How Do I Make a Bequest to a Friend in England?
Question:
I would like to leave $10,000 cash to a dear friend in the United Kingdom upon my death. Can this be done? If not, can I send her a cashier’s check in the near future?
Response:
You can do either—give her the money now or leave her the money in your will. If you do the latter, your executor will simply send her the funds after your death. (Of course, it will have to be by check or wire, not actual “cash.”) This would be a bit easier to do while you’re alive and can coordinate with your friend. For instance, it would probably be easier for your friend if you wired the money rather then sent a check.
My office is actually handling an estate right now that includes a number of beneficiaries in England. We had sent them checks and they have asked that we stop payment and wire the funds instead.
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