Notary family law: union, separation, adoption

Updated on Wednesday 13 April 2022

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I am married under the regime of legal community. I must receive compensation in accordance with a decision of the industrial tribunal, in compensation for my moral damage following the harassment to which I was subjected by my employer (...)

... Will the amount collected fall under the community? No. If the community consists of all the property acquired during the marriage by the couple, the indemnities which are exclusively attached to the person of the husband or wife following an action for compensation for bodily injury or moral, constitute…
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My spouse, with whom I had been living separately for several years, has just passed away. He had no children, and I have learned that he left all his assets to the Red Cross. Is this legal ?

No. Despite your years of separation, you still retain the status of "entitled spouse" (Article 732 of the Civil Code). In the absence of children, the law provides that you are entitled to at least 1/4 of his estate (Article 914-1 of the Civil Code). Therefore, you are entitled to…
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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…
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I lived with one person for thirty years. We wanted to get married, the banns had been published, but he died before the ceremony. Can I have our marriage registered after his death?

Yes, in exceptional cases, posthumous marriage may be authorized by the President of the Republic under article 171 of the French Civil Code. Two conditions must be met: it must be proven that the deceased really wished to marry, based on a sufficient number of facts (his or her behavior…
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My cousin passed away. She was married but separated from her spouse. She had no children, no siblings and her parents passed away as well. In her will, she bequeathed all of her real estate to me. My notary tells me that if I give up (...)

... her property will revert to her spouse. Is it correct? Yes . Renunciation of a bequest has the effect of rendering the testamentary disposition null and void (art. 1043 C. civ.). The devolution of inheritance then takes place as if this provision had never existed. Since your cousin has…
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My uncle wants to give me a building plot. I'm married with joint ownership. Will my husband have any rights to the property?

Yes, in principle. When spouses adopt the regime of universal community, all movable and immovable property owned by them on the day of adoption of this regime, and all that they acquire subsequently, are held in common (art. 1526 C. civ.), with the exception of property that is private by…
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My husband has passed away. As part of his support obligation, he paid his parents a sum every month to help them pay for their retirement home (EPHAD). Will I have to continue paying it?

It depends. The law stipulates that daughters-in-law and sons-in-law are obliged to help their parents-in-law materially and financially as part of the obligation to provide support (art. 206 C. civ.). The death of your husband does not terminate this obligation (Lyon Jan. 25, 1967). On the other hand, if you…
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My ex-husband passed away. He was very spendthrift. As the legal representative of our minor child, I am considering making an acceptance up to the net assets on his behalf. Is the authorization of the guardianship judge obligatory?

No. Acceptance up to the amount of the net assets makes it possible to limit the patrimonial risks for the heir since he is not liable for the debts of the deceased, on his personal assets. As long as this acceptance does not present a risk for the minor to…
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I lived with one person for thirty years. We wanted to get married, the banns had been published, but he died before the ceremony. Can I have our marriage registered after his death?

Yes, in exceptional cases, posthumous marriage may be authorized by the President of the Republic under article 171 of the French Civil Code. Two conditions must be met: it must be proven that the deceased really wished to marry, based on a sufficient number of facts (his or her behavior…
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Nurse, one of my patients has memory loss, she lives alone with no known family. Can I request the opening of a legal protection measure for her?

Yes, but under certain conditions. In principle, only some people can ask the guardianship judge to open a protective measure (art. 430 C. civ.). These are, first and foremost, the person to be protected and his or her immediate family. Third parties should therefore not be able to apply for…
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I entered into a civil partnership 5 years ago. We separated 2 years ago without breaking our civil union. I've met someone and we're getting married. Is it true that marriage automatically ends the civil union?

Yes, the marriage of one of the partners, including to a third party, automatically terminates the Civil union (art. 515-7, al. 1 C. civ.). The civil registrar at the place of the ceremony must make a note of the marriage in the margin of the birth certificate (of the ex-partner…
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I want to give bare ownership of assets to my minor grandchildren and keep the usufruct. If I die before they reach majority, I do not want these assets to be managed by their parents. Is this possible ?

Yes. It is entirely possible to make a donation to your minor grandchildren. This donation must be accepted by their legal administrators (their parents), in accordance with Article 935 of the Civil Code. However, you can specify in the donation act that the donated assets be managed by a third…
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I entered into a civil partnership 5 years ago. We separated 2 years ago without breaking our civil union. I've met someone and we're getting married. Is it true that marriage automatically ends the civil union?

Yes, the marriage of one of the partners, including to a third party, automatically terminates the Civil union (art. 515-7, al. 1 C. civ.). The civil registrar at the place of the ceremony must make a note of the marriage in the margin of the birth certificate (of the ex-partner…
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A few years ago, my mother had her notary draw up a mandate for future protection and appointed me as proxy. I've accepted this responsibility, but I'd like to give it up. Is this possible?

Yes, but under certain conditions. As long as the mandate has not taken effect, you can renounce your status as mandatary (art. 489 al. 2 C. civ. and 492 al. 3 C. civ.). You must notify your decision to your mother, the mandator, by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt…
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My brother is considering to adopt his spouse's 2 minor children, she had them before. It would be a simple adoption. Our elderly mother is a widow. In the event that my brother dies before our mother, will the adopted children inherit her?

Yes, but…In the context of a simple adoption, the adopted child inherits from his family of origin and also from his adoptive family (Articles 364 and 368 of the Civil Code). If your brother were to predecease your mother, his adopted children would represent their father in his mother's estate…
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We have two children and have changed our matrimonial regime to universal community. If one of us dies, will the surviving spouse inherit all the community property?

