The law and practice referred to in this article or webinar has been paraphrased or summarised. It might not be up-to-date with changes in the law and we do not guarantee the accuracy of any information provided at the time of reading. It should not be construed or relied upon as legal advice in relation to a specific set of circumstances.
When a friend or family member passes away with French assets our team is able to quickly and efficiently assist with the administration of their estate, known as the ‘succession’ in France. We can help with French legal services and those in almost every jurisdiction of the world.
Our clients experience a personal service; with a single lawyer being their main point of contact for the administration of assets in the UK, France (and where appropriate other jurisdictions), ensuring continuity, co-ordination across jurisdictions, cost-effectiveness and speed of administration.
Our costs are based on the time it takes it us to complete the work, rather than a percentage of the value of the estate, as we believe that this is a fairer way of charging our clients. We always provide our best estimate of the likely costs at the outset.
- Project managing the UK and French succession so that our clients only need a single point of contact for all jurisdictions.
- A thorough review of the Will or Wills, and ascertaining which laws apply to which assets.
- In the absence of a Will, ascertain which intestacy laws apply to which assets.
- Working with a preferred French notaire to analyse what work needs to be completed in each jurisdiction.
- Calculating any UK inheritance tax and submitting UK inheritance tax returns where appropriate.
- Applying for a UK grant of probate if required.
- Instructing and liaising with a preferred French notaire, to calculate the French inheritance tax liability, file the French inheritance tax return for the beneficiaries (the declaration de succession) and settle the French inheritance tax liabilities (if any).
- Assist with the signing of a French power of attorney, to authorise the French notaire’s office (or another person that our client chooses) to sign paperwork in France if our client cannot visit France to sign the required paperwork.
- Co-ordinating and assisting with the signing of French succession documentation, to facilitate obtaining the acte de notoriété (the document needed in France to allow assets to be gathered in and transferred by the beneficiaries) and other required documentation.
- Reviewing the UK and French inheritances taxes due, to mitigate the consequences of double taxation, by applying, if necessary the French/UK double taxation treaty.
- Providing HMRC with a robust analysis of the deceased’s domicile for inheritance tax purposes if required.
- Ensuring UK and French assets are distributed to the correct beneficiaries under the UK and French laws.
- Advising upon and preparing deeds of variation, for the purposes of post death tax planning from a UK and international perspective.
We can also provide logistical and administrative assistance, such as
- Arranging funerals;
- Arranging the repatriation of the deceased to the UK; and
- Selling the deceased’s properties.