What is a certificate of inheritance in France and when is it needed?

The inheritance certificate is an option in simple inheritance cases involving small amounts and no real estate. The certificate is used when the inheritance is bypassed without contestation and disputes between heirs. It helps heirs prove their relationship to the deceased and accomplish a number of tasks related to the inheritance process.

This certificate allows heirs to perform administrative tasks related to the initiation of an inheritance. It allows heirs to access funds in the deceased's bank account to pay off existing debts. For the spouse of the deceased, the certificate allows them to begin payments on pension obligations and, in''in certain cases, to receive the amount of the widow's pension for two years. Finally, the certificate allows you to pay the heirs' share of the inheritance in a single payment.

The inheritance certificate is handled by the Town Hall, but there are alternatives.

There is another alternative if the town hall does not issue an inheritance certificate. You can independently''draw up a certificate signed by all the heirs stating that there is no will and no other heirs, as well as the authority of the person who will receive money from or close the deceased's accounts. In this case, a no probate certificate is also required.

The probate certificate is important for starting the inheritance process and helps heirs carry out a number of necessary actions. It simplifies the procedure and allows heirs to access inheritance funds, pension liability payments and sums in a single payment.