Navigating French Property Transactions: Essential Legal Advice for UK Buyers
Buying property in France remains a popular choice for many UK buyers seeking a holiday home, retirement retreat, or investment opportunity. However, buying in a foreign country involves navigating legal frameworks that differ considerably from the UK. French law...
Cross-Border Capacity: What Happens if a Loved One Loses Mental Capacity in France or Owns Assets in France That Need Managing?
When a loved one loses mental capacity, dealing with the legal implications is never easy, and things can become even more complex when that person owns property or resides in another country, such as France. French law treats mental capacity differently to UK law,...
English Will vs French Will – Which One Do I Actually Need?
When advising clients who own assets in France on their cross-border estate planning, one of the most frequent questions we encounter (along with “How can I avoid the restrictive French forced heirship rules?” which we will explore separately) is “Do I really need a...
The Four Types of Wills Available in France
When it comes to estate planning in France, understanding French law can be important, as the law is strict about how a will must be draughted and executed. Unlike in England and Wales, under French law only four specific types of wills are recognised as legally valid...
Understanding Spanish Law: A Guide for UK Residents
Navigating Spanish law can be challenging for UK residents, as the two legal systems and processes differ significantly. Whether you're purchasing property, setting up a business, or handling estate matters, understanding the Spanish legal framework is essential....
Owning a Property in France: Taxe d’Habitation
If you are a homeowner in France or are planning to become one, you need to be aware of the property taxes for which you will be liable (regardless of whether you are making income from the property). The taxe d'habitation is a local property tax in France,...
Owning a Property in France: Understanding the Taxe Foncière
If you are a homeowner in France or are planning to become one, you need to be aware of the taxes for which you will be liable for simply owning the property (that is, irrespective of whether you are making an income from it). The land tax, known as "taxe foncière" in...
The Role of French Lawyers in International Estates
Handling international estates involves navigating different legal systems, tax regulations, and inheritance laws. For UK residents with assets in France or beneficiaries across borders, understanding French law helps to ensure a smooth process. French lawyers play a...
Understanding French Law: A Guide for UK Residents
Navigating the French legal system can be challenging, especially for UK residents unfamiliar with its structure, as there are some key differences from UK law. If you’re looking to buy property, set up a business, or need legal assistance for immigration or criminal...