Cross-Border Estate and Probate

Handling cross-border estates can be complicated, especially when they involve assets in countries with different legal systems like the UK and Turkey. At Canko Law Firm, we specialize in simplifying these challenges, ensuring that your loved ones' assets—whether a holiday home, a bank account, or other real estate—are managed smoothly.

With our expertise in UK estates and Turkish estate law, we make the process of cross-border estate administration as straightforward as possible.

Why Cross-Border Estates Are Increasingly Common

Owning property or assets in multiple countries has become increasingly common. Many people invest in property in Turkey, such as a sea view holiday home or a Kalkan property, while maintaining assets like bank accounts or investments in the UK.

When a person dies, managing their estate across borders can be challenging due to differing tax regimes, legal procedures, and inheritance laws. That’s where expert legal advice is essential.

Challenges of Cross-Border Estates

1. Inheritance Tax (IHT) and Tax Liability

Dealing with inheritance tax (IHT) and other tax liabilities is often the biggest hurdle in managing cross-border estates.

If the deceased was UK domiciled, their worldwide assets—including property in Turkey—may be subject to UK inheritance tax.
In Turkey, inheritance taxes are calculated differently, and without proper planning, families may face double taxation.

Our team understands the tax laws in both countries and can help reduce your tax liability by using tax treaties and efficient estate planning strategies.

2. Grant of Probate and Legal Formalities

In the UK, obtaining a grant of probate is necessary to access and distribute assets. In Turkey, the process is different. You’ll need an inheritance certificate and may need to register properties locally.

At Canko Law Firm, we manage the paperwork for both UK estates and Turkish estates, ensuring compliance with the legal requirements of each country.

3. Real Estate and Property in Turkey

Owning real estate abroad, such as a sea view holiday home or a Kalkan property, comes with its own challenges. Turkish inheritance law uses a fixed-share system, meaning property is divided among specific family members, which may not align with the deceased’s wishes.

We assist with:

Transferring ownership of property in Turkey to heirs.
Managing the sale in Turkey if the family decides to sell.
Registering property transfers to comply with Turkish laws.

How We Can Help

At Canko Law Firm, we provide a range of services to help families manage cross-border estate administration efficiently.

Estate Planning

Planning ahead makes managing cross-border estates much easier. We provide estate planning services to:

Ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
Reduce inheritance tax (IHT) and avoid double taxation.
Create wills that are valid in both the UK and Turkey.

For example, if you own a holiday home in Turkey, we can help ensure it is passed to your heirs without unnecessary delays or costs.

Managing Inheritance Tax

Understanding the tax regime in both the UK and Turkey is essential for avoiding unexpected tax liabilities. We provide advice on:

UK inheritance tax for individuals with UK domicile.
Turkish inheritance tax and how it applies to real estate and other assets.
Using tax treaties to minimize double taxation.

Real Estate Administration

If the estate includes property in Turkey, we handle all the legal and administrative tasks, including:

Transferring ownership to beneficiaries.
Managing the sale in Turkey if the property needs to be sold.
Registering the property with local authorities to ensure compliance.

Whether it’s a sea view holiday home or a Kalkan property, we ensure the property is handled with care and efficiency.

Cross-Border Probate

We simplify the probate process for UK estates and Turkish estates by:

Applying for a grant of probate in the UK to access assets.
Securing inheritance certificates in Turkey for property or bank accounts.
Ensuring assets in both countries are distributed according to the law.

Why Choose Canko Law Firm?

Handling cross-border estates requires a deep understanding of international laws and tax regimes. At Canko Law Firm, we offer:

Expert Knowledge: Our team specializes in both UK estates and Turkish estate administration, ensuring seamless management of assets in both countries.
Tailored Solutions: Every estate is unique. We create personalized plans for your specific needs.
Tax Efficiency: By leveraging tax treaties and efficient estate planning, we help reduce tax liability for your family.
Comprehensive Support: From grant of probate to the sale in Turkey, we handle every step of the process.

Contact Us

If you’re dealing with a cross-border estate, don’t navigate the complexities alone. Contact Canko Law Firm today for expert advice and support.

Let us help you manage your holiday home, bank account, or other international assets with ease. We’ll ensure your loved ones’ wishes are respected and the process is as stress-free as possible. Clich here for our other family law services.