Can I Write My Own French Will?

by | Jul 20, 2026 | Cross-Border Estates, Estate Planning, French Property & Inheritance, International Probate, Legal Advice | 0 comments

Person writing a French will and planning inheritance for property and assets in France.

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 remarkably easy to get wrong. Here is how the system works and why DIY options can backfire for UK residents.

The Test of the Testament Olographe

In France, a self-written will is known as a testament olographe. This type of handwritten will has specific requirements and differs from other forms of French wills prepared with a notaire. To be legally binding, it does not need to be witnessed like a British will, but it must meet three absolute criteria:

  • It must be entirely handwritten by you. Typed documents are completely invalid.
  • It must be clearly dated with the day, month, and year.
  • It must be signed by your hand at the very bottom of the text.

If you miss any of these elements, the entire document is worthless in the eyes of the French court.

The Trap of Forced Heirship

The biggest danger of writing your own French will is France’s strict inheritance laws. Understanding the Laws of Succession in France is essential before preparing a will that includes French property or assets. Unlike the UK, where you can leave your estate to whomever you choose, French law requires that a specific percentage of your assets be left to your children.

You can find further information about French inheritance law through official French government guidance.

While international rules, including the European Succession Regulation, allow you to choose UK law to govern your French estate instead, executing this choice requires very specific legal wording. If you write your will yourself without understanding these cross-border interactions, you risk creating a document that violates local laws, leaving your family to face an administrative nightmare.

If a handwritten will is poorly phrased, the local notaire may struggle to interpret your wishes, tying up your estate in probate delays for years.

If you need help with French Probate, contact French Probate Matters on 020 8150 2010 or info@frenchprobatematters.com