Estate laws can be vastly different between countries.
A court in Switzerland was recently asked to recognize a receipt of inheritance decision made by a court in Egypt, under its version of Sharia law.
The estate was that of an Egyptian Muslim man who had married a German Christian woman under Egyptian and Sharia law, according to the Wills, Trusts & Estates Prof Blog in “Swiss Non-discrimination Principles May Prevent Recognition of Sharia-based Inheritance and Probate Documents in Switzerland.”
Under Egyptian Sharia law, a woman can only receive an inheritance half the size of other heirs. Non-Muslims cannot receive any inheritance at all.
The court in Switzerland decided this was in conflict with the Swiss public policy against discrimination and refused to recognize the decision of the Egyptian court.
This is an important decision for people who have assets in Switzerland. However, it has broader implications.
Every country has its own policies and it is important to do your homework when planning your estate.
