~ Legal professionals, some questions/answers to assist you ~

• When the existence of a will has been established, who has to be contacted to obtain information about its content?

Information on the content of the will is sent either by the notary entrusted with settling the succession or by the notary holding the will. The contact details can be provided by the notary holding the will. These latter can be located by making a search of the French Register of Wills, in particular via the European Network of Registers of Wills (ENRW).

• Who is entitled to receive the information?

The information contained in the will, and if necessary a copy of the will itself, can be sent to public authorities, legal professionals responsible for settling the succession, wherever they are located, and also, to any person with a legitimate interest. Evidence of this interest must be provided.

• Is there a particular procedure to be followed? If so, which one?

For the information contained in the will, or a certified copy of the will itself, to be communicated, the will must have been opened in accordance with the applicable rules of French law.

• By what means can the information be sent?

The information contained in the will and/or a copy of the will itself are sent by post or electronically.

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