I gave an apartment to my daughter, who has three children. If she dies before me, the notary tells me it's possible to get it back. Is this true?

Yes. Everything depends on how you draft your deed of gift. If nothing has been stipulated, as the gift is irrevocable, the law does not allow you to recover your property. On the other hand, if a "conventional return clause" has been provided for in the event of the predecease…
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I own a barge on the Seine in which I live. I would like to sell it. Can I claim exemption from capital gains tax on the sale?

Yes, under certain conditions. It is possible to benefit from an exemption from capital gains tax when the property sold constitutes the seller's principal residence on the day of sale (art. 150 U CGI). For tax purposes, this residence can only be a residential property. Legally, a barge is a…
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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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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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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 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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We are 3 brothers and sisters who own an undivided piece of farmland. My sister and I want to rent it out, but my brother is against it. Do we all need to agree?

Yes, in principle, if only some of the undivided co-owners wish to enter into a lease on an undivided property, they must hold at least two-thirds of the undivided rights in order to do so. However, this rule does not apply to leases on agricultural real estate (art. 815-3, 4°…
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Following the death of our parents, my brothers and I became joint owners of a property located in a condominium. The general meeting of co-owners is due to be held soon. Can each of us take part in the vote, given that we don't get along?

No. When a condominium is held by undivided co-owners, the indivision as a whole is represented by a joint agent chosen by the undivided co-owners. In the case of a disagreement, the representative is appointed by the president of the court to which the matter has been referred either by…
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I've just bought an apartment in Lyon following the transfer I obtained. I'm currently working in Bordeaux and will be staying there for a few more months. Can I rent out my property in Lyon until I move in?

Yes, but only under certain conditions. When a specific event, of a professional or family nature, justifies your taking over the rented premises, you can enter into a lease for a period of less than 3 years but at least 1 year (art. 11, al. 1 law n°89-462 of July…
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