Inheritance

What are the alternatives to a retirement home in France?

There are several independent living options for seniors in France

How do retirement homes in France work?

Explore care options, costs, and how to choose the right place for you or your loved ones

What help is available if you are a carer in France?

Support for family members looking after elderly, ill or disabled relatives

practical

How to stay living in your own home in France when you are dependent

Understanding the different types of support available, costs and financial help

How do wills in France work and do I need to make one?

Important information and considerations for foreign residents when making arrangements for your estate

How much is French inheritance tax and what are the allowances?

Understanding how French inheritance tax applies to residents and non-residents

French notaire fees on worldwide estate spark complaint

UK resident believes she was overcharged by €15,000

Can heirs inherit debt in France?

In cases when the defunct did not have an assurance déces on a loan, it will pass on to the heirs but there is some flexibility

What is the procedure after a death in France?

An overview of the stages to complete for executors and heirs

Senator and legal expert join critics of French 2021 inheritance law

Solution may be found soon, according to professor

What does indivision mean for a French estate?

How estates are managed and divided when several people inherit

Widow in France facing financial struggle as step-child she never met stakes inheritance claim

Many couples in France are worried about the future as French 2021 law has put wills in doubt

Who owns deceased father’s French vehicle after death with no will?

Vehicles can be re-registered in heir’s name following a death

What is an assurance vie and how does it work in France?

This popular French financial tool can help reduce inheritance tax

How to make a will in France

A simple guide to the different types of will, steps to take and how to register one

Inheritance law change would put more homes on market in France

Law that may end many disputes between heirs approved by MPs

Why are inheritance funds still in French bank account?

Notaires are responsible for closing accounts

Foreign residents of France frustrated by slow progress of inheritance petition

British, US, Irish, and Dutch couples have all told of stress due to 2021 forced heirship law

Can French forced heirship rules be bypassed?

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

Can we switch to ‘universal’ marriage regime in France?

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

Is it possible to switch French vehicle registration to my name after spouse death?

The marriage regime you had with your spouse can affect the rules

Why French inheritance law is causing stress: our stories

Connexion readers share their experience of living in France while legal uncertainty surrounds their wills

Explained: France’s ‘power of attorney’ equivalent

France's mandat de protection future allows a named person to make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so

Using deceased’s assets for funeral in France: How it works and new limits

The amount that an heir can take has increased by 18% this year

Is it possible to leave French second home to nephews and not spouse?

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

UK ambassador’s New Year message to Britons in France

Dame Menna Rawlings reflects on 2024 and looks forward to the upcoming year

Money, inheritance, tax, pensions: What's new in France in 2025

European Commission set to decide on French law affecting the wills of resident non-EU nationals including, for example, those from the UK and US, potentially altering inheritance plans

French forced heirship law: is ‘community’ marriage regime the solution?

A couple can change their marital regime by visiting a notaire

Should my stepchildren have inherited more under French inheritance rules?

French forced heirship rules would apply to UK bank accounts, says Antonia Ridley-Hughes of Ashtons Legal

French inheritance law: couples anxiously await EU decision as discussions continue

France's Justice Ministry recently contacted The Connexion over the case

How does French inheritance tax work for UK heirs?

There are many different aspects to cross-border tax issues

French Justice Ministry: Why we consider 2021 inheritance law to be fair

Government says it sought to fight discrimination in creating contested new rules

EU commission replies: Latest on French inheritance law challenge

Stress continues for foreign couples awaiting an update

French inheritance law: ‘We are being forced to sell our home and leave the country’

France’s 2021 law on imposed heirship - and the slow process of complaints to the EU - are driving us away, say readers

Can estranged child of late-partner inherit their house in France?

Antonia Ridley-Hughes of Ashtons Legal explains French intestacy rules

Taxes, forced heirship and property ownership: Understanding French succession law

Rob Kay, a senior partner at Blevins Franks financial advice group, looks at estate planning

French inheritance law challenge: Ombudsman sets deadline

EU asked to give ‘fuller explanation’ of its delay in responding to complaint over affect on foreign law wills

Is making a French will the right choice for multiple property owners?

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

French inheritance law challenge: EU issues response

The Commission has said it is working on the case brought forward by Connexion readers over controversial 2021 law change

What people in France earn and own - new official figures

Statistics show households’ ‘gross wealth’ and the effect of inheritance and property

Step-children: French MPs favour new €31,865 gift tax allowance

Amendment also calls to lighten tax on siblings, nephews and nieces - but to tax wealthy direct heirs more

Inheritance in France: Can lodging a child for low rent cause issues?

The French supreme court has overturned a decision by the court of appeal on what constitutes a ‘gift’ by a parent

Explained: 2024 inheritance tax for family members in France

Any bill also depends on the amount left and the nature of the assets

What gift tax is liable on property in France for UK residents?

Antonia Ridley-Hughes of Ashtons Legal answers a reader query

French inheritance tax: current rules and what reforms are proposed

France’s Cour des comptes says a tightening of the financial tools used by some for tax reduction alongside a lowering of rates could create a more balanced system

Campaign against French inheritance law ramps up pressure

Lobbyists have sent a strongly-worded letter to the president of the European Commission

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

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

Does my late father's UK will need a notaire in France?

Rules vary dependent upon the assets addressed within a will

How UK’s Spring Budget may affect Britons living in France

Changes include issues such as capital gains tax and pension top-ups

Tips for making a will in France without a notaire

We also cover ways to store your will securely and how foreigners can make different options to French residents

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

French inheritance law complaints: EU misses decision deadline

Complaints against France’s forced heirship rule on foreign wills remain unanswered one year on

How does France’s 2021 law affect wills choosing foreign legal rules?

Controversial 2021 inheritance law has complicated issues with regard to the EU regulation that allows foreign people to opt for inheritance law of original country