Florida Probate Lawyers for Non-US Citizens

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The importance of estate planning for resident aliens owning property in the State of Florida cannot be over-emphasized. Due to the correlated impact of state law, federal law, and international law, it is important for resident aliens and foreign nationals who own property in Florida to prepare for the legal impact their death may have upon their estate.

Schedule a free initial consultation when you contact Adrian Philip Thomas, P.A. Our skilled probate attorneys for resident aliens in Florida are here to help.

Who Is a Resident Alien or Foreign National, Non-US Citizen?

Anyone who was born outside the United States of America’s borders is considered a foreign national, a non-US citizen, if they have not been naturalized under federal law and they are subject to the laws of another country. Under federal and state law they are not “citizens” and are, therefore “aliens.”

Aliens are subsequently categorized as either “resident” or “non-resident” in status. Resident aliens are legally domiciled in the U.S. and enjoy many of the same benefits as American citizens.

Probating the Estate

Under Florida’s state law, non-resident aliens who die while owning property in Florida will have to go through a probate administration in a Florida court in the majority of situations. Resident aliens will need to have their estate probated in the country where they lived as well as in Florida if they owned property within the borders of the State of Florida at the time of their death (including boats, etc.).

Additionally, laws of the country of origin for the decedent may have overlapping probate implications. The Last Will and Testament of the decedent may impact assets held not only in Florida or the United States but in foreign nation(s) as well whose laws will impact the particular situation.

For example, the United States has entered into treaties with many foreign countries which limit the amount of double taxation upon an individual estate’s property, or completely prevent it, depending upon their negotiated provisions. Probating of the resident alien’s estate will need to ensure that the requirements of foreign law are met. Some foreign countries reserve the right to tax their citizens, even if they are resident aliens of the United States. See Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, United Kingdom. Other treaties granting the right to tax the country where the asset is physically located at the time of the decedent’s death regardless of citizenship. See Australia, Greece, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Norway, South Africa, Switzerland.

If you have comments or questions regarding how a Florida probate lawyer at Adrian Philip Thomas, P.A. might be of assistance in your particular case, please feel free to contact the firm’s office at (800) 776-3103 to schedule a free initial consultation with one of our attorneys.