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I wish to make a will in favour of my partner to grant him the usufruct of our home. My notary advises me to exclude Article 917 of the French Civil Code to avoid joint ownership. Can you explain why?

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…
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My husband was retired. He passed away and left a huge debt. I plan to renounce his succession. Am I still entitled to the survivor's pension?

Yes. By renouncing the succession of your spouse, you lose the status of heir (article 805 of the Civil Code). On the other hand, you retain the status of spouse. However, the survivor's pension is a right reserved for the spouse or ex-spouse in the event of the death of…
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My best friend passed away recently. He was single, childless and under guardianship. Supervision was exercised by a legal representative for the protection of individuals. Can the guardian seize a notary to take care of his estate?

Yes. In the event of the death of an adult who is the subject of a protective measure exercised by a legal representative for the protection of adults, the latter may, in the absence of known heirs, seize the notary of the deceased through a view of settling the estate…
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I have served a formal notice to elect on a minor heir. His legal guardians (parents) have not responded. Is he deemed to have accepted the succession unconditionally?

No. Neither the minor nor his parents may accept a succession unconditionally without the judge’s approval (Articles 388-1-1 and 387-1, 5° of the French Civil Code). Case law holds that when a minor is served with a notice to elect and his representatives remain silent, he is deemed to have…
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