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Is France considering easing its 2021 inheritance law affecting foreign wills?
More than three years have passed since the European Commission first acknowledged receiving multiple complaints
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How to make your money for retirement in France last as long as possible
The more years we survive, the further our savings must last to maintain our standard of living
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How do I get an evaluation for inherited property in France?
It is important to get a fair and accurate valuation at the date of death
Can unwed partner stay in French home?
I have heard where a couple is not married and the property they live in is owned by one of them, it is possible for the survivor to live in it until his or her death if the couple had concluded a commodat or prêt à usage . Is this true?
These are the same thing and yes, it is true, says honorary avocat Gerard Barron.
It needs no confirmation in a will, although if the owner dies leaving children as claimants to their estate, it would be best for the will to say "subject to the commodat in favour of X, I leave my estate to Y". This would give rise to death duties on the continuing right of occupation, which would be valued on the same basis as a life interest (usufruit). As the beneficiary is unrelated to the owner, the rate of tax would be 60%.
A commodat needs careful drafting in relation to matters such as responsibility for upkeep, local tax and insurance, and there should be provisions relating to the beneficiary's rights ending in the even of the couple separating before the owner dies.
