Contracts and Wills

[takaerao]

Hi going through all threads and just want to clear up for myself the following:

1.  If we buy a house do we need to get a solitictor?  If not, who gets the title and deeds for the property?  Do we get them at some stage or does it stay with the notaire?

2.  I read somewhere that you should include your will in the Acte de Vente.  Does that mean that we should tell the notaire that we want the property to go directly to either spouse in the event of death or do we get a will drawn up the same day as the final signing with the notaire or on a separate day?

3.  How much is inheritance tax? 

Would really appreciate it if someone could help us with the above.

Takaerao

[Will]

1. No, you do not need a solicitor but many who are not familiar with the French processes, which are very different from English, do opt to use one. But involving more lawyers will usually make a long process take even longer. There are no title deeds as such, you get an attestation from the notaire which is followed some time later by your official copy of the Acte de Vente. Your title is registered with the French equivalent to the Land Registry.

2. You do not include the will as such, but the Acte will make reference to the inheritance regime you and the notaire have selected as best for you - en tontine, donation entre epouses etc.

3. How long is a piece of string? But it is up to about 60%, depending on the value of what the inheritor receives and the inheritor's relationship to the deceased.

[takaerao]

Thanks so much that seems to be the feedback i am getting and it is great to put my mind at ease from someone who has nothing to gain from it.  Thanks again