I have served a formal notice to elect on a minor heir. His legal guardians (parents) have not responded. Is he deemed to have accepted the succession unconditionally?

No. Neither the minor nor his parents may accept a succession unconditionally without the judge’s approval (Articles 388-1-1 and 387-1, 5° of the French Civil Code).

Case law holds that when a minor is served with a notice to elect and his representatives remain silent, he is deemed to have accepted the inheritance up to the net assets (Cour de cassation, 1st Civil Chamber, 30 June 1998, No. 96-13.922).