Frequently asked questions about Succession

Yes. A person can freely dispose of all their assets by will, as long as they have no compulsory heirs. The beneficiaries are the children (article 913 of the Civil Code) or their descendants in the event of predecease (article 913-1 of the Civil Code), and in the absence of…

Yes. The law requires you to file an inheritance tax return because you are a collateral-line heir and the estate’s value exceeds €3,000 (Article 800 of the French General Tax Code). The inheritance return must include all assets and liabilities of the estate and be submitted to the tax authorities…

Yes, but only under certain conditions. The defaulting co-owner, who is neither presumed absent nor unable to express his will due to removal, must then be given formal notice by extrajudicial act to be represented at the partition. The request must come from one of the co-sharers. If within three…

Yes, but… The law applicable to your mother’s estate is French law, since her tax residence was in France. You may choose any notary you wish, but only a French notary can file the deeds recording the transfer of ownership of your mother’s real estate with the Land Registry (Article…

No. Despite your years of separation, you still retain the status of "entitled spouse" (Article 732 of the Civil Code). In the absence of children, the law provides that you are entitled to at least 1/4 of his estate (Article 914-1 of the Civil Code). Therefore, you are entitled to…