Can child of late-partner inherit their house in France despite no contact? 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
news 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? Navigating inheritance tax as a Briton in France Is tax due on a gift in a UK will to French family?
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? What notaire fees are due on an inheritance in France? EU ruling on French inheritance law drags due to volume of complaints New law seeks to limit French bank fees due when account holder dies Succession planning in France can highlight cultural differences
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
Can we leave our French estate to our grandchildren? Antonia Ridley-Hughes of Ashtons Legal answers a reader query
How does a French will affect UK assets? John Kitching of French Law Consultancy answers a reader query
Does a UK will allow children to avoid French inheritance tax? There are several options for dealing with the entirety of an estate
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