For anybody considered to be residing in France, their worldwide assets
are considered to fall into their estate and would be dealt with under
the French succession laws. The sole exception would be real estate held
outside of France which would fall under the laws of the country where
that property was held. For anybody residing outside of France but owning
a property in France, only assets held in France would fall under the
French succession laws. See our page relating to "legal issues" for more
information on the way that an estate will be divided under French Laws.
Under a "Communaute Universelle" taxes are not incurred on the death
of the first spouse. All assets covered by the communaute universelle
are considered to belong within a basket and are owned mutually by both
parties. On the death of the first party these contents come under posession
of the surviving spouse and this inheritance is considered invisible to
the fiscal authorities. If no communaute universelle is in place the surviving
spouse would share the estate with the offspring of the marriage. However,
if there are children from outside of the current marriage, they would
be able to claim their share from the estate at the time of death. The
children from the current marriage would only inherit their share after
the death of the surviving spouse The following information outlines the
rates of tax payable and the tax free allowances which are available.
Define your criteria giving consideration to personal interests, sporting
activities, proximity to airports, towns, restaurants, schools and hospitals.
Research the climate and the geographical, cultural and economic infrastructure
in those areas that appeal. Back up the research with field trips.
Note : All information on these pages are set out and intended as
a guideline only and should be verified with a notaire, advocate or lawyer
should you wish to take any firm advice relating to any legal matter.
Under new regulations the surviving spouse is exempt from inheritance
tax on their share of the estate.
Direct heirs (living child or coming in representation of a deceased
parent, parent, grandparent) benefit from a tax free allowance of 150
000€ of their share of the inheritance.
Unmarried couples tied by a civil pact of solidarity (PACS)
The surviving partner of the deceased tied by a civil pact of solidarity
now benefits from a tax free inheritance on the portion of the estate
bequeathed to them by will.
