Notary family law: union, separation, adoption

Updated on Thursday 13 November 2025

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I entered into a civil partnership 5 years ago. We separated 2 years ago without breaking our civil union. I've met someone and we're getting married. Is it true that marriage automatically ends the civil union?

Yes, the marriage of one of the partners, including to a third party, automatically terminates the Civil union (art. 515-7, al. 1 C. civ.). The civil registrar at the place of the ceremony must make a note of the marriage in the margin of the birth certificate (of the ex-partner…
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My sister and I are heirs to our father’s estate. My sister is under enhanced guardianship (curatelle renforcée). Do we need the judge’s authorisation to accept the inheritance outright?

No, subject to conditions. A person under guardianship may accept an inheritance alone, provided they have a certificate from the notary stating that the assets clearly exceed the liabilities (Article 467 of the French Civil Code, which refers to Article 507-1 of the Civil Code on guardianship). In the absence
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My husband and I have been living apart for several years and no longer have any contact. I found out that he's started a new life. Is it possible to deprive him of all the rights to my estate?

No. Subject to the absence of children and the predecease of the deceased's father and mother, the surviving (non-divorced) spouse is entitled to the full inheritance of his or her spouse (art. 757-2 C. civ.). Although you can reduce your husband's rights by bequeathing your assets to whomever you wish…
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My mother, who has Alzheimer's disease, lives in a retirement home. The latter no longer has enough cash to finance it. Is it possible within the framework of a family authorization to ask the judge to buy back the premiums of her life insurance contract?

Yes . When a person is no longer able to express their will due to a medically confirmed alteration of their mental faculties, it is possible to request a family authorization from the guardianship judge. The authorization may be general or relate only to certain acts in regard to the…
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I wish to adopt (simple adoption) the adult children of my wife. I have adult children myself, born from a previous union. Do they have to consent to this adoption ?

No . When the adopter himself has children, the court called upon to rule in regard to the adoption verifies that it is not likely to compromise family life (art. 353, para. 3 C. civ. by 361 reference). However, as part of the documents which need to be provided in…
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