Understand and prepare, with peace of mind.
Measured, fact-checked guidance on the steps to take after a death, on life insurance and on transmission. Useful information, without jargon or promises.
What to do in the 30 days after a death
A clear, step-by-step checklist of the formalities, to print and keep close at hand.
See the checklistProceduresSteps after a death: where to begin
The first steps after a death, in order: registration, organisations to notify, contracts to handle. A clear guide so nothing is forgotten.
Read the articleProceduresHow much does an inheritance cost in France: taxes, notary, bank
The cost of an inheritance comes down to four items: inheritance tax, notary fees, bank fees and funeral costs. 2026 scales, allowances, worked examples — everything checked against the texts in force.
Read the articleProceduresWho to notify after a death: the complete list
The list of organisations to notify after a death, sorted by deadline, with the documents to provide. A clear, jargon-free guide so you forget no one.
Read the articleLife insuranceUnclaimed life insurance: how to find out if a loved one had a policy
Life insurance policies sometimes go unclaimed because beneficiaries are unaware of them. How to search for them free of charge through AGIRA and Ciclade.
Read the articleLife insuranceCiclade: recover dormant accounts and life insurance for free
Ciclade, the free service of the Caisse des Dépôts, lets you search for unclaimed accounts and policies transferred by banks and insurers. Here's how it works.
Read the articleSearchFinding a deceased person's contracts without a password
How to identify a deceased loved one's accounts and contracts without accessing their online accounts: free official schemes, the notary's role, and the traps of paid services.
Read the articleProceduresEstate bank fees: the cap, the struck-down exemptions, what really applies
Estate bank fees are capped at 1% of the assets, up to €857 per bank. The three free-of-charge cases provided by the 2025 law were struck down on 19 June 2026: what applies today, text by text.
Read the articleProceduresLe capital décès de la Sécurité sociale : 4 009 € que personne ne réclame
Une prestation forfaitaire de 4 009 €, jamais versée automatiquement, à demander dans le mois pour garder la priorité et dans les deux ans avant prescription. Qui y a droit, combien, et pourquoi tant de familles passent à côté.
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