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My family has a house in the south of France. When my great grandmother passed away 20 years ago the house passed to my grandmother and her sister. My grandmother who lived in France filled out all the proper succession paperwork and payed taxes and has paid all the property taxes on the house since then. Her sister, who lives in the United States never wanted to fill out any paperwork for fear that she would owe taxes both in France and in the United States. My question is, is my grandmother's sister's family still entitled to their share of the property under French Law. My grandmother has since passed away and my Father and Uncle are in the process of filling out succession paperwork and handling taxes. Any help at all would be great.
Optional Information: Country relating to Question: France Already Tried: Just internet searches
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Hello, Thank you for your question. In order to answer your question a lawyer would need to research and see what the French succession law provided 20 years ago. In French law today, the person who refuses to accept the inheritance must do so by an express written statement. This declaration must be lodged at the Court of the place of the opening of the succession. I do not know if it this was the case 20 years ago.
Experience: Practicing law in France, 10+ years of experience on Paris Bar. Taught French Business Law in US
Ok, so if they did not refuse to accept the inheritance, but never payed their taxes, how would this affect my family as far as the house is concerned? Should we be worried that an heir of my aunt's wants to try to force a sale of the property once she has passed away?