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Adoption of the Law Aiming to Reduce and Regulate Bank Fees on Estates
27 January 2026
Estates: Certain Banking Procedures Will Become Free of Charge, Subject to Asset Thresholds or Heirs’ Circumstances
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When the spouse receives the usufruct of liquid assets, we speak of quasi-usufruct, i.e., a usufruct (right of use and enjoyment) of a thing that is consumed when used (money). In practical terms, the spouse has the right to spend the money, but is obliged to return it on his…
No, unless expressly requested. The law provides no time limit for the surviving spouse to choose between the available inheritance options (in the presence of joint children: ¼ full ownership or full usufruct). However, an heir may ask the surviving spouse in writing to exercise their option. If the spouse…
No. In the absence of descendants and parents of the deceased, the surviving spouse inherits the entire estate (Art. 757-2 Civil Code). By exception, if your brother owned real estate received from your parents and still forming part of his estate, you may, under certain conditions, be entitled to half…
No. In the event of loss, it is not possible to obtain a copy of the family record book. According to Article 15 of Decree No. 74-449 of 15 May 1974, only a second family record book may be issued, and only to spouses or parents who do not possess…
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…