Cross-border estates and wills — what courts and banks require
Settling an estate that spans two countries needs two parallel document sets: proof of death and heirship, and authority to deal with the assets. Both must be certified in the form the destination court or bank accepts.
Documents to prepare
- A freshly issued certified death certificate
- House registration showing the deceased has been removed
- Marriage certificate, heirs' birth certificates or other proof of relationship
- The will, if any, with the certification used in the country where it was made
- A court order appointing an estate administrator, where required
- An asset list: bank books, title deeds, share certificates
Step-by-step procedure
1. Split assets by jurisdiction
Thai and foreign assets follow different procedures.
2. Gather proof of death and heirship
Freshly issued registrar copies are verifiable.
3. Translate and certify per destination
Thai courts require Ministry of Justice registered translators; foreign courts use their own system.
4. Apply for an administrator appointment
A Thai filing includes a petition with the list of heirs and assets.
5. Approach banks and registries
Each has its own forms; request their requirements in writing.
Pitfalls to avoid
- Most banks release nothing until an administrator is appointed by the court.
- A foreign will must be certified at origin before it can be used in Thailand.
- Inconsistent spellings of heirs' names require additional linking documents.
- Estates involve many documents at once — allow for queue times.
Advisory tips
- A one-page asset schedule speeds up both lawyer and bank review.
- Get the bank's document list in writing before translation starts.
- Order several certified copies; institutions often retain originals.
Let us handle it end to end
Prefer not to handle the queues yourself, or worried about a rejection? Send us photos of your documents for a free pre-check. We handle the full chain — obtaining certified copies, translation, certification and submission — and keep you updated at each step. Reach us on LINE, phone or email during business hours.
Let us handle it end to end