The French legal team at Furley Page provide French law advice to UK and international clients with interests in France.
Our bilingual experts have first-hand knowledge of French law, so we are well placed to guide you through the unique workings of the French legal system.
Our team can advise on French property law, French estate administration, Wills and succession with relevant tax considerations addressed.
We have expert knowledge in French property transactions including: purchases, sales, gifts, transfers of ownership, and property transfers following divorce. We also advise on long-term lettings and seasonal rentals of French properties.
In addition to advisory work, our team can assist clients in contentious and dispute matters relating to French property and succession, working alongside local lawyers and other professionals where appropriate.
French property matters
We guide you through your French property transaction, explaining the key French legal documents you are required to sign, and liaise with French notaires, estate agents and other professionals in both French and English.
Our role is to protect your interests, ensure that your French property transaction is legally sound, fully understood, and managed efficiently from start to completion.
French succession, Wills and estate management
Whether you are planning your estate or acting as a beneficiary, executor or heir, our experts can advise on French succession law, Wills and the administration of French estates.
We support clients with assets or family connections in France by navigating the complexities of French law, managing interactions with French notaires and institutions, removing language and cultural barriers, and delivering clear, practical legal advice in plain English, enabling informed and confident decision-making.
Tax considerations
We can advise on tax considerations arising in connection with French property ownership and succession, including Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax, and income tax on French rental income.
Our role is to identify, explain and anticipate the tax implications relevant to your situation, ensuring that they are properly factored into your property transactions, estate planning and succession arrangements.
Dispute litigation
We assist clients with disputes and contentious matters relating to French property and succession.
Our experience covers disputes between heirs or beneficiaries, disagreements arising during the administration of French estates, property-related disputes, such as property defects, landlord and tenant disputes, eviction proceedings and other legal issues that may arise in France.
We advise on your legal position under French law, help you assess the available options, and work alongside French local lawyers, notaires and enforcement professionals where court proceedings or formal action are required.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, your children can inherit a French property, even if you are a UK citizen. However, French succession law may apply to property located in France and includes forced heirship rules, which can restrict how assets are distributed.
Under the EU Succession Regulation (Brussels IV) it is often possible to choose the law of your nationality (for example English law) to govern your succession, but this choice must be clearly stated in a valid will. Without proper planning, French inheritance rules may apply by default, potentially leading to unintended outcomes.
You are not legally required to use a French lawyer, but French legal advice is strongly recommended if you own assets in France.
A UK Will may be valid in France, but it does not always deal adequately with French succession law, the EU Succession Regulation, or the practical requirements of French estate administration. In many cases a French will or coordinated estate planning is advisable to avoid delays, disputes, or unintended tax and succession consequences.
If you are considering making a will involving French assets, tailored French legal advice can help ensure your wishes are properly reflected.
It depends on your tax residence and domicile status, as well as the nature of your income and assets.
If you become tax resident in France, you will generally be liable to French tax on your worldwide income. However, you may still have UK tax obligations, particularly in relation to UK-source income, pensions, rental income, or capital gains. The UK–France Double Tax Treaty helps prevent double taxation but does not remove all reporting or filing requirements.
Careful legal and tax planning is essential before relocating to France, especially if you own property or are considering long-term estate and succession planning.
How can we help you?
Call us on
0333 331 9877First of all, I was delighted that I did not have to use a London practice. Many said that they could not help so having this level of expertise and a French speaker was a gift. Everyone was courteous irrespective of being under pressure. The best legal practice I have come across.
Client of Deborah Vaysse - Jane Christine Jones
June 2025
How can we help you?
Call us on
0333 331 9877
Legal information
©Furley Page LLP 2025