Inheritance in France

This service helps people who have been left property or other assets in the country and need to receive them. Such people are called heirs or beneficiaries.

Common difficulties

Heirs often have to deal with unfamiliar local law, taxes and sometimes disagreements between family members. This is harder for people who live abroad, because of distance and language.

Who can use it

Anyone who is an heir to assets in the country, whatever their nationality. A copy of the will of the person who died is helpful but not required.

What happens

• First meeting: a look at your situation, what you expect and the documents you have.
• Checking the rules: finding out which laws apply and what taxes are due.
• Checking documents: confirming the will and related papers.
• Finding the assets: locating what the person owned in the country and working out its value.
• Paying debts and taxes: settling what is owed before anything is shared out.
• Sharing out: dividing the assets among the heirs according to the will or, if there is none, the law.
• Disputes: helping to solve any disagreements between heirs or with others.

Why it can help

Expert help can make the transfer smoother, may reduce the tax paid, saves time and helps avoid common problems such as family disputes or misunderstandings caused by language.