Seasoned Expat Attorney

Last updated on September 16, 2026

US citizens living abroad, also known as “expats,” can have a frustrating experience with US law. As citizens, they have obligations to the US, but living outside the country may alter those obligations in uncertain, confusing ways. Expats also have duties to their country of residence, which have their own complications and creates layers of issues, especially with regard to tax compliance.

In short, expats need the attention of a thorough, experienced attorney like Paul Manigrasso. He dedicates his work to untangling intricate legal problems for his clients, and he’ll go to any length necessary. He will travel across the world to meet with clients and provide actionable solutions to their expat tax law problems.

The Problems Facing Expats

“Expat law” is a general term for the various struggles that expatriate Americans have to overcome. With the help of Manigrasso Law Firm, PLLC, you can find an easier way forward in such problems as:

• International taxes: Taxes in your country of residence, as well as US taxes, are legal financial obligations that you must address to maintain your residency and good standing.
• Dual citizenship: Residents of other countries for long periods of time may seek citizenship there. The path to citizenship in any country is fraught with difficulties, but with help it is possible.
• Overseas business setup: Expats generally have every right to pursue opening a business in the country they reside in, but that can be a complicated endeavor. Acquiring permission and licenses in this scenario is potentially difficult.
• Visas: Expatriate Americans must maintain the appropriate visa and other documents for their country of residency, and this involves regular filing and following the often confusing immigration laws, business laws, and civil codes of whatever country you are in.

Any of these problems can bring stress and confusion to a person’s life, but Paul Manigrasso can help you build a plan to resolve these. He has extensive experience in law and negotiation, and is capable of providing you with a thorough plan of action.

Frequently Asked Questions About Expat Law

Because expats have to overcome legal problems in multiple countries, they will have many questions about what is ahead. Paul Manigrasso is able to answer your most sensitive, specific questions once he meets with you. To help you get started with figuring out your problem, here are a few of the commonly asked questions he gets.

What visa structure allows rapid deployment with dependent work rights?

The main options for relocating abroad while maintaining work rights are intracompany transfer, digital nomad, and investor visas. However, the way these operate differ from country to country. For example, the “digital nomad” visa is an informal name for a type of visa that allows a person to reside in one country and work remotely in another. These are typically long-term visas and are available in certain countries. The right choice of visa strategy is going to depend on your goals for yourself and your work, and that’s a discussion that Paul Manigrasso can have with you today.

How can high net worth expats secure residency or dual citizenship through investment programs?

Many countries have specific citizenship paths for investors, but each country has different quotas and requirements. If you want to pursue dual citizenship as an investor, Paul Manigrasso can provide you with a detailed roadmap for your country of residence.

Are prenuptial agreements and international wills drafted in one country legally binding in another?

Potentially, but there are no promises when it comes to cross-border recognition of any legal document. The problem with a prenuptial agreement or will is that each country has its own sovereignty and is not automatically bound to agreements from outside absent a treaty provision.

As a practical matter, many countries will recognize documents created abroad, especially if the legal principles applied are similar in both countries.

How does foreign physical presence or domicile impact local estate taxes and cross-border inheritance?

Inheritance and estate taxes are generally a matter of local law, and your physical location abroad does not impact how a US probate court will resolve an estate matter. Your heirs may have to go through multiple probate and ancillary probate processes, which is a daunting proposition. This is why estate planning with an eye to international inheritance is a necessary exercise for many expats.

What are my foreign financial asset reporting requirements (e.g., US FATCA/FBAR, European Common Reporting Standard)?

For US citizens living abroad, there are thresholds determining whether FATCA or FBAR reports must be filed when it comes to reporting your financial asset information. If you have assets above $200,000, you generally report your holdings via FATCA. If less, you would use FBAR. Remember that these amounts and requirements are subject to change.

The European Common Reporting Standards are financial standards followed by member countries of the European Union and some “G20” states regarding information sharing. If you’re doing business in European banks, it’s likely some of your wealth and assets have been reported as part of the effort to curtail tax evasion.

Complex Questions Made Simple

Living overseas is often a life goal for US citizens, but it does not come without serious difficulties or challenges. Manigrasso Law Firm, PLLC, is here to help you find the answers to the complications ahead. Call the firm at 214-310-0535 or send an email using this online form to learn more.