When a relative dies, it's a difficult time for all concerned. When the heirs live in another country, the difficulty is doubled. Different and often contradictory inheritance laws can be applied across the EU, creating legal logjams for those left behind. The EU wants to allow people living abroad to choose which rules apply to dividing their assets - those of their native country or those of their adoptive one. However, the UK, Ireland, and Denmark won't be included. There is a huge situation of uncertainty that currently exists, where somebody can make a gift today, and of course, their heirs are in a position to claim that gift back. We operate on the basis that those assets belong to the individual and they could dispose of them during their lifetime in any which way that they choose. Cross-border inheritance cases are on the increase, at around 450,000 a year, accounting for 123 billion euros, which means there's a lot of money at stake. It has also raised the question of gay rights. Only six member states recognize same-sex marriages, but when a partner dies, empty peas fight for recognition of their rights to succession in all 27. Vennen enemy chlitch dad homosexual 11 scheming Jeff niched an accountant Don volte out neked has raked and venting Dustin Barfield Ojai and peril combed the stoughton universities a bona fide him under enraged and is under Mike Leach status forever the disc that's why she erased of an angle hakuouki services to skillman a European certificate of succession should be a reality by 2015. So if you live abroad in the EU, your last wishes would be carried out by your country of residence unless you say the contrary in your will. Family trees with international branches will soon have more peace of...