Notary family law: union, separation, adoption

Updated on Thursday 6 August 2026

Inquire

Alliance

Divorce

Protect a vulnerable loved one

Adoption

A question ? Need help ?

My son passed away. He was married and had a daughter. My daughter-in-law opted for the usufruct of the entire estate of her late husband, which only includes money. The notary told my granddaughter that she would not receive the money ...

... from this inheritance until her mother passed away. Is this true? Yes. In theory, the usufructuary cannot dispose of the property of the concerned usufruct. However, the Civil Code allows an exception when the usufruct includes elements that cannot be used without consuming them, such as money. In which…
See more
Am I required to change my surname when I get married?

No. Marriage has no effect on your surname. However, as an option, the law allows you to use your spouse’s surname, for usage purposes only, either by substitution or by adding it to your own surname in the order you choose (Article 225-1 of the French Civil Code).
See more
I am married under the community property regime. My husband acted as guarantor for a friend. That friend has now defaulted, and my husband is being called upon to honour the guarantee. Can the creditor seize my income?

No. The law provides that when one spouse acts as guarantor without the express consent of the other, only their personal assets and income are liable. Therefore, if you did not sign the guarantee agreement, your earnings and salary cannot be seized (Article 1415 of the French Civil Code).
See more
We have just gotten married without a contract, but we have changed our minds and wish to divide our property. Is there a deadline to make this change?

No . Since 2019 it is no longer mandatory to wait two years before being able to change the matrimonial regime. Note : this change must always be carried out in the interest of the family (art. 1397 C. civ.).
See more
My father is going to lend me 10,000 euros. I signed him an acknowledgment of debt. Should it be declared to the taxes? What is the difference with the registration of the deed?

Yes , loan contracts for an amount greater than 5,000 euros must be declared (article 49B appendix 3 and article 23L appendix 4 of the CGI) to the tax authorities on form no. 2062. You must file this declaration at the same time as your next annual income tax return…
See more