Inheritance and International Law

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Laura Palmer

Member
3 September 2021
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Hi, I was hoping to get some information if someone can help me:

Scenario: Person A permanently relocates to Australia from overseas. Person A is married to an Australian and they have a child in Australia. Person A had two children from a previous relationship who remain in Person A's native country.

The inheritance law of Person A's native country states that children automatically inherit 50% of the parent's estate when they die and this cannot be overridden by a will.

If Person A dies without a will, will the previous children inherit based on the laws of Person A's native country, even though the estate is in Australia? If so, would a will be able to override the law of Person A's native country?

I hope this is clear, sorry for the awkward writing, I'm just trying to keep it impersonal.

Thank you in advance.
 

Atticus

Well-Known Member
6 February 2019
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Just my thoughts .... In the event of person A's death, the previous children of person A would have to contest the will in the jurisdiction in which she died, ie, Australia if S/he stays here.
 

Docupedia

Well-Known Member
7 October 2020
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794
I would think it would also depend on where the assets are. Assets in the native country under that country’s laws - assets here under Australian laws.
 

Tim W

Lawyer
LawConnect (LawTap) Verified
28 April 2014
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Sydney
What is the marital status of person A's back in their home country?