Inheritance and family law

Berna & Associés provides in-depth expertise in inheritance and family law to support clients through pivotal personal and financial milestones.

Wealth structuring

Anticipating the transfer of one’s estate is essential to ensuring the long-term preservation of family assets. We advise our clients on the most suitable strategies for structuring their assets, considering the legal, tax and inheritance issues involved.

Wills and executors

Drawing up a will enables assets to be distributed in accordance with the testator’s wishes. We support our clients with:

  • The drafting and legal optimisation of wills.
  • Choosing and appointing an executor to ensure that the deceased’s wishes are carried out.
  • Assisting heirs and executors in implementing testamentary provisions.

Liquidation of estates

Winding up an estate can be complex, requiring rigorous management of assets and adherence to legal formalities. We can help with the following:

  • Dividing the assets among the heirs.
  • Drawing up deeds of transfer and division.
  • Coordinating with notaries, banks, and tax authorities.

Inheritance declarations

We assist our clients in preparing and filing inheritance tax returns in accordance with legal deadlines and tax obligations.

Donations and anticipated transfers

Anticipating the transfer of an estate is a way of optimising estate and tax management. We advise our clients on:

  • Setting up inter vivos donations and anticipated transfers.
  • Mechanisms for protecting beneficiaries (usufruct, ownership dismemberment and specific clauses).
  • The tax impact of the planned transfers.

Drafting prenuptial agreements

The choice of matrimonial property regime directly affects how family assets are managed. We support our clients by:

  • Drafting prenuptial agreements tailored to their needs.
  • Modifying matrimonial property regimes in line with changes to assets and family circumstances.

Divorce and separation

Divorce and separation proceedings require strategic legal support to protect the interests of both parties. We can help with:

  • Negotiating and drafting divorce agreements.
  • Managing the division of assets and alimony payments.
  • Support before the relevant courts.

Family mediation

Favouring an amicable solution helps to limit conflict and preserve family ties. We offer:

  • Supervised mediation to resolve inheritance or marital disputes.
  • Assistance in managing family disputes relating to the transfer of property.

Inheritance disputes

Disagreements can arise between heirs over inheritance. We represent our clients in litigation cases involving:

  • Disputes over wills or donations;
  • Conflicts relating to the interpretation of the deceased’s wishes.
  • Proceedings for judicial partition or joint ownership.

Family tax planning

Our wealth management service is based on bespoke tax planning, ensuring assets are transferred efficiently and in line with your family’s objectives. We advise our clients on:

  • Optimising wealth transfers while taking into account the applicable legal and tax frameworks.
  • Structuring donations and inheritances to minimise costs while respecting the wishes of those involved.
  • Applying international tax treaties in the case of expatriate families or assets located in several countries.

Thanks to our bespoke approach, we guarantee our clients optimal management of their family wealth, combining legal certainty and tax optimisation.