Will - with foreign property

Georgia_Gatsby

Anyone know how I can find a good and not too expensive London solicitor who can do a will that also includes a house in France?

WillimS

France, why would you want a place there, not even the migrants/asylum seekers want to live in that place, just ask Lily Allen.

Chrishazle

As a first port of call, I'd try a phone call to Saga Legal Services, they did an excellent job for us about 3 years ago - but we do not have overseas assets (although we do have a particular need that a local solicitor wanted far too much money to include!).

I also wonder if French inheritance law could be applied to the property. This was a major reason we decided against moving to France 10 years ago, things like no tax free transfer to surviving spouse on first death, inheritance tax payable by surviving spouse, 50% of estate passing to offspring on first death (irrespective of contents of will!!). For sure you need a good legal beagle to get this right, good luck!

Mrs_pbradley936

You ought to sell the place in France because will or no will a percentage will go to any children. Their laws are different to ours.

knightstyle

We are in exactly that position having lived in France for 17 years and still have our house there plus a house here in UK.
We made an agreement in France splitting the house in two as we both have children by previous marriages. That way the children's inheritance is protected if one of us dies.
Plus we used Will Aid to write wills here in UK with a qualified solicitor who understood our requirements.
See https://www.actionaid.org.uk/get-involved/will-aid?gclid=CImQ25e93c8CFeUV0wod8moN5w
Make sure you have up to date advice, it used to be law that French property, on death of an owner "followed the blood" and you could not write a child out of their inheritance.
BUT there have been changes recently so get advice.