Blog
Rayner my parade! The importance of specialist advice.
Jemma Brimblecombe
Background:
Meet Ms. Smith, a remarkable individual with an intricate cross-border estate.
The Private Client team had the privilege of assisting Ms. Smith's executor in navigating the complexities of her estate. Ms. Smith, originally from England, had built her life in France as a prominent translator for major Parisian corporations. Her enduring ties to both countries made her estate a fascinating blend of English and French assets.
Challenges faced:
Deciphering Ms. Smith's handwritten French will, which presented intricacies due to changing charity names and imprecise identification, was at the core of the advice.
In addition, the Private Client Team, with their deep understanding of international estate law, played a pivotal role in structuring the advice as follows:
- Agreeing on applicable law: The team determined that French law would apply due to Ms. Smith's domicile and the types of assets she held.
- Beneficiary identification: Assisting the notaire in identifying and verifying the beneficiaries among various English, French, and international charities was a critical step in the process.
- Accessing English assets: Securing an English Grant was essential to access funds held in English banks.
- Efficient distribution: The team efficiently collected and distributed assets as per the notaire's instructions, ensuring a smooth transition of Ms. Smith's estate.
Outcome and impact:
Thanks to the diligent efforts of the KN Private Client team, Ms. Smith's estate was successfully distributed among the designated charities, ensuring her philanthropic legacy lives on. The case exemplifies our commitment to serving clients with complex international estate needs.
Conclusion:
Ms. Smith's case is a testament to our dedication to providing top-notch private client services in the realm of Anglo-French law. We are proud to have played a role in honoring her wishes and supporting the causes she cherished.
Further information
Find out more information from our Anglo-French services here.