International estate planning · Coral Gables & Miami-Dade
Cross-Border Estate Planning for International Families
If you own property in more than one country, are not a U.S. citizen, or have family living abroad, your estate plan needs to work across borders. We help Miami families plan for both U.S. and international issues.
✓ Board Certified Wills, Trusts & Estates attorney on our team✓ Coordinated with advisors abroad✓ Clear, personal guidance
Talk with our planning team
Tell us a little about your family and assets and we will reach out to schedule your consultation.
Why international families need specialized planning
Miami is home to many families with ties to other countries. A plan that works well for a U.S. citizen with only U.S. assets may fail, or create unexpected taxes, when a spouse is not a U.S. citizen, assets are held abroad or heirs live in another country.
We design plans that take these differences into account and coordinate with your advisors in other countries where needed, so your wishes can be carried out smoothly wherever your assets and family are.
Planning for non-U.S.-citizen spouses
U.S. assets owned by non-U.S. residents
Foreign assets owned by Florida residents
Trusts for beneficiaries living abroad
Coordinating U.S. and foreign wills
Avoiding probate in more than one country
Common cross-border situations
International planning depends on citizenship, residence and where assets are located. These are situations we see often.
Non-Citizen Spouses
The unlimited marital deduction generally does not apply to a non-citizen spouse unless special trust planning, such as a QDOT, is used.
Foreign Investors
Non-U.S. residents who own U.S. property can face U.S. estate tax with an exemption as low as $60,000 on U.S. assets.
Property Abroad
We help Florida residents plan for real estate and accounts held in other countries.
Heirs Abroad
Trusts can make it easier to manage and distribute assets to beneficiaries who live outside the U.S.
Multiple Wills
We coordinate U.S. and foreign wills so one does not accidentally revoke the other.
Advisor Coordination
We work with your accountants and attorneys abroad to keep the plan consistent across countries.
Discover
We learn about your family, citizenship, residence and where your assets are.
Evaluate
We identify the tax and probate issues in each jurisdiction.
Strategy
You receive a plan designed to work across borders.
One plan, more than one country
Without coordination, families with international ties can face probate in more than one country, unexpected taxes and conflicting documents. Good planning reduces those risks and makes things easier for the people you leave behind.
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most. For advice about your situation, schedule a consultation.
Can a non-citizen spouse inherit without estate tax?
Not automatically. The unlimited marital deduction generally applies only to U.S. citizen spouses. A qualified domestic trust (QDOT) and other planning can help defer or reduce tax.
I am not a U.S. resident but own property in Miami. Do I need a U.S. plan?
Often, yes. U.S. property owned by non-residents may be subject to U.S. estate tax and Florida probate. Planning can reduce both.
Is my foreign will valid in Florida?
A will that was valid where it was signed may be recognized, but there are important exceptions and practical problems. We recommend a review.
Do you work with advisors in other countries?
Yes. We coordinate with foreign counsel and accountants when a plan touches more than one country.
