Independent French law consultant (feedback kindly required)

Your French assets under legal protection

As a growing number of private individuals hold assets in different countries, it has become usual to deal with cross-border issues. For many years, interest in French assets has been strong amongst the British public. When you wish to deal with French assets, Barlets, headed by a bilingual specialist in Property Law and Wealth Management, is your way to protect your French investment.

Barlets provides a comprehensive, confidential, professional and client focused service on a case-by-case basis specialising in four areas:

Conveyancing
Although conveyancing has to be carried out by a French notary, it is normal practice and strongly advisable to appoint another lawyer. The notary must work for both the vendor and the seller which may not be a comfortable situation for one of the parties. In addition, the notary is a tax collector and will not necessarily work in both the parties’ best interests.
Barlets will assist as soon as a property has been found. Usually, the first contract, which is binding for both parties, is drafted by the estate agent responsible for the sale. The estate agent is not a legal specialist and the client risks signing a deal that will not protect his interests. Barlets will help by reviewing and modifying the contract clauses in order to protect the client’s best interest.

Inheritance issues
French law provides a set of inheritance rules that do not necessarily match the client's estate planning. It can be necessary to reorganise the way the French assets are held or transferred (to heirs or third parties). In order to achieve the most efficient management on an international scale it is paramount to have a clear overview of the clients' assets and wishes.
Barlets can offer adapted solutions to the client’s situation to ensure the transfer of assets according to the clients’ wishes.
In addition, when faced with inheritance proceedings, Barlets can liaise with the French notary and assist clients in the transfer of the French estate to the deceased person’s beneficiaries.

Taxation
Barlets can provide tax advice in relation to all aspects of French property including capital gains tax on the sale of a French property, reductions in inheritance tax liability for beneficiaries of French property and reductions in wealth tax if necessary.

Disputes
If any disputes relating to a French asset occur, Barlets will liaise with the other party with the aim of resolving the dispute before it goes to Court.
In the eventuality of litigation proceedings, Barlets can liaise with a litigation lawyer (avocat) on behalf of the client to organise the legal strategy and explain each step of the proceedings.