Hong Kong Probate

Nootychoo

Bit of a long shot posting here, but I am the Executor of my ex-husband's very complicated estate and am trying to save our two sons (his beneficiaries) some money. We are still reeling from the UK IHT bill....

Short story: ex lived and recently died in Thailand, had assets in Thailand (probate already done) UK and Hong Kong. I can apply for probate in HK once I have obtained the UK Grant, by having it resealed in HK.

We have approached a couple of HK Lawyers regarding the cost of resealing the Grant, and the first question from both has been 'What is the estate worth?' ....which makes me think they are looking to charge a percentage of the estate (which is worth around £140K) and not a flat fee, for what will be, effectively, filling out a few forms

So, my question is, is it feasible to apply for the Grant in HK myself, or indeed possible without flying out there? Or should I just accept the inevitable, and negotiate on the percentage? Having just waded through the 150 or so sheets of paper for IHT in the UK, I am not frightened of forms!

Any advice gratefully received.

G6JNS

Nootychoo wrote: »

Bit of a long shot posting here, but I am the Executor of my ex-husband's very complicated estate and am trying to save our two sons (his beneficiaries) some money. We are still reeling from the UK IHT bill....

Short story: ex lived and recently died in Thailand, had assets in Thailand (probate already done) UK and Hong Kong. I can apply for probate in HK once I have obtained the UK Grant, by having it resealed in HK.

We have approached a couple of HK Lawyers regarding the cost of resealing the Grant, and the first question from both has been 'What is the estate worth?' ....which makes me think they are looking to charge a percentage of the estate (which is worth around £140K) and not a flat fee, for what will be, effectively, filling out a few forms

So, my question is, is it feasible to apply for the Grant in HK myself, or indeed possible without flying out there? Or should I just accept the inevitable, and negotiate on the percentage? Having just waded through the 150 or so sheets of paper for IHT in the UK, I am not frightened of forms!

Any advice gratefully received.

Have you tried to find a UK solicitor who also practices in HK? A simple resealing should not be horrendously expensive since as you rightly say it should just be a form filling job. Certainly far less than the air fare plus accomodation.

Nootychoo

G6JNS wrote: »

Have you tried to find a UK solicitor who also practices in HK? A simple resealing should not be horrendously expensive since as you rightly say it should just be a form filling job. Certainly far less than the air fare plus accomodation.

Thank you for your very sensible reply, I have been so mired in this whole ghastly and long-winded process that I did not even think of this, a case of not seeing the wood for the trees! A quick google after reading your response found me a UK company that specialises in obtaining overseas probate at a fixed fee. I will be calling them as soon as I receive the UK Grant. Phew!

DCFC79

I take it said company is a legit 1.

Nootychoo

Oh dear I hope so! It is a company called Titleresearch,they look pretty legit to me,I can't find any negative reviews, but advice to the contrary gratefully received.

I can't post a link as I am a newbie but the website is easily found by googling 'title research overseas grant'

I have my fingers firmly crossed!

FreeBear

G6JNS wrote: »

Have you tried to find a UK solicitor who also practices in HK?

One such outfit is Eversheds - I have had dealings with them when they took over a local family firm (not that it is a recommendation).

G6JNS

FreeBear wrote: »

One such outfit is Eversheds - I have had dealings with them when they took over a local family firm (not that it is a recommendation).

Eversheds is a better bet