In today’s globalized world, inheritance matters are no longer confined to one country. Many families find themselves managing estates that span continents, languages, and legal systems. Whether a loved one passes away in Europe while owning assets in the U.S., or a foreign heir inherits American property, international succession requires strategic legal navigation.

At BridgehouseLaw LLP, our team of International Inheritance Lawyers specializes in resolving complex estate matters that cross borders. With a deep understanding of U.S. probate procedures, German-American succession law, and international estate planning, we guide clients through every step of the process – from probate to property transfer and beyond.

Why Cross-Border Inheritance Requires Special Legal Support

International inheritance matters are often more complicated than domestic ones due to the interplay of different legal systems, tax obligations, and document requirements. Common complications include:

• Probate proceedings in the U.S. when heirs live abroad

• Foreign wills that must be recognized by U.S. courts

• Multiple jurisdictions asserting legal authority over the estate

• Language barriers and unfamiliar probate timelines

BridgehouseLaw LLP serves clients across North Carolina, South Carolina, and beyond, offering experienced support for estates with ties to the U.S., Germany, and other countries throughout the EU.

U.S. Probate for Foreign Heirs: What to Expect

When a non-U.S. resident inherits property or assets located in the United States, probate may still be required. Our attorneys represent foreign heirs in U.S. probate proceedings, particularly in North Carolina and South Carolina. We assist with:

• Filing probate petitions on behalf of heirs abroad

• Obtaining letters testamentary or letters of administration

• Facilitating asset transfers (real estate, bank accounts, investments)

• Ensuring lawful distribution to international beneficiaries

We understand the nuances of representing clients remotely and work closely with heirs and representatives to ensure probate is handled efficiently and respectfully.

German-American Estate Law: Bridging Two Legal Systems

As a firm with multilingual attorneys and deep transatlantic experience, we are uniquely equipped to manage German-American estate issues. These cases often involve:

• Coordinating with German notaries and probate courts

• Recognizing German wills and inheritance certificates in U.S. courts

• Ensuring tax compliance for dual citizens and international estates

• Managing estates with property in both the U.S. and Germany

Our International Inheritance Lawyers help families navigate differences in legal frameworks, such as forced heirship laws in Germany versus elective share laws in the U.S., minimizing conflict and confusion during an emotional time.

Common Legal Challenges in International Succession

Cross-border estate cases often raise legal conflicts that must be carefully addressed. Our attorneys are trained to resolve issues such as:

• Jurisdictional disputes between the U.S. and a foreign country

• Determining legal domicile or habitual residence of the deceased

• Conflicts between foreign wills and U.S. probate requirements

• Estate tax exposure and double taxation concerns

We work alongside financial professionals and foreign legal counsel to provide integrated solutions that meet all compliance obligations under both U.S. and international law.

Proactive Estate Planning for International Families

Inheritance planning is just as important as post-death administration. We regularly assist multinational families, dual citizens, and expatriates with creating estate plans that stand up across borders. Services include:

• Drafting wills valid under U.S. and European law

• Structuring international trusts or holding entities

• Coordinating healthcare directives and powers of attorney

• Minimizing estate taxes and probate delays

Without proper planning, international families risk delays, unexpected tax liabilities, and potential disputes. Our goal is to help clients avoid these outcomes by designing estate plans that work globally.

Why Work with BridgehouseLaw LLP?

International inheritance cases are rarely straightforward – and that’s where we come in. Clients choose our firm because:

• We are licensed in North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New York

• We collaborate with our German offices and EU-based colleagues

• Our team is multilingual (English, German, Italian, Spanish)

• We have experience handling U.S. probate for foreign heirs and vice versa

• We offer responsive, personalized legal service tailored to each case

From document translation to cross-border court coordination, we manage every detail with precision and care.

Real-World Results: International Probate Success Stories

BridgehouseLaw LLP has successfully represented:

• A German heir inheriting real estate in South Carolina and requiring full U.S. probate representation

• A dual citizen with assets in both countries seeking an estate plan recognized by U.S. and German courts

• An American family resolving inheritance disputes involving an estate in Bavaria

These cases illustrate our ability to simplify the complex, providing clarity and peace of mind to families during challenging transitions.

How BridgehouseLaw Can Help

We offer full-spectrum support for international inheritance matters, including:

• U.S. probate and estate administration for foreign heirs

• Coordination with foreign probate courts and attorneys

• Recognition and validation of international wills

• Cross-border estate tax guidance through our trusted partners

• Proactive estate planning for global families

If you are navigating an international estate — whether as an heir, executor, or planning for the future — our experienced attorneys are ready to help.

Contact BridgehouseLaw LLP today to schedule a consultation and receive expert guidance for your cross-border inheritance needs.