Knowledge Base
The Acte de Notoriété
One of the most important documents in a French inheritance process is the acte de notoriété drafted by the notary.
What is the acte de notoriété?
This document has nothing to do with being “notorious” (!) but simply serves to identify the beneficiaries to the estate and the proportion of the estate they are each entitled to receive.
It is important because banks will not release any money held in accounts until they receive the acte de notoriété.
As a key document in the inheritance process, the acte de notoriété can be very lengthy and typically includes the following core sections:
- Notary particulars
- Appearing parties
- Representative powers (if any)
- Deceased’s particulars
- Applicable law
- Heirs’ particulars
- Entitlements
- Declarations regarding hereditary capacity
- etc.
Final comments
If you’re applying for probate, you may need to have the acte de notoriété translated professionally to provide legal proof of the beneficiaries to the estate and their respective entitlements. For a precise quote, please click the Request a Quote button.
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Next: Testamentary gifts
Key terms:
Acte de notoriété: Inheritance deed
Notaire: Notary
Procuration: Power of attorney
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