Frequently asked questions about Succession

Yes. Under Article 725 of the French Civil Code, a child who was already conceived at the time of the deceased’s death may inherit, provided they are born viable. Since you have renounced the succession, your unborn child becomes the next heir to your mother’s estate. However, the renunciation on…

If you sell a property as a life annuity to your child (who is your presumptive heir at the time of the sale), tax law considers this transaction as a gift, which will be charged against the disposable portion of your estate at the time of your death. In other…

Yes, but… The law applicable to your mother’s estate is French law, since her tax residence was in France. You may choose any notary you wish, but only a French notary can file the deeds recording the transfer of ownership of your mother’s real estate with the Land Registry (Article…

Yes, provided that a legal heir (as defined by law) accepts the succession. In that case, you may exercise the right of cantonnement, which allows a legatee to limit their acceptance to part of the assets bequeathed. This is permitted under Article 1002-1 of the French Civil Code.

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…