Israeli Inheritance and Probate Lawyer for Foreign Residents
Clear, practical legal guidance in Israel for people based in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and elsewhere abroad.
Email-first contact
Send a concise description of the Israeli legal issue to office@aviv-law.co.il.
Remote-friendly process
Many initial steps can be reviewed and organized remotely before deciding what must be handled in Israel.
Focused on Israel
Real estate, inheritance, probate, notary and power-of-attorney issues connected to Israel.
If you live outside Israel but need to handle an inheritance or probate matter in the country, you are not alone. Many Jewish and Israeli families abroad face the same challenge: navigating Israel’s inheritance laws from thousands of miles away. Whether you are an American, British, or Australian resident with assets or relatives in Israel, the process can feel overwhelming—especially when you are unfamiliar with local procedures, language barriers, or the time differences involved.
At Aviv Gelman Law Office, we specialize in helping foreign residents manage Israeli inheritance and probate matters with clarity, efficiency, and care. Our firm is based in Israel, but our clients are worldwide. We understand the unique concerns of people living abroad, and we provide practical, step-by-step guidance to help you secure your inheritance rights under Israeli law—without the stress of trying to manage it from afar.
Why Foreign Residents Trust Us for Israeli Inheritance Matters
Handling an inheritance in Israel from abroad is not just about legal expertise—it’s about having a reliable partner who understands your situation and can act on your behalf. Here’s what sets our firm apart:
We Speak Your Language—Literally and Legally
Our team is fluent in English and Hebrew, and we are experienced in working with clients from the U.S., U.K., Australia, and other countries. We explain Israeli inheritance law in plain English, so you always know what to expect and what your options are.
We Handle the Entire Process Remotely
You don’t need to travel to Israel to manage your inheritance. We handle all communications with Israeli courts, banks, and government offices on your behalf. Whether it’s filing documents, obtaining necessary certifications, or representing you in probate proceedings, we manage the process from start to finish—so you don’t have to.
We Understand the Emotional and Practical Challenges
Inheritance matters are often tied to family relationships and personal history. We approach every case with sensitivity and professionalism, recognizing that legal processes can be emotionally taxing—especially when you are far from home. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
We Are Experienced in Cross-Border Inheritance Cases
Israeli inheritance law can differ significantly from the laws in your country of residence. For example, Israel does not recognize foreign wills automatically—even if they are valid in the U.S., U.K., or Australia. We help you navigate these differences and ensure your inheritance rights are protected under Israeli law.
How Israeli Inheritance Law Works for Foreign Residents
Israeli inheritance law is governed by the Succession Law, which outlines how assets are distributed when someone passes away. If the deceased left a valid will, the estate is typically distributed according to their wishes. If there is no will, the estate is divided among the heirs according to Israel’s rules of intestate succession.
For foreign residents, the process can be more complex due to:
- Differences between Israeli law and the laws of your country of residence
- The need to authenticate foreign documents (such as death certificates or wills) for use in Israel
- Potential disputes among heirs who may be located in different countries
- Logistical challenges, such as accessing Israeli bank accounts or selling inherited property
Below, we break down the key steps in the Israeli inheritance process and explain how we assist foreign residents at each stage.
Step 1: Determining Whether Probate is Required
Not all inheritances in Israel require probate. If the deceased’s assets are held jointly with a surviving spouse or if they are of minimal value, you may be able to transfer them without court involvement. However, if the estate includes real estate, bank accounts with significant balances, or other valuable assets, probate is usually necessary.
We help you determine whether probate is required and guide you through the next steps.
Step 2: Validating the Will (If One Exists)
If the deceased left a will, it must be validated by an Israeli court before the estate can be distributed. This process is called probate of the will. Even if the will was drafted and signed in another country, it must still go through probate in Israel to be recognized.
We assist with:
- Translating and notarizing the will (if it is in a foreign language)
- Filing the will with the Israeli Registrar of Inheritance Affairs or the Family Court
- Representing you in court to validate the will
If the will is contested, we provide legal representation to defend its validity.
