A FOREIGN LEGAL OPINION IN ISRAEL INHERITANCE LAW

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Israeli Foreign Legal Opinion · Cross-Border Inheritance & Probate

Foreign Legal Opinion in Israel

Court-accepted legal opinions for Israeli inheritance, probate, real estate and commercial matters - for US, Canadian, UK and international heirs, executors and investors

Foreign heirs and clients worldwide: United States · Canada · United Kingdom · France · Australia · Brazil · Argentina · South Africa · and 11 more countries - fully remote service, no travel to Israel required.

What Is a Foreign Legal Opinion in Israel?

A foreign legal opinion is a mandatory legal document required when a foreign-domiciled person leaves assets in Israel. Under Section 137 of the Israeli Succession Law 5725-1965, Israeli authorities apply the inheritance law of the deceased's country - not Israeli law.

  1. Succession Order: Required for intestate estates (no will)
  2. Will Probate Order: Required to validate a foreign will
  3. Real Estate & Commercial: Required for foreign-party transactions
  4. Trust Validation: Required for US Living & Testamentary Trusts
Israeli foreign legal opinion for US, Canada & UK heirs - Eliyahu & Co., Herzliya

When a parent, spouse or sibling passes away in New York, Toronto, London, Sydney or São Paulo - yet owned an apartment, bank account or shares in Israel - their heirs face a procedural barrier unfamiliar to most foreign families. The Israeli Registrar of Inheritance Affairs cannot issue a succession or will probate order without first knowing which foreign inheritance law applies and how. Without a valid foreign legal opinion, the estate is frozen: real estate cannot be transferred, bank accounts remain inaccessible and securities cannot be sold. Families already grieving are then forced to navigate Israeli legal procedures from thousands of miles away. The difference between a smooth process completed in months and one that drags for years is almost always the quality of legal guidance secured at the very beginning.

At Eliyahu & Co. Law Office - founded in 2007 by Adv. Reut Eliyahu, advocate and licensed notary - we prepare foreign legal opinions accepted by the Israeli Registrar of Inheritance Affairs and Israeli courts. Our opinions are filed together with applications for inheritance orders, will probate orders, real estate registrations and commercial transactions. The entire process is managed remotely, with documents sent electronically and powers of attorney apostilled abroad - signed opinions are delivered by email or secure post. Contact us for a free first consultation →

Our firm provides foreign legal opinions for every area of Israeli legal proceedings. For inheritance and estate matters, we prepare opinions for succession order applications and will probate order applications under the Israeli Succession Law 5725-1965. We also prepare foreign legal opinions for real estate transactions, sales of publicly-traded Israeli shares by foreign shareholders, commercial and company matters, and family law. See our full Areas of Practice.

Related services: If you need the inheritance application filed in addition to the opinion, our firm handles the complete process. See: Inheritance Lawyer in Israel · Succession Order · Will Probate Order · Inheritance Disputes · Estate Planning
19+ Years of Experience
All 50 US States Covered
★ 5.0 Top-Rated by Clients
100% Remote Service

Countries We Provide Foreign Legal Opinions For

Our firm provides foreign legal opinions for 19 different countries worldwide, through attorneys in our network who hold active law licenses in the relevant country. We assist in every type of legal proceeding - inheritance, succession, real estate, registration and divorce recognition.

United States All 50 · NY · California
Canada Ontario · Quebec · BC
France Forced Heirship
United Kingdom Britain · Common Law
Australia NSW · Victoria
Spain Madrid · Barcelona
Portugal Lisbon
Brazil São Paulo · Rio
Argentina Buenos Aires
Uruguay Montevideo
Paraguay Asunción
Russia Moscow · St. Petersburg
Ukraine Kyiv
Belarus Minsk
Moldova Chișinău
Uzbekistan Tashkent · Samarkand
South Africa Johannesburg · Cape Town
Netherlands Amsterdam · Rotterdam
Italy Rome · Milan

Don't see your country? Contact us - we may still be able to assist. Our network expands continuously to meet client demand. Through our partnerships with foreign-law experts meeting the qualifications set by the Israeli Supreme Court in the Berg ruling (CA 6796/97), the firm coordinates the entire engagement end-to-end - preparation, notarization, apostille, Hebrew translation, and filing with the Israeli Registrar of Inheritance Affairs.

