[rclimie]

Hello,
My husband and I are Canadians who have been living in Hong Kong for 7 years. We have not yet created a will, and need to do so immediately...does anyone know how we should go about this quickly and cheaply? Is in mandatory to have a lawyer notarize it in order for it to be "official"? Any help/contacts would be so greatly appreciated!!

Thanks!

[KnowItAll]

A solicitor would draw up a not so complicated will for around $3000 or $5000 for a couple.

[KnowItAll]

Sample rates - http://www.speedysue.com/en/eframe.htm

Susan Liang whose site I've linked to is also someone we recommend.

[Flat Hunter]

You have to also consider where the majority of your assets are. If they are back in Canada then I would recommend having a Canadian will. If they are here then a HK will. The laws on handling estates upon death differ from country to country so you need to ensure that the correct will enables your final wishes to be carried out correctly and not contested.

[PDLM]

Indeed, but the law that applies is generally the one where you are domiciled. It doesn't matter so much where the will was drawn up. Unfortunately, "domicile" is a rather soft concept. If you have taken HK Permanent Residence then you could make a case for it being here if you don't still have property in your previous home country.

[KnowItAll]

Really not sure how it works ... some folks that I know in the financial industry have separate wills for each country they own assets in, just to ensure that they're in compliance with the laws of that country.