Can a child be excluded from a French/English will?

Every other day, we share a reader question from our help guide, Inheritance Law and Wills in France. Today's question is about excluding a child from a will.

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Can a child be excluded?

My brother has not spoken to my mother for many years and she does not wish to leave anything to him (he already had a lump sum before she moved to France). Will she now be able to leave her estate to my other brother and myself as she is English?

Yes, that is correct, she would be free to leave her estate as she wishes as she can opt for the more flexible inheritance laws of England and Wales. Note however that if she does not take up this option French inheritance laws do take into account large lifetime gifts such as your brother’s lump sum.

Find out all the information you need to create a will in France and more with our Inheritance Law and Wills in France 2020 help guide

This 64-page help guide by The Connexion details all the information you need to know about inheritance law and wills in France. It looks at how to create a British will in France, explains succession laws, procedures on a death, creating a will as a couple, leaving funds to family and pets, and so much more. Click here to find out more.

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