Everything depends on the wording of your marriage contract. If there is an "allotment to the surviving spouse" clause, the surviving spouse becomes the owner of the entire estate. Failing this, the estate is divided between the surviving spouse and the 2 children in accordance with the law.
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A few years ago, my mother had her notary draw up a mandate for future protection and appointed me as proxy. I've accepted this responsibility, but I'd like to give it up. Is this possible?

Yes, but under certain conditions. As long as the mandate has not taken effect, you can renounce your status as mandatary (art. 489 al. 2 C. civ. and 492 al. 3 C. civ.). You must notify your decision to your mother, the mandator, by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt…
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My partner to whom I was not married has passed away. He had entered into a mandate for future protection and appointed our daughter as mandatary. This convention has never been implemented. Can my daughter invoke it to settle the estate on her own?

No. The purpose of the mandate for future protection is to allow a designated person (the mandatary) to represent the mandator who could no longer provide for his interests alone (article 477 of the Civil Code). This mandate ends on the death of the principal, whether it has been implemented…
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6 years ago, my partner and I entered a civil partnership and had our agreement drawn up by a notary. We had opted for an undivided property regime. For professional reasons, we'd now like to adopt a separate property regime. Should we contact the notary?

Yes. If you wish to modify your Civil union, you can draw up a new agreement between yourselves, or have it drawn up by a notary. However, as your initial agreement was drawn up by a notary, you must send him your amended agreement so that he can register it…
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After their retirement, my parents moved to Portugal, where they bought a house. My father has passed away, and we need to appraise this residence for the inheritance declaration. How should we proceed ?

Generally, when the deceased owned real estate, the value to be considered for the inheritance declaration is the market value on the date of death (Article 761, paragraph 1 of the General Tax Code and BOI-ENR-DMTG-10-40-20 §20). This is the value that would be obtained if the property were sold…
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We have just gotten married without a contract, but we have changed our minds and wish to divide our property. Is there a deadline to make this change?

No . Since 2019 it is no longer mandatory to wait two years before being able to change the matrimonial regime. Note : this change must always be carried out in the interest of the family (art. 1397 C. civ.).
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My boyfriend and I want to get married. We are 19 years old. He's a foreigner, and in his country the age of majority is 21. Can we still enter a civil partnership in France?

No, only individuals of legal age are permitted to enter a civil union (Art. 515-1 C. civ.). Additionally, as it involves a contract, one must also possess the capacity to contract. For persons of foreign nationality, their legal capacity is determined by the laws of their respective countries (Art. 3…
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My father owned and operated a farm. My brother participated in this activity without being paid but received the profits from the exploitation. Can he claim a deferred salary as part of our father's estate?

No. To be able to benefit from a deferred salary claim, the descendants of the deceased farmer must be over the age of 18 and participate directly and effectively in the operation. However, they must not have been associated with profits and losses, nor received salaries in cash (L.321-13 C…
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A few years ago, my mother signed a mandate for future protection and appointed me as her proxy. Today, she seems to be losing her memory and isn't always aware of what she's doing. How do I go about implementing this measure?

If it appears that your mother is no longer capable of looking after her own interests, you must inform her of your intention to implement the mandate. Her condition must then be certified by a doctor chosen from a list drawn up by the public prosecutor. This medical certificate and…
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I am the sole owner of a studio apartment that I would like to give to my daughter, retaining the usufruct. I am married. When I die, will my husband benefit from the usufruct of this property?

No. In principle, usufruct ends with the death of the usufructuary (art. 617 C. civ.). However, if the donor retains the usufruct of the donated property, it is possible to include a "reversion of usufruct" clause in the deed of donation. In this way, on the donor's death, the usufruct…
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We are two brothers and one sister co-owning an agricultural land. My sister and I want to lease it, but my brother opposes. Is the agreement of all co-owners required ?

Yes. Regarding co-ownership, Article 815-3 4° of the Civil Code states that a majority of two-thirds of the co-owners can "conclude and renew leases other than those concerning a property for agricultural, commercial, industrial, or artisanal use." In your case, it is a lease for agricultural use, which requires the…
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My husband and I have been living apart for several years and no longer have any contact. I found out that he's started a new life. Is it possible to deprive him of all the rights to my estate?

No. Subject to the absence of children and the predecease of the deceased's father and mother, the surviving (non-divorced) spouse is entitled to the full inheritance of his or her spouse (art. 757-2 C. civ.). Although you can reduce your husband's rights by bequeathing your assets to whomever you wish…
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My son passed away. He was married and had a daughter. My daughter-in-law opted for the usufruct of the entire estate of her late husband, which only includes money. The notary told my granddaughter that she would not receive the money ...

... from this inheritance until her mother passed away. Is this true? Yes. In theory, the usufructuary cannot dispose of the property of the concerned usufruct. However, the Civil Code allows an exception when the usufruct includes elements that cannot be used without consuming them, such as money. In which…
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My spouse benefited from his partner's mutual insurance contract. The rupture of their Civil union was registered in Sept. , the mention on the birth certificates was made then. In the meantime, he'd an accident. Does he still benefit from the contract?

Yes. The termination of the Civil union only becomes opposable to third parties, here to the mutual insurance company, from the day when the publicity formalities have been completed, which means, from the mention made by the state civil officer on the birth certificates of the partners (art. 515-7, al.8…
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My spouse benefited from his partner's mutual insurance contract. The rupture of their Civil union was registered in Sept. , the mention on the birth certificates was made then. In the meantime, he'd an accident. Does he still benefit from the contract?

