Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom
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Key definition
Succession definition

What does Succession mean? Succession describes how a deceased person’s estate is transmitted on death, by will (testate succession) or, if there is no valid will, under the statutory intestacy rules, and identifies who is entitled to inherit and how the estate is administered. The term is descriptive across UK and Irish practice, but the rules are set by legislation and case law in each jurisdiction. It typically involves personal representatives (executors or administrators) obtaining probate or confirmation, realising assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing to beneficiaries. In England & Wales and Northern Ireland, succession is principally governed by the Administration of Estates...

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Cross-border estate planning: domicile, will validity and strategy, succession conflicts and the EU Succession Regulation, matrimonial regimes, estate administration, mental capacity and inheritance tax

Precedents
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Key points

  • A client’s domicile largely determines the law that will regulate Succession to their estate. While domicile can be altered, it calls for meticulous planning and is best tackled as early as possible.
  • Whether the client should have a single Will, separate Wills for each jurisdiction with which they are connected, or no Will at all, depends on their full circumstances.
  • Seek guidance from qualified practitioners in every jurisdiction where the client has property or family connections.
  • Keep arrangements under regular review, especially whenever the client’s circumstances change.

Domicile

Domicile is a legal status, often described as a form of personal law, that ties an individual to the legal system of a particular jurisdiction. It is distinct from residence or Nationality, although those factors may assist in determining domicile. A person is commonly domiciled where they maintain a permanent home, though not invariably. Changing domicile is possible, but the individual must be able to demonstrate any change with clear evidence. There are three categories of domicile:

  • Domicile of origin, acquired at birth...
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Web page updated on 22/05/2026

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