Estate Planning for UK Expats in France

by IWC Web Team | Feb 11, 2026 | Cross-Border Estates, Estate Planning, French Property & Inheritance, International Probate, Legal Advice

French estate planning can be more restrictive than UK estate planning under the Napoleonic Code. The UK has testamentary freedom, but France has compulsory heirship. As a UK expat, you must plan ahead to pass your assets, especially French real estate, to your...

Your Guide to Reducing French Succession Tax

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

You’ve undoubtedly heard of the droits de succession if you’re fortunate enough to own a property estate in France. However, the inheritance tax in France is well-known for its scope. Choosing the appropriate legal structures and taking early action are...

Which Documents Will Require an Apostille When Moving to France?

by IWC Web Team | Dec 15, 2025 | Cross-Border Estates, Estate Planning, French Property & Inheritance, International Probate, Legal Advice

Dealing With Abandoned Properties in France

by IWC Web Team | Dec 1, 2025 | Cross-Border Estates, Estate Planning, French Property & Inheritance, International Probate, Legal Advice, Probate & Estate Management

The management of abandoned properties, sometimes referred to in French as “biens sans maître” (ownerless property) or “abandon manifeste” (manifest abandonment), is a structured legal process primarily handled by town halls or communes. If you...

Do You Need an Apostille for French Probate When in the UK?

by IWC Web Team | Nov 7, 2025 | Cross-Border Estates, Estate Planning, French Property & Inheritance, International Probate, Legal Advice

It might be challenging to handle the estate of a loved one who had assets or property in France, and obtaining an apostille is one of the most common obstacles for documents from the UK. For the French notaire to accept any official UK document required for French...