-
French PM resigns on Monday and renamed on Friday - what next?
Sébastien Lecornu promises ‘surprises’ in his new government. Socialists say the dissolution of parliament and fresh elections are now the most probable outcome
-
Why do pensioners get a 10% tax allowance against income in France?
Benefit is applied automatically and does not have to be claimed
-
French weekend weather forecast October 11-12: Sunny with highs of 26C in south-west
Dry and calm weather is predicted for most areas
French assurance-vie payout ruled to be inheritance
Those opting to leave money to loved-ones via an assurance vie (AV) contract should avoid mentioning this in their will after a court ruled that such a payout may be deemed a bequest where there is an ‘obvious link between the AV capital and their estate’.

In a case in Aix-en-Provence a court found that dispositions in a will concerning an AV policy were equivalent to a bequest despite the fact that AV payouts are usually not deemed to be inheritance and are therefore usually outside the estate for inheritance purposes.
It follows that it is best not to refer to such policies in a will or if you do you should ensure that you do not use any language that sounds like you are ‘bequeathing’ the money from the AV.