Areas in Which We Provide Foreign Legal Opinions

Foreign legal opinions are required in many areas of Israeli legal proceedings - not only in inheritance and succession matters. Our firm provides foreign legal opinions across the full range of areas where Israeli courts and authorities apply the law of another country. The opinion is tailored to the specific Israeli proceeding and the relevant foreign law.

Inheritance & Succession (Intestate)

Foreign legal opinions explaining the intestate succession law of the deceased's country of domicile - required for every application for a succession order (Tzav Yerusha) where the deceased was a foreign resident leaving assets in Israel.

Succession Order

Wills & Will Probate

Foreign legal opinions on the validity of a foreign will under the testator's home-country law - required for every application for a will probate order (Tzav Kiyum Tzavaa) involving a foreign-domiciled testator.

Will Probate

Trusts (Living & Testamentary)

Specialized opinions on the validity of US Living Trusts and Testamentary Trusts, identifying beneficiaries and advising on the transfer of Trust-held Israeli assets to the rightful beneficiaries under both Israeli and US law.

Estate Planning

Real Estate & Property Registration

Foreign legal opinions for the Israeli Land Registry (Tabu) when a foreign individual or foreign corporation is a party to a property transaction or registration - verifying legal capacity, signing authority, and power of attorney validity.

Real Estate

Family Law & Divorce Recognition

Opinions on foreign marriage, divorce and custody law - required for Israeli recognition of foreign divorce decrees, foreign marriage validity, child custody arrangements, alimony orders, and prenuptial or postnuptial agreements signed abroad.

Ask about Family Law

Enforcement of Foreign Judgments

Foreign legal opinions for the enforcement of foreign court judgments in Israel under the Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Law 5718-1958 - confirming that the judgment is final, enforceable, and was issued by a competent court in the relevant jurisdiction.

Ask about Enforcement

Sale of Israeli Public Shares

Foreign legal opinions confirming the legal capacity and tax status of foreign shareholders selling shares of Israeli publicly-traded companies - particularly where the shareholder no longer maintains an active Israeli bank account.

Selling Israeli Shares

Foreign Corporations & Commercial

Opinions confirming the legal status, authority and capacity of a foreign corporation entering into Israeli commercial transactions, registering with the Israeli Companies Registrar, or signing contracts governed by Israeli or foreign law.

Foreign Company Registration

Taxation & Banking

Opinions on foreign tax law for Israeli tax-residency determinations, FATCA/CRS compliance, and the tax characterization of foreign income or assets - coordinated with the client's home-country accountants and the Israel Tax Authority.

Ask about Tax Opinions

Not sure if your matter requires a foreign legal opinion? The first consultation is free and without obligation - contact us with a brief description of the matter, and we will tell you whether an opinion is required, which country's law applies, and the realistic timeline and cost.

Foreign Legal Opinions for All 50 US States

Each US state has its own inheritance and succession laws. The foreign legal opinion must specifically address the law of the state where the deceased was domiciled at the time of death. Click a state below to see how we handle the foreign legal opinion process for that jurisdiction.

Foreign Legal Opinion for New York Residents

New York City · Manhattan · Brooklyn · Queens · Long Island · Westchester · Buffalo · Albany

New York is the largest source of US clients for foreign legal opinions related to Israeli inheritance. When the deceased was domiciled in New York and left assets in Israel, the foreign legal opinion must address the New York Estates, Powers and Trusts Law (EPTL) and the Surrogate's Court Procedure Act (SCPA) governing intestacy distribution, the validity of New York wills, and the rights of surviving spouses under New York's elective share rules. Apostille certification is obtained through the New York Department of State.

Our firm handles every step: drafting the opinion in Hebrew and English, obtaining Apostille for New York-issued documents (death certificate, will, court orders), and coordinating with the New York Surrogate's Court where simultaneous proceedings are needed. We work regularly with New York heirs in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Long Island and Westchester - entirely remotely, with no travel to Israel required.

Foreign Legal Opinion for California Residents

Los Angeles · San Francisco · San Diego · Sacramento · San Jose · Beverly Hills · Orange County

California has the second-largest Israeli-American community in the US. When the deceased was domiciled in California and left assets in Israel, the foreign legal opinion must address the California Probate Code - including the community property rules, the rules of intestate succession under Sections 6400-6414, and California's special procedures for small estates. Apostille is obtained through the California Secretary of State in Sacramento.

