Best Inheritance Law Lawyers in Bordeaux

About Inheritance Law in Bordeaux, France

Inheritance law in Bordeaux follows the national framework of France, centered on the Code civil. In practice, most estate matters are handled with the involvement of a notaire who collects assets, settles debts and distributes the estate among heirs or legatees. Local practice in Bordeaux aligns with national rules while accounting for real estate located in Gironde and cross border considerations.

Key concepts include the reserve héréditaire, testament validity and how the estate is divided between surviving spouses and children. Bordeaux residents with properties in the area often require careful coordination between notaires, banks and municipal records to ensure titles and debts are properly managed. If assets abroad exist or heirs live outside France, cross border rules also come into play.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

• You are an heir disputing a will or intestate distribution that appears to bypass your legitimate share. In Bordeaux, a lawyer can assess validity, challenge improper dispositions and protect the reserved portion for children.

• You are the executor or administrator of an estate and must prepare an inventory, pay debts and file required documents. A lawyer can coordinate with a notaire, creditors and institutions to avoid missed deadlines.

• There are assets located outside France or there are foreign heirs. You need guidance on which jurisdiction governs the succession and how to unify the process for all heirs in Bordeaux and abroad.

• You want to plan lifetime donations to minimize taxes and preserve the reserved portion for your children. A lawyer can design a compliant gift strategy under French law.

• You face disputes with a bank or financial institution about estate funds or access to accounts. A local avocat can negotiate with banks and ensure proper release of assets in line with notarial acts.

Local Laws Overview

Code civil - De la succession et la reserve héréditaire

French inheritance rules are primarily found in the Code civil, particularly the sections dealing with the succession and the reserve héréditaire. These rules determine the minimum share that certain heirs must receive. In Bordeaux, as elsewhere in France, the notaire plays a central role in applying these rules to each estate.

Key practice in Bordeaux includes creating etats des lieux, actes de notoriété and proper documentation to establish heirs and rights. The regime is uniform nationwide, but administration can be intricate when real estate in Gironde is involved. For official guidance, consult the codes and related explanations on public sources.

Cross border and French succession rules are guided by national codes and EU regulations. See official sources for authoritative guidance on how these rules apply in Bordeaux. Droits de succession - Service Public

Règlement européen sur les successions - Regulation (EU) No 650/2012

This regulation coordinates jurisdiction and recognizes a single governing law for cross border successions within the European Union. It can impact how a Bordeaux estate with foreign assets or heirs is processed. The Regulation came into effect progressively and shapes where probate is initiated and which country's law applies.

European cross border succession matters are governed by Regulation (EU) No 650/2012. See official EU and French government explanations for how jurisdiction is allocated. Service Public - Droit de succession

Code général des impôts - Droits de succession et donations

The tax treatment of inheritances in France is set out in the Code général des impôts. Tax allowances, rates and procedures are updated annually by the French tax authority. In Bordeaux, as elsewhere, the tax due depends on relationship to the deceased and the value of the estate. A notaire or avocat can explain the current rates and help plan the tax impact.

Taxation of inheritance and donations is administered by the French Tax Authority. See official pages for yearly thresholds and rates: impots.gouv.fr - Droits de succession et donations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a succession in French law?

A succession is the process that follows a death to transfer assets to heirs or legatees. It involves identifying heirs, paying debts and distributing the estate. A notaire typically oversees the procedure in Bordeaux.

How does the reserved portion work for children in Bordeaux?

The reserve héréditaire guarantees a minimum share for children. The exact portion depends on the number of surviving children and the estate structure. A lawyer can calculate each heir's share precisely.

When should I hire an avocat after a death in a family in Gironde?

Start with a consultation soon after death to understand rights, timelines and documents. A lawyer can advise on whether a will should be probated and what steps a notaire will require.

Where do I start the probate process in Bordeaux?

Begin with a notaire who handles the inventory, the acte de notoriete and the eventual distribution. An avocat can assist by preparing questions and reviewing documents for accuracy.

Why do I need a notaire for estate settlement?

The notaire validates the will, collects assets, pays debts and issues the acte de partager. In France, notaires are central to ensuring lawful transfer of property.

Can I challenge a will in Bordeaux?

Yes, you can challenge validity or the allocation of assets. Legal grounds include lack of testament capacity, fraud or unfair treatment of forced heirs. An avocat can guide the challenge.

Should I plan gifts during lifetime to reduce taxes?

Lifetime gifts can lower future tax exposure, but they must respect reserve rules and formalities. A lawyer can structure gifts to align with your goals and ensure legal compliance.

Do I need a local avocat in Bordeaux or can I use any French attorney?

A Bordeaux based avocat is preferable for local practice and familiarity with local notaries and banks. You can engage a national firm, but local familiarity helps with timelines and contacts.

Is cross border succession possible for assets in Bordeaux?

Yes, cross border succession is possible. The EU Regulation 650/2012 applies to jurisdiction and recognition across borders. A legal counsel can coordinate multi jurisdiction aspects.

How long does the inheritance process take in France?

Simple estates with no disputes can take a few months; complex cases involving real estate or challenges may take many months to over a year. A notaire can provide a tailored timeline after reviewing the estate.

What are the costs of hiring a lawyer for inheritance matters?

Costs vary by case complexity and fee structures. Expect consultation fees, hourly rates or fixed fees for specific services. Request a written estimate before starting work.

What is an acte de notoriété and when is it used?

An acte de notoriété establishes who is considered an heir. It is used to prove rights to the estate to banks and authorities and is typically issued by a notaire with supporting documents.

Additional Resources

• Service Public - Droit et droit de succession: official guidance for individuals dealing with estates, heirs and notaries. Visit
• Legifrance - Official codified law and codes including the Code civil and the Code général des impôts. Visit
• Ministry of Justice - Notary and probate information, and public guidance on judicial processes for estates. Visit
• French Tax Administration - Droits de succession et dons: official guidance on tax rates, allowances and filing obligations. Visit

Next Steps

1. Define your objective and list all potential heirs and properties involved. Timeframe: 1-2 days.
2. Gather documents such as death certificate, will (if any), asset deeds and bank statements. Timeframe: 1-2 weeks.
3. Identify Bordeaux based professionals by specialty in inheritance law. Timeframe: 1-2 weeks for initial research.
4. Schedule initial consultations with at least 2 avocats and a notaire to compare approaches and fees. Timeframe: 2-4 weeks.
5. Review proposals and choose a legal counsel who explains the steps, timeline and costs clearly. Timeframe: 1-2 weeks after consultations.
6. Engage the notaire early when real estate or formal asset transfers are involved. Timeframe: initiate within 2-4 weeks of hiring counsel.
7. Initiate the process with a clearly defined plan, including deadlines for acts like acte de notoriété and inventory. Timeframe: 1-3 months for initial steps, longer for complex cases.