{"id":67,"date":"2026-01-20T09:55:37","date_gmt":"2026-01-20T08:55:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/balmontconseil.com\/?page_id=67"},"modified":"2026-08-26T18:45:10","modified_gmt":"2026-08-26T16:45:10","slug":"transmission-protection","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/balmontconseil.com\/en\/transmission-protection\/","title":{"rendered":"Asset transfer &amp; succession"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u00ab&quot;Alexis, I don&#039;t want my children to be forced to sell the family home to pay inheritance taxes. Is it too late to act?&quot;\u00bb<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This concern is the driving force behind many consultations at <strong>Balmont Conseil<\/strong>. There <strong>inheritance<\/strong> is the final, and often most complex, act of a lifetime of labor. Between the <strong>inheritance<\/strong> (which occurs at the time of death) and advance inheritance (which is arranged during one&#039;s lifetime), there is a world of difference.\u2019<strong>tax optimization<\/strong> and <strong>estate planning<\/strong> that few individuals truly master.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a\u2019<strong>Augmented Wealth Engineer<\/strong>, My mission is to shed light on these mechanisms to help you make informed decisions. <strong>inheritance provisions<\/strong> illuminated, minimize the <strong>tax implications<\/strong> and ensure a <strong>intergenerational transmission<\/strong> serene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Understanding the fundamentals: Asset transfer vs. Estate succession<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although used interchangeably, these two terms cover distinct realities in your <strong>anticipation strategy<\/strong> :<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Asset transfer:<\/strong> It&#039;s a proactive approach. You decide, during your lifetime, to transfer a portion of your assets (real estate, financial or <strong>family businesses<\/strong>via <strong>gifts inter vivos<\/strong> or tools like the\u2019<strong>assurance-vie<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Inheritance of property:<\/strong> This is the legal process that begins upon death. It encompasses the\u2019<strong>Estate assets and liabilities<\/strong> (assets and debts) and follows the rules of the Civil Code if nothing has been prepared.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Who are the heirs?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">French law protects the <strong>forced heirs<\/strong> (mainly children). The <strong>reserved portion of the estate<\/strong> is the minimum share to which they are legally entitled. The remainder, called <strong>available quota<\/strong>, can be assigned according to your wishes via a <strong>will<\/strong> (holographic or authentic).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Tools for transmitting knowledge during one&#039;s lifetime<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">L&#039;\u2019<strong>anticipation of succession<\/strong> via <strong>optimization levers<\/strong> is the best way to reduce the <strong>inheritance taxes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Family Gifts and Advances on Inheritance:<\/strong> THE <strong>family gift<\/strong> The provision regarding sums of money (Article 790 G of the French General Tax Code) allows for the transfer of up to \u20ac31,865 every 15 years to each child or grandchild with total tax exemption. <strong>advances on inheritance<\/strong> allow you to help a child finance a project (such as a <strong>mortgage<\/strong>) while maintaining the balance between the heirs during the <strong>wealth reconstruction<\/strong> final.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Division of Ownership:<\/strong> By separating the\u2019<strong>usufruct and bare ownership<\/strong>, You transfer ownership without losing the right to use it. We often advise...\u2019<strong>indexing of the usufruct<\/strong> in certain complex arrangements to protect the usufructuary&#039;s income against inflation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Real Estate Civil Company (SCI):<\/strong> It helps to avoid the\u2019<strong>undivided inheritance<\/strong>. However, be careful with <strong>right of pre-emption<\/strong> urban during the sale of real estate within the SCI, which can impact the liquidity of the assets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Division of Ownership<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the &quot;Holy Grail&quot; of\u00ab<strong>Optimizing gifts<\/strong>. By giving the <strong>bare ownership<\/strong> of a property while retaining the\u2019<strong>usufruct<\/strong> (the right to live in the property or to collect rent), you reduce the taxable base for gift tax. Upon death, the <strong>land consolidation<\/strong> The process takes place: your children regain full ownership without any additional tax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Real Estate Civil Company (SCI)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There <strong>SCI<\/strong> facilitates the <strong>distribution of assets<\/strong> complex assets (such as an apartment building). Transferring shares is often simpler than transferring a building directly, while still allowing for a <strong>optimal wealth management<\/strong> via the statutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Life Insurance: Capital outside of inheritance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">L&#039;\u2019<strong>assurance-vie<\/strong> is an instrument of <strong>estate planning<\/strong> of formidable effectiveness, mainly because it deviates from the civil rules of succession (art L132-12 of the Insurance Code).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why do we talk about capital &quot;outside of inheritance&quot;?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The capital paid to the beneficiary is not supposed to be part of the <strong>inheritance<\/strong> of the deceased. This means that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The sums are not subject to <strong>legal obligations<\/strong> of the reserved portion of the estate (except for manifestly excessive premiums).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There <strong>inheritance taxation<\/strong> is preferred: for payments made before age 70, each beneficiary has a tax allowance of \u20ac152,500 on the sums received.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The reinvestment clause and the protection of the spouse<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Within the framework of life insurance, it is possible to use a <strong>re-employment clause<\/strong> to reinvest funds from the sale of personal property, ensuring that the capital remains within the desired asset portfolio. This is a major tool for the <strong>spouse protection<\/strong> surviving spouse, allowing immediate cash to be bequeathed to them without going through the waiting periods of the <strong>probate notary<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Key steps in settling an estate<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After a death, the settlement follows a strict protocol. If disagreements arise regarding the <strong>management of jointly owned property<\/strong>, The heirs can meet in <strong>family council<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Amicable Division vs. Judicial Division:<\/strong> THE <strong>amicable sharing<\/strong> is always preferred for its speed. In case of a persistent blockage, the <strong>judicial division<\/strong> Going to court becomes inevitable, drastically increasing costs and delays.