An act of notoriety, also known as a deed of notoriety, is a formal document prepared by a notary during estate settlement. It identifies heirs, outlines their kinship to the deceased, and defines their inheritance rights.
This act is mandatory for estates exceeding €5,000. Only qualified notaries can draft it, ensuring legal accuracy and authority.
The act verifies heirs' legal status and records the deceased's final wishes. After a death, it's required by banks for accounts over €5,000, life insurers, prefectures for vehicle registration transfers, and authorities for survivor's pensions or widow's allowances. Heirs must prove their entitlement to access these assets.
Once established, the act is "indisputable and enforceable against all," protecting heirs from challenges to their status.
The notary forwards a certificate of the deed to the civil registry at the place of death.
Any heir can request it post-death, providing the death certificate. The notary requires documents like birth certificates, family records, and IDs to confirm heirship.
Full details on all potential heirs are essential; incomplete information may lead to refusal.
It includes:
Heirs sign to accept the estate; they may renounce rights.
The notary retains the original, issuing equivalent copies. It's noted on the death certificate.
The base fee is €69.23 including tax. Total costs, including notary fees, registration, formalities, and copies, average €250 (rates as of November 2017).
