When someone dies leaving a bank account in Spain, an apartment in Italy, or heirs in Mexico, the authorities there need proof, in a form they trust, of three things: that the person has died, who is entitled to act for the estate, and who inherits.
For a U.S. estate that usually means a certified death certificate, the court’s appointment of the executor (letters testamentary or of administration), and the will or a certified copy from probate. Heirs proving their relationship add birth and marriage certificates. Each is apostilled by the state that issued it.
Most families also appoint a lawyer in the other country with a power of attorney, signed before a U.S. notary and apostilled, so nobody has to travel. Getting the wording right for that country before signing saves a second round.
At a glance
The documents usually involved
| Document | Issued or signed by | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Death certificate | State or county vital records | State apostille | See death certificate |
| Letters testamentary or of administration | Probate court clerk | State apostille | Proves who may act for the estate |
| Will | Probate court, certified copy | State apostille | Or a notarized copy, depending on the country |
| Birth and marriage certificates | Vital records | State apostille | To prove each heir’s relationship |
| Power of attorney for a local lawyer | You, before a notary | State apostille | See power of attorney |
| Consular Report of Death Abroad | U.S. Dept. of State | Federal apostille | If the death happened abroad. See CRDA |
A typical set, not a guarantee. The authority receiving the documents sets the final list, so confirm it before ordering.
Things worth knowing
- Ask the foreign lawyer for their list first. Civil-law countries often want documents U.S. probate does not produce, such as a certificate of heirs, which may need an affidavit instead.
- Letters testamentary can be dated. Some countries want them recently issued; order a fresh certified copy close to filing.
- Translation is almost always required. See translation requirements.
How it works
Step 1
Get the receiving authority's list
Then send it to us with what you already have.
Step 2
We map each document to its route
State, federal, notarized first, or legalization.
Step 3
One order for the whole set
Across every state involved, with copies ordered where needed.
Step 4
Returned ready to use
Translated if the destination needs it.
Inheritance and Estates Abroad: common questions
Can you handle documents from several states in one order?
Yes. Each document goes to the state that issued it, or where it was notarized, and federal documents to the U.S. Department of State. We run them together and send the set back together.
What if the country is not in the Hague Convention?
Then each document needs authentication and embassy legalization instead of an apostille. See embassy legalization, or check your country with the country checker.
Ready to get started?
Send us the list you have been given, and we will price every document in one order.
Related: Death certificate · Power of attorney · Notarizing abroad