Step 3: Applying for a Succession Order (If There is No Will)
If the deceased did not leave a will, the estate is distributed according to Israel’s rules of intestate succession. The heirs must apply for a succession order, which is a court-issued document that identifies the legal heirs and their respective shares of the estate.
We help you:
- Gather the necessary documents, such as death certificates and proof of relationship to the deceased
- File the application for a succession order with the Israeli Registrar of Inheritance Affairs
- Resolve any disputes among heirs
Step 4: Managing the Estate’s Assets
Once the will is probated or a succession order is issued, the next step is to manage and distribute the estate’s assets. This can include:
- Accessing and closing Israeli bank accounts
- Transferring or selling inherited real estate
- Handling tax obligations (such as capital gains tax or inheritance tax, if applicable)
- Distributing personal belongings or other assets to the heirs
We work with Israeli banks, real estate agents, and other professionals to ensure the process is handled efficiently. If you need assistance with selling inherited property in Israel, we can guide you through that process as well.
Step 5: Resolving Disputes Among Heirs
Inheritance disputes are unfortunately common, especially when family members are spread across different countries. Disagreements can arise over the validity of a will, the distribution of assets, or the management of the estate. If a dispute cannot be resolved amicably, it may need to be settled in court.
We provide legal representation in inheritance disputes, helping you protect your rights and achieve a fair resolution. Our approach is to seek amicable solutions whenever possible, but we are prepared to advocate for you in court if necessary.
Common Challenges for Foreign Residents in Israeli Inheritance Cases
Handling an inheritance in Israel from abroad comes with unique challenges. Below, we outline some of the most common issues our clients face and how we help address them.
Language Barriers and Legal Terminology
Israeli legal documents are typically written in Hebrew, and court proceedings are conducted in Hebrew. For foreign residents, this can create significant barriers to understanding and participating in the process. We translate all documents into English and explain the legal terminology in plain language, so you always know what is happening with your case.
Authenticating Foreign Documents
Israeli courts and government offices require foreign documents (such as death certificates, wills, or powers of attorney) to be authenticated before they can be used. This often involves obtaining an apostille or consular legalization, depending on the country where the document was issued.
We guide you through the authentication process and ensure all documents meet Israeli legal requirements. If you need assistance with notarizing or legalizing documents abroad, we can help with that as well.
Time Zone Differences and Delays
Coordinating with Israeli courts, banks, and government offices can be difficult when you are in a different time zone. Delays are common, especially if documents are missing or incomplete. We manage all communications on your behalf, so you don’t have to worry about missed deadlines or lost paperwork.
Tax Implications
While Israel does not have an inheritance tax, there may be other tax implications to consider, such as capital gains tax on the sale of inherited property. Additionally, you may have tax obligations in your country of residence related to the inheritance.
We work with tax professionals to help you understand your obligations and minimize your tax liability. However, we always recommend consulting with a tax advisor in your country of residence for personalized advice.
Accessing Israeli Bank Accounts
Israeli banks have strict requirements for accessing the accounts of deceased individuals. Even if you are the legal heir, you may need to provide a probate order, succession order, or other court documents to withdraw funds or close the account. We liaise with banks on your behalf to ensure the process goes smoothly.
Who We Help
Our clients come from all over the world, but they share one thing in common: they need trusted legal representation in Israel for inheritance and probate matters. We assist:
Jewish and Israeli Families Living Abroad
If you are an Israeli or Jewish individual living in the U.S., U.K., Australia, or another country, you may have family members or assets in Israel. We help you navigate the inheritance process so you can secure your rightful share of the estate—without the hassle of traveling to Israel.
Learn more about our services for Americans, U.K. residents, and Australians.
Heirs of Holocaust Survivors
Many Holocaust survivors and their descendants have assets in Israel, including property, bank accounts, or restitution funds. We help heirs navigate the complex process of claiming these assets, including working with organizations that handle Holocaust-era restitution.
