

Another suggestion here.