Yes. The termination of the Civil union only becomes opposable to third parties, here to the mutual insurance company, from the day when the publicity formalities have been completed, which means, from the mention made by the state civil officer on the birth certificates of the partners (art. 515-7, al.8…
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Nurse, one of my patients has memory loss, she lives alone with no known family. Can I request the opening of a legal protection measure for her?

Yes, but under certain conditions. In principle, only some people can ask the guardianship judge to open a protective measure (art. 430 C. civ.). These are, first and foremost, the person to be protected and his or her immediate family. Third parties should therefore not be able to apply for…
See more
I am married under the regime of legal community. I must receive compensation in accordance with a decision of the industrial tribunal, in compensation for my moral damage following the harassment to which I was subjected by my employer (...)

... Will the amount collected fall under the community? No. If the community consists of all the property acquired during the marriage by the couple, the indemnities which are exclusively attached to the person of the husband or wife following an action for compensation for bodily injury or moral, constitute…
See more
After their retirement, my parents moved to Portugal, where they bought a house. My father has passed away, and we need to appraise this residence for the inheritance declaration. How should we proceed ?

Generally, when the deceased owned real estate, the value to be considered for the inheritance declaration is the market value on the date of death (Article 761, paragraph 1 of the General Tax Code and BOI-ENR-DMTG-10-40-20 §20). This is the value that would be obtained if the property were sold…
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My mother has passed away. We found a video in which she stated that she is leaving all her belongings to my brother's children. Is this will valid ?

No. For a will to be valid, it must take one of the forms provided for by Article 969 of the Civil Code: holographic, authentic, or mystic, all of which require a written document. A will made on video is therefore null and void and cannot produce any effects (Reply…
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Do I need to make an appointment with a notary before getting married?

Sophie Sabot-Barcet, notary, answers Marc's question: should I make an appointment with a notary before getting married? Yes, to find out beforehand and receive advice on the choice of matrimonial property regime. Marriage is a contract between the parties. If you don't go to a notary, you'll be married in…
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6 years ago, my partner and I entered a civil partnership and had our agreement drawn up by a notary. We had opted for an undivided property regime. For professional reasons, we'd now like to adopt a separate property regime. Should we contact the notary?

Yes. If you wish to modify your Civil union, you can draw up a new agreement between yourselves, or have it drawn up by a notary. However, as your initial agreement was drawn up by a notary, you must send him your amended agreement so that he can register it…
See more
I wish to adopt (simple adoption) the adult children of my wife. I have adult children myself, born from a previous union. Do they have to consent to this adoption ?

No . When the adopter himself has children, the court called upon to rule in regard to the adoption verifies that it is not likely to compromise family life (art. 353, para. 3 C. civ. by 361 reference). However, as part of the documents which need to be provided in…
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My wife and I are married without a contract. She left the marital home several years ago. We don't want a divorce or legal separation. However, we would like to declare our income separately. Is this possible?

Yes, under certain conditions. In principle, when you are married, you are subject to joint taxation with your spouse for the income each of you receives (art. 6, 1, CGI). However, it is possible to request separate taxation when one of the spouses has abandoned the marital home and each…
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My spouse, with whom I had been living separately for several years, has just passed away. He had no children, and I have learned that he left all his assets to the Red Cross. Is this legal ?

No. Despite your years of separation, you still retain the status of "entitled spouse" (Article 732 of the Civil Code). In the absence of children, the law provides that you are entitled to at least 1/4 of his estate (Article 914-1 of the Civil Code). Therefore, you are entitled to…
See more
My father is going to lend me 10,000 euros. I signed him an acknowledgment of debt. Should it be declared to the taxes? What is the difference with the registration of the deed?

Yes , loan contracts for an amount greater than 5,000 euros must be declared (article 49B appendix 3 and article 23L appendix 4 of the CGI) to the tax authorities on form no. 2062. You must file this declaration at the same time as your next annual income tax return…
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My brother is considering to adopt his spouse's 2 minor children, she had them before. It would be a simple adoption. Our elderly mother is a widow. In the event that my brother dies before our mother, will the adopted children inherit her?

Yes, but…In the context of a simple adoption, the adopted child inherits from his family of origin and also from his adoptive family (Articles 364 and 368 of the Civil Code). If your brother were to predecease your mother, his adopted children would represent their father in his mother's estate…
See more
A few years ago, my mother remarried my stepfather, who adopted me (simple adoption). I want to give them money. I know my mother can benefit from a tax allowance. Is this also the case for my stepfather ?

No. For tax purposes, the kinship created by simple adoption is not considered for the calculation of gift or inheritance taxes (Article 786 of the General Tax Code), except for certain exceptions. However, these exceptions apply only to the adopted person and not to the adoptive parent. Your stepfather will…
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I am married under the community property regime and am in the process of getting divorced. I own my own property and I'm wondering if there are any costs involved in repossessing it?

Yes, you will be required to pay a fee to the notary in charge of liquidating the community estate, representing 0.5916% (incl. VAT) of the value of the property taken over. Added to this is the cost of any formalities. On the other hand, this value is not included in…
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Following their divorce, my father paid his ex-wife a compensatory allowance, in the form of an annuity. He has passed away. I learned that she was going to receive a survivor's pension. Are these two services cumulative?

