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I am single with no children. I am considering appointing an animal protection association as the universal legatee of my estate. If it declines the bequest, can it choose who shall receive it instead ?

No. The will reflects the last wishes of its author. Therefore, if you appoint an association as the universal legatee, it has the option to accept or decline the bequest (Article 724-1 of the Civil Code). If it declines and you have not designated a secondary legatee, the rules of…
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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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My widowed mother has passed away. To establish the certificate of notoriety (acte de notoriété), the notary is asking me to provide her family record book (livret de famille). I cannot find it. Can I obtain a copy?

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…
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Following the death of my ex-husband, a civil servant, I benefit from a survivor's pension. I'm in a relationship again, but we don't live together. Will I lose the benefit of this right?

No. Article L.46 of the Code of civil and military retirement pensions provides that a divorced spouse who lives in notorious cohabitation loses his right to a pension. However, for a union to be qualified as concubinage, there must be a community of life. Two people in a couple who…
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My mother had a future protection mandate drafted by her notary and appointed me as the agent. Unfortunately, she passed away before the mandate was activated. I am her sole heir. Can I use this mandate to retrieve funds (15,000 euros) ...

... from her bank accounts? No. The future protection mandate ceases to apply upon the death of the person to be protected (article 483 2° of the Civil Code). You should consult a notary to establish a certificate of heirship that will allow you to recover your mother's liquid assets…
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