Can Someone Refuse an Inheritance in France?

by IWC Web Team | Sep 17, 2026 | Cross-Border Estates, French Property & Inheritance, Info & Advice, Legal Advice, Probate & Estate Management

If you are due to inherit from someone in France, you don’t have to accept the inheritance. French law gives an heir a choice about what to do, and refusing the inheritance is one of the available options. You can learn more about the laws of succession in France and...

How Are French Estates Divided?

by IWC Web Team | Aug 27, 2026 | Cross-Border Estates, Estate Planning, French Property & Inheritance, Info & Advice, International Probate

French inheritance law works quite differently from the UK. Instead of complete freedom to leave your assets to anyone you choose, France uses a strict rule called “forced heirship” (réserve héréditaire). This guarantees that a fixed portion of your estate...

Can French Probate Be Completed Without Travelling to France?

by IWC Web Team | Aug 17, 2026 | Cross-Border Estates, French Property & Inheritance, Info & Advice, International Probate, Legal Advice, Probate & Estate Management

Fortunately, there is no legal requirement to travel to France to handle the probate process (succession). For a deceased relative’s estate if you live in the UK. The entire process can be managed remotely. Provided you set up the right legal representation....

How long does French probate take? 

by IWC Web Team | Jul 29, 2026 | Cross-Border Estates, French Property & Inheritance, International Probate, Legal Advice, Probate & Estate Management

Dealing with an estate across the English Channel is rarely a fast process, and understanding how French Probate works can help families prepare for the steps involved. In France, the legal system relies heavily on a public official called a notaire, who plays a...

Can I Write My Own French Will?

by IWC Web Team | Jul 20, 2026 | Cross-Border Estates, Estate Planning, French Property & Inheritance, International Probate, Legal Advice

If you own property or assets in France, you might be wondering whether you can draft a will yourself to save on legal fees. The short answer is yes, you can. Under French law, a handwritten will is entirely valid, but it comes with incredibly strict rules that are...