High net value probate with assets in England and Germany

We advised a widow and her son in their capacities as the executors and trustees to the will.

The estate was valued over £8,000,000 including assets in both England and Germany, and various will trusts created under the terms of the will. The type of assets held, and the ongoing trust arrangements presented specific challenges to the estate administration, and the level of advice required.

We were required to value both English and German assets, including various German business interests. We had to liaise and negotiate with German tax accountants, German Tax authorities, and the HMRC to agree the tax positions in Germany and UK, and relief under the double tax treaty. After protracted negotiations, we were able to finalise both the German and UK inheritance tax and income tax positions.

We advised the executors and trustees throughout the estate administration, and thereafter on the transfer of assets and investments into the will trusts, the registration of the trusts under the HMRC Trust Registration Scheme, the tax treatment, and ongoing trust responsibilities.