No. When the compensatory allowance was paid in the form of an annuity, at the time of the death of the debtor spouse, in principle it is immediately payable in the form of a lump sum. Reversion pensions are deducted from the amount of this compensatory allowance (art. 280-1 and…
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I have an adult disabled child. I'd like to be able to choose the person in charge of his or her interests in the event of my death. Is this possible?

Yes. It is possible to draw up a "future protection" mandate before a notary, in which you appoint a trustworthy person to look after your child's interests. You must be materially and emotionally responsible for your child at the time the mandate is signed, and the child must be unable…
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Several years ago, I built my house on a piece of land owned by my sister. When I decided to sell the property, I discovered that my name was not on the title deed. Is this normal ?

Yes. Under French law, the principle is that ownership of the land includes ownership of everything on and beneath it (Article 552 of the Civil Code). This means that even if you financed the construction of the house, your sister remains the owner. For the house to become your property…
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My husband was retired. He passed away and left a huge debt. I plan to renounce his succession. Am I still entitled to the survivor's pension?

Yes. By renouncing the succession of your spouse, you lose the status of heir (article 805 of the Civil Code). On the other hand, you retain the status of spouse. However, the survivor's pension is a right reserved for the spouse or ex-spouse in the event of the death of…
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A few years ago, my parents, who were married and living separate and apart, set up an SCI subject to income tax. They were the only two partners. My mother has died, and my father has opted for usufruct. As the bare owner of my mother's shares, I...

...became a partner in the company. Do I have to declare the company's profits? No. When ownership of shares is divided between a usufructuary and a bare owner, it is up to the usufructuary to declare the sums he or she receives from the company's profits (art. 8 CGI), which…
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A few months before her death, my mother took out a loan from a bank. However, I had taken steps to have her placed under guardianship. She died before the judge made his decision. Can I still take legal action and request the cancellation of this loan?

Yes . When a person benefits from a guardianship, only his guardian can request the annulment of the act for insanity of mind (art. 414-2 C. civ. and 475 al. 1 C. civ.) for the protected person's account. This action can also be brought by his heirs but only in…
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A few months before her death, my mother took out a loan from a bank. However, I had taken steps to have her placed under guardianship. She died before the judge made his decision. Can I still take legal action and request the cancellation of this loan?

Yes . When a person benefits from a guardianship, only his guardian can request the annulment of the act for insanity of mind (art. 414-2 C. civ. and 475 al. 1 C. civ.) for the protected person's account. This action can also be brought by his heirs but only in…
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What are the conditions for adopting a stepchild?

"I want to adopt the child my wife had from a previous union. His biological father is deceased. Is this possible?" Notary David Ambrosiano answers your questions on the BFM Business program "Le Club du Droit / Passez-moi le notaire".
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My partner is of foreign nationality. We plan to get married. Will our union allow him/her to immediately acquire French nationality?

No. Marriage does not automatically have any effect on the nationality (art. 21-1 C. civ.). When a foreign person marries a French person and wishes to obtain the French nationality, they must apply for it by filing a declaration of French nationality via marriage with the dedicated access platform of…
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Before our marriage my husband owned a car which he sold during the marriage. The notary tells me that he received a reward equal to the sale price. Is this normal ?

Yes . When the spouses are married under the regime of the legal community, three patrimonies are to be distinguished: the patrimony specific to each spouse and the common patrimony. During couple life, financial movements often take place between the different assets. The mechanism of rewards is intended to restore…
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My wife and I are married under the community of property regime. We haven't been living together for several years and would like to have this legal separation declared by a judge. If we ever decide to live together again, what would be the consequences?

The resumption of cohabitation puts an end to the legal separation and re-establishes the previous effects attached to the marriage, with the exception of the matrimonial property regime, the separation of property being maintained (art. 305, al. 1 and 3 C. civ.). Please note: for this situation to be known…
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My brother is in need. Our parents are deceased and he's not married with no children. Our relationship is very bad. Am I obliged to help him?

No. The French Civil Code does not provide for an obligation to provide support between brothers and sisters. However, the courts do recognize the existence of a natural obligation: this means that your brother in need cannot force you to help him, but that you can help him voluntarily. However…
See more
My husband has passed away. As part of his support obligation, he paid his parents a sum every month to help them pay for their retirement home (EPHAD). Will I have to continue paying it?

It depends. The law stipulates that daughters-in-law and sons-in-law are obliged to help their parents-in-law materially and financially as part of the obligation to provide support (art. 206 C. civ.). The death of your husband does not terminate this obligation (Lyon Jan. 25, 1967). On the other hand, if you…
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My wife and I are married under the community of property regime. We haven't been living together for several years and would like to have this legal separation declared by a judge. If we ever decide to live together again, what would be the consequences?

The resumption of cohabitation puts an end to the legal separation and re-establishes the previous effects attached to the marriage, with the exception of the matrimonial property regime, the separation of property being maintained (art. 305, al. 1 and 3 C. civ.). Please note: for this situation to be known…
See more
My father owned and operated a farm. My brother participated in this activity without being paid but received the profits from the exploitation. Can he claim a deferred salary as part of our father's estate?

No. To be able to benefit from a deferred salary claim, the descendants of the deceased farmer must be over the age of 18 and participate directly and effectively in the operation. However, they must not have been associated with profits and losses, nor received salaries in cash (L.321-13 C…
See more
We are married and have no children. When I die, will my husband inherit my property even though we are married under the separation of property regime?

