French legal advice after death

[nekrum]

Hi

My father has recently passed away and has been living in and owned a property in France for some time. I'm named as an executor of his UK will but have no idea how these things work in France. The UK solicitor has no experience in French law or process.

Can anyone recommend a solicitor who has experience in this area?.. or has anyone been through a similar situation?..

Thanks in advance..

[AndrewCrown]

Hi Nekrum

i am very sorry to hear of your loss.
I too lost my retired Father who lived in France, so I have the requisite experience. Not sure of any post Brexit changes though.

Find his Notaire
Your number 1 call in France is to the local Notaire (French government employed lawyer). It is highly likely your father had dealings with a local Notaire if he owned any land or property. You'll probably find details of this in his effects, when you get to them.

Notaires in my experience have been very helpful and understanding, if you don't speak French don't worry, they often have translators or colleagues at hand to help.
Collectively they have a helpful website in English.... https://www.notaires.fr/en

Secure the home
Depending on your Father's situation/ partner etc. I would try as soon as possible to get to his French home to secure and find records. The current restrictions may be sympathetic to this situation.

Domicile is key
This is the most important part. Was he a French resident permanently? Did he pay his personal taxes in France?
Well explained here: https://oratto.co.uk/wiki/probate-solicitors/guide...

Just a note of advice, if you do find that there are French elements to his succession e.g. division of property title, please take care to explain this to your siblings/ other family members clearly. The Notaire is going to be responsible for all valuations.

PM me if you would find a chat helpful

[Rushjob]

Firstly I'm sorry to hear the news about your father.

Re the comment about physically securing the house and current restrictions, there's quite a few of on the forum us spread out over here in France, certainly for me, if it's in my area I'd be happy to try to assist with this for you.

[nekrum]

Thank you AndrewCrown and Rushjob for your replies and offers of assistance. I'll DM you..

[smifffymoto]

If the house in my neck of the woods,I will gladly help.
Squatters are a bd to get rid of in France.

[leyorkie]

OP good to see you on here,
Could you indicate the area where the house is?

[Rushjob]

I've had a message from the OP and the security of the house is sorted. Nice to see the offers of assistance on here Hopefully the family gets through the next steps with a minimum of difficulty, Covid and French bureaucracy notwithstanding.

[Magooagain]

Only just seen this.
Condolences to the op.
Like others have said I'm also happy to help if needed. Charente.16500

[nekrum]

Hi

Thanks all for your kind messages and offers of assistance.

To feedback on my query for anyone who comes across this thread in the future, we have found a good UK legal firm that has a specialist French department. They also have a number of Notaire's that they work with French side etc.

https://www.buckles-law.co.uk/about/people/sally-d...

Thanks..