STEP Advanced Certificate in Cross-Border Estates
Get detailed insight into issues that arise from cross-border estate and succession planning.
This Advanced Certificate can be taken as part of the STEP Diploma.
Expert-led learning
Practical and relevant
Flexible online learning
Recognised worldwide
Solutions for teams
Flexible ways to pay
Course overview
The course will explore the issues that advisers need to consider when advising clients with a cross-border aspect to their estate.
- Efficient cross-border estate administration: Learn how to administer a cross-border estate efficiently, encompassing various legal systems and considering issues of property, intestacy, and conventions.
- Cross-jurisdictional expertise: Appreciate fundamental differences between common law, civil law, and Shariah law systems, providing insights into their approaches to succession and family matters.
- Practical application skills: Acquire hands-on knowledge to advise on the practical application of EU Regulation 650/2012 and understand approaches in non-bound jurisdictions.
- Tax regime proficiency: Understand tax regimes across different jurisdictions and their impact on the estate, including the effects of applicable tax treaties on investments.
- Build valuable connections: Network with like-minded professionals in varied roles and firms from all over the world.
- Industry recognition: Awarded in association with Alliance Manchester Business School, a School of the University of Manchester.
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Course details
Price£1100+ local taxes if applicable
MembershipTo take this course you need to be a member of STEP at Affiliate level or higher.
Set3 - Electives.
DeliveryAccess to an online learning platform with full study materials, and a final assignment.
CertificateAwarded in association with Alliance Manchester Business School, the University of Manchester.
Next Course Start Date(s)04 January 2027
21 June 2027
21 June 2027
Course dates
Enrol now
Are you a STEP member?
You need to be a member of STEP at Affiliate level to take this course.
If you are not a member yet, you can join STEP directly via their website. Please allow five working days for your membership application to be approved by STEP.
Applicable local taxes and discounts will be added to your basket on checkout for this course.
- Internationally recognised
- Progress towards TEP status
- Connect with STEP's international professional network
Group booking discounts
Tailored pricing plans and group rate cards are available for firms seeking to train multiple team members or larger groups of employees. We are happy to work with you to design a cost-effective solution that aligns with your training goals and budget. Ask about group bookings.
Instalment Plans
You can pay for your course fees in instalments if you choose the interest-free instalment plans available for certain courses. Specifically, you can opt for three equal monthly instalments for Certificate and Advanced Certificate level courses that total over £800 (excluding VAT), or six equal monthly instalments for the Professional Postgraduate Diploma. Payments can be made using a credit or debit card.
What will I learn?
- Introduction to Cross-Border Estates1 topic (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- Differences between common law, civil law and Shariah law systems (and those that are hybrid)4 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- Private international law of succession and international instruments7 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- Formal and substantive validity of a testentary document and statutory claims7 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- Renvoi3 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- EU succession regulation7 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- Family law and civil status5 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- Property and succession5 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- An overview of tax considerations4 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- Winding up the estate (transfer of assets to heirs and settlement of liabilities)5 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
- Information exchange - combating money laundering, terrorist financing and tax evasion6 topics (see the full topic list in the syllabus, opens in a new tab)
Course format
This course is available for study twice a year and takes four months to complete. It is delivered online.
Enrolment onto this course will include access to an online learning platform containing:
- bespoke course reading
- self-assessment tools
- supporting material
The course is assessed by way of a 3,500-4,000 word written assignment, based on a case study published two months before submission.
Once you have successfully completed this course, you will be awarded the STEP Advanced Certificate in Cross-Border Estates.
Is this course right for me?
The course is designed for all professionals dealing with wills, succession, and probate in relation to cross-border estates.
Students of this course typically include:
- wealth managers
- estate planners
- solicitors/lawyers
- accountants
- tax advisers
- notaries
- advocates
- family business advisers
- private bankers
- family office executives
- financial planners
- trust officers
- trustees
FAQs
Do I need to be a STEP member to enrol?
Yes, in order to enrol on a STEP Advanced Certificate, you will need to be an Affiliate Member or higher. STEP qualifications require students to hold the correct level of membership before enrolment. This ensures students are part of the STEP professional framework, have access to resources, and meet eligibility criteria.
You can apply for membership directly from the STEP website.
If all required information is submitted correctly, STEP typically processes membership applications within 5 working days.
How long does this qualification take to complete?
Most STEP Qualifications take around 4 months to complete. You will gain access to online learning materials and there will be a final assignment based on a case study published two months before the submission deadline. We recommend study time of 4-6 hours per week for the duration of the course.
Can I take this course standalone?
Yes, this qualification can be taken as a standalone qualification if you wish, or as part of the STEP Diploma, which comprises of 4 STEP Advanced Certificates from applicable sets.
How is this qualification assessed?
This qualification is assessed by way of a 3,500-4,000 word written assignment, based on a case study published two months before submission.
What jobs or career opportunities can this qualification support?
The qualification is particularly relevant for wealth managers, estate planners, solicitors/lawyers, accountants, tax advisers, notaries, advocates, family business advisers, private bankers, family office executives, financial planners, trust officers & trustees.
Is this course suitable for international students?
Yes. The course is designed for an international audience, can be studied globally, and focuses on international trust concepts relevant across multiple jurisdictions.