Inheritance, Probate & Wills · France
Inheritance, Probate & Wills lawyers in France
French succession rules can feel complex, especially with the réserve héréditaire and mandatory notarial involvement. We match you with an English-speaking lawyer who handles inheritance, probate and wills across French courts. Share your situation and receive a free, no-obligation introduction within 24–48 hours.
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Inheritance in France
French inheritance: a civil-law system with protective rules
Inheritance, Probate & Wills lawyers in France help you navigate a system built on the Napoleonic Civil Code, where forced heirship limits testamentary freedom and notaries play a central role in authentic deeds. Whether you are planning your estate, dealing with a French succession, or contesting a will, the procedural path runs through the tribunal judiciaire, cour d’appel and, ultimately, the Cour de cassation. Most civil claims above €10,000 require an avocat, and deadlines—such as the ten-year option to accept or renounce an inheritance—can have lasting consequences. We match you with a lawyer who handles French inheritance, probate and wills, so you can make informed decisions without navigating the rules alone.
France-specific guidance
How Inheritance, Probate & Wills work in France
French succession is governed by the Civil Code and the réserve héréditaire, which protects descendants from disinheritance. Real-estate and succession deeds require an authentic act by a notary, while contested matters are handled by the judicial courts. Below are the key rules, deadlines and costs you may encounter.
Forced heirship limits your estate-planning freedom
Under the réserve héréditaire, a testator cannot freely dispose of the entire estate. The reserved portion is half with one child, two-thirds with two, and three-quarters with three or more children. Only the remaining quotité disponible may be freely bequeathed, making total disinheritance of children impossible under French law.
Notaries are mandatory for real-estate and succession deeds
Any transfer of real property must be evidenced by an authentic deed drawn up by a notary practising in France. Notaries are public officers with a monopoly on real-estate conveyancing, marriage contracts and succession deeds; they collect transfer taxes and ensure the legal certainty of the transaction.
Contested succession matters follow the judicial court hierarchy
Inheritance and probate disputes are heard at first instance by the tribunal judiciaire, with appeals before one of the 36 cours d’appel and final review by the Cour de cassation on questions of law. In most civil claims above €10,000 before the tribunal judiciaire, and in all appeals, an avocat is mandatory.
You have ten years to accept or renounce an inheritance
Under French law, an heir has ten years to exercise the option to accept or renounce an inheritance. Letting this period lapse can have legal consequences, so it is important to clarify your position early with a lawyer who understands French succession options.
Court costs are limited, but legal fees are freely agreed
Justice is in principle free, but filing a civil first-instance claim requires a €50 fiscal stamp and an appeal with mandatory representation requires a €225 electronic stamp. Lawyers’ fees are freely agreed and usually set out in a convention d’honoraires; legal aid may cover all or part of costs for eligible clients.
Key time limit — Inheritance, Probate & Wills
Succession (option to accept or renounce an inheritance) — 10 years. An heir has ten years to accept or renounce an inheritance under French succession law.
Data verified from official French sources (Justice.gouv.fr, Legifrance, CNB, Code du travail, Justice.fr) as of 2025.
- Organisation of courts and tribunals – Justice.gouv.fr
- Access conditions to the profession – Conseil national des barreaux
- Labour Code – Article L1471-1
- Civil Code – General limitation period
- Consumer Code – Article L218-2
- Civil Code – Option to accept or renounce succession
- Law on rental lease actions
- Code of Administrative Justice – Appeal deadline
- Cost of justice – Justice.fr
- French Civil Code – Réserve héréditaire
- French Civil Code – Notarial deed for real property
Common worries
Inheritance in France can feel uncertain
Three situations we often hear from clients—and how a matched lawyer can help.
Uncertain whether you can disinherit a child?
French forced heirship rules reserve a fixed share for children, making total disinheritance impossible. A lawyer can explain the quotité disponible and help you plan within the legal limits.
Worried about missing a succession deadline?
You have ten years to accept or renounce an inheritance. If you delay, you may need to clarify your status before a French court, which can be stressful and costly.
Unsure if a notary or a lawyer is required?
In France, notaries handle authentic deeds for real estate and succession, while lawyers represent you in contested matters. We match you with a lawyer who coordinates the process.
Why use our matching service
A calmer path through French succession
We focus on your problem and connect you with a lawyer who handles Inheritance, Probate & Wills in France.
Free, no-obligation matching
Tell us about your inheritance or probate matter and we will suggest a lawyer from our network at no cost. You decide whether to proceed; there is no commitment.
English-speaking French legal guidance
Work with a lawyer who can explain French succession rules, court procedures and documents in clear English, so you always understand your options and next steps.
Fast first response
Most clients receive a first response within 24–48 hours. We prioritise inheritance and probate matters so you can move forward without unnecessary delay.
Lawyer focused on your problem
We match you with a specialist who handles inheritance, probate and wills in France—not a generalist call centre. You speak directly with the legal professional.
Where we can help
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Questions answered
Inheritance, probate and wills in France: FAQs
Do I need a lawyer for inheritance matters in France?
In most civil claims above €10,000 before the tribunal judiciaire, and in all appeals, an avocat is mandatory. For non-contentious matters, a notary is often required for real-estate and succession deeds. We match you with an Inheritance, Probate & Wills lawyer in France who advises on whether representation is needed.
What is the réserve héréditaire and how does it affect my will?
The réserve héréditaire protects descendants by reserving half of the estate with one child, two-thirds with two, and three-quarters with three or more children. Only the remaining quotité disponible may be freely bequeathed; total disinheritance of children is impossible under French law.
How long do I have to accept or renounce an inheritance in France?
French law gives an heir ten years to exercise the option to accept or renounce an inheritance. Letting this period lapse can create legal uncertainty, so it is wise to seek advice early from a lawyer familiar with French succession options.
Are notaries mandatory for inheritance and property transfers?
Yes, any transfer of real property must be evidenced by an authentic deed drawn up by a notary practising in France. Notaries have a monopoly on real-estate conveyancing and succession deeds, and they collect transfer taxes and ensure legal certainty.
What does it cost to get matched with a lawyer?
Our matching service is free and without obligation. You will receive a suggested lawyer profile and, if you choose to proceed, you discuss fees directly with the lawyer; fees are freely agreed and usually set out in a convention d’honoraires.
Which French courts handle inheritance and probate disputes?
Contested matters go to the tribunal judiciaire at first instance, with appeals before one of the 36 cours d’appel and final review by the Cour de cassation. Most civil claims above €10,000 require an avocat, and we match you with one.
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