Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in France

Inheritance and Property law in France

We're interested in buying property in France, Spain or Greece. I understand that in French Law certain family members (but not spouses)have an absolute right to inherit property. Is there any way this can be circumvented? - e.g. by joint ownership of property? We are a same sex couple, both of whom have children, from earlier marriages. Any chance you could also tell me about Spain & Greece?


Asked on 8/13/01, 6:38 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Francis R 'Francois' Favre, Esq. The International Lawyer

Re: Inheritance and Property law in France

Under French Probate Law a surving spouse will recieve a life interest in certain properties and surviving children will inherit, as a matter of law [with or without will], of a certain percentage of the property of the deceased who can only dispose of the remainder. In a sense, children cannot be desinherited under French civil law.

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Answered on 11/01/01, 11:28 pm


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