Wills

[BishyB]

Looking for recommendation for english speaking notaire to draw up our wills. Would prefer around Pontivy but not essential. Many thanks.

[hughnique]

Don't get hoodwinked by the you can make an English style will, and do check how much, in 2020 we made our will we thought under English law but at a later date noticed the term Loi Francaise in the text, it was later confirmed by the same notaire that indeed that was the case and all our representation to do it the way we had requested was ignored, for that we were charged then 400€. Having been peed off by that notaire we went to another, she wanted 800€, and it was not now possible to do an English style will since a court case in 2021, challenging the legality of such a will. I was told to hold fire until the court case was resolved. yeah right what century will that be, only answer, and lots of Brits I know have done the same before me, up sticks and back to the UK then we can leave it to who we want and how much, which is impossible here. Although there are several rumblings about trusts and Christ knows what else, I don't trust any of it.

[widge]

We are also looking, but west Herault (34) or east Tarn(81) or Aude(11), but not only for wills, which is important, but also something along the lines of power of attorney.

What has made us think is a problem our neighbours are experiencing at the moment.

They have a small farm, but both have medical problems, he is in his 70s she is in her 60s, she sadly has cancer and is desperately trying to sort out their affairs and sell up while she has the time, unfortunately due to his health, (he has also just moved into a nursing home) he is not always in a position where he can make serious decisions which is making things difficult for her to sort out, not that she wants to do anything that he wouldn't agree to.

And said to us to try and put something in place while we are both in a good position, unfortunately it is easy to put things in place for when someone dies, but with age comes lots of other issues which you never think will apply to you.

[Headers]

I have googled and found this.
https://www.francetaxlaw.com/
Not a recommendation from me but they may fit the bill for you?

[Sparkle]

Not sure if this helps but if you're wanting an english will with the EU clause inserted below, from our experience we can recommend Irwin Mitchell and all of it was done online but they will post to you if you prefer.

Declaration
I direct that as far as the EU Regulation 650/2012 applies, that the succession of my estate wheresoever situate is governed by English Law (material law) as that is the Law of the country of my nationality, regardless if it is not coincident with the country where I reside at my death.

but if so this is who we used some years ago and updated our Wills in 2016. From our experience we can recommend them.

www.IrwinMitchell.com

[BishyB]

Thank you all for your replies

[Lori]

We did something similar to what Sparkle suggests. You won't avoid French taxation issues, but the rest will follow what you laid out in your country of nationality.

[widge]

My stepson delt with his grandparents estate after they died ( they had lived in france for 30 years ) and nobody was interested in anything that existed in the UK, only what they had in france. But I can't say whether that is the norm.

[hughnique]

I did consult an English specialist solicitor dealing in foreign affairs who stated quite categorically that the issue of an English style will is a total fairy story, in other words bollocks. Sure they will take your money and draft it up but when the time comes it's not worth the paper it is printed on, proceed with great caution as whosoever you decide to leave it to might not get a brass farthing, then of course the inheritance tax at 60 plus %

[hughnique]

www.IrwinMitchell.com

Not sure if this helps but if you're wanting an english will with the EU clause inserted below, from our experience we can recommend Irwin Mitchell and all of it was done online but they will post to you if you prefer.

Declaration
I direct that as far as the EU Regulation 650/2012 applies, that the succession of my estate wheresoever situate is governed by English Law (material law) as that is the Law of the country of my nationality, regardless if it is not coincident with the country where I reside at my death.but if so this is who we used some years ago and updated our Wills in 2016. From our experience we can recommend them.

www.IrwinMitchell.com

Seriously check this out as far as I have been told by several notaires and solicitors this has been halted in 2021 after an challenge/appeal in the courts. Too late when you are six feet under.