Yes. When a person dies without descendants, their surviving spouse is entitled to inherit their estate, either alone or in concurrence with the deceased's father and mother (according to articles 756 and 757-1 of the Civil Code). Civil law defines the 'successor' spouse as the surviving, undivorced spouse of the…
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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…
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My spouse refuses to contribute to household expenses on the grounds that my salary is higher than his. Does he have the right?

No. Married couples are required to contribute to the expenses of marriage and the maintenance of children, regardless of their matrimonial regime. The wedding expenses include various expenses, in particular those relating to accommodation and food. If the spouses are free to provide in their marriage contract a distribution of…
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My uncle wants to give me a building plot. I'm married with joint ownership. Will my husband have any rights to the property?

Yes, in principle. When spouses adopt the regime of universal community, all movable and immovable property owned by them on the day of adoption of this regime, and all that they acquire subsequently, are held in common (art. 1526 C. civ.), with the exception of property that is private by…
See more
Following their divorce, my father paid his ex-wife a compensatory allowance, in the form of an annuity. He has passed away. I learned that she was going to receive a survivor's pension. Are these two services cumulative?

No. When the compensatory allowance was paid in the form of an annuity, at the time of the death of the debtor spouse, in principle it is immediately payable in the form of a lump sum. Reversion pensions are deducted from the amount of this compensatory allowance (art. 280-1 and…
See more
We are married and have no children. When I die, will my husband inherit my property even though we are married under the separation of property regime?

Yes. When a person dies without descendants, their surviving spouse is entitled to inherit their estate, either alone or in concurrence with the deceased's father and mother (according to articles 756 and 757-1 of the Civil Code). Civil law defines the 'successor' spouse as the surviving, undivorced spouse of the…
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I wish to adopt (simple adoption) the adult children of my wife. I have adult children myself, born from a previous union. Do they have to consent to this adoption ?

No . When the adopter himself has children, the court called upon to rule in regard to the adoption verifies that it is not likely to compromise family life (art. 353, para. 3 C. civ. by 361 reference). However, as part of the documents which need to be provided in…
See more
My brother is in need. Our parents are deceased and he's not married with no children. Our relationship is very bad. Am I obliged to help him?

No. The French Civil Code does not provide for an obligation to provide support between brothers and sisters. However, the courts do recognize the existence of a natural obligation: this means that your brother in need cannot force you to help him, but that you can help him voluntarily. However…
See more
My aunt is widowed and has no children. I heard she might be under guardianship. How can I verify this?

If your aunt has been placed under a protective measure by a court judgment (guardianship or curatorship), it is noted on her birth certificate (Article 444 of the Civil Code). You can request a copy of her birth certificate from the town hall of the municipality where she was born.
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My husband was retired. He passed away and left a huge debt. I plan to renounce his succession. Am I still entitled to the survivor's pension?

Yes. By renouncing the succession of your spouse, you lose the status of heir (article 805 of the Civil Code). On the other hand, you retain the status of spouse. However, the survivor's pension is a right reserved for the spouse or ex-spouse in the event of the death of…
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My partner is of foreign nationality. We plan to get married. Will our union allow him/her to immediately acquire French nationality?

No. Marriage does not automatically have any effect on the nationality (art. 21-1 C. civ.). When a foreign person marries a French person and wishes to obtain the French nationality, they must apply for it by filing a declaration of French nationality via marriage with the dedicated access platform of…
See more
What are the conditions for adopting a stepchild?

"I want to adopt the child my wife had from a previous union. His biological father is deceased. Is this possible?" Notary David Ambrosiano answers your questions on the BFM Business program "Le Club du Droit / Passez-moi le notaire".
See more
My wife and I are married without a contract. She left the marital home several years ago. We don't want a divorce or legal separation. However, we would like to declare our income separately. Is this possible?

Yes, under certain conditions. In principle, when you are married, you are subject to joint taxation with your spouse for the income each of you receives (art. 6, 1, CGI). However, it is possible to request separate taxation when one of the spouses has abandoned the marital home and each…
See more
My cousin passed away. She was married but separated from her spouse. She had no children, no siblings and her parents passed away as well. In her will, she bequeathed all of her real estate to me. My notary tells me that if I give up (...)

... her property will revert to her spouse. Is it correct? Yes . Renunciation of a bequest has the effect of rendering the testamentary disposition null and void (art. 1043 C. civ.). The devolution of inheritance then takes place as if this provision had never existed. Since your cousin has…
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A few years ago, my mother remarried my stepfather, who adopted me (simple adoption). I want to give them money. I know my mother can benefit from a tax allowance. Is this also the case for my stepfather ?

No. For tax purposes, the kinship created by simple adoption is not considered for the calculation of gift or inheritance taxes (Article 786 of the General Tax Code), except for certain exceptions. However, these exceptions apply only to the adopted person and not to the adoptive parent. Your stepfather will…
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My partner to whom I was not married has passed away. He had entered into a mandate for future protection and appointed our daughter as mandatary. This convention has never been implemented. Can my daughter invoke it to settle the estate on her own?

No. The purpose of the mandate for future protection is to allow a designated person (the mandatary) to represent the mandator who could no longer provide for his interests alone (article 477 of the Civil Code). This mandate ends on the death of the principal, whether it has been implemented…
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We have just gotten married without a contract, but we have changed our minds and wish to divide our property. Is there a deadline to make this change?

No . Since 2019 it is no longer mandatory to wait two years before being able to change the matrimonial regime. Note : this change must always be carried out in the interest of the family (art. 1397 C. civ.).
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I am associated with my spouse and my brother in a family SCI subject to IR. With my spouse, we occupy one of the properties of the SCI as our main residence. The SCI has decided to sell this property (...)

