Cyprus-Forum.com

[MACKAM1955]

We are moving to Cyprus end of this month do we have to make a will in UK and Cyprus or can we just make a will in Cyprus that will be legal in UK and what sort of fee would it be in UK its about £75 (sterling).


Thanks


Eric Wood

[cyprusgrump]

You MUST have a Cypriot will if you have property here.

Cost about CY£150.

[twinkle]

Don't make two wills as this will cause problems when granting probate. Best bet is to make the will in the UK to cover the property in the UK and abroad, if you still keep the property in the UK that is. Your estate in the UK and Cyprus will be subject to inheritance tax laws.

[cyprusgrump]

Ummm…

My understanding is that if you have property in Cyprus it passes to your closest male relative (i.e. not your wife) in the event of your death.

Therefore you need a Cypriot will to cover the passing of your Cyprus property to your wife when you die.

[twinkle]

Eh? This business of passing to your closet male relative is very antiquated and happened many years ago.

In Cyprus if you don't have a will and you own property and are married, if the property is just in your name, when you die, by law, half the property will pass to you wife and the other half to your immediate family ie parents, brother or sister. However, if you have kids your property will pass to you wife and children. If you have joint ownership of the property the rights of surviourship are the same as the UK and it will automatically pass to your wife.


Safest way is to have a will in any event.

[dixi]

Perhaps you can make your own legal will in Cyprus? Many countries allow it, however, if you have considerable assets it is better to hire an attorney.

[MACKAM1955]

What happens if you are just partners (common law in UK ) is this a problem.

[dixi]

Common law partnerships need to pass strict legal requirements before being considered legitimate. It is easier if the partner can prove their financial contribution. It is best to have a will or a cohabitation contract. This is only my knowledge of the UK. I cannot say how Cypriot estate law treats common law partnerships. But considering the emphasis on marriage and family, I have to conclude that without a will, the remaining partner would not be considered if there are living relatives of the deceased.

[twinkle]

In Cyprus, you must be married. Common law partnerships have no standing with regards to succession law here in Cyprus.

[davidp]

Hi Eric
I have sent yo a pm with a will template that several people have used in Cyprus, you just need to get it registered in Cyprus for a very small fee

David