€1,000 bill: Why are French locksmith charges so high?Out-of-hours services can be eye-wateringly expensive so customers should choose who they call carefully
I did not get permission for veranda at French home - what do I risk?Reader is worried about possible fines for building a garden structure without planning permission a decade ago
Can I add a swimming pool to French home without paying more in tax?We explain the different taxes that come into play when building a pool and look into circumstances where you do not need to pay them
How do I get an Omicron-targeted Covid booster jab in France?France is set to offer a specially adapted booster in October to those most at risk of serious forms of Covid. We explain how it could work
Will our marriage regime affect the French property left in our will?Partner article: Marriage regimes matter but figuring out which country’s law applies will depend on the date you tied the knot
How do we do customs declarations for goods for French second home? We look at the procedure for declaring goods and paying VAT and customs duties when taking bedding, for example, to a second home
Will France’s FR-Alert warning system work with foreign phones?In case of a serious incident such as a natural disaster or a terrorist attack, people could receive a warning notification under this new system. We explain how it works
How can I register my late husband’s French car in my name?Changing a French car registration after a partner’s death is cheaper than in other circumstances, but there is a specific process to follow
Will my French estate go to my civil partner when I die?Only married couples in France automatically benefit from the inheritance rights of a spouse, but there are other ways to ensure your partner inherits your estate
Does La Poste charge more for posting non-French books abroad?Reader told that there is a lower tariff for works written in French
What can I do about neighbour’s cat leaving mess in our French garden?We look at the possible courses of action, from natural deterrents to legal procedures
What are the rules on licence-free cars in France? People can drive a voiture sans permis from the age of 14. We explain the main considerations to bear in mind
What are the options for employing a gardener in France?We look at the different ways to hire someone to help with your garden, the average cost and what tax credits you may be entitled to
How much should we expect to pay to get a chimney swept in France?We look into the prices as well as the rules around how often you need to get your chimneys cleaned
Can we use the 90-day rule to extend stay after French visa runs out?Second-home owners should avoid spending too long in France in a given year if they do not want to be tax residents
Where can I find an English-speaking employment lawyer in France?Professional bodies for the avocats and notaires are among sources of help with obtaining advice
Buying an electric car: What French aids are available to help?A number of cities, departments and regions have their own schemes, on top of national offers to help make this greener option more affordable
Can I rent a van in France and drop it off in the UK afterwards?Local French supermarkets often offer van rental, however they need to be returned to the same place
Do we need permission to cut down a tree in our French garden?We look into the rules covering getting rid of a tree in the case of building an extension
How did French garage get my details to send letter about car test?We look into why this happened and what you can do about it
Can French authorities send parking fine without a windscreen note? We look at whether parking charge notices can be sent directly to a car owner’s home in France
UK wills appointing trustees: Watch out for tax effects in FranceClauses involving leaving property in trust may have unforeseen consequences for your heirs
