Inheritance

What is key information needed in ‘simple will’ written in France?

John Kitching, a director of French Law Consultancy Limited, answers a reader query

Foreign couples flock to join campaign to end 2021 French inheritance law

Many homeowners say that the rule is forcing them to sell their properties

What will happen to our holiday home in France when we die?

John Kitching, a director of French Law Consultancy Limited, answers a reader query

practical

Navigating inheritance tax as a Briton in France

Rob Kay, Senior Partner at Blevins Franks, reviews the financial options for UK nationals

Is tax due on a gift in a UK will to French family?

Your principal country of residence is relevant when determining any tax due

French inheritance and foreign law wills: calls for change grow

2021 rules forcing notaires to offer compensation to children who ‘miss out’ on their French-law reserved portions are being examined by the European Commission

Is tax payable if gifting French house to children?

Antonia Ridley-Hughes of Ashtons Legal, answers a reader query

What notaire fees are due on an inheritance in France?

Most charges are regulated by the state but not all. Several factors can affect the amount charged

EU ruling on French inheritance law drags due to volume of complaints

Many British and American people in France face uncertainty over their wills due to 2021 French law

New law seeks to limit French bank fees due when account holder dies

Half will not have to pay anything - down from an average €303 at present

Succession planning in France can highlight cultural differences

Partner article: Robert Kent of Kentingtons explains why some expatriates are surprised by the French approach to inheritance

Where do we pay house inheritance tax in France?

John Kitching, a director of French Law Consultancy Limited, answers a reader query

Key financial steps to take after the death of family member in France

Unlocking bank accounts, cancelling contracts, we look what you need to do in the months following the death

Why have French notaires said my husband’s UK will is not valid?

John Kitching, a director of French Law Consultancy Limited, answers a reader query

French inheritance law: EU contacts France over ‘possible breach’

French lawyers have widely criticised the 2021 forced heirship law, which affects the option for non-French people to use the law of another country

Can I write my own will in English in France?

Whatever the language requirements a notaire is not necessarily needed but certain rules must be followed

What happens next if French inheritance law found to break EU rule?

French lawyers lay out next steps if France’s 2021 forced heirship law is found to breach European regulations

Do we need children’s permission to sell our French home?

Antonia Ridley-Hughes of Ashtons Legal, answers a reader query

Is French tontine arrangement affected by inheritance law changes?

John Kitching, a director of French Law Consultancy Limited, answers a reader query

EU decision on France’s inheritance law pushed back to February

Multiple complaints have been made to the European Commission against French forced heirship rules on foreigners

What is France’s certificate of inheritance, when do I need it?

The certificate is one of the options in simple inheritance cases, where smaller sums and no real estate are involved

Will French step-children inherit my estate?

John Kitching of French Law Consultancy answers a reader query

Lawyers in France frustrated over new wills law

Lawyers have expressed frustration over a new law which complicates inheritance issues for those looking to bypass France’s forced heirship rules

EU decision awaited soon on French forced heirship inheritance law

The Commission has received multiple complaints from foreign residents in France left confused by a change in the rules

What are the rules for a handwritten will in France?

John Kitching of French Law Consultancy answers a reader query

Complaints grow over France’s inheritance law on forced heirship

European Commission notes wide public interest as it studies legality of 2021 forced heirship rules

Married couples: Are you familiar with your French marriage regime?

Anyone who is married and lives in France is subject to a set of rules relating to ownership of assets. We explain the key points

Couples who married outside France warned over marriage regime changes

A quirk in the law means some marriage regimes have been changed automatically, affecting inheritance and property ownership

In French inheritance law, what is a pacte de famille?

We look at this French inheritance option and when it is advantageous

France visas, residency cards, French tax: see Connexion help guides

The guides are in English and published in a digital format that can be downloaded as a PDF. Each has an extensive question and answer section

Tax rise dismay, inheritance change: 5 French property updates

We also look at whether pools and terraces are still adding value to homes and the villa for sale that was often visited by Grace Kelly

Do UK or French inheritances need to be declared on French tax return?

There is often confusion between inheritances and ordinary income

Is a UK will from 27 years ago still valid in France?

