Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California
Can a foreign citizen inherite a house or any type of property in the state of California? What if he is not living in the US, does it matter? What about liquid assets as money? Can you buy property if you are in the country on a visa? If the person leaves property to a foreigner can any living relatives object and fight the will in court?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Property and inheritance rights have absolutely nothing to do with nationality or residence. A Finnish citizen living in Banglagore has just as much right to buy, own or inherit property, whether tangible or intangible, real or personal, as a fifth-generation born and raised Californian. There are laws and regulations regarding his ability to come here to transact business, and international monetary transactions are regulated, but nothing is prohibited as far as ownership and finances within the U.S. that is not prohibited to a U.S. citizen/resident.