Which documents need to be gathered and given to the notary upon the opening of an estate settlement file?

• The deceased's family record book and marriage contract, if any.
• An extract of the deceased's death certificate.
•  An authentic copy of the judgement of divorce or legal separation, if any
• An authentic copy of any gift between spouses the deceased may have formalised
• Any will the deceased may have drawn up, or name and address of the person who may have said will within their possession.
• All savings accounts.
• The bank information for each of the banks within which an account is opened in the name of the deceased and their spouse in the case of shared assets (including any joint bank accounts).
• Any registered or bearer securities at the place of residence.
• All documents pertaining to all pensions and retirement benefits received by the deceased or their spouse.
• The registration certificates for all vehicles belonging to the deceased and their spouse, in the case of shared vehicles.
• All information and documents concerning any receivables.
• Any life-insurance policies taken out by the deceased or their spouse (in the case of shared policies).

Information on all property owned:

•  Authentic copies of all real estate acquisition deeds
• All leases and information on the rentals granted.
• The latest insurance premium receipts for the buildings.
• Name and address of the property manager.
•  Name and address of the property management company
• All information on the deceased's debts, i.e. all bills paid after their death for expenses incurred before their death:

-           + Last illness costs.

-           + Funeral expenses.

-           + Loans.

-           + Last tax notice.

-           + Wealth tax.

+ Property tax.

-           + Local tax.

 + Miscellaneous bills.

•  Any information on the benefits the deceased may have received as part of social assistance or the National solidarity fund.

• You will also need to provide all information on any gifts made to their children during the marriage, as well as on any gifts or estates received by the deceased or their spouse during the marriage, and on any sale of private property having belonged to the deceased.

Depending on the nature of the deceased's assets, additional documents may be required