Families and individuals with connections to both the United States and the United Kingdom face some of the most complex tax, succession and compliance challenges in private wealth. Differing concepts of residence, domicile and citizenship, combined with parallel tax systems and extensive reporting obligations, mean that planning undertaken in isolation in one jurisdiction can have unintended — and costly — consequences in the other.
Weightmans’ US–UK tax and estate planning practice provides clear, coordinated advice for internationally mobile individuals, families, trustees and fiduciaries. We help clients navigate the interaction between UK and US tax regimes, structure their affairs efficiently, and put robust succession plans in place with confidence.
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Weightmans has a well-established and cohesive team, with broad and deep skills. The team members know their areas of expertise but also can tap into a global network of attorneys where necessary.
Chambers and Partners, 2026
Weightmans gives detailed and careful advice in addition to being responsive and quick to address the issues. The team has excellent knowledge and technical skill to deal with complex matters.
Chambers and Partners, 2026
The staff are very personable and easy to interact with, and generally good at interacting with our clients.
Chambers and Partners, 2026
My involvement with Weightman's has identified legal professionals who are responsive, highly skilled, approachable and pragmatic. I had great confidence in their guidance, organisation and judgement which was delivered clearly.
Legal 500 2026
Weightmans have a detail-oriented approach. They maintain meticulous records, ensure accuracy in legal documents and catch potential errors or inconsistencies before they arise.
Chambers and Partners, 2026
The team clearly work very well together and put clients' needs as a priority.
Chambers and Partners, 2026
Weightmans have an excellent communication style which builds trust and confidence among delegates.
Chambers and Partners, 2026
The advice from Weightmans is accurate, practical, delivered on time and in an exceptionally professional manner.
Chambers and Partners, 2026
I have been instructed by Weightmans as counsel. I have been impressed by the quality of the instructions which have identified the salient issues. The firm is responsive and easy to work with from the point of view of counsel.
Legal 500, 2026
This practice stands out for its exceptional expertise, innovative approach, and client-centered service. The team is known for being trustworthy, reliable, and highly knowledgeable, always prioritising clients’ best interests. Clients are kept well-informed every step of the way, empowering them with the insight and support needed to make confident, informed decisions.
Legal 500, 2026
Weightmans has exceptionally experienced and knowledgeable individuals.
Chambers 2025
I have been extremely impressed by their ability to receive a case at short notice and provide very effective legal representation throughout.
Chambers 2025
Successful US–UK planning requires advisers who understand both systems simultaneously. Our lawyers are experienced in advising on the full range of UK private client matters while working closely with US tax advisers, attorneys and family offices to ensure solutions are practical, compliant and aligned on both sides of the Atlantic.
Where an individual or family has connections with both the UK and the US, their Will and wider estate planning need to take account of two very different legal and tax systems. This may arise through citizenship or residence, the location of family members, or the ownership of assets on both sides of the Atlantic. We advise US citizens living in the UK, UK individuals with US assets or family connections, and internationally mobile families on Wills and succession planning designed to work effectively across both jurisdictions. Depending on the circumstances, this may involve a single Will covering worldwide assets or coordinated UK and US Wills, with careful consideration given to UK inheritance tax, US federal and state estate taxes, the interaction between the two regimes and the treatment of existing trusts and other estate planning structures.
Cross-border estate planning is rarely something that should be considered in isolation. We work closely with our clients' US attorneys, accountants and other professional advisers to ensure that their UK arrangements complement their wider US estate plan and do not inadvertently create adverse consequences in either jurisdiction. This can include reviewing existing US Wills and trusts from a UK perspective, putting appropriate English Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney in place, and advising on the succession and administration of estates containing assets in both countries. The objective is straightforward: to provide joined-up advice which gives clients confidence that their arrangements will operate as intended on both sides of the Atlantic.
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About Jonathan:
Jonathan heads the International Private Wealth offering at Weightmans. Jonathan is a trust, tax and estates lawyer and deals with all aspects of personal estates, wills and tax planning for UK-based and international clients. Jonathan specialises in offering international private wealth advice.
About Joshua:
Joshua advises individuals, families, trustees, family businesses, and onshore and offshore fiduciaries on all aspects of UK and cross-border tax and succession planning.
