Making a Will

Eliminating uncertainties

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Writing a Will

A Will is the best way to ensure your wishes are carried out as intended after you’ve gone. Many people assume that their wealth transfers automatically to their loved ones, but if you die ‘intestate’ (without a Will), that may not necessarily be the case. Your beneficiaries may not receive what you wish to pass onto them, or your estate could lose significant value through inheritance tax.

Living in Japan

If you are a foreign resident and have assets in Japan, it is worth considering having a local Will in Japan. Without a Will, it will be difficult, expensive, and time-consuming for your beneficiaries to get access to your bank accounts, investments, and property in Japan. The tradition of handwritten Wills adds further complications for foreign residents to their estate planning. With many people also having assets abroad, it is essential to ensure no jurisdictional or tax conflicts within your estate planning.

Our Advice

Having a legally recognized Will and planning during your lifetime means that you can ensure your estate is distributed to your loved ones as you intended. At Argentum Wealth, we work with trusted partners specialized in writing local and international Wills, including Wills in Japan.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. For expatriates and internationally mobile individuals, having a Will is especially important because different countries have different inheritance laws that may not align with your intentions. A properly structured Will helps ensure your assets are passed on according to your wishes and reduces complications for your loved ones across borders.

People should start thinking about estate planning once they have dependents who rely on them financially. As your assets and wealth grow, having a clear plan becomes even more important. For those living or working abroad, estate planning is an essential part of a sound financial strategy, ensuring your wishes are protected across different legal and tax systems.

If you die without a Will, local laws—rather than your personal wishes—will determine how your assets are distributed and who will care for any dependents. This can create delays, additional costs, and unintended outcomes for your loved ones, especially if your assets or family members are in different countries. Having a Will ensures your intentions are followed and provides clarity and protection for those you leave behind.

You should update your Will whenever you experience major life changes, such as marriage, divorce, having children, acquiring assets, or moving abroad. For expatriates, cross-border moves can affect how a Will is applied, so regular reviews help ensure it remains accurate and valid.

Your Will from back home may still be valid, but this depends on the laws of the country you now live in. Different legal systems can affect how your wishes are applied, so it’s important to review your Will with an experienced advisor to ensure it works effectively across borders.