Wills and Estate Planning in Israel

A will is a legal document that ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your lifetime.

It can help avoid family disputes, simplify the inheritance process, and provide clarity and certainty for your beneficiaries.

For foreign residents who own assets in Israel—such as real estate, bank accounts, or investments—it is highly advisable to have a separate Israeli will in addition to any will they may have in their home country. While Israel generally recognizes foreign wills, relying solely on a foreign will often requires a more complex legal process in Israel. The foreign will must be submitted for recognition, typically requiring certified translations, apostilles, legal opinions regarding foreign law, and additional probate proceedings. This process can be lengthy, costly, and may significantly delay the transfer of Israeli assets to the heirs.

By signing a properly drafted Israeli will that specifically addresses Israeli assets, your heirs can usually obtain an Israeli Probate Order more efficiently and avoid many of the complications associated with proving and validating a foreign probate process in Israel. This can save substantial time, legal expenses, and administrative burdens for your family.

In short, a local Israeli will provides an additional layer of protection and ensures that your Israeli assets can be transferred to your beneficiaries as smoothly as possible