Estate: where to start
The word is daunting, but an estate is settled step by step, and nothing is urgent in the first weeks. Here is the order of things, and what not to do too quickly.
The essentials
In France, the bank freezes the deceased's accounts as soon as it learns of the death. A notary is essential if there is real estate. Each heir has four months during which no one can force them to accept or renounce. The estate declaration is filed within six months.
The steps, in order
- 01
Inform the bank
As soon as it learns of the death, from loved ones or a notary, the bank freezes the deceased's accounts, investments and safe deposit box. It can, however, pay for the funeral, on invoice, up to €5,965.
- 02
Look for a will
Anyone can consult the central register of last wishes, with proof of death: it lists wills entrusted to a notary. A will kept at home is not included; search the deceased's papers too.
- 03
Consult a notary
Essential as soon as real estate is passed on, and advisable in most other cases. The notary identifies the heirs, draws up the inventory and prepares the estate declaration.
- 04
Choose: accept or renounce
Each heir can accept the estate, accept it up to the net assets (without paying debts beyond what they receive), or renounce it. For four months, no one can force them to choose. If in doubt about debts, accept nothing until you know more.
- 05
File the estate declaration
With the tax authorities, within six months of the death, often through the notary. It is used to calculate any inheritance tax.
- 06
Divide the assets
Once the debts are paid and the taxes settled, the assets are divided between the heirs, according to the law or the will.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you have to accept an estate?
For four months from the death, no one can force an heir to choose. After that, a creditor or another heir can formally require them to decide; they then have two months.
Can you refuse an estate?
Yes, by renouncing it through a declaration to the clerk of the judicial court. You can also accept it up to the net assets, so as never to pay debts beyond what you receive.
Is a notary mandatory?
As soon as real estate is passed on, yes. In other cases, it remains advisable, especially if there is a will or children from several relationships.
Do you have to pay for the funeral if you renounce?
Yes. Heirs must pay the funeral costs even if they renounce the estate, each in proportion to their share.
Keep track of everything, month after month
In your Milele file, the estate formalities remain visible long after the funeral, with their deadlines, and your loved ones can see where you stand.
Open a file for freeRead also
- Financial help after a death in FranceThe CPAM death grant, the survivor's pension, the widowhood allowance, life insurance and protection plans: who is entitled, how much, and within what deadlines.
- A deceased person's online accounts: Facebook, Google, AppleWhat to do with a deceased loved one's online accounts: turn a Facebook profile into a memorialised account, close a Google account, access Apple data through the Legacy Contact.
- Death in Belgium: the steps in orderWhat to do after a death in Belgium: registering with the municipality, the death record, frozen bank accounts, the certificate of inheritance and the estate declaration within four months.
Official sources
- service-public.gouv.fr — Accepter ou renoncer à la succession
- service-public.gouv.fr — Fichier central des dispositions de dernières volontés
- service-public.gouv.fr — Que devient un compte bancaire en cas de décès ?
- service-public.gouv.fr — Qui doit payer les frais d'obsèques ?
- service-public.gouv.fr — Un proche est décédé
Updated on October 23, 2026. This guide summarises the usual steps; it does not replace advice from a notary, a lawyer or your country's authorities. How we write our guides