Foreign Residents with Property in Israel
If you own property in Israel but live abroad, your estate plan should account for how that property will be handled after your passing. We help you draft wills, establish trusts, or take other steps to ensure your Israeli assets are distributed according to your wishes.
For more information on managing Israeli real estate from abroad, visit our real estate services page.
Executors and Administrators
If you have been named as the executor of a will or the administrator of an estate in Israel, you have a legal responsibility to manage the estate’s assets and distribute them to the heirs. We provide guidance and representation to executors and administrators, helping you fulfill your duties under Israeli law.
Frequently Asked Questions About Israeli Inheritance Law for Foreign Residents
Does Israel recognize foreign wills?
Israel does not automatically recognize foreign wills. Even if a will is valid in the U.S., U.K., or Australia, it must go through probate in Israel to be recognized. We assist with the probate process to ensure the will is validated by an Israeli court.
What happens if there is no will?
If the deceased did not leave a will, the estate is distributed according to Israel’s rules of intestate succession. The heirs must apply for a succession order, which identifies the legal heirs and their shares of the estate. We guide you through this process and represent you in court if necessary.
How long does the probate process take in Israel?
The probate process in Israel can take several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the estate and whether there are disputes among the heirs. We work to expedite the process as much as possible and keep you informed at every stage.
Do I need to travel to Israel to handle the inheritance?
No, you do not need to travel to Israel. We handle all aspects of the inheritance process remotely, including filing documents, communicating with courts, and managing the estate’s assets. If you need to sign documents, we can arrange for a notary or power of attorney to be executed abroad.
What documents do I need to provide?
The documents required for an Israeli inheritance case vary depending on the circumstances. Typically, you will need:
- A death certificate (authenticated for use in Israel)
- The original will (if one exists)
- Proof of relationship to the deceased (such as birth or marriage certificates)
- A power of attorney (if you are appointing us to represent you)
We guide you through the process of gathering and authenticating these documents.
Are there taxes on inheritances in Israel?
Israel does not have an inheritance tax, but there may be other tax implications, such as capital gains tax on the sale of inherited property. Additionally, you may have tax obligations in your country of residence related to the inheritance. We recommend consulting with a tax advisor in your country for personalized advice.
What if there is a dispute among the heirs?
Inheritance disputes are common, especially when family members are located in different countries. If a dispute arises, we provide legal representation to help you resolve it amicably or in court. Our goal is to protect your rights and achieve a fair outcome.
Can I sell inherited property in Israel from abroad?
Yes, you can sell inherited property in Israel from abroad. However, the process requires a probate order or succession order, as well as compliance with Israeli real estate laws. We assist with all aspects of selling inherited property, including working with real estate agents and handling the legal paperwork. For more information, visit our real estate services page.
How do I get started?
If you need assistance with an Israeli inheritance or probate matter, the first step is to contact us. We will review your situation, explain your options, and outline the next steps. You can reach us by email at office@aviv-law.co.il. We look forward to helping you.
Let Us Handle Your Israeli Inheritance Matter with Care and Expertise
Dealing with an inheritance in Israel from abroad can be complex, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Aviv Gelman Law Office, we provide clear, practical guidance to help you secure your inheritance rights under Israeli law—without the stress of managing it from afar.
Whether you need to probate a will, apply for a succession order, or resolve a dispute among heirs, we are here to help. Our firm is based in Israel, but our clients are worldwide. We understand the unique challenges you face, and we are committed to making the process as smooth and straightforward as possible.
To get started, email us at office@aviv-law.co.il. We will respond promptly to discuss your situation and explain how we can assist you.
For more information about our services for people abroad, visit our dedicated page.
Need legal assistance in Israel while living abroad?
Email Aviv Gelman Law Office at office@aviv-law.co.il. Please include your country of residence, the Israeli legal issue involved, relevant documents, and any urgent deadlines.
© Aviv Gelman Law Office. General information only.