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Organize at the time of death

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My spouse has passed away. He owned the apartment where we were living at the time of his death, which he bought before our marriage. I have a ¼ share of his estate. I want to become the owner, but his children do not agree. Can they prevent it?

No. The surviving spouse who co-owns the deceased's property can request the preferential allocation of the main residence if it was already their home at the time of death (Article 831-2, 1° Civil Code). If requested, this allocation is automatic and binding on the other co-owners (Article 831-3 Civil Code).
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My friend passed away. She was unmarried, had no children, and no siblings. Her biological parents are still alive, and she had been adopted (simple adoption). Do the adoptive parents inherit?

Yes. Article 368-1 of the French Civil Code provides that the estate of a person who was adopted under a simple adoption is divided into two parts: one half goes to the biological family, and the other half to the adoptive family (Article 738-1 of the Civil Code).
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My cousin passed away. She was married but separated from her spouse. She had no children, no siblings and her parents passed away as well. In her will, she bequeathed all of her real estate to me. My notary tells me that if I give up (...)

... her property will revert to her spouse. Is it correct? Yes . Renunciation of a bequest has the effect of rendering the testamentary disposition null and void (art. 1043 C. civ.). The devolution of inheritance then takes place as if this provision had never existed. Since your cousin has…
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I wish to grant a loan of €60,000 to one of my children Am I obliged to call on my notary to draw up the loan contract?

No, but it is preferable. In accordance with article 1359 of the civil code, a writing is required when the sum lent is greater than 1500 €. The use of a notary is recommended to avoid any dispute, especially between your heirs. Indeed, you are assured that the deed will…
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