Death Abroad, Missing Persons, and Disaster
What about the deceased person's foreign assets?
Short answer
Foreign assets — property, bank accounts — are governed by the laws of the country where they are located. California's small estate affidavit and probate process do not apply abroad. You will need local legal help in each country. The U.S. Embassy…
What this usually means
Foreign assets — property, bank accounts — are governed by the laws of the country where they are located. California's small estate affidavit and probate process do not apply abroad. You will need local legal help in each country. The U.S. Embassy can provide referrals to local attorneys.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.