Writing a will in France: the rules to follow
A will is not only for great fortunes: it says who receives your property, who will look after your children, what you wish for your funeral. A few rules are enough to make it valid.
The essentials
In France, you can write your will yourself, for free, entirely by hand, dated and signed, or dictate it to a notary before two witnesses. You cannot exclude your forced heirs, such as your children. And tell your loved ones it exists: otherwise, no one will find it.
The steps, in order
- 01
Choose the form
On your own, by hand: this is a holographic will, free of charge. Before a notary: this is a notarial will, for a fee, and mandatory to recognise a child by will.
- 02
Write it entirely by hand
Never typed on a computer, even in part. Dated precisely, with the day, month and year, and signed. It can be written in a foreign language.
- 03
Or dictate it to a notary
Before two witnesses or another notary. The witnesses cannot be your relatives, your legatees or the notary's clerks. The notary reads the text to you, then everyone signs.
- 04
Know what it can contain
Who receives which property, the person in charge of carrying out your wishes, your wishes for your funeral or organ donation, a guardian for your children. You cannot exclude your reserved heirs: you are free to dispose of the share beyond their reserve.
- 05
Make sure it will be found
You can keep it at home, or entrust it to a notary, who can register it in the central register of last wishes. In any case, tell trusted people that it exists and where it is: if no one knows, it cannot be respected.
- 06
Change it when life changes
Until your death, you can change or cancel it: write a new one that cancels the previous one, make a declaration before a notary, or destroy a handwritten will.
Frequently asked questions
Is a will typed on a computer valid?
No, if written on your own: it must be written entirely by hand, with no part typed on a computer, dated precisely and signed.
From what age can you make a will?
From the age of majority, or from 16: between 16 and 18, you can only bequeath half of your property, unless you are emancipated. You must also be of sound mind.
How much does a will cost?
Nothing if it is handwritten and kept at home. Entrusting it to a notary involves safekeeping fees, and a will drawn up by a notary is charged for.
Are the wishes written on Milele equivalent to a will?
No. They guide your loved ones, but do not replace a will: for your property, a bequest or the guardianship of a child, write a will in the proper form.
Tell your loved ones where to find it
Service-public recommends telling trusted people that a will exists, and where it is. In Aïon, note it in your wishes and name two people, who will have access when the time comes.
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Official sources
- service-public.gouv.fr — Faire un testament
- service-public.gouv.fr — Fichier central des dispositions de dernières volontés
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