Affadavits
///of law / legal
Opinion
we can provide you with the expertise
An affidavit of law (also called a Legal Opinion, or certificat de coutume in France) is a document by which a lawyer who has expertise in a relevant area of law issues a formal document confirming what the law says in specific circumstances.
It often comes up when dealing with a cross border estate when a foreign law applies. We routinely issue such documents, for use in France or in England and more particularly can assist with:
Affidavit of English law for use in France
When a Notaire is dealing with a French estate but English law or an English Will applies, they are likely to request an affidavit of English law. This can cover a range of topic such as whether the Will is valid, who is inheriting the estate in England, or what are the powers of the Personal Representatives in English law. If a Notaire asks you to provide them with an English “acte de notoriété” or a “Certificat de succession européen” (European Succession Certificate), they should be informed that such documents are not issued in England, but that an affidavit of English law (certificat de coutume de droit anglais) can be provided by a qualified solicitor instead.
Affidavit of French law for Court proceedings in England & Wales (including for the Probate Registry)
You may also need to produce an affidavit or statement of truth of French law for a Court in England & Wales. Outside of litigation, this would frequently be requested by the Probate Registry before issuing a Grant of Representation when for example the deceased was domiciled in France, or had a French Will. This is something that we would be able to assist you with.
EXPERT LEGAL ADVICE
Our French Experts
Marc White
Solicitor, Notary Public & Accredited Mediator
Madeleine Carin
French Paralegal
Léa Maynard
Solicitor & Head of French Law