Inheritance

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

practical

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

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

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

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