Inheritance law in France

[Heather]

We would like to buy a farm in South France, but we have both been married before and each have 2 children from the previous relationships. As we understand that assets are automatically inherited equally by the children of the deceased and the surviving spouse, with no consideration of the declared intentions through a will, this would leave the surviving partner in some difficulty. We have heard of the 'tontine', but also understand that the French are increasing taxes on this loophole. So does this put a stop to our high hopes, or is there a safer way??

[philpot]

dunno what the tontine is, but i've heard that you can set up a co-operative or company with the farm as your asset. You can then name the members of your co-op and they get an equal share. I'm no expert though - just someone who's trying to find out the same info