In cross-border matters, early decisions shape everything that follows, and are often the most expensive to fix later.
These matters are rarely only legal. They affect decisions about family, assets, and where life moves next
Licensed in New York · Licensed in Israel · EN · HE · ES
For families whose ties span more than one country.
I handle divorce, custody, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in U.S. courts.
For individuals whose wealth, family, or legal ties cross borders.
I structure wills and succession plans that hold across legal systems, not just within one.
For international clients investing in the U.S., primarily in real estate and across other asset classes.
I advise on ownership structures, FIRPTA and cross-border tax coordination, entity formation, contracts, and ongoing strategy for foreign investors building or managing a U.S. portfolio.
For family, investment, and estate disputes that cross jurisdictions.
I act as both a mediator and an arbitrator in cross-border matters, an efficient, controlled alternative to litigation across borders.
Karnit Wesseling is a cross-border attorney based in New York, licensed in both New York and Israel. Her practice sits at the intersection of family law, investment c ounsel, and estate planning, for individuals, families, and international clients whose lives do not fit within one country’s borders.
Most cross-border attorneys specialize in one area. Karnit works across all three, so clients get a coordinated strategy instead of three separate
advisors working in isolation. Karnit’s practice spans both sides of cross-border work, drafting the structures and agreements that prevent disputes, and litigating when disputes arise. Knowing how matters unfold in court shapes how documents are built in the first place.
When planning is not possible at the start, the same hands that structure are the ones that resolve. She stays with clients at every step.
This is what allows clients to move forward with clarity, rather than manage multiple advisors with competing approaches.
Before the structure is set, not after.
Early choices about ownership, taxes, and how the investment fits with your family and estate are the ones most expensive to fix later.
Yes. Many clients live outside the U.S. but have matters that touch U.S. law, through property, an investment, a spouse, or an inheritance.
The work is done remotely.
Sometimes, but not always at the start.
I map where each jurisdiction is actually relevant. Where local counsel is needed, I coordinate it so it does not become another burden for you.
I map your full situation across the jurisdictions involved, family, investments, and estate, and outline a clear strategy with concrete next steps.
Consultations are available in English, Hebrew, and Spanish.
You do not have to figure this out alone, let’s talk.
If your matter crosses borders, family, investments, or estate, I am glad to hear from you.
