What is an Affidavit of Foreign Law In Probate ?
As a firm of Solicitors specialising in International Probate law, we regularly help families and foreign lawyers with probate when the Deceased although dying abroad, may have left assets in the UK.
To release the assets something called a Grant of Representation is required. If the Deceased died in a Commonwealth Country obtaining probate in the UK can be much easier as something called Resealing probate can be undertaken. This enables a foreign Grant of probate to be known as Resealed by the probate Registry, thus enabling the grant to be used in the UK.
Unfortunately, resealing probate is not appropriate in every case though, for example it is not possible when the foreign grant is not in English while the Country were the Deceased was domiciled must be recognised by the UK under the Colonial probate Act. Countries such as Spain, France, and the United states are not recognised meaning that an entirely new application for probate will be required.
When making such an application a legal document known as an Affidavit of foreign law will be required. This is a sworn statement from a lawyer clarifying the law according to the Domicile of the Deceased, what legal process has been followed, and who is entitled to apply for probate in the UK. If you are a Foreign lawyer, or Administrator abroad requiring probate help in the UK, we can help. Please contact Tim Murden at or by calling 00 44 1482 42 99 85.
Helpful Articles
Richard Spencer
13:32 21 Dec 21
A highly professional legal service with a great supporting team that were able to explain each step of the process in a clear and concise manner. I would highly recommend without hesitation.... Excellent value for services.read more
James Clancy
07:44 12 Oct 21
Tm Solicitors were an absolute joy to deal with in a time of of loss if one can put the two words in the same sentence ! They responded promptly to all emails and there was always somebody on the... phone I could speak to when needed. All paperwork was sent promptly when needed. We also had probate to deal with in Ireland and Vicky went above and beyond to facilitate in getting all the relevant paperwork to Ireland. The fees were exactly as they quoted with no extra charges. I would not hesitate to recommend them...read more
Dan “Big Dan” W
09:23 27 Sep 21
Shortly after my father passed away early 2020, I began to "attempt" to get his estate in order but very quickly hit a road block. Creditors wouldn't talk to me because I didn't have letters... administration and I couldn't get letters of administration without having access to to his accounts.I called up and originally spoke to Tim Murden who very quickly reassured me he and his team would be able to resolve this for me. I was contacted by Rebecca who has been a star from start to finish, and she got to work right away. Unfortunately shortly after we got started, the UK went in to lockdown and everything come grinding to a halt. During lockdown, Rebecca was unable to progress my case, but still maintained contact. As soon as people started to return to work again she picked it all back up and got the ball rolling again.Throughout this process, Rebecca has repeatedly chased all the relevant parties and even went above and beyond when I was having a an issue with conveyancing solicitors. I hope that I never have to use her services again (in the nicest way possible), but if I did I wouldn't use anyone else, and I would recommend TM Solicitors to anyone.Thanks again for all your help.read more
sophia michael
13:57 13 May 21
Sorry for the late response ...Rebecca Sidebottom desires a wage rise as she so helpful and extremely professional when dealing with clients, her knowledge is fantastic and I can recommend this... company highly.read more
Paul Masri-Stone
15:10 16 Jan 21
I'm writing this without being prompted as I have been so impressed with the probate service from TM Solicitors. From my first phone call through to the final estate accounts and distribution,... Suzanne Underwood has been so helpful. I found them via a Google search and called on the strength of Google reviews. Their fees are very reasonable and they only take them at the very end even if that's many months away, so no stress there. And as I have just discovered, they remain helpful and proactive even after they have been paid and everything has been officially concluded. My family and I are very grateful.read more
Tish Rybak
11:59 16 Sep 20
I would like to take this opportunity to say a very BIG THANK YOU to TM Solicitors, in particular Rebecca Sidebottom for the help and support which began nearly 2 years ago relating to my late... sister's Estate. There have been many ups and downs over this period, but Rebecca has been very supportive in providing very good advice where needed. The ERYC were particularly difficult to get them to refund the Council Tax which was due to us, but Rebecca kept me informed all the way. I would highly recommend TM Solicitors to any of my family or friends. Trishread more
Phil Carrier
05:43 24 Jun 20
Living the other side of the world in Australia having to sort out a loved ones estate is a daunting thought to say the least., add into that the Covid virus and having to reseal an overseas probate... in the UK probably tops most things you have to do when it comes to life admin.All I can say is TM Solicitors and in particular Rebecca Sidebottom were outstanding - nothing was too much to ask and everything was dealt with very professionally.I am not one to shout about how well someone has performed in a public forum - but I felt I had to this time. The whole process was painless and worth every penny.If you need legal services and are concerned about using an online legal firm, don't be if you are using TM Solicitors I don't think you have anything to worry about.Onwards & Upwards. Phil & Kathrynread more
T K
06:52 22 Mar 20
I have never left a review online before, but the service here from Suzanne Underwood was so outstanding that I persisted to work out how to login to write a review. Employing TM solicitors from... overseas here in Australia to sort out UK Legal issues with regards to Reseal of probate and wills, it was so reassuring to have someone on the ground who could communicate so efficiently with both me as well as the necessary institutions and authorities in UK.Suzanne kept me up-to-date on all progress at all times without me even prompting, she is simply outstanding. Her efficiency in working on the job has resulted in me having less stress about this whole situation. This was certainly a lot more than I expected when I first appointed them. Highly recommended.Once again a very special thanks to Suzanne Underwood who is just an amazingly efficient person, and a great communicator and this is rare these days.Regards, Tinaread more
Alan Fidgett
17:23 12 Nov 19
I would highly recommend TM Solicitors. Rebecca Sidebottom recently dealt with the Estate of my late aunt.She was very efficient and friendly. She kept me fully informed of each stage of the process... and was always willing to answer any queries I had. Excellent service.read more
dylan bailey
14:52 06 Feb 19
We originally were quoted an extortionate fee (4+ times as much) by a different solicitor. We found TM just through google search and opted for them because of their much cheaper and fixed fee. I... have to say, I could not fault the service. Vicky Dunn was my contact there and she was just fantastic. Her personality and the way she dealt with everything - she was so efficient and so thorough, and kind and sensitive with it. She could not have been more helpful. As a result, I have talked about TM Solicitors to various friends and recommended that if and when they are in the same situation, needing a probate solicitor, that they head straight for this company, and Vicky in particular. I don't have any knowledge of anyone else at the company, but Vicky was utterly brilliant. TM - I don't know what you pay her, but give her a bonus or a rise. She's solid gold as an ambassador for your company. (Lastly, my name is Jane Lyons! For some reason when the review window pops up, it is defaulting to my son's name. Clearly a problem at my end, but I'm afraid I don't know how to sort it out right now). All the very best, Jane.read more
