What is a Will A Will is a document that clearly states the desires regarding the distribution of equity after a death. It is important to understand that you have to meet specific legal requirements for the Will to be valid. Intestate is the legal process if someone dies without a Will. Intestate dictates that all assets are divided by applicable local laws regardless of the decedent’s wishes. In other words, no one may assert what they believe to be…
The Dolce Vita Most people think that Italy is a well organized country and people are held accountable. Surely any nuptials in your home country should be quickly and efficiently recognized abroad. Though the reality is that most legal systems are anything but straightforward and efficient. A simple visa could take months or years when dealing with 2 different legal systems, 2 different languages, and significantly different time zones. The Italian immigration system is a labyrinth that can make even…
What are Cohabitation Rights Couples are living together unmarried more than ever before. We are in an age of independence that breaks both past obligations imposed on unions from the church, as well as prior limits in geographical location. Couples are more international than ever before. Italians are not moving to the Americas with other Italians. Oftentimes, a British person will immigrate to Italy with a Swiss or American national for example. In all the excitement of an adventurous new…
What Is International Law A surprising number of foreigners find themselves involved in international legal matters these days. You may not consider the risk of international litigation when you marry that gorgeous Italian, dream of opening a business abroad, or make an international investment. But you become paralyzed by fear when your relationship falters or your investment requires a special tax filing. You don’t know your rights in a foreign country. Worse, you likely don’t know the language that well.…
Dealing with the loss of a loved one is one of the more difficult times in our lives. Grieving family must perform a myriad of tasks. Heirs make funeral arrangements, transfer bank accounts, settle bills, and distribute the decedents estate. In New York and California, families often litigate for several years after the passing of the decedent. Bonds are destroyed that had lasted for decades when things settle. And of course, the legal fees only add to the angst of…
In this new age of globalism, many people dream of obtaining a second citizenship. Just as many people also think they are able to self-diagnose their medical issues and resolve most if not all of their legal and bureaucratic challenges. Unfortunately, like many incorrect medical self-diagnoses, most people are unable to resolve their legal and bureaucratic challenges without specialized help. People don’t often have the first-hand experience of obtaining new or second citizenship to know what obstacles can occur. Many…
A chance to live in Italy Have you ever dreamed of living in an eternal postcard with Italian grandmothers cooking your every meal? Frustrated with the way you see things in your home country or wanting to make a good investment? You can now buy a home in Italy for €1 and live the Dolce Vita! Of course, this does not mean your total investment will be €1. But you have 2 years to redevelop the property and depending on…
A five-year-old boy lost both of his parents and then was the subject of a contentious international legal battle. He survived a tragic cable car accident in Italy after-which his grandfather relocated him to Israel. The children had lived in Italy prior to the accident and his aunt demanded his return. He returned to Italy. But only after months of litigation in a different country. We can imagine the damage international litigation places on young children. But can you imagine…
COMPLIANCE With international law Few people realize the obstacles in serving defendants abroad otherwise known as service of process. Laws governing who may notify a defendant internationally differ by country. What laws apply to service in your country, often times do not apply internationally. American lawyers that need to notify an international defendant are told to research the long-arm statute. However, these laws do not always tell the attorney critical information. These laws fail to mention that the proof of…
The Hague Convention Divorce, separation and custody disputes are rising drastically. The rates are even higher between international couples. And, children are born at similar rates for both international and non-international couples whether married or not. You need to consider getting support from our child custody lawyers. Many people never consider the legal consequences of where they live with a child. People that loved to travel before becoming a parent find the child care too much without their family and…