Following the death of our grandfather, my brother and cousins and I have joint ownership of a house. My brother wants to sell his share to one of the cousins without offering it to me first. Does he have the right to do so?

Yes. Article 815-14 of the French Civil Code establishes a right of priority for co-owners only in the event that one of them wishes to sell his or her rights to a third party. In your case, your brother is selling his share to another co-owner. Therefore, you have no…
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Following my mother's death, the notary is requesting my parents' family record book to settle the estate. Unable to provide it, the notary is considering calling in a genealogist. Is this the usual procedure?

Yes, the notary in charge of settling an estate must establish the devolution of the estate (identification of heirs and indication of their legal share). In your case, the latter must ensure that your mother had no children other except you. Its role is all the more important as it…
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We have two children and have changed our matrimonial regime to universal community. If one of us dies, will the surviving spouse inherit all the community property?

Everything depends on the wording of your marriage contract. If there is an "allotment to the surviving spouse" clause, the surviving spouse becomes the owner of the entire estate. Failing this, the estate is divided between the surviving spouse and the 2 children in accordance with the law.
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My uncle gave me bare ownership of an apartment and kept the usufruct. Does the furniture (table, chairs, etc.) automatically follow the same fate?

No. It all depends on your deed of gift. If it was expressly stipulated that the gift concerned the property and the furniture, then you are the owner of the furniture. Conversely, if your uncle only gave you bare ownership of the property, he retained ownership of the furniture.
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When settling an estate, I understand that the notary does not have to certify ownership of a property if it is sold within 10 months of the death. Is this true?

No. The purpose of the real estate certificate of ownership, published at the land registry office, is to record the transfer of ownership following a death. However, article 29, last paragraph, of decree no. 55-22 of January 4, 1955, states that it is possible not to issue such a certificate…
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My mother, a French citizen, passed away in Germany, where she had been living for several years. Which law applies to her estate?

It depends. If your mother has not drawn up a will in which she chooses her national law, the European Inheritance Regulation (n°650/2012 of July 4, 2012) must be applied. This regulation mentions that the applicable law is the of the country in which the deceased resided. Your mother's estate…
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I've been living in a rent-free apartment for years. The owner tells me he's just sold it. Can I ask for the sale to be annulled because he didn't offer it to me as a priority?

No. You're probably thinking of the tenant's right of pre-emption under a residential lease (provided for in article 15 of the law of July 6, 1989). In your case, you are not a tenant, as you occupy the property free of charge. The owner is therefore under no obligation to…
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My father just passed away and we are three of his children. He had drawn up a will that benefited me to the detriment of my brothers and sisters. The latter are contesting his will. Can they do so?

No. It is perfectly possible to break the equality between heirs. However, the notary will have to ensure that your share does not encroach on the hereditary reserve of your coheirs. If this is the case, they will be entitled to claim, "financial compensation" from you, known as a "reduction…
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