Frequently asked questions about Succession

Yes. In the absence of descendants, the surviving spouse is a forced heir entitled to one quarter of the estate (Art. 914-1 Civil Code).

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…

If it appears that your mother is no longer capable of looking after her own interests, you must inform her of your intention to implement the mandate. Her condition must then be certified by a doctor chosen from a list drawn up by the public prosecutor. This medical certificate and…

Yes, article 975 of the French Civil Code stipulates that "neither the legatees in any capacity whatsoever, nor their relatives or allies up to and including the fourth degree (...) may be taken as witnesses to the will by public deed". The PACS partner is neither a relative nor an…

Gift-sharing: My wife owns a house, while her mother has the usufruct of one of the 2 apartments. Who will own the furniture when her mother dies? the bare owner or the heirs? If the gift concerns real estate, the furniture is not included in the gift unless this was…