The firm maintains a Los Angeles office at 5240 Premiere Hills, Woodland Hills for in-person consultations, with a US direct line at +1-310-735-4210. Adv. Reut Eliyahu personally handles California-related foreign legal opinions, including matters involving California Living Trusts and Revocable Trusts that hold Israeli assets - a complex sub-specialty requiring careful coordination between California law and Israeli inheritance procedures.

Foreign Legal Opinion for Florida Residents

Miami · Miami Beach · Boca Raton · Fort Lauderdale · Tampa · Orlando · Jacksonville · Palm Beach

Florida is a major retirement destination for Israelis - particularly in Miami Beach, Aventura, Sunny Isles, Hollywood and Boca Raton. Many Florida residents own Israeli apartments they purchased decades earlier or inherited from family members. When the deceased was a Florida domiciliary, the foreign legal opinion must address the Florida Probate Code (Chapter 731-735, Florida Statutes), the homestead protections under Article X of the Florida Constitution, and Florida's elective-share statute.

Apostille certification is processed through the Florida Department of State in Tallahassee. We routinely coordinate with Florida-based probate attorneys for clients with parallel Florida proceedings, and provide all documentation suitable for IRS Form 8938 (FATCA) and FinCEN 114 (FBAR) reporting on inherited Israeli assets.

Foreign Legal Opinion for Texas Residents

Houston · Dallas · Austin · San Antonio · Fort Worth · El Paso

Texas is a community property state - a feature that significantly affects how Israeli assets are characterized and distributed under Texas inheritance law. When the deceased was domiciled in Texas, the foreign legal opinion must address the Texas Estates Code (Title 2, Chapters 201-203 on intestate succession), the special community property characterization rules, and the Texas independent administration procedures that distinguish Texas probate from most other US states.

Apostille is obtained through the Texas Secretary of State. We work with Texas heirs in Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio - entirely by Zoom, email and Apostille-certified Power of Attorney executed before a Texas notary.

Foreign Legal Opinion for New Jersey Residents

Newark · Jersey City · Hoboken · Princeton · Teaneck · Lakewood · Englewood · Bergen County

New Jersey hosts large concentrations of Israeli families - particularly in Teaneck, Englewood, Lakewood and Bergen County. When the deceased was a New Jersey domiciliary, the foreign legal opinion must address Title 3B of the New Jersey Statutes (Administration of Estates), the New Jersey rules of intestate succession, and the elective-share provisions under N.J.S. 3B:8-1 through 3B:8-19.

Apostille is obtained through the New Jersey Department of the Treasury, Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services. The proximity to New York means many New Jersey heirs have assets and family members in both states - we routinely handle cases where the foreign legal opinion needs to address both jurisdictions.

Foreign Legal Opinion for Illinois Residents

Chicago · Skokie · Highland Park · Northbrook · Buffalo Grove · Glenview

Illinois has a substantial Jewish and Israeli community concentrated in the Chicago metropolitan area - including Skokie, Highland Park, Northbrook and Glenview. When the deceased was an Illinois domiciliary, the foreign legal opinion must address the Illinois Probate Act of 1975 (755 ILCS 5/), the rules of intestate descent under Article II, and the surviving spouse's renunciation rights.

Apostille is processed through the Illinois Secretary of State in Springfield. We work with Illinois heirs entirely remotely - Zoom consultations are typically scheduled for early morning Israel time (4-7 PM CST) to accommodate Chicago business hours.

Foreign Legal Opinion for Massachusetts Residents

Boston · Cambridge · Newton · Brookline · Worcester · Sharon · Framingham

Massachusetts has a significant academic and Israeli community - particularly in the Greater Boston area, Newton, Brookline and Sharon. When the deceased was a Massachusetts domiciliary, the foreign legal opinion must address the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code (MGL Chapter 190B), the rules of intestate succession in MGL c. 190B § 2-101 et seq., and the spousal elective share provisions.