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The Inheritance Option:<\/strong> The heir has a period of time to choose. If they do not make a decision, the other heirs can send them a letter. <strong>summons to choose<\/strong>. Beware of <strong>limitation periods<\/strong> (10 years to claim an inheritance).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Inheritance Nullity:<\/strong> A serious error in drafting a will or failure to respect the reserved portion can lead to <strong>inheritance nullity<\/strong> of the act, calling into question the entire <strong>distribution of assets<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Focus on Leaders: The Dutreil Pact<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For business leaders, the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/balmontconseil.com\/en\/transmission-protection\/pacte-dutreil\/\">Dutreil Pact<\/a><\/strong> This is a major opportunity. Subject to a commitment to retain ownership, it allows for the exemption of 75% of the company&#039;s value from transfer taxes. <strong>anticipation strategy<\/strong> essential for the long-term viability of the work tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>FAQ: Your questions about Inheritance and Transfer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Q1. What are the time limits for settling an estate?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There <strong>inheritance declaration<\/strong> The death certificate must be filed with the tax authorities within 6 months of the death (12 months if the death occurred outside of France). Failure to comply with this deadline will result in late payment interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Q2. Can a child be disinherited?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In France, no, because of the <strong>reserved portion of the estate<\/strong>. However, it is possible to allocate the <strong>available quota<\/strong> to a third party or to another child via a <strong>will<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Q3. What is the difference between heirs and legatees?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Heirs are designated by law (family). Legatees are designated by you in a will. <strong>will<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Q4. How can I protect my surviving spouse?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beyond the <strong>marriage contract<\/strong>, there <strong>gift between spouses<\/strong> (or donation to the surviving spouse) allows for an increase in the surviving spouse&#039;s rights, often offering them a choice between\u2019<strong>usufruct<\/strong> of all the assets or a share in full ownership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Q5. Who should I consult for a business transfer strategy?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">THE <strong>notary<\/strong> is essential for authentic documents. <strong>Wealth Management Advisor (CGP)<\/strong> He, on the other hand, is the strategist who designs the\u2019<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/balmontconseil.com\/en\/ingenierie-patrimoniale\/bilan-patrimonial\/\">asset analysis<\/a> global<\/strong> and coordinates the levers of\u2019<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/balmontconseil.com\/en\/gestion-de-patrimoine\/\">tax optimization<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q6. What is the difference between a manual gift and a notarized donation?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A manual gift is a hand-to-hand transfer (money, jewelry). A notarized gift is mandatory for real estate and allows for the execution of a <strong>donation-partage<\/strong>, freezing the values to avoid reports at the time of the <strong>inheritance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q7. How can I help a child repay their mortgage without disadvantaging their siblings?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The mechanism of civil law is used: the gift is considered an advance. During the <strong>wealth reconstruction<\/strong> Upon death, the sum is notionally reinstated to ensure fairness among all the <strong>designated heirs<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q8. What is a summons to choose?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a legal document served by a bailiff that compels a silent heir to decide whether to accept or refuse the inheritance. They then have two months to respond, failing which they are deemed to have accepted it unconditionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q9. Why is the division of ownership rights so fiscally advantageous?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Because upon the death of the usufructuary, the bare owner automatically becomes the full owner. There is no new <strong>inheritance taxation<\/strong> to pay. It&#039;s an immediate net gain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q10. Can a holographic will be contested?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, if there is suspicion of impaired mental capacity of the deceased or a procedural defect. This is one of the frequent causes of <strong>inheritance nullity<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion: Anticipation is the key to your family peace of mind.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <strong>estate planning<\/strong> Success is not limited to filling out forms. It is an act of protection that prevents\u2019<strong>undivided inheritance<\/strong> conflict and fiscal hemorrhage. By combining <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/balmontconseil.com\/en\/ingenierie-patrimoniale\/bilan-patrimonial\/\">asset assessment<\/a><\/strong>, With strategic gifts and appropriate financial investments, you transform a misfortune into a lasting legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the house of <strong>Balmont Conseil<\/strong>, We use innovation to model your <strong>sharing arrangements<\/strong> and your <strong>tax strategies<\/strong>. Don&#039;t leave your fate to chance. <strong>inheritance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ready to secure the future of your loved ones?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Contact Alexis Sagnier for a personalized consultation on your inheritance<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u00ab Alexis, je ne veux pas que mes enfants soient oblig\u00e9s de vendre la maison de famille pour payer les droits de succession. Est-il trop tard pour agir ? \u00bb Cette inqui\u00e9tude<span class=\"excerpt-hellip\"> [\u2026]<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-67","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/balmontconseil.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/67","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/balmontconseil.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/balmontconseil.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/balmontconseil.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/balmontconseil.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=67"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/balmontconseil.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/67\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1448,"href":"https:\/\/balmontconseil.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/67\/revisions\/1448"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/balmontconseil.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=67"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}