My aunt passed away. I am the only heir. I found out that she had a lot of debt and I want to renounce her estate. I am a foreign resident. Do I have to return to France to proceed with the waiver?

No. To be enforceable against third parties, the renunciation of an inheritance must be formalized with the judicial court of the last domicile of the deceased, by filing or sending a simple letter which is duly completed, Cerfa 15828*05 form. One must also attach a full copy of the death certificate of the deceased, a full copy dating back less than 3 months of the birth certificate of the person renouncing as well as a copy of both sides of their proof of identity. It is also possible to file or send this request to a notary.

Subsequently, the renouncer will receive a receipt for this waiver by a simple letter, which must be kept in order to justify this process with regard to the creditors of the succession.