Succession law · France
Inheritance lawyers in France: protect your estate and heirs
French succession law combines forced heirship, notarial formalities and strict deadlines. A specialised avocat can guide you through obligations, disputes and cross-border estates. We match you with a lawyer who handles your specific situation—free of charge.
- Free matching with vetted French avocats
- Guidance on réserve héréditaire and estate planning
- Support with notarial deeds and succession disputes
No obligation · 100% confidential
Get matched with a lawyer
Tell us about your situation and receive a free, confidential case review.
Why it matters
Inheritance issues in France need local legal precision
Inheriting property, managing an estate or contesting a will in France involves rules that often surprise non-residents: forced heirship, notarial deeds and two separate court orders. Inheritance lawyers in France can explain how the Civil Code applies to your family situation and protect your interests before the tribunal judiciaire. Whether you are accepting or renouncing a succession, dealing with French real estate, or facing a cross-border estate, local guidance is essential. No two estates are the same, and early advice can help you avoid costly mistakes. We match you with a French avocat who handles succession matters, without charge and without obligation. Your enquiry is confidential, and you will usually hear from a suitable lawyer within 24–48 hours.
Local legal landscape
How succession and inheritance work in France
France applies a codified civil-law system rooted in the Napoleonic Civil Code. In inheritance matters, both the judicial order and the notarial profession play essential roles. Below are key rules you should know before instructing a lawyer.
Civil-law succession before the tribunal judiciaire
Inheritance disputes are handled within the judicial order, which includes the tribunal judiciaire at first instance and 36 cours d’appel on appeal. The Cour de cassation reviews questions of law only. A lawyer is mandatory for most civil claims above €10,000 and for all appeals.
Notaries and authentic deeds in estates
Any transfer of real property, marriage contract or succession deed must be evidenced by an authentic deed drawn up by a French notary. Notaries are public officers with a monopoly on real-estate conveyancing, marriage contracts and succession deeds; they collect transfer taxes and ensure legal certainty.
Forced heirship limits free disposal
French succession law protects descendants through the réserve héréditaire. The reserved portion is half of the estate with one child, two-thirds with two children, and three-quarters with three or more children; only the remaining quotité disponible may be freely bequeathed. Total disinheritance of children is therefore impossible.
Deadlines for accepting or renouncing
The option to accept or renounce an inheritance is subject to a 10-year limitation period. Other deadlines apply to estate-related claims, such as the general five-year limitation for civil and commercial debts. A lawyer can help you map applicable time limits.
Lawyer representation and legal aid
In main civil proceedings before the tribunal judiciaire above €10,000 and in all appeals, representation by an avocat is mandatory. Justice is free in principle, but a €50 fiscal stamp is required to file a civil claim at first instance. Legal aid may cover all or part of the costs depending on income.
Cross-border and non-resident tax points
Non-residents selling French real estate are liable to a 19% income-tax levy on the net capital gain, collected at source by the notary. Social levies apply at 17.2% for non-residents outside the EU/EEA, UK or Switzerland, and at 7.5% for residents of those countries. Taper relief reduces the taxable gain over time.
Key time limit — Inheritance, Probate & Wills
Succession (option to accept or renounce an inheritance) — 10 years. Heirs may choose whether to accept or renounce the succession during this period.
Data compiled from official French public sources: French Ministry of Justice, Conseil national des barreaux, Legifrance and the French tax authority (accessed April 2026).
- French Ministry of Justice – Organisation of courts and tribunals
- Conseil national des barreaux – Conditions of access to the profession
- Legifrance – Option to accept or renounce an inheritance
- Legifrance – Forced heirship (réserve héréditaire)
- Legifrance – Notarial deed requirement for land registry
- French tax authority – Taxation of non-residents on French real-estate gains
- French Ministry of Justice – Legal and judicial system (PDF)
- Code du travail – Employment limitation periods
- Legifrance – Civil and commercial limitation periods
- Legifrance – Consumer debt limitation period
- Legifrance – Rental lease actions limitation period
- Legifrance – Administrative appeal limitation period
- Legifrance – Action for divorce
Common challenges
Why French inheritance cases can feel overwhelming
From forced heirship to notarial formalities, here are the issues clients often face.
Forced heirship surprises
Many expats discover too late that French law reserves a fixed share of your estate for children. Without local advice, you may be unable to dispose freely of your assets as you intended.
Notarial and court formalities
French estates often require authentic notarial deeds and, in disputes, representation before the tribunal judiciaire. Missing a procedural step can delay or jeopardise your inheritance.
Cross-border complexity
If you own property in France or have heirs in different countries, tax and succession rules interact. A specialised French avocat can help coordinate the process and protect your position.
Why use our service
How we make finding a French inheritance lawyer simple
Our matching service is free, confidential and designed for cross-border clients.
Free, no-obligation matching
Tell us about your situation and we match you with a French inheritance lawyer from our vetted network. There is no charge and no obligation to instruct the lawyer.
Local legal knowledge
Our lawyers understand the Civil Code, forced heirship, notarial practice and the French court system. They can explain your rights and the practical steps ahead.
Fast first response
Most clients receive a first response from a suitable lawyer within 24 to 48 hours. You can ask questions and decide how to proceed at your own pace.
Confidential and clear
Your enquiry is treated confidentially. The lawyer will clarify fees, legal aid possibilities and the likely next steps without legal jargon or pressure.
Legal services across Europe
Inheritance lawyers in neighbouring countries
If you also need advice in another European jurisdiction, we can connect you with specialised lawyers there.
Questions and answers
Inheritance lawyers in France: key questions
What do inheritance lawyers in France do?
Inheritance lawyers in France advise on French succession rules, including forced heirship, notarial deeds and the administration of estates. They represent you before the tribunal judiciaire in disputes, help with cross-border estates, and can liaise with notaries and tax authorities on your behalf.
Can I disinherit my children under French law?
No. French law protects descendants through the réserve héréditaire. With one child, half the estate is reserved; with two children, two-thirds; with three or more, three-quarters. Only the remaining quotité disponible may be freely bequeathed.
Do I need a notary for a French inheritance?
In many cases yes. Any transfer of real property must be evidenced by an authentic deed drawn up by a French notary. Notaries also have a monopoly on succession deeds and collect transfer taxes, so they are central to most real-estate successions.
How long do I have to accept or renounce an inheritance in France?
The option to accept or renounce an inheritance is subject to a 10-year limitation period. You should seek advice early, because other claims related to the estate may have shorter deadlines, such as five years for general civil and commercial debts.
What are the court costs and legal fees for an inheritance case?
Justice is free in principle, but filing a civil claim at first instance requires a €50 fiscal stamp. Lawyers’ fees are freely agreed, and legal aid may cover all or part of the costs depending on your income and household composition.
I live outside France. Can your French lawyers still help?
Yes. Many inheritance issues involve non-residents. Your lawyer can handle French real estate, succession and tax matters remotely, and coordinate with notaries and local courts. We match you with a French avocat used to cross-border cases.
Ready to move forward?
Find the right inheritance lawyer in France
Tell us briefly about your situation. We will match you with a specialised French avocat, free of charge and without obligation.