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...

Why France Remains a Popular Retirement Destination

by IWC Web Team | Jun 30, 2026 | Cross-Border Estates, French Property & Inheritance, Info & Advice, International Living, Relocation Guidance

For decades, the idea of packing up and heading across the Channel for retirement has been a classic British ambition. Even with the extra post-Brexit paperwork now firmly established, the pull of the French lifestyle remains incredibly strong. If you are sitting at...

The Essential Documents For Moving From The UK To France

by IWC Web Team | Jun 22, 2026 | Apostille, Cross-Border Estates, Info & Advice, International Living, Relocation Guidance

Relocating to France is an incredibly exciting step. But the romantic dream of a new life can quickly get bogged down by the reality of French administration (l’administration). Since Brexit, the process for British citizens moving across the Channel has become...

Death and Probate in France – Cultural Differences

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

When you are dealing with the loss of a loved one, the paperwork is usually the last thing you want to think about. But if that person owned property or lived across the Channel, navigating the French approach to death and probate can feel like a double blow. The...