When an NRI who has built assets across two or more countries passes away, the estate administration is not a single proceeding — it is multiple simultaneous proceedings in each jurisdiction where assets are held, each governed by that country's succession law. The family in Kerala may need to obtain probate or succession certificates for the India assets, while simultaneously navigating the succession process in the UK, USA, Australia, Canada or the Gulf country where the NRI resided. Without advance planning — properly executed Wills for each jurisdiction, correctly structured asset ownership, and informed representatives in each country — the multi-country estate becomes protracted and expensive.
For detailed guidance on this topic specific to your circumstances, the office is available at luka@lukeandluka.in or +91 96057 61330, Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM IST. Remote consultations — by video call, WhatsApp or email — are available for NRIs and OCI holders in all time zones.