I would like to make a residual legacy. Can I be certain that my legatee will keep the property until their death?

No. A residual legacy (legs résiduel or de residuo) is a gift upon death (provided for in a will and executed upon your death) that designates a first legatee who will receive a property and will be required to pass it on to a second legatee, provided it still exists…
See more
In the context of a life annuity (viager) sale, who is responsible for paying the various charges on the property?

The law is silent on this matter. Therefore, it is advisable to specify the allocation of charges in the sale agreement. For example, if the life annuity is occupied, it may be agreed that the annuitant (i.e., the seller) will bear all the charges related to the property (such as…
See more
My mother has a notarised lasting power of attorney (mandat de protection future), and I am her attorney. She used to make regular monetary gifts to her grandchildren, and I am continuing this practice. The notary says this is not allowed. Is he correct?

Yes. The law prohibits the attorney from carrying out acts of gratuitous disposal (such as a gift) on behalf of the protected person without the prior authorisation of the guardianship judge (Article 490 of the French Civil Code)
See more
My mother passed away 10 years ago. Her brother has just died, and there are two heirs (my sister and I). Will we benefit from the tax allowance that my mother could have claimed if she had survived her brother?

No. Representation in matters of succession is a legal fiction allowing the heirs of a person to take their place in an estate because they are not present (due to renunciation or death). For this mechanism to apply, there must be a plurality of branches (in practice, your mother would…
See more
My father passed away a long time ago. My paternal grandfather has just passed away. My brother and I are his heirs. Can each of us benefit from the €100,000 tax allowance applicable to children?

No. When an heir has predeceased (in this case, your father died before his own father), his heirs represent him in the estate to be settled. For the mechanism of representation to apply, there must be a plurality of branches (in practical terms, your father would have needed to have…
See more
What majority is required at a general meeting of co-owners to sell a common area?

As a rule, acts of disposal must be adopted by a majority of co-owners representing at least two-thirds of the votes, unless the sale of the common area affects the purpose of the building or modifies the provisions of the co-ownership regulations relating to the building’s purpose. In such a…
See more
I am married under the community of property regime (community of acquisitions). I own a real estate property received as a gift, which I rent out. In the event of divorce, can I claim full ownership of the rental income?

No. Pursuant to Article 1401 of the French Civil Code, the fruits (rental income) of separate property constitute community property. Therefore, in the event of divorce, the rental income belonging to the community will be divided equally between the spouses (Article 1475 of the 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

Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility!

cybermalveillance - actualité
14 October 2024

Protect your data during property transactions. Discover notaries' tips to fight cybercrime and avoid scams.

  • Role of a notary