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Organize at the time of death

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I would like to draw up a notarial will to make one of my daughters a universal legatee. My notary is asking me to appoint two witnesses. Can I choose my daughter's PACS partner?

Yes, article 975 of the French Civil Code stipulates that "neither the legatees in any capacity whatsoever, nor their relatives or allies up to and including the fourth degree (...) may be taken as witnesses to the will by public deed". The PACS partner is neither a relative nor an…
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Containment: How can you draw out an emergency will?

Notaries continue to advise their clients on their testamentary dispositions. In case of emergency and necessity, they may have to travel to collect an authentic will for clients who are very sick or even at the end of their life. All in compliance with the regulations and sanitary rules, which…
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My brother and I shall inherit from our father who has just passed away. As the guardian of my weaker adult brother, am I required to go to the judge to accept the inheritance on his behalf?

No, if the value of the estate's assets is clearly greater than the amount of the debts, you can simply accept the inheritance without the judge's authorization. However, you must first and foremost obtain a certificate drawn up by the notary in charge of settling the succession establishing that the…
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I am sole legatee in an estate with no children or spouse. The notary says he will send a copy of the holographic will to the court registry. Is that necessary?

Yes. When the will is handwritten and there is no protected heir (child or surviving spouse), the notary must draw up a report of opening and description. Within one month he must send it, with a copy of the will, to the court registry so that “ any interested party…
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