Private clients
Estates, gifts, protection of your spouse
Organising the transfer of your assets during your lifetime costs less and avoids most family disputes. We help you decide what to pass on, to whom, and when.
Settling an estate takes six months on average. We know this is not the ideal time to fill in forms. Our role is to tell you precisely what we need, in what order, and to take care of the rest.
In practice, how it works
The stages of your file.
First meeting
We review your situation and explain the options: gift, will, change of matrimonial regime, estate settlement.
Opening the file
Your contact person is appointed and you receive the complete list of documents to gather.
Gathering the documents
Civil status records, title deeds, statements: at any time, you know what is missing.
Drafting the deed
We draft the deed and send it to you for review before signing.
Signing and formalities
Signing at the firm or remotely, followed by publication and registration.
What to prepare
The documents to gather.
You will receive the exact list when your file is opened. Here are the main ones.
- Death certificate
- Family record book (livret de famille)
- Marriage contract or PACS, if there is one
- Will, if one exists
- Title deeds to the properties
- Bank statements and life insurance policies
- Latest tax assessment notice
The questions we are asked
Frequently asked questions.
Is a notaire compulsory for an estate?
Yes, as soon as there is a property, a will, a marriage contract or an estate exceeding a certain amount. The notaire draws up the affidavit of inheritance (acte de notoriété) and the certificates of ownership (attestations de propriété).
What is the surviving spouse’s usufruct?
Usufruct allows the surviving spouse to continue to use a property (live in it, collect the rent from it) without being its full owner. The children hold the bare ownership and recover full ownership on the death of the usufructuary.
Can a child be disinherited?
No. French law reserves a minimum share of the estate for the children, the reserved portion (réserve héréditaire). Only the disposable portion (quotité disponible) can be freely passed on to other people.
What are the tax allowances on gifts?
Each parent can give up to €100,000 per child every fifteen years without paying any duty. Other allowances exist depending on the family relationship and the nature of the asset.
How long does one have to settle an estate?
The inheritance tax return must in principle be filed within six months of the death. A complete settlement takes six months on average, longer if a property has to be sold or if the heirs disagree.
What if the heirs do not agree?
The notaire has an advisory and mediating role. If the deadlock persists, court proceedings for the division of the estate may be brought, but they remain the exception.
Two offices
Family, estates, gifts: meet us.
Notaires in Grasse
28 Route de Cannes, 06130 Grasse
+33 4 93 70 97 55Access, opening hours and the office’s notairesNotaires in Antibes
15 avenue Robert Soleau, 06600 Antibes
+33 4 93 34 53 46Access, opening hours and the office’s notaires
A question about your situation?
The first meeting is used to understand your situation and to tell you clearly what is possible, what it involves and what it costs. With no obligation.