Frequently asked questions about Succession

Yes. By renouncing the succession of your spouse, you lose the status of heir (article 805 of the Civil Code). On the other hand, you retain the status of spouse. However, the survivor's pension is a right reserved for the spouse or ex-spouse in the event of the death of…

No. The law allows conversion of usufruct into money in the form of a life annuity (Civil Code, Article 759). Without agreement, the judge decides (Article 760). However, if the usufruct concerns the surviving spouse’s main residence, the judge cannot order conversion against the spouse’s will (Article 760).

Yes. Upon a person’s death, their heirs have 10 years to declare whether they accept or reject the estate (Article 780, paragraph 1 of the Civil Code). After this period, they are considered to have renounced the estate (Article 780, paragraph 2 of the Civil Code) and therefore no longer…

No. Conditions in a will (“charges”) must be possible (Civil Code, Article 900). Here she has two capacities: legatee (bound by the condition) and legal heir as spouse. If she refuses the legacy, she is no longer bound but can still inherit as surviving spouse.

Yes but, only if the net assets of the estate exceed 39,000 euros (art. D.815-4 of the Social Security Code). The net estate assets correspond to the difference between the gross assets, made up of the property, rights and claims belonging to the deceased and the debts for which the…