We look at why it pays to review your will every few years

French renovation rule over children having to OK work is insulting

Firm told readers they needed to have their children sign-off on a payment they need to make to it

13 things you can do through a French notaire apart from buy a house

A notaire can help with much more than property purchases in France - some services are free

I have dual nationality so will French inheritance law be imposed?

We look at whether or not people who have obtained French citizenship can still make use of an EU rule on choice of law

Can I change the will on shared estate after the death of my partner?

Matthew Cameron of Ashtons Legal answers a reader query on the inheritance procedure when one of the spouse’s die

How to get round the French inheritance law on reserved heirs

Partner article: We guide you through your options, from a tontine clause to usufruit and the droit viager d’usage et d’habitation

Which relatives have a right to inherit in France?

French law gives children an automatic right to inherit part of their parent’s estate, but what happens when there are no children?

How can I free up French livret A inheritance from UK resident?

A reader’s bank suggested they find a ‘British notary’ to draw up a suitable document; but is this the best option?

If I gain dual nationality can English law still apply to my estate?

We look at the options you have when it comes to governing your estate

What happens to my French estate if I do not make any plans?

There is a system in place for dividing up your possessions, money and property for this situation

What is the best way of dividing assets in a French will?

Partner article: We guide you through key inheritance tax considerations and explain how named beneficiaries take an active part in the succession

EU to review legality of recent French law on children’s inheritance

A British woman has made an official complaint against recent changes on forced heirship rules

What could you do to ease effects of France’s 2021 inheritance law?

A French law on children's forced heirship rights is causing concern for some residents of France, including Britons and Americans; we look at options to help protect against it

How can I leave my French property to my second wife?

Recent changes to French inheritance law make it more difficult to leave French assets to a partner when you have children from a previous marriage

Recap: 11 tips to avoid a tax inspection in France

Innocent omissions and deliberate manipulation can result in tax authority checks and potential penalties

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 a UK will suffice for a French/English couple living in France?

Partner article: We guide you through at the relevant succession regulation – and consider the implications of inheritance tax

French forced inheritance rule raises questions about English law

A 2021 law re-enforcing children’s rights to a share of their parent’s estate has caused issues for nationals of countries including the UK

How does new UK civil partnership affect rights to my French property?

A reader asks about the rights she and her partner now have over her existing second home

Is it better to lend to grandchildren in France or to make gifts?

There are pro’s and cons when it comes to these options, but you should be aware of the tax and declaration implications

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 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

Families face stress over new French inheritance law and foreign wills

A French lawyer tells of surviving family members worrying about hardship and court battles

Is there a way to reduce 60% French inheritance tax for friends?

Partner article: Although not straightforward, we look at a possible solution to achieving this

Will my UK will ensure my French second home passes to my child?

We look into the advantages of creating a second will for French assets

As a widow, do I need a French will to ensure house goes to children?

We look into whether a UK will is sufficient to pass on a second home to chosen inheritors

French property rights: How does tontine clause work on first death?

We look at the steps to be taken in the event of the death of one of the couple and the costs involved

Six common pitfalls financial experts see when people move to France

Partner article: Thousands of people move to France every year, so it is best to learn from their mistakes, says Kentingtons financial expert Christopher Davenport

Will stepchildren be entitled to my husband’s assets in France?

Partner article: With all challenges that new inheritance law brings, it is better to seek for a professional advice from a lawyer

Why listening to friends’ advice on French inheritance can be bad

Partner article: Even if you are intending to perform small changes on your will, it is best to speak to an official advisor, just in case

French inheritance law: Can I override en tontine clause on my house?

Partner article: An ' en tontine' clause may affect the usual succession process and who will inherit a property

Can I destroy my old will now I have a French one that elects UK law?

Partner article: French wills electing UK inheritance law on an estate do not always include vital information. Check before destroying your old will.

No court case yet over law impacting some foreign law wills in France

Lawyers expect a challenge to new rule which gives forced heirship rights to children where a foreign legal system was chosen to apply to the will

Can I simplify my wills for my properties in the UK and France?

Partner article: John Kitching, a director of French Law Consultancy Limited, answers a reader query how to write a will that includes your property in France and in the UK