Frequently asked questions about Succession

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Is it legal to make a will one month before passing away?

Yes. The law does not set any time limit between writing a will and the day of death. However, to be valid, the testator must be of sound mind (Articles 414-1 and 901 of the Civil Code). Therefore, a person cannot make a will after the opening of guardianship without…
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My married brother has just died without children or parents. Am I an heir?

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…
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I was living in a common-law relationship in an apartment rented solely in my partner’s name. Unfortunately, she has just passed away. Can I have the lease transferred to my name?

Yes, subject to conditions. Article 14 of Law No. 89-462 of 6 July 1989 provides that, in the event of the tenant’s death, the lease is transferred in particular “to the de facto partner who had been living with [the tenant] for at least one year at the date of…
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My father passed away 4 months ago, leaving debts. Being the heir, I gave up on this succession. He was a tenant of his accommodation, and his landlord asked me to empty it. Am I required to do so?

No. By renouncing the succession of your father, you lose the title of heir in his succession. Consequently, you are not bound by any debt obligation, but in return, you lose all rights to his property. As the lease is automatically terminated following the death of your father, since no…
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I found out that all the heirs of my tenant who died 6 months ago have decided to renounce his estate. The apartment is still furnished with furniture from my former tenant. Can I get rid of it?

No. A landlord cannot himself recover the accommodation and get rid of the furniture of his deceased tenant. When there is no known heir and if the rental contract has ended, the owner must first obtain a court decision (article 1324 of the Code of Civil Procedure). The costs of…
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