Frequently asked questions about Donation

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My spouse passed away, and we did not have a joint will. Since he had children from a previous marriage, I receive 1/4 of his estate. Can I accept only part of his inheritance?

No. The right of the surviving spouse to limit their acceptance to certain assets (known as "cantonment") is only legally possible if there is a joint will between spouses (Article 1094-3 of the Civil Code). In the absence of such a provision, you can only accept or renounce the entire…
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I would like to make a residual legacy. Can I be certain that my legatee will keep the property until their death?

No. A residual legacy (legs résiduel or de residuo) is a gift upon death (provided for in a will and executed upon your death) that designates a first legatee who will receive a property and will be required to pass it on to a second legatee, provided it still exists…
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My father and mother-in-law made a last living gift to each other. When my father died, she chose the option ¼ in full ownership, ¾ in usufruct. As my hereditary reserve is subject to this usufruct, can I bring an action for reduction?

No. Article 1094-1 of the French Civil Code states in its 1st paragraph that "In the event that a spouse leaves children or descendants, whether or not from the marriage, he or she may dispose in favor of the other spouse either of the property he or she could dispose…
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Several years ago, I built my house on a piece of land owned by my sister. When I decided to sell the property, I discovered that my name was not on the title deed. Is this normal ?

Yes. Under French law, the principle is that ownership of the land includes ownership of everything on and beneath it (Article 552 of the Civil Code). This means that even if you financed the construction of the house, your sister remains the owner. For the house to become your property…
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Passing on a house to your children: by succession or donation?

Quel est le plus avantageux fiscalement : la succession ou la donation ? Comment choisir le notaire pour effectuer cette transmission. Me Barbara Thomas-David, notaire, vous répond sur BFM Business dans l'émission "Le Club du Droit / Passez-moi le notaire".
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