Apostille is processed through the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth. Massachusetts also recognizes Living Trusts created under M.G.L. c. 203E (the Massachusetts Uniform Trust Code) - we provide foreign legal opinions on the validity of these Trusts in Israeli inheritance proceedings.

Foreign Legal Opinion for Pennsylvania Residents

Philadelphia · Pittsburgh · Allentown · Lower Merion · Bala Cynwyd · Elkins Park

Pennsylvania has historic Jewish communities in Philadelphia (particularly the Main Line, Lower Merion and Bala Cynwyd) and in Pittsburgh's Squirrel Hill area. When the deceased was a Pennsylvania domiciliary, the foreign legal opinion must address Title 20 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries Code), the intestate succession rules in 20 Pa. C.S. §§ 2101-2114, and the elective share provisions.

Apostille is processed through the Pennsylvania Department of State. Pennsylvania also imposes a state-level inheritance tax that does not affect Israeli assets but is relevant for the overall estate planning context - we coordinate with Pennsylvania estate counsel where needed.

Foreign Legal Opinion for Arizona Residents

Phoenix · Scottsdale · Tucson · Mesa · Tempe · Sun City

Arizona is a growing destination for Israeli retirees and snowbirds - particularly Scottsdale, Phoenix and Tucson. Like Texas and California, Arizona is a community property state, which affects how Israeli assets are characterized when the deceased was a long-term Arizona resident. The foreign legal opinion must address Title 14 of the Arizona Revised Statutes (the Arizona Probate Code), the intestate succession provisions in A.R.S. § 14-2101 et seq., and the community property rules in Title 25.

Apostille is processed through the Arizona Secretary of State in Phoenix. We work with Arizona heirs entirely remotely - the two-hour time difference from California makes scheduling consultations straightforward.

Foreign Legal Opinions for All Other US States

All 50 states covered · Apostille via each State Secretary of State

Beyond the nine major states detailed above, our firm provides foreign legal opinions for residents of every US state. Each state has its own probate code, intestate succession rules, and procedural requirements that must be addressed in the foreign legal opinion. The Apostille is processed through the relevant State Secretary of State.

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arkansas
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

Foreign Legal Opinions in Israel - Service to Every Country in the World

We represent foreign heirs and clients living anywhere in the world in matters requiring an Israeli foreign legal opinion - by Zoom, email, and Apostille-certified Power of Attorney. Services in English, Hebrew and Spanish. No travel to Israel required - signed opinions are delivered by email or secure international post.

The Israeli process is largely the same regardless of where the client resides - what changes is the procedure for executing the Power of Attorney and the apostille requirements in each jurisdiction. Click on your country below to see how we work with clients in your jurisdiction.

Foreign Legal Opinion for Israelis Living Abroad

United States · Europe · Canada · Australia · South America · Worldwide

We regularly represent Israelis (yordim and dual citizens) living abroad who need a foreign legal opinion in Israel - either because they themselves are the deceased's heirs domiciled abroad, or because they are managing an estate that includes both Israeli and foreign elements. The firm's longstanding bilingual practice (Hebrew & English) is particularly suitable for this population.

Service is provided in Hebrew or English according to the client's preference. The Power of Attorney can be executed before an Israeli consulate abroad or before a local notary with subsequent Apostille - we provide instructions specific to the country and city where the client resides.

Foreign Legal Opinion for US Citizens with Israeli Assets

New York · Los Angeles · Miami · Chicago · Boston · Washington DC · Texas · all 50 states

The United States is our largest source of foreign legal opinion engagements. We cover all 50 US states - from New York and California through Florida, Texas, New Jersey, Illinois, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Arizona and every other state. Each state has its own probate code; the foreign legal opinion is tailored to the specific state of the deceased's domicile. We also handle US Living Trusts and Testamentary Trusts in Israeli proceedings.

The Power of Attorney is executed before a US notary and apostilled by the relevant State Secretary of State (or US Department of State for federal documents). The firm maintains a Los Angeles office (1-310-735-4210). Coordination with US tax counsel is straightforward - we provide documentation suitable for IRS Form 8938 (FATCA), FBAR (FinCEN 114), and Schedule D filings.

