Different countries have different laws affecting how your assets will be handled after you die. It is especially important to understand the regulations and laws of different countries. If you have in one country and reside in another. Knowing this can be exceptionally important for couples in a cohabitation partnership that does not include legal marriage.
Whereas in some countries, you can decide how you wish for your assets to be settled after your death by making a legal will, in many countries you cannot do that because of forced inheritance laws. Your domicile or main residence is what ties you to a particular legal system and is used to decide what law applies to the settlement of your assets upon your death.
The type of asset you own also has a bearing on which countries rules will apply, and if you will need to have more than one will. Therefore, it is important to be cognizant of the rules that apply to wherever your property is located so that your wishes can be followed. For instance, real estate is passed on in accordance to the rules of the country where it is located and personal possessions are disbursed according to the laws of the country where your primary residence is.
Many countries have an inheritance provision for families and dependents act that seeks to protect anyone not benefited under your will or if you happen to die intestate, but are financially dependent on you.