Death

If a deceased has surviving children born of the union with his/her surviving spouse

T­he surviving spouse can inherit either the usufruct of the deceased 's property (i.e. the right to use the property or enjoy the income from it) or theownership of one quarter, at his/her choice.
It is very important for the surviving spouse to make this choice properly as any other heir may request that he/she does so.
Unless the surviving spouse has chosen in writing within three months of the heir making such a request, the surviving spouse is considered to have opted for the usufruct.

The solution is the same if the surviving spouse him/herself dies before making a choice. The differences between usufruct and freehold are important, but once again, no solution is either all good or all bad in itself. Every case is different. You should therefore ask your notaire to examine the situation before you take any decision which is theoretically final.

The usufruct owned by a spouse can be converted into a life annuity if the spouse or an heir so asks.

If there is disagreement, you can apply to a judge provided no final division has been made.

However, the surviving spouse must always give his/her consent before the usufruct of his/her main residence and the movable property it contains is converted.

Usufruct can also be converted into capital, but again the mutual agreement between the surviving spouse and the heirs is required.

If the deceased spouse has children other than those from the union

The surviving spouse has no choice but to accept ownership of one quarter of the deceased's property.

If the deceased spouse leaves no children but or survived by his/her father and mother

The surviving spouse receives half of the deceased's property while the parents receive one quarter each.

If the deceased spouse only leaves his/her father or mother

The surviving spouse receives three-quarters of the property while the parent receives the remaining quarter.

If the deceased spouse has no children, grandchildren, father or mother

The surviving spouse will inherit the entire estate other than property the deceased received as gifts or inheritance from his/her parents.

Half of this property reverts to the brothers and sisters of the deceased or their children or grandchildren.

It should also be borne in mind that under all circumstances, the surviving spouse is entitled to the free enjoyment of the accommodation that was the couple's main residence and use the furniture it contains for one year after the death.

If the surviving spouse is the tenant of the premises, the rent is deducted from the estate, i.e. it must be paid by the other heirs.

Note: the rules set out below are valid only in the absence of a will made by the deceased. If a will has been established, a notaire must be consulted to determine the share of the surviving spouse.