Will the 3 partners be exempt from real estate capital gains? No. Capital gains realized on the sale of the main residence of the seller on the day of the sale are exempt (article 150 U, II-1° of the General Tax Code). When the property is held through a company…
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My ex-husband passed away. He was very spendthrift. As the legal representative of our minor child, I am considering making an acceptance up to the net assets on his behalf. Is the authorization of the guardianship judge obligatory?

No. Acceptance up to the amount of the net assets makes it possible to limit the patrimonial risks for the heir since he is not liable for the debts of the deceased, on his personal assets. As long as this acceptance does not present a risk for the minor to…
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I want to give bare ownership of assets to my minor grandchildren and keep the usufruct. If I die before they reach majority, I do not want these assets to be managed by their parents. Is this possible ?

Yes. It is entirely possible to make a donation to your minor grandchildren. This donation must be accepted by their legal administrators (their parents), in accordance with Article 935 of the Civil Code. However, you can specify in the donation act that the donated assets be managed by a third…
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My spouse and I have divorced. During our marriage, we bought a house that we wish to keep. Are we required to establish a co-ownership agreement ?

No. Regardless of the origin of the co-ownership (whether from an inheritance or a divorce, for example), a co-ownership agreement is always optional. However, since decisions must generally be made unanimously by all co-owners, which can be a source of difficulties, the agreement allows you to organize in advance the…
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Several years ago, I built my house on a piece of land owned by my sister. When I decided to sell the property, I discovered that my name was not on the title deed. Is this normal ?

Yes. Under French law, the principle is that ownership of the land includes ownership of everything on and beneath it (Article 552 of the Civil Code). This means that even if you financed the construction of the house, your sister remains the owner. For the house to become your property…
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My father is under a notarized future protection mandate. I am the agent. He intended to make a donation but could not do so before this measure was implemented. Is it still possible ?

Yes. A future protection mandate does not prevent the protected person from disposing of their property with the assistance of their agent. However, Article 490 paragraph 2 of the Civil Code requires the agent to obtain the authorization of the guardianship judge to "perform a disposition act for free." The…
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My spouse and I have divorced. During our marriage, we bought a house that we wish to keep. Are we required to establish a co-ownership agreement ?

No. Regardless of the origin of the co-ownership (whether from an inheritance or a divorce, for example), a co-ownership agreement is always optional. However, since decisions must generally be made unanimously by all co-owners, which can be a source of difficulties, the agreement allows you to organize in advance the…
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Before our marriage my husband owned a car which he sold during the marriage. The notary tells me that he received a reward equal to the sale price. Is this normal ?

Yes . When the spouses are married under the regime of the legal community, three patrimonies are to be distinguished: the patrimony specific to each spouse and the common patrimony. During couple life, financial movements often take place between the different assets. The mechanism of rewards is intended to restore…
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I am the sole owner of a studio apartment that I would like to give to my daughter, retaining the usufruct. I am married. When I die, will my husband benefit from the usufruct of this property?

No. In principle, usufruct ends with the death of the usufructuary (art. 617 C. civ.). However, if the donor retains the usufruct of the donated property, it is possible to include a "reversion of usufruct" clause in the deed of donation. In this way, on the donor's death, the usufruct…
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My mother always lived in Martinique, but she came to the mainland for medical treatment, where she unfortunately passed away. Is it true that I have one year to file the inheritance declaration with the tax authorities ?

Yes. Article 642 of the General Tax Code provides that when the deceased has passed away outside the department of Martinique where they were domiciled, the heirs have a one-year period to file the inheritance declaration with the tax authorities (as an exception to the six-month period).
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My partner and I have an appointment with the notary on February 10, 2024, to sign a PACS (civil union). What will be the tax declaration procedures for the income we will earn in 2024?

Like married couples, PACS partners are subject to joint taxation (Article 6, 1 CGI and 7 CGI), including for the income earned in the year the agreement is concluded (Article 6, 5th CGI). However, you can opt for separate taxation of the income you personally received during the year of…
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Pacs: how can you reserve your entire inheritance for your partner?

"I'm currently in a civil union with my partner and we have two children. I also have a child from my first marriage. We each own 50% of an apartment. I'd like to bequeath the entire usufruct to my current wife, but above all, I don't want to bequeath it…
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I have an adult disabled child. I'd like to be able to choose the person in charge of his or her interests in the event of my death. Is this possible?

Yes. It is possible to draw up a "future protection" mandate before a notary, in which you appoint a trustworthy person to look after your child's interests. You must be materially and emotionally responsible for your child at the time the mandate is signed, and the child must be unable…
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I am in the process of divorcing my husband, the non-conciliation order has just been made. If I acquire a property (married in community regime), will it belong to me in its entirety?

Buying real estate during divorce proceedings is possible, but the operation is risky. Under the old contentious divorce regime (procedures initiated before January 1, 2021, as in your case), the date of the effects of the divorce between the spouses is fixed on the date of the ONC, subject to…
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A few years ago, my mother signed a mandate for future protection and appointed me as her proxy. Today, she seems to be losing her memory and isn't always aware of what she's doing. How do I go about implementing this measure?

If it appears that your mother is no longer capable of looking after her own interests, you must inform her of your intention to implement the mandate. Her condition must then be certified by a doctor chosen from a list drawn up by the public prosecutor. This medical certificate and…
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We have two children and have changed our matrimonial regime to universal community. If one of us dies, will the surviving spouse inherit all the community property?

