Losing a loved one is heartbreaking, leaving little room for administrative burdens. Yet, French law requires prompt action on key procedures, with others due within six months or a year. Drawing from decades of experience in estate planning and civil registry processes, this authoritative chronological guide details every step.
A doctor must certify the death, issuing the vital death certificate needed for all subsequent steps. In hospitals, clinics, or care homes, staff typically handle this declaration.
For violent deaths (accidents, suicides), contact the gendarmerie or police first.
Within 24 hours—excluding weekends and holidays—family must declare the death at the town hall where it occurred. Present the deceased's ID and medical certificate.
The town hall issues a death certificate detailing date, time, place, full identity, parents, spouse or PACS partner, and declarant's info. It's noted on the birth certificate too, and sent to INSEE, which notifies pension funds via RNIPP.
Hospital staff may declare it, though not required. For deaths abroad, use local authorities; consulates assist with funerals or repatriation.
Check promptly for instructions on organ donation, body donation to science, or funeral preferences (cremation/burial).
Engage a funeral home within six days—often sooner—to organize burial or cremation per wishes or family decision. The deceased may have pre-arranged details and funding.
Specify funeral type, burial site, concession, body transport, coffin, and ceremony. If unfunded, debit up to €5,000 from the deceased's bank account if sufficient funds exist.
Most require the town hall's death certificate, including family record book updates.
Use accounts for funeral or bills. For estates under €5,000, heirs' signed certificate suffices; above, a notary's affidavit is needed.
Inventory papers for debts, claims, guarantees. For valuables, use a bailiff for inventory.
Contact pension funds for survivor benefits. Inform employers or Pôle emploi. Notify health insurance for reimbursements and death benefits. Stop CAF/MSA, mutuelles.
Freeze bank accounts. Cancel home/auto insurance. Check AGIRA for life insurance beneficiaries.
Notify landlords (tenants). Terminate utilities, telecoms, energy, water.
Notary-check for will. Mandatory for real estate, €5,000+, spousal gifts. Declare to tax authorities post-settlement.
Re-register vehicles. Spouses/PACS partners notify tax office of status change affecting income tax.
Declare deceased's last income on annual tax return.
