Legal Definitions - foreign county

A foreign county refers to an administrative division, known as a county, that is located outside the specific country or legal jurisdiction where a particular legal matter is being considered. It distinguishes a county situated in another sovereign nation from a county within the domestic legal system.

• Scenario: An American citizen living in Texas wishes to enforce a judgment they obtained in a Texas court against a debtor who has since moved to and owns assets in County Cork, Ireland.

  Explanation: From the perspective of the Texas legal system, County Cork is a foreign county. To enforce the judgment in Ireland, the Texas citizen would need to follow specific international legal procedures for recognizing and enforcing foreign judgments, as County Cork operates under the distinct legal framework of Ireland.

• Scenario: A Canadian company based in British Columbia is negotiating a land purchase for a new facility in Kent, England. The legal team in Canada needs to understand the local planning regulations and property laws applicable to that specific area.

  Explanation: For the Canadian company and its legal advisors, Kent is a foreign county. The acquisition process, including due diligence on zoning, environmental regulations, and property transfer, will be governed by the laws and administrative practices of England, not Canada, because the land is situated within that foreign jurisdiction.

• Scenario: An individual in Australia is preparing their will and wants to include a specific bequest of a family heirloom located at a property in Auckland Council (which encompasses a region often referred to as a "county" in New Zealand's administrative structure), New Zealand.

  Explanation: In this context, Auckland Council represents a foreign county from the Australian legal viewpoint. While the will is drafted under Australian law, the legal validity of the bequest concerning property physically located in New Zealand might also need to consider New Zealand's inheritance and property laws, especially regarding its transfer and taxation.