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.”) My guess is that this would be a bit easier to do while you’re alive and can coordinate with your friend. The probate court could have some notice requirements for heirs that could make the executor’s life more difficult. For instance, you can’t send certified mail overseas, so how do prove that the person overseas received notice?
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