Estate Planning Across Boundaries, Elder Law Attorney, Woodstock, GA

Estate planning is increasingly no longer about the laws of a single state or even a single nation. People often own property in several different jurisdictions.

It used to be that, for all but a very few individuals, everything a person owned was located in one state. Someone who lived in Virginia was unlikely to own real estate in Montana, let alone in France.

Now, in the current era of globalization, more and more people have property all over the place.

Some of the property is real estate, but much of it also has to do with business and finance. This creates different estate planning problems as the Wills, Trusts & Estates Prof Blog discusses in “Wills and Inheritances: 10 Cross-Border Tips.”

The most important thing to understand when property is located in a different jurisdiction than where you live, is that other jurisdiction’s estate laws. You need to carefully consider how that property will be handled and what taxes might be due on it.

When just dealing between states within the U.S., this normally does not create gigantic problems. However, when dealing with foreign nations that have very different laws, it can create headaches, if not properly planned.

If you have property that could be subject to laws outside of your state, it is important to contact an experienced estate planning attorney.

It may not be a good idea to download a do-it-yourself will or trust that does not take the laws of other jurisdictions into account.

Reference: Wills, Trusts & Estates Prof Blog (June 16, 2017) “Wills and Inheritances: 10 Cross-Border Tips.”

Hear From Our Clients

“On the threshold of retirement, we finally decided to quit thinking we could self-prepare the requisite documents. We had previously had only a very simple will. We needed the necessary legal (including updated will) & health care docs but didn’t want to deal with the time & complication of legalese. Cindy made the process relatively painless. She took the time to explain and answer questions without trying to upsell services. We were done in 2 meetings plus the reading of emailed drafts. In addition to preparing the documents, Nelson Eldercare will be there when our adult children need advice on executing the plans we’ve put in place.So glad it’s behind us and would recommend Cindy and her helpful staff.”

- Bonnie

Cindy and her company treat their clients like family. Nelson’s offers clear, direct, and honest guidance in planning for your families security and future. No one wants to actively sit down and make these decisions, but Nelson’s makes this process seamless. I was so impressed with their willingness to answer all questions big or small. So glad I made the decision have them help my mom and dad and now me. You can’t go wrong with Nelson’s Elder Care Law.

- Hope

The very best elder law attorney and staff anyone could ever ask for! I have referred a number of clients to Cindy and she never disappoints. She is kind, caring, and extremely thorough in making sure everything is completed as it should be. I highly recommend Cindy for anyone needing lawyer services; she truly goes above and beyond for every client she helps and has had a huge impact in so many peoples’ lives. Thank you, Cindy and staff, for everything that you do- I’m so glad to know you!

- Kerri

I heard Cindy’s presentation at a Senior Luncheon at my church, and was very impressed. She helped my daughter and me understand many aspects of elder law. Josh has also been very helpful in my planning to enter an independent living situation . I have told many friends about them.

- Charlotte

Cindy and the Nelson Elder Care Law team are trustworthy and helpful. They are the experts in elder care law. At Leaf Cremation, we entrust our families to the care of the Nelson team when their services are needed.

- Pierce