International Law
Discover how international law affects US living trusts, cross-border assets, and estate planning for families with ties to multiple countries.
What happens to my US living trust if I own property in another country?
A US revocable living trust generally does not automatically control assets held in a foreign country — each nation has its own rules about how property transfers at death, and some countries do not recognize US trust structures at all. Foreign real estate, bank accounts, or business interests may need to be handled through a separate local will or legal structure in that country. Families with assets in multiple countries often find it useful to understand how each jurisdiction treats foreign-owned property before finalizing their estate plan. Exploring the intersection of US trust law and international law can help you understand what questions to raise when organizing your cross-border estate.
