My brother has passed away. He was single and didn’t have children. My sister and I have conducted an inventory of his estate for the purposes of the tax inheritance declaration. I live abroad and was able to be represented. (...)

(...) Now the notary is asking us to personally sign the inventory closure deed. Why ?

The purpose of closing the inventory is to confirm that all operations have been completed. On this occasion, those who were in possession of the deceased's assets before the inventory or who lived in the property where the assets were must swear that they have not diverted, seen diverted, or known that any of these assets were diverted (Article 1330, 5° of the Code of Civil Procedure). The oath is therefore a personal act that only you can take, which is why the notary requires your presence.