Foreign Legal Opinion for UK Residents with Israeli Assets

London · Manchester · Birmingham · Leeds · Edinburgh · Glasgow · Cardiff · Belfast · all UK

We represent British heirs and executors across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in matters requiring a foreign legal opinion in Israel. The opinion addresses the relevant succession law - including intestacy under the Administration of Estates Act 1925 for England and Wales, or the Succession (Scotland) Act 1964 for Scotland - and the relationship between an English Grant of Probate (or Scottish Confirmation) and Israeli proceedings.

The Power of Attorney is executed before a UK notary public or solicitor, then apostilled by the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) in Milton Keynes. We provide documentation suitable for HMRC reporting on inherited foreign assets and coordinate with UK probate solicitors for parallel proceedings where needed.

Foreign Legal Opinion for Canadian Heirs to Israeli Estates

Toronto · Montreal · Vancouver · Calgary · Ottawa · Edmonton · Winnipeg · Quebec City · all Canada

We represent Canadian families and heirs across all provinces in matters requiring a foreign legal opinion in Israel. The legal framework differs significantly by province - Quebec operates under civil law (the Code civil du Québec), while Ontario, BC, Alberta and other provinces operate under common-law inheritance principles. The foreign legal opinion addresses the relevant provincial law: Ontario's Succession Law Reform Act, BC's Wills, Estates and Succession Act, Quebec's droit successoral, or the applicable Alberta legislation.

The Power of Attorney is executed before a Canadian notary or lawyer and apostilled or authenticated under provincial procedures. We provide documentation suitable for CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) reporting on inherited Israeli assets, including coordination with Canadian estate counsel where needed.

Opinion Juridique pour Familles Françaises avec Héritage Israélien

Paris · Marseille · Lyon · Nice · Toulouse · Bordeaux · Strasbourg · Lille · all France

The Franco-Israeli connection runs deep - many French families hold property in Netanya, Tel Aviv, Herzliya, Ashdod and Jerusalem alongside their French estates. We represent French heirs and executors in matters requiring a foreign legal opinion in Israel. The opinion addresses the French Civil Code rules of forced heirship (réserve héréditaire), the role of the notaire in French succession, and the application of EU Succession Regulation 650/2012 where relevant.

The Power of Attorney is prepared in English (with French translations where helpful) and executed before a French notaire, then apostilled by the relevant cour d'appel. We coordinate closely with French notaires on parallel French succession proceedings where the estate spans both jurisdictions.

Foreign Legal Opinion for Australian Citizens with Israeli Property

Sydney · Melbourne · Brisbane · Perth · Adelaide · Canberra · Gold Coast · all Australia

We represent Australian heirs and executors from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and elsewhere in matters requiring a foreign legal opinion in Israel. The opinion addresses the inheritance law of the relevant Australian state or territory - New South Wales Succession Act 2006, Victoria's Administration and Probate Act 1958, Queensland's Succession Act 1981, and equivalent legislation in WA, SA, ACT and Tasmania.

The Power of Attorney is executed before an Australian notary public and apostilled by the DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade). The 8-10 hour time difference is managed through evening/early-morning Zoom calls and asynchronous email communication. We provide documentation suitable for ATO (Australian Taxation Office) reporting on inherited foreign assets.

Opinião Jurídica para Famílias Brasileiras com Herança em Israel

São Paulo · Rio de Janeiro · Brasília · Salvador · Belo Horizonte · Porto Alegre · all Brazil

The Brazilian-Israeli community is one of the largest Jewish communities in Latin America, with deep ties between São Paulo and Tel Aviv. We represent Brazilian heirs in matters requiring a foreign legal opinion in Israel. The opinion addresses the Brazilian Civil Code (Código Civil) inheritance rules - particularly the legítima (forced share) for descendants, ascendants and spouses under Articles 1.845 and 1.846.

The Power of Attorney is executed before a Brazilian tabelião and apostilled under the Hague Apostille Convention (in force in Brazil since 2016). Service is provided in Portuguese, Spanish, English or Hebrew according to the family's preference.

Opinión Jurídica para Familias Argentinas con Herencia en Israel

Buenos Aires · Córdoba · Rosario · Mendoza · Mexico City · Santiago · all Latin America

The Argentine Jewish community is the largest in Latin America, with strong historical and family ties to Israel. We represent Argentine heirs and clients across Latin America (Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Mexico, Peru, Colombia) in matters requiring a foreign legal opinion in Israel. The opinion addresses the Argentine Civil and Commercial Code (Código Civil y Comercial) rules of sucesión, including the rules of forced heirship and partición.

