non-US resident

[short]

I am a US citizen currently living outside the US, have no residence in the US, and need to prepare a basic will. Should I just select any state in which to prepare and register a will? Are there special laws covering this type of situation, or only the respective state laws?

 

[advisor10]

MAY 9, 2001

DEAR SHORT:

Please clarify:

What state was your primary residence when you lived in the US?

Do you eventually intend to return to the US to live?

What country are you living in now?

Usually the determining factor in how an estate will be distributed is the probate law of the country where the person died. So actually you could have the will prepared in the country where you are residing now, but any beneficiaries who live in the US could still receive whatever you are leaving them if you know their correct addresses. You may also want to make sure that someone in your family who lives in the US also has a copy of your will so that they will know what your intentions were in the event of your untimely death.

SINCERELY,

[email protected]

 

[short]

Thanks. My most recent state of residence was Ohio; I plan to eventually return to the U.S., but likely not Ohio; I now live in Japan.

 

[advisor10]

MAY 11, 2001

It would be okay for you to go ahead and have a will made in Japan. But please make sure that one copy of it is made up in English so it will be understandable. Do you have a friend living in the same city with you that you would trust to be an executor of your estate or would you name as your executor someone who lives in the US?

SINCERELY,

[email protected]