Representation of heirs
Why should you be represented by a probate genealogist at the notary’s office when settling an estate? If you are a future heir and have been contacted by ADD Associés in connection with an inheritance, we can assist you throughout the entire process. We can represent you at the notary's office once your rights have been set forth in the certificate of heirship.
Why should you be represented by a probate genealogist when settling an estate?
An essential task of the ADD Associés teams is to represent the heir(s) whose rights have been established in the certificate of heirship when the estate is settled.
Invaluable assistance
With its extensive knowledge of estate settlement and inheritance tax, ADD Associés will seek to advance the interests of the commissioning heir, and to ensure that his or her rights are fiercely defended.
A key document: the power of attorney
To be represented, the heir must sign a power of attorney granting ADD Associés authority to act on his or her behalf during the estate settlement operation.
Power of attorney: saves time and gives you peace of mind
In its capacity as representative, ADD Associés will schedule the appointments necessary for the estate settlement: signing of the certificate of heirship, inventory appointment (for which the heir must be informed in advance of the dates and times of the inventory appointment if he or she wishes to attend), signing of property sales, signing of tax documents, and more generally all operations necessary for the estate settlement.
ADD Associés must report accurately on its actions to the heir and must obtain the heir’s agreement before any disposal of movable property or real estate.
The main steps in settling an estate
- Signing the certificate of heirship to establish your status as heir and your rights in the deceased’s estate.
- Drawing up an inventory of movable property belonging to the deceased, if necessary.
- Signing the property certificate attesting to the transfer to the heirs of the estate’s real estate assets and rights (if necessary) prior to any sale.
- Liquidation of the estate’s real estate and movable assets.
- Signing and filing the inheritance tax declaration: this is a document intended for the tax authorities, which gives a snapshot of the deceased’s assets at the time of death and enables them to determine the amount of inheritance tax owed.
Financial security: the role of the third‑party account
In carrying out its missions, ADD Associés ensures the fully secured management of estate funds through the use of a third‑party account. This account, opened with the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations, is strictly separated from the firm’s operating accounts. It guarantees a neutral, transparent management framework that complies with the profession’s ethical requirements.
This mechanism ensures that:
- the funds intended for heirs are protected at every stage,
- no amount is ever mixed with the company’s own finances,
- all transactions remain fully traceable,
- each heir receives exactly what they are entitled to.
This system provides an essential safeguard for notaries and beneficiaries alike: it secures the transfer of funds within a reliable and fully controlled framework.
Frequently asked questions
The third‑party account, opened with the Caisse des Dépôts, ensures independent, traceable management that is strictly separated from operational accounts.
It protects heirs, secures financial flows, and provides the notary with a guarantee of financial neutrality.
ADD applies strict rules: transparency, confidentiality, GDPR compliance, and neutrality in the presentation of inheritance rights. Every interaction is logged and archived.
Data is collected as part of a legitimate‑interest mission, processed securely, and retained only for the necessary duration.
ADD has a DPO and strict internal procedures.