Whilst marriage contracts are rare in the UK, they are common in France and there are a number of different regimes from which to choose.
Where no marriage contract is executed before marrying in France, couples would be deemed by default to be married under a particular estate (communauté légal). This regime includes all assets and properties acquired during the marriage.
As community property regimes do not exist under the laws of England & Wales, UK married property owners are deemed, by French Notaires, to be married under the matrimonial estate of the separation of property. Under this regime there is no joint ownership between spouses which means the property in France passes on death to their respective heirs.
It is possible for UK owners of French property to change their matrimonial regime.
There are various matrimonial regimes from which to choose although many people find a particular regime to be advantageous as it mirrors the provisions in their English Will.
To arrange a discussion with a French property solicitor click here or call us on 0800 840 4929. We are available to take your call twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
