Frequently asked questions about Succession

No. The lifelong right of residence applies only to a home that is entirely part of the estate or jointly owned by both spouses (Art. 764 Civil Code).

Article 917 of the French Civil Code allows the reserved heirs, if their reserved share is encumbered by a legacy in usufruct, either to accept it or to request that the disposable portion be allocated to the legatee. This second option creates joint ownership between your partner and your children…

Yes. Your half-brothers are the children of one of your parents and are legally considered your siblings. Under French law, your estate will be divided equally between them and your sister. If you do not want them to inherit, you must make a will to exclude them. (Articles 734 to…

In theory, no. Subject to the absence of any provision to the contrary in the deed itself, “ the statements contained in the affidavit of heirship do not, in themselves, constitute acceptance of the estate” (Art. 730-2 Civil Code).

"I was recognized at birth (in 1949) by my father and never heard from him again. I learned of his death, which took place a few years ago, through a civil status record that I requested. What are my inheritance rights, given that I don't know which notary settled the…