Succession: a major reform will take effect in mid-November 2025 and will disrupt the current rules

In a context where French inheritance law sometimes proves complex and costly, a major reform is about to profoundly change the way estates are managed. Scheduled to come into effect in mid-November 2025, this new legislation aims to bring greater transparency and fairness to the distribution of assets, notably by strictly regulating the bank fees traditionally applied during inheritances. This significant change responds to a pressing demand from families facing the ordeal of bereavement, often exacerbated by high administrative costs. By limiting these charges and simplifying the procedures, this reform redefines the existing rules and heralds a new era for inherited wealth, particularly for households with modest assets.

Whereas until now, successive fees could heavily weigh on the transfer of assets, threatening to diminish inheritances, the reform implemented from November 2025 creates a clear legal framework. The established ceilings as well as targeted exemptions provide a suitable response to criticisms regarding the strictness and opacity of estate management. This legislative evolution does not only affect the financial aspect: it also aims to ease the procedures, making the management of an inheritance smoother and better legally controlled.

Control of banking fees: a key advancement for inheritance law in mid-November 2025

The 2025 reform primarily tackles the costs related to banking procedures during the settlement of an estate. For many years, these fees have been criticized for their opacity and disproportionate cost, especially impacting small inheritances. Before the adoption of the new law, each bank freely set its rates, causing great disparity and a feeling of unfairness.

With the entry into force of the new rules, a strict regulatory framework now governs these fees. Depending on the total amount of assets held by the deceased at a bank, the law now imposes a cap of 1% of the credit balances for estates exceeding 5,000 euros. Below this threshold, no fee charging can be applied, marking a total exemption for the smallest estates.

This change is of utmost importance as it protects 25% of annual estates in France that fall into this category. It allows heirs to avoid disproportionate fees, especially in situations where every euro counts. A table summarizes the evolution of bank billing:

Amount of bank assets	Average fees before the reform	Maximum fees applied after the law
€3,500	Between €150 and €400	€0
€15,000	Between €250 and €600	€150 (1% of the amount)
€80,000	Variable, often more than €500	€800 (1% of the amount)

This cap establishes equity based on proportionality between the amount transmitted and the fees incurred. From now on, handling a file can no longer become an excessive financial burden regardless of the estate concerned.

The precise mechanisms of the banking reform for enhanced transparency

One of the major innovations brought by the new legislation lies in the obligations imposed on banks regarding information and transparency. Gone are the days of hidden fees and unforeseen surcharges at the time of estate settlement.

Financial institutions will now have to publish in an accessible and clear manner all their fees related to estate processing. This measure includes the publication of costs on their websites and in their rate brochures, allowing families and heirs to compare with full knowledge of the facts.

The transparency requirement is also accompanied by a real regulation of the services covered by the successive fees. These costs now include:

• The complete processing of the estate file by the bank
• The closure of the deceased’s accounts
• The transfer of funds to the heirs or the appointed notary
• The issuance of official documents and certificates necessary for the proper conduct of the asset distribution

By precisely regulating the billed services, the reform prevents banks from marking up unjustified or excessive services.

Exemption for small estates: social and financial relief

The reform enshrines an essential principle: small estates, often from modest assets, must no longer be reduced by disproportionate fees. This total exemption, applicable below 5,000 euros of credit balances, is a major social advance. It aims to preserve the capital transmitted, often the only financial resource left by a loved one.

This measure will directly benefit the most vulnerable households. A concrete example well illustrates the issue: Pauline, the widow of a craftsman who left a bank account of 3,000 euros, will no longer have to pay a cent to access the capital, unlike the previous situation where several hundred euros could be retained by the bank.

This change restores a form of justice in the transfer, in a context where modest inheritances can make a significant difference in families’ lives.

Simplification and streamlining of inheritance procedures: reducing bureaucracy

Beyond the financial aspect, the legislative reform introduces a notable simplification in the procedures related to asset distribution. Administrative complexity has often been a major obstacle, a source of stress for heirs already affected by the loss of a loved one.

The new legislation therefore provides for a rationalization of the supporting documents requested from banks, particularly for small estates. Thus, unlocking amounts below the exemption threshold can be done with a simple certificate signed by all heirs, avoiding the need to obtain an official certificate of inheritance, often costly and long.

This approach aims to reduce delays and decrease ancillary costs. It also promotes better autonomy for heirs in directly managing accounts and transferring funds.

Strengthened partnership between banks, notaries, and heirs

While the notary remains the key player in managing inheritances involving real estate, the reform clarifies the division of responsibilities among the various parties. The transparency of banking fees facilitates the establishment of a precise budget for the estate, thereby helping notaries to integrate these costs into their overall consultation.

For simple estates, without real estate, heirs will now be able to interact more directly with banks, equipped with a protective legal framework. This simplification reduces the risk of errors and family tensions related to the sometimes confusing management of procedures.

Mastering the new ceilings and anticipating the impact on your inheritance

Changes in inheritance law call for a better understanding of key financial thresholds to avoid being caught off guard. The exemption threshold of 5,000 euros represents a crucial pivot, guaranteeing total bank fee exemption for modest estates.

Beyond this threshold, the 1% cap applies, but this is a maximum. Nothing prevents banks, within the framework of healthy competition, from offering lower rates to attract heirs. This initiative could generate a positive dynamic in the financial sector, to the benefit of families.

Practical advice to anticipate your inheritance in light of the changes

The reform, while protective, does not exempt you from good inheritance planning. Here are some essential steps:

• Clearly inventory your assets: Accounts, life insurance contracts, real estate, and other assets must be listed precisely.
• Organize your documents: Gathering papers into a single file, accessible to a trusted person, greatly facilitates the heirs’ work.
• Consult a professional: A notary can guide you to solutions best suited to your situation, such as donations or drafting a will.
• Communicate with your family: Explaining your wishes helps avoid conflicts and misunderstandings during the division of assets.

These simple actions contribute to a smoother transfer and compliance with the deceased’s wishes. They become all the more important in a context where inheritance law is evolving rapidly, directly impacting the assets transmitted.