Frequently asked questions about Succession

Yes. In the absence of descendants, the surviving spouse is a forced heir entitled to one quarter of the estate (Art. 914-1 Civil Code).

No. When an heir has predeceased (in this case, your father died before his own father), his heirs represent him in the estate to be settled. For the mechanism of representation to apply, there must be a plurality of branches (in practical terms, your father would have needed to have…

Yes. The law provides that the heirs “automatically succeed to the property, rights and actions of the deceased” (Article 724 of the French Civil Code). Therefore, your preliminary sale agreement is not void, and the seller’s heirs may continue the sale process.

Yes. It is entirely possible to make a donation to your minor grandchildren. This donation must be accepted by their legal administrators (their parents), in accordance with Article 935 of the Civil Code. However, you can specify in the donation act that the donated assets be managed by a third…

Yes. Article 764 of the Civil Code provides for the benefit of the surviving spouse a right of habitation to the accommodation which he occupied as his principal residence at the time of death, and a right of use to the furniture within the latter. It can only be deprived…