Letters: Beware the financial cost of losing a spouse in France
Connexion reader faced unexpected expenses and legal hurdles after their partner's death, which added stress to an already difficult time
There can be high costs regarding bank accounts and home ownership
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To the Editor,
Having just gone through the pain of losing my husband recently, I was not prepared for the high cost of following the French law regarding bank accounts and ownership of the house, etc.
It came as quite a shock to realise that joint ownership of the property and bank accounts means nothing until you have consulted a notaire and declared everything (including English accounts) and paid for this service.
Read more: How to plan for your financial future in France
Part of this declaration was a valuer coming to the property as if you were putting the house on the market.
After approximately three months and verification that the information satisfies the notaire, you will be presented with, in my case, a bill for €4,000.
I must admit I had help from an interpreter (another cost) but found the whole process overwhelming on top of the grief I was experiencing.
That’s as well as coping with the English pension department, which is still not sorted.
Other expats might be unaware of the costs of the death of a spouse.
Patricia Wood, Brittany
Have you experienced bereavement in France? How significant was the financial burden from this? Let us know at letters@connexionfrance.com