Everything depends on the wording of your marriage contract. If there is an "allotment to the surviving spouse" clause, the surviving spouse becomes the owner of the entire estate. Failing this, the estate is divided between the surviving spouse and the 2 children in accordance with the law.
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As part of a process of medically assisted procreation, my partner and I must go to a notary to obtain our consent. Is this agreement subject to registration fees ?

No. Article 847 bis of the General Tax Code provides for an exemption from registration fees; in regard to the prior consent to be obtained by a notary (article 342-10 of the Civil Code). As an extension of the bioethics law of August 2, 2021, which extends medically assisted reproduction…
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I am in the process of divorcing my husband, the non-conciliation order has just been made. If I acquire a property (married in community regime), will it belong to me in its entirety?

Buying real estate during divorce proceedings is possible, but the operation is risky. Under the old contentious divorce regime (procedures initiated before January 1, 2021, as in your case), the date of the effects of the divorce between the spouses is fixed on the date of the ONC, subject to…
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I am married under the separate property regime. My wife and I live in an apartment that I own. I want to sell it and the notary tells me that my wife's consent is required. Is it true?

Yes. This rule is intended to protect the family home and applies even when this property belongs to one of the spouses only. In the absence of your wife's consent to this sale, she could request the cancellation within one year from the day she became aware of it and…
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I am married under the community property regime and am in the process of getting divorced. I own my own property and I'm wondering if there are any costs involved in repossessing it?

Yes, you will be required to pay a fee to the notary in charge of liquidating the community estate, representing 0.5916% (incl. VAT) of the value of the property taken over. Added to this is the cost of any formalities. On the other hand, this value is not included in…
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My mother, who has Alzheimer's disease, lives in a retirement home. The latter no longer has enough cash to finance it. Is it possible within the framework of a family authorization to ask the judge to buy back the premiums of her life insurance contract?

Yes . When a person is no longer able to express their will due to a medically confirmed alteration of their mental faculties, it is possible to request a family authorization from the guardianship judge. The authorization may be general or relate only to certain acts in regard to the…
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My boyfriend and I want to get married. We are 19 years old. He's a foreigner, and in his country the age of majority is 21. Can we still enter a civil partnership in France?

No, only individuals of legal age are permitted to enter a civil union (Art. 515-1 C. civ.). Additionally, as it involves a contract, one must also possess the capacity to contract. For persons of foreign nationality, their legal capacity is determined by the laws of their respective countries (Art. 3…
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My aunt is widowed and has no children. I heard she might be under guardianship. How can I verify this?

If your aunt has been placed under a protective measure by a court judgment (guardianship or curatorship), it is noted on her birth certificate (Article 444 of the Civil Code). You can request a copy of her birth certificate from the town hall of the municipality where she was born.
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A few years ago, my parents, who were married and living separate and apart, set up an SCI subject to income tax. They were the only two partners. My mother has died, and my father has opted for usufruct. As the bare owner of my mother's shares, I...

...became a partner in the company. Do I have to declare the company's profits? No. When ownership of shares is divided between a usufructuary and a bare owner, it is up to the usufructuary to declare the sums he or she receives from the company's profits (art. 8 CGI), which…
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My mother always lived in Martinique, but she came to the mainland for medical treatment, where she unfortunately passed away. Is it true that I have one year to file the inheritance declaration with the tax authorities ?

Yes. Article 642 of the General Tax Code provides that when the deceased has passed away outside the department of Martinique where they were domiciled, the heirs have a one-year period to file the inheritance declaration with the tax authorities (as an exception to the six-month period).
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My son passed away. He was married and had a daughter. My daughter-in-law opted for the usufruct of the entire estate of her late husband, which only includes money. The notary told my granddaughter that she would not receive the money ...

... from this inheritance until her mother passed away. Is this true? Yes. In theory, the usufructuary cannot dispose of the property of the concerned usufruct. However, the Civil Code allows an exception when the usufruct includes elements that cannot be used without consuming them, such as money. In which…
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I am a widow and I have 2 children who do not get along. I wish to choose the person who will represent me if I were to be placed under judicial protection. Is it possible ?

Yes . Any person may designate in advance the person responsible for exercising the functions of curator or tutor if they were to be placed under a measure of judicial protection (art. 448 C. civ.). To be valid, the designation must be made by declaration before a notary, or by…
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4 years ago my father took out a loan to buy his house. The bank then registered a mortgage on the property. We recently had him placed under curatorship. We've just learned that he hasn't paid the last instalments and that the bank is threatening to...

...seize his house. Is this possible despite the protective measure? Yes. The protection of the protected person's home has the effect of limiting the acts that his representative can perform (art. 426 C. civ.). However, this does not mean that the property cannot be seized by creditors, in this case…
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My husband and I have been living apart for several years and no longer have any contact. I found out that he's started a new life. Is it possible to deprive him of all the rights to my estate?

No. Subject to the absence of children and the predecease of the deceased's father and mother, the surviving (non-divorced) spouse is entitled to the full inheritance of his or her spouse (art. 757-2 C. civ.). Although you can reduce your husband's rights by bequeathing your assets to whomever you wish…
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My mother has passed away. We found a video in which she stated that she is leaving all her belongings to my brother's children. Is this will valid ?

No. For a will to be valid, it must take one of the forms provided for by Article 969 of the Civil Code: holographic, authentic, or mystic, all of which require a written document. A will made on video is therefore null and void and cannot produce any effects (Reply…
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My father is under a notarized future protection mandate. I am the agent. He intended to make a donation but could not do so before this measure was implemented. Is it still possible ?

