What the work covers

An estate with Chinese assets and heirs in another country needs a plan that works in both places. A will drafted abroad may not be enough on its own, and the Chinese inheritance process has its own documentary requirements.

We advise on wills and succession planning, handle inheritance and probate steps in China, and assist when heirs disagree about how an estate should be dealt with.

  • Wills and succession planning for China-situated assets
  • Inheritance and probate procedures in China
  • Cross-border asset and beneficiary coordination
  • Notarisation, translation and document authentication
  • Claims and disputes between heirs
  • Estate administration and property transfer

When clients call us

  • A family wants a will that will be effective for property held in China.
  • A family member has died and the Chinese assets need to be transferred to the heirs.
  • Heirs disagree about the validity of a will or the division of an estate.

Preparing for a first consultation

Bringing the documents below to the first meeting usually makes the time more productive. If some are missing, send what you have and we will identify the gaps.

  • The death certificate and the will, if there is one.
  • A list of assets in China with ownership documents.
  • Family documents showing the relationship between the deceased and the heirs.
  • Any prior gifts, agreements or disputes within the family.

How consultation fees work

A short call to the 24/7 line is free and is used to identify the next step. If you need more than that, we arrange a scheduled consultation. In-person consultations at our Jing’an office are charged by the hour; the hourly basis and the expected duration are confirmed in writing before the appointment.

In-person consultation

Billed by the hour

  • Review of the documents you send in advance
  • The in-person meeting, up to the time booked
  • A written summary of the main points and next steps

The hourly rate, the expected duration and the scope of the consultation are confirmed in writing before the appointment. VAT, official fees, translation, notarisation and other disbursements are charged separately. Matter work that follows a consultation — drafting, filings, negotiation or court work — is scoped and quoted separately. How consultations work.

Questions we are asked

Is a will made abroad valid in China?

It can be, but validity depends on the form of the will and the applicable conflict-of-laws rules. In practice the document usually needs authentication, translation and a Chinese court or notary process before assets can be transferred.

Can a foreign national inherit Chinese property?

In many cases yes, subject to the nature of the property and any restrictions that apply. The practical route and the documents required should be confirmed for the specific asset.

General information. This page describes the scope of our practice and does not constitute legal advice. The basis on which time is charged is confirmed in writing before work begins. No outcome can be guaranteed.