Servicio completo en español. The Power of Attorney is executed before an Argentine escribano público and apostilled under the Hague Convention. We work regularly with families across Buenos Aires, Córdoba and Mendoza, as well as Latin American clients in Chile, Uruguay and Mexico.

Foreign Legal Opinion for Clients in Russia, Ukraine & CIS

Moscow · Saint Petersburg · Kyiv · Odesa · Kharkiv · Minsk · all Russia & CIS

The Russian-speaking community is one of the largest in Israel, reflecting decades of aliyah from the former Soviet Union. We represent heirs and clients in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Uzbekistan and other CIS countries in matters requiring a foreign legal opinion in Israel. The opinion addresses the relevant national inheritance code - the Russian Civil Code Articles 1110-1185 on succession, the Ukrainian Civil Code, or equivalent legislation.

The Power of Attorney is executed before a local notary; apostille and authentication procedures vary by country, and we provide specific country-by-country instructions. Service is available in Hebrew, English and Russian through associate counsel.

Foreign Legal Opinions for Clients Worldwide

South Africa · Spain · Portugal · Netherlands · Germany · Switzerland · Belgium · Italy · worldwide

We provide foreign legal opinions for clients across the world - including the South African Jewish community (Johannesburg, Cape Town), the Spanish and Portuguese Sephardic communities (Madrid, Lisbon), and Northern European Jewish communities in the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and Belgium. Each country has its own inheritance law and apostille procedure; the principles of the Hague Apostille Convention generally apply where the country is a member.

The first consultation includes a country-specific assessment of the apostille requirements, the relevant inheritance law to be addressed in the opinion, and the local notarization procedures. Over 19+ years of cross-border practice, the firm has handled foreign legal opinions for clients in more than 20 countries.

Overseas Clients

How We Work With Clients Outside Israel

Foreign legal opinions and Israeli inheritance proceedings are handled entirely remotely. You do not need to visit our office, travel to Israel, or handle any filings yourself. Here is how the firm serves overseas clients:

Time Zone-Friendly Consultations

Evening Zoom calls for North America (Israel morning = US evening). Early-morning calls for Australia. Daytime calls for UK, Europe and South America. Available 24/6.

Apostille-Certified Power of Attorney

One-time notarized Power of Attorney with Apostille certification gives the firm authority to act in your name in Israel - filings with the Registrar of Inheritance Affairs, banks, land registry, no need to fly here.

Documents Submitted Online

All documents reviewed, signed, and submitted digitally. Original signed opinions delivered by email or secure international courier when a hard copy is legally required. Typical preparation: 2 to 4 weeks.

Multi-Language Service

Full service in English, Hebrew and Spanish. Translation services available for French, Portuguese and Russian through associate counsel. Every conversation in your preferred language.

Fast, Predictable Timelines

Foreign legal opinion preparation: typically 2 to 4 weeks. Israeli succession or will probate order after filing: 2 to 6 months for straightforward cases. Each step explained in advance.

Fair, Transparent Fees

A clear written fee quote is provided at the free initial consultation, before any work begins. The fee depends on the country involved and the complexity of the case. No hidden costs, no surprises.

📍 Cities we work with regularly: New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Boston, Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, London, Manchester, Sydney, Melbourne, Paris, Lyon, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Madrid, Lisbon, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Moscow and Kyiv. If your city is not listed, contact us - in most cases we can still help.

You deserve experienced legal representation for your Israeli cross-border matter.

Foreign legal opinions for succession orders, will probate, real estate transactions, US Trusts and commercial matters - one conversation can clarify everything. Free first consultation, no obligation.

Sun-Thu 08:00-19:00 · Fri 08:00-13:00 · By Zoom, email, or remotely worldwide - no travel to Israel required

About Eliyahu & Co. Law Office

Adv. Reut Eliyahu, Israeli foreign legal opinion attorney for US, Canada and UK heirs, Eliyahu & Co. Law Office, Herzliya Pituach

Adv. Reut Eliyahu

Founder · Eliyahu & Co. Law Office · Israel Bar Association since 2007

Eliyahu & Co. Law Office, founded in 2007 and based in Herzliya Pituach (with a Los Angeles office), is an Israeli law firm specializing in foreign legal opinions for cross-border inheritance, probate, real estate and commercial matters. The firm represents foreign heirs, beneficiaries, executors and investors from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Brazil and worldwide.

