22 C.F.R. § 72.21 Responsibility if will intended to operate locally exists.
Title 22 - Foreign Relations
If a will is discovered which is intended to operate locally, and a local or domiciliary representative named by the decedent qualifies promptly and takes charge of the personal estate, the consular officer should assume no responsibility for the estate (§§72.18 and 72.19), and should not take possession, inventory and dispose of the personal property and effects or in any way serve as agent for the local or domiciliary representative. However, if the laws of the country permit and if the local or domicillary representative does not qualify promptly, the consular officer may have take protective action in the interest of the estate to the extent of placing his seal on the personal property and effects of the decedent, such seal to be broken or removed only at the request of the local or domiciliary representative. Furthermore, he should see that the foreign authorities accord due recognition to the American interests involved and provide proper protection for the property under local procedures. If prolonged delays are encountered by the local or domiciliary representative in making arrangements to take charge of the personal estate, the consular officer may request that the will be offered for probate, if in his judgement such action is advisable in the interest of the estate.
Title 22: Foreign Relations
PART 72—DEATHS AND ESTATES
Personal Estates of Deceased Citizens
§ 72.21 Responsibility if will intended to operate locally exists.
