Legal services abroad are sometimes a necessity. In such cases, it is worth turning to professionals. What does it cover and when is it worth using? Find out what international legal assistance involves.
Table of Contents
- What Are Legal Services Abroad?
- When Should You Use Legal Services Abroad?
- How Does Cooperation with a Law Firm Work As Part of Legal Services Abroad?
- Practical Differences between Countries
- Risks of Acting Without Legal Assistance
- Advantages of using professional legal services
- Legal Services Abroad – Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions About Legal Services Abroad
What Are Legal Services Abroad?
Legal services abroad involves handling cases that go beyond one legal jurisdiction. This means cases with a so-called cross-border element. This can include situations such as:
- natural persons with citizenship or property in more than one country,
- entrepreneurs operating in several countries,
- legal cases pending in a country other than the customer’s place of residence.
Types of Cases Covered by Legal Services Abroad:
Civil and Property Law
- Inheritance matters involving foreign elements (e.g., succession of real estate abroad).
- Pursuit of claims for damages caused abroad.
- Real estate transactions in foreign jurisdictions.
Family Law
- International divorce proceedings.
- Establishing child support for minors residing abroad.
- Enforcement of foreign court judgments.
Commercial Law
- Company formation outside Poland.
- International commercial contracts.
- Trademark registration with the EUIPO or WIPO.
Labour and Social Security Law
- Pursuit of employee claims abroad.
- Recognition of employment periods within the European Union.
- Employment disputes with foreign employers.
Tax Law
- Inheritance and gift tax on assets located abroad.
- Taxation of income earned in foreign countries.
- Avoiding double taxation.
When Should You Use Legal Services Abroad?
A lawyer experienced in cross-border matters can help not only in major transactions or litigation. Many everyday situations may lead to unexpected legal complications.
Most common cases include:
- Inheriting assets from a person residing abroad.
- Buying a house or apartment outside Poland.
- Divorce involving a spouse of foreign nationality.
- Debt recovery from a foreign business partner.
- Running a business that exports goods or services.
- Hiring employees in another EU member state.
How Does Cooperation with a Law Firm Work As Part of Legal Services Abroad?
A solid law firm understands the law and builds a reliable network of partners abroad. Cross-border cases require coordinated actions across multiple jurisdictions.
Typical forms of cooperation include:
- One-time assignments (e.g., review of a contract in a foreign language).
- Power of attorney for court representation.
- Ongoing legal support for foreign clients or Polish clients with international interests.
- Collaboration with foreign law firms (often on a reciprocity basis).
- Translation of legal and procedural documents.
Practical Differences between Countries
Legal systems differ not only by law but also by court structure, formal requirements, and practice. Understanding these differences is crucial when planning your legal strategy.
| Country | Legal specifics |
| Germany | Written form often required; common residence registration duties; inheritance law varies by federal state. |
| United Kingdom | Common law system based on precedent; significant role of family courts; high litigation costs. |
| France | Many legal acts require notarisation; tax obligations apply even to minor gifts. |
| Italy | Complex inheritance proceedings; document legalisation requirements. |
| United States | State law differences; attorney representation required in most states. |
| Spain | Real estate contracts must be notarised; strict registration regulations |
Risks of Acting Without Legal Assistance
Handling matters on your own in a foreign legal system can lead to costly mistakes — both formal and material.
Possible consequences include:
- Invalid legal acts (e.g., contracts made without the required form)
- Inability to enforce a foreign court judgment in Poland
- Issues with tax or registration authorities
- Loss of claims due to incorrect legal action or crossed limitation periods
- Personal liability for informal or inaccurate advice instead of professional legal support
Advantages of using professional legal services
Cooperation with a law firm providing international legal services ensures:
- formal and linguistic compliance,
- faster and more effective operation in a foreign system,
- coordination of cases on many fronts,
- representation before courts and foreign offices,
- ongoing advice for long-term presence in foreign markets.
Legal Services Abroad – Summary
Legal services abroad are the key to safe and effective operations outside of Poland. Both for individuals and companies. By working with a law firm specialising in cross-border cases, you can avoid costly mistakes. We can protect your interests in unfamiliar legal environments.
Are you facing a legal challenge abroad? Don’t act blindly. Our experts provide professional assistance in every jurisdiction. Contact us and benefit from our experience and extensive international network.
Frequently Asked Questions About Legal Services Abroad
1. What is an international legal service?
It is comprehensive legal assistance provided in cases with a foreign element. For example, divorce with a foreigner, buying real estate abroad, or inheritance from a person living abroad.
2. What cases does international legal service cover?
Family, inheritance, property, commercial, tax, and employment matters with a foreign element.
3. Can a law firm represent me in court abroad?
Yes – without your presence, if you grant a power of attorney.
4. How much does international legal service cost?
The cost is determined individually depending on the country, type of case, and required actions.
5. Does legal support abroad cover only businesses?
No. It often concerns individuals as well (inheritance, divorces, alimony).
6. What documents are needed to handle a foreign case?
Usually: ID card/passport, power of attorney, court rulings, and documents translated into the official language.
7. What does cooperation with an international law firm look like?
Typically, it involves close coordination of actions. The Polish law firm contacts foreign partners, handles documents, and represents the client.
8. What are the risks of legal mistakes made without knowledge of foreign law?
From contract invalidity to criminal, administrative, or financial liability.
9. Does the law firm cooperate with notaries and tax advisors abroad?
Yes – comprehensive legal service requires interdisciplinary cooperation.
10. Where can I find more information about the law applicable abroad?
For example, on the European e-Justice Portal or in the legal database of the respective country.