Protect Your Legacy Across Borders
Estate planning for expats requires specialist knowledge. Credible Life helps you protect your assets, provide for your loved ones, and plan your legacy across every country where you live and hold wealth.
Speak to an Estate AdviserSecure Your Wealth for the Next Generation
Estate planning is one of the most commonly neglected areas of expat financial planning yet it becomes far more complex when your assets, family members, and residency span multiple countries. Without a proper plan, your estate could face excessive tax, legal disputes, and jurisdictional complications.
Credible Life works with expats to build robust, cross border estate plans that protect assets, minimise inheritance tax, and ensure your wishes are legally enforceable wherever in the world you live or hold wealth.
From writing an internationally valid will to setting up trust structures designed for cross border asset protection, our advisers provide practical, expert guidance at every stage.
What We Cover
- Will Writing and Review
- Cross-Border Trust Planning
- Inheritance Tax Mitigation
- Power of Attorney
- Probate Assistance
- Life Insurance Written in Trust
- Cross-Border Asset Protection
Our Estate Planning Services
Will Writing
A legally valid, up to date will is the foundation of every estate plan. For expats, this is especially critical different countries have different rules about what makes a will valid and enforceable. We ensure your will is legally sound across every relevant jurisdiction.
Trust Planning
Trusts are a powerful tool for protecting assets, providing for beneficiaries over time, and reducing inheritance tax. We advise on discretionary trusts, life insurance trusts, and offshore trust structures suitable for expats holding assets internationally.
Inheritance Tax Planning
UK inheritance tax at 40% above the nil-rate band can significantly reduce what you pass on. We maximise available allowances, implement gifting strategies, and use life insurance and trust solutions to protect as much of your estate as possible.
Power of Attorney
If you lose mental or physical capacity, a Lasting Power of Attorney ensures someone you trust can make financial and health decisions on your behalf. We advise on the right POA structure for expats with assets and interests in multiple countries.
Probate Assistance
Navigating probate across multiple jurisdictions after a bereavement is complex and time-consuming. We provide guidance and introductions to specialist cross-border probate professionals who understand international estate administration.
Asset Protection
We help you structure your assets property, investments, business interests to protect them from creditors, future claims, and unforeseen events, while ensuring they pass to your beneficiaries as efficiently and tax effectively as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate will for each country where I hold assets?
Not necessarily, but it depends on the countries involved. In some cases a single international will can cover multiple jurisdictions. In others, separate wills are recommended. We assess your specific situation and advise the most appropriate approach.
Is my UK will valid if I live abroad?
A UK will may still be valid, but its enforceability in your country of residence depends on local law. We review your existing will and advise on whether it needs updating or supplementing to be effective across all relevant jurisdictions.
What is the UK inheritance tax threshold?
The standard nil-rate band is £325,000 per person, with an additional Residence Nil-Rate Band of £175,000 where a main residence passes to direct descendants. Above these thresholds, the rate is 40%. We help you plan to minimise the impact.
Can trusts help reduce my inheritance tax bill?
Yes, trusts can be very effective. Assets placed in certain trusts may be removed from your taxable estate after seven years, or immediately in some cases. We advise on the most appropriate trust structure for your specific situation.
Protect What Matters Most
Don’t leave your legacy to chance. Book a free estate planning review with a Credible Life adviser and get a clear picture of your estate position at no cost to you.