Over more than 19 years of practice, the firm has handled foreign legal opinions in every category of Israeli legal proceeding - succession orders and will probate orders under the Israeli Succession Law 5725-1965, US Trust validations, real estate transactions, sales of publicly-traded Israeli shares, and foreign company registrations. The firm has experience with all 50 US states, all Canadian provinces, and the legal systems of common-law and civil-law jurisdictions worldwide.

At the head of the firm is Adv. Reut Eliyahu, advocate and licensed notary. She holds an LL.B law degree and an MBA with a specialization in marketing, and is a registered arbitrator. Adv. Eliyahu personally reviews and signs every foreign legal opinion prepared by the firm. The combination of legal expertise, notarial authority and direct cross-border experience - together with full remote service in English, Hebrew and Spanish - makes the firm a particularly suitable choice for foreign families dealing with Israeli legal matters.

Israel Bar 2007 Licensed Notary LL.B + MBA Registered Arbitrator EN · HE · ES 5.0 Rated

📍 Most clients come through personal referrals from past clients - a reflection of the personal, responsive service the firm provides. A first consultation is free and without obligation.

What Our Clients Say

★★★★★ 5.0

Top-rated by clients worldwide for foreign legal opinions, cross-border probate and Israeli inheritance matters - in English, Hebrew and Spanish.

Most new clients reach us through personal referrals from past clients - a reflection of the personal, responsive service the firm provides.

Who Qualifies as a Foreign Law Expert in Israel?

Not every attorney can prepare a foreign legal opinion accepted by the Israeli Registrar of Inheritance Affairs or by Israeli courts. The qualifications required are defined by Israeli case law.

The Berg ruling - CA 6796/97 Berg Jacob & Sons (Furniture) Ltd v. Berg East Imports: The Israeli Supreme Court established that a foreign law expert is an attorney or jurist who practices within the foreign legal system - either in active practice or in an academic capacity - and who has acquired genuine knowledge and experience in that system. Where the expert's opinion is not contradicted by other evidence, the court will generally accept it.

The Court also adopted the criteria of the late Prof. Menachem Shava, under which a foreign law expert may be: (1) an attorney or judge actively practicing in the foreign legal system; (2) a jurist in an official role requiring knowledge of foreign law; or (3) any person who has acquired comprehensive knowledge of the foreign legal system through their professional activities.

Foreign Legal Opinions for US Law - Who May Prepare Them?

Under the Berg ruling, an attorney licensed in one US state who actively practices US law and has acquired the relevant knowledge and experience may provide a foreign legal opinion regarding other US states as well. This means that an attorney licensed in New York may be qualified to provide opinions regarding California, Florida, Texas, Illinois, Massachusetts, Delaware, Nevada, Pennsylvania and other states.

At Eliyahu & Co. Law Office, the attorneys providing foreign legal opinions for each country and jurisdiction meet the qualifications required by Israeli case law and by the Registrar of Inheritance Affairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact

Discuss Your Matter - Free First Consultation

Tell us briefly about the matter - the country of the deceased or foreign party, the type of assets in Israel (real estate, bank accounts, securities), and whether a will exists. We will get back to you within one business day. The first consultation is free and without obligation.

You can also read more about succession orders, will probate applications, inheritance disputes, selling Israeli shares for foreign shareholders, and notary and apostille services.

✓ Thank you - we received your message and will be in touch within one business day.

We respond within one business day. First consultation is free and without obligation.

🇮🇱 Office Phone (Israel)
+972-74-704-7104
🇺🇸 US Phone (Los Angeles)
+1-310-735-4210
💬 WhatsApp
+972-74-704-7104
Israel Office

HaOgen 4
Herzliya Pituach, 46555
Israel

US Office

5240 Premiere Hills #107
Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, CA

Office Hours (Israel)

Sun – Thu: 08:00 – 19:00
Fri: 08:00 – 13:00

Languages

English · Hebrew · Spanish

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