French Law Specialists
Owning property or assets in more than one country brings real legal complexity, particularly when it comes to Wills, inheritance, and estate administration. Stone King's French law specialists work across both UK and French legal systems, helping individuals and their advisers navigate cross-border matters with confidence and without unnecessary jargon.
If you own property or assets in France
Whether it's a holiday home, a retirement property, or investments held across both countries, Stone King can help make sure your Will and estate plan work properly under both UK and French law, so your family isn't left dealing with unexpected complications.
If you're advising a client with assets in France
If you're a solicitor or adviser whose client needs specialist French law input, Stone King's team works alongside you, not around you, to give your client the cross-border expertise they need while you stay in control of the relationship.
French Wills, Estate Planning & Succession
Advise on suitable French / UK estate & tax planning options to help you achieve your objectives, including guidance on French property ownership and French marriage regimes. Help creating a Will (or aligning a UK and French Will) that works across both jurisdictions, addressing French forced heirship rules and minimising unnecessary tax or delay for your family.
French Conveyancing
Support with buying or selling property in France, working alongside French notaires to make sure the process is understood and nothing is missed from a UK perspective.
French Gifting
Assist you through the process in France and advise on the tax implications in France and in the UK.
French Probate & Estate Administration
Guidance through the administration of a French estate, including coordinating with French authorities and managing the process for UK-based executors and beneficiaries. Preparation of initial succession analyses and legal opinions of English law for French notaires. Project manage cross-border estate administrations in France and the UK.
• Team with direct experience across both UK and French legal systems
• Clear, jargon-free explanations at every stage
• Recognised French law expert in a top ranked in Chambers and Legal 500 firm
• A named point of contact throughout, not a handover between departments
• Our team is bilingual, so we can communicate effortlessly with you in both French and English
“Thank you so much. This is incredibly prompt and excellent work – the advice is clear and exactly what we were hoping for.”
-JB
Do I need a separate Will for my French assets?
Not always, but it depends on your circumstances. We'll advise whether one Will can cover both jurisdictions or whether two aligned Wills are the safer approach.
Will French inheritance law override what I want in my Will?
France has rules on "forced heirship" that can affect how your estate is distributed. We help you understand how these apply to you and what options exist.
How do I avoid double taxation across the UK and France?
We work to structure your estate plan in a way that minimises unnecessary tax exposure in both countries.
Should I seek estate planning advice ahead of my French property purchase?
It is advisable to take early advice to understand how French inheritance law & tax will impact and structure the ownership of the French property before completion.
My notaire speaks English; why should I instruct you?
The notaire has sole authority to prepare authentic deeds (such as a deed of sale or deed of transfer of property ownership) in France but is not qualified to advise on the UK tax or legal implications. As cross-border law specialists, we identify and advise you on any unintended consequences.
If you're advising a client on a cross-border matter, Stone King's French law team is happy to work alongside you as a specialist resource, whether that's a one-off referral or an ongoing relationship. We aim to respond quickly and keep you informed throughout, so you can stay confident in front of your client.