Cross-Border Inheritance and Succession Disputes arise where estates involve multiple jurisdictions, conflicting succession regimes, or competing claims by heirs or beneficiaries. Disputes frequently occur where Maltese immovable property forms part of a wider international estate, or where foreign wills, forced heirship rules, or questions of applicable law intersect.
This service focuses on advising clients at the point where succession matters become contentious, whether before or after probate proceedings have commenced. Our role is to clarify legal positions under Maltese law, assess the interaction with foreign succession rules, and protect our clients’ interests through structured legal advice and representation.
Understanding Cross-Border Succession Disputes
Inheritance disputes involving Maltese assets often stem from differences between legal systems. Common law jurisdictions generally allow wide testamentary freedom, while Maltese law imposes mandatory heirship protections and applies strict rules to the succession of immovable property situated in Malta.
These differences may result in challenges to wills, disputes between heirs, or uncertainty as to which law governs specific assets. Early legal intervention is essential to prevent escalation and preserve estate value.
Why Maltese Law Plays a Central Role
Where Maltese immovable property is concerned, Maltese law applies as a matter of public policy. This can override assumptions based on foreign wills or succession arrangements.
In addition, Maltese procedural rules govern how disputes relating to estates and succession are brought before local courts or resolved through notarial processes. Understanding these rules is critical when disputes involve parties or proceedings in more than one jurisdiction.
Our Expertise in Succession Dispute Matters
We advise on contested succession matters involving Maltese assets, including disputes over the validity or interpretation of wills, heirship rights, reserved portions and claims arising under intestate succession.
Our advice is grounded in Maltese succession law and informed by experience in cross-border estates, allowing us to assess both substantive rights and procedural strategy.
Our Experience With International Families and Disputes
This service is commonly engaged by families with heirs in multiple jurisdictions, particularly where long-standing migration has resulted in complex family and asset structures.
We regularly act for heirs, beneficiaries and fiduciaries based outside Malta who require local legal representation to assert or defend succession rights relating to Maltese property or assets.
Our Approach to Resolving Succession Disputes
Our approach is measured and strategic. We begin by analysing the applicable succession framework and the strength of competing claims, with a view to identifying resolution pathways that minimise disruption and cost.
Where appropriate, we explore negotiated or structured solutions alongside formal proceedings, while remaining prepared to represent clients before Maltese courts where necessary.
How Our Cross-Border Succession Dispute Services Can Help You
Our lawyers assist with legal analysis of contested succession positions, representation in succession-related proceedings, coordination with foreign counsel, and strategic advice on protecting inheritance rights involving Maltese assets.
The focus throughout is on achieving legally sound and proportionate outcomes in complex cross-border disputes.
