Lawyer Fees for setting up a will in Japan

[Isodora]

„Inspired” by a recent thread here, I contacted a lawyer in Japan who amongst others specializes in wills - and everything around it - who is familiar with the laws of my home country as well as the Japanese laws.

As a first step he asked me to provide all relevant data. The initial consultation meeting and analysis will then cost Yen 33,000. For the actual execution more (as of yet) unspecified costs will follow.

As I have no idea about what are normal fees in this field, would anyone know? I am also a bit scared about the costs that might follow and will try to get a number, before I commit to this.

Thank you.

[captainspoke]

Watch out for it costing a percentage of assets/net worth. (IMO it should be a flat fee.)

Note that there is one type of will (testamentary?) that just involves you handwriting it out. I have some links (old) that I'll try to review and post later.

edit: One other point to consider is that as a foreigner (and any assets abroad) there's a fair chance that the laws of your country of nationality will apply when deciding what goes to who, even if you are long term here (PR). Taxes will of course still be relevant.

Also I think there's a RJ blog post about this somewhere back there...

[RetireJapan]

My understanding is that non-Japanese residents in Japan fall under their home country law. Some countries (like the UK) then bounce it back and say country of residence law applies to non-resident citizens.

[Isodora]

Regarding percentage versus flat fee - and your other comments too - thank you captainspoke for pointing this out!

In this case it would have been a flat rate plus various unknown fees for translations, postal fees, notary fees, travels?? (without even knowing the amount of my assets) which was shockingly high.

I will therefore try to set up a will by myself with the help of online tools, then handwrite and sign it and probably send it to a lawyer in my home country.

I understand that for most EU member states until 2015 the inheritance laws of the country of citizenship were applicable, since then the laws of the country of residency applies - provided no will exists. I am not quite sure yet, how this affects assets in ones home country. In any case, it seems that a written will override this new law, will try to find out more.

[Yokohama]

Isodora, have you made any progress and if so can you share what actions you have taken? Thanks.

[Isodora]

Sure, when I asked for more detailed costs, I got below answer, and that was it, I am just an average person, not rich by any means ! Even considering this lawyer is fluent in my mother language and familiar with the local law as he studied there, it is way too much for us. So for now this project is on hold.

„550.000 Yen (incl.VAT)
plus the cost of translation, travel, notary fees, postage and other expenses.
Note: If the case is difficult/extensive/complicated, the additional costs may be incurred.
Assistance of a local lawyer may be necessary if, for example, the estate is also located abroad. The costs for this are necessary separately.“

[Max]

My understanding is that non-Japanese residents in Japan fall under their home country law. Some countries (like the UK) then bounce it back and say country of residence law applies to non-resident citizens.

Hello Ben, could you please tell me where you learned that country of residence laws apply to non-resident UK citizens?

[Max]

Isodora, have you made any progress and if so can you share what actions you have taken? Thanks.

I second that. I really want to learn more about the nitty-gritty of inheritance law for UK citizens resident in Japan. Thanks for any info.

[RetireJapan]

My understanding is that non-Japanese residents in Japan fall under their home country law. Some countries (like the UK) then bounce it back and say country of residence law applies to non-resident citizens.

Hello Ben, could you please tell me where you learned that country of residence laws apply to non-resident UK citizens?

It's quite hard to find as the government sites tend to only take about inheritance tax.

This site hints at it: https://www.aj-wills.co.uk/blog/does-a- ... ve-abroad/

[Max]

Thanks. I got in touch with her, and she replied promptly with a friendly, informative message.