Yes. A future protection mandate does not prevent the protected person from disposing of their property with the assistance of their agent. However, Article 490 paragraph 2 of the Civil Code requires the agent to obtain the authorization of the guardianship judge to "perform a disposition act for free." The…
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My father is going to lend me 10,000 euros. I signed him an acknowledgment of debt. Should it be declared to the taxes? What is the difference with the registration of the deed?

Yes , loan contracts for an amount greater than 5,000 euros must be declared (article 49B appendix 3 and article 23L appendix 4 of the CGI) to the tax authorities on form no. 2062. You must file this declaration at the same time as your next annual income tax return…
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4 years ago my father took out a loan to buy his house. The bank then registered a mortgage on the property. We recently had him placed under curatorship. We've just learned that he hasn't paid the last instalments and that the bank is threatening to...

...seize his house. Is this possible despite the protective measure? Yes. The protection of the protected person's home has the effect of limiting the acts that his representative can perform (art. 426 C. civ.). However, this does not mean that the property cannot be seized by creditors, in this case…
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I am associated with my spouse and my brother in a family SCI subject to IR. With my spouse, we occupy one of the properties of the SCI as our main residence. The SCI has decided to sell this property (...)

Will the 3 partners be exempt from real estate capital gains? No. Capital gains realized on the sale of the main residence of the seller on the day of the sale are exempt (article 150 U, II-1° of the General Tax Code). When the property is held through a company…
See more
Pacs: how can you reserve your entire inheritance for your partner?

"I'm currently in a civil union with my partner and we have two children. I also have a child from my first marriage. We each own 50% of an apartment. I'd like to bequeath the entire usufruct to my current wife, but above all, I don't want to bequeath it…
See more
I am a widow and I have 2 children who do not get along. I wish to choose the person who will represent me if I were to be placed under judicial protection. Is it possible ?

Yes . Any person may designate in advance the person responsible for exercising the functions of curator or tutor if they were to be placed under a measure of judicial protection (art. 448 C. civ.). To be valid, the designation must be made by declaration before a notary, or by…
See more
I own a house inherited from my parents. Upon my death, I wish to bequeath it to one of my daughters, then have it passed on to my grandson upon her death, with the condition that he transfers it to his future child. Is this possible ?

Partially. By will, you can bequeath this house to your daughter with the condition that she keeps and transfers it to her son (Article 1051 of the Civil Code). However, the law does not allow you to impose this condition on your grandson (Article 1053 paragraph 1 of the Civil…
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We are two brothers and one sister co-owning an agricultural land. My sister and I want to lease it, but my brother opposes. Is the agreement of all co-owners required ?

Yes. Regarding co-ownership, Article 815-3 4° of the Civil Code states that a majority of two-thirds of the co-owners can "conclude and renew leases other than those concerning a property for agricultural, commercial, industrial, or artisanal use." In your case, it is a lease for agricultural use, which requires the…
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My mother, who has Alzheimer's disease, lives in a retirement home. The latter no longer has enough cash to finance it. Is it possible within the framework of a family authorization to ask the judge to buy back the premiums of her life insurance contract?

Yes . When a person is no longer able to express their will due to a medically confirmed alteration of their mental faculties, it is possible to request a family authorization from the guardianship judge. The authorization may be general or relate only to certain acts in regard to the…
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My spouse refuses to contribute to household expenses on the grounds that my salary is higher than his. Does he have the right?

No. Married couples are required to contribute to the expenses of marriage and the maintenance of children, regardless of their matrimonial regime. The wedding expenses include various expenses, in particular those relating to accommodation and food. If the spouses are free to provide in their marriage contract a distribution of…
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My partner and I have an appointment with the notary on February 10, 2024, to sign a PACS (civil union). What will be the tax declaration procedures for the income we will earn in 2024?

Like married couples, PACS partners are subject to joint taxation (Article 6, 1 CGI and 7 CGI), including for the income earned in the year the agreement is concluded (Article 6, 5th CGI). However, you can opt for separate taxation of the income you personally received during the year of…
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As part of a process of medically assisted procreation, my partner and I must go to a notary to obtain our consent. Is this agreement subject to registration fees ?

No. Article 847 bis of the General Tax Code provides for an exemption from registration fees; in regard to the prior consent to be obtained by a notary (article 342-10 of the Civil Code). As an extension of the bioethics law of August 2, 2021, which extends medically assisted reproduction…
See more
I own a house inherited from my parents. Upon my death, I wish to bequeath it to one of my daughters, then have it passed on to my grandson upon her death, with the condition that he transfers it to his future child. Is this possible ?

Partially. By will, you can bequeath this house to your daughter with the condition that she keeps and transfers it to her son (Article 1051 of the Civil Code). However, the law does not allow you to impose this condition on your grandson (Article 1053 paragraph 1 of the Civil…
See more
I am married under the separate property regime. My wife and I live in an apartment that I own. I want to sell it and the notary tells me that my wife's consent is required. Is it true?

Yes. This rule is intended to protect the family home and applies even when this property belongs to one of the spouses only. In the absence of your wife's consent to this sale, she could request the cancellation within one year from the day she became aware of it and…
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Do I need to make an appointment with a notary before getting married?

Sophie Sabot-Barcet, notary, answers Marc's question: should I make an appointment with a notary before getting married? Yes, to find out beforehand and receive advice on the choice of matrimonial property regime. Marriage is a contract between the parties. If you don't go to a notary, you'll be married in…
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