Chapter I: Opening of estates, universal title and seisin

Inheritances are opened by death, at the last domicile of the deceased.

Inheritances devolve in accordance with the law when the deceased has not disposed of his property by gifts. They may devolve by gifts from the deceased to the extent compatible with the hereditary reserve. .

Agreements the purpose of which is to create rights or waive rights to all or part of an estate that has not yet been opened or property dependent thereon are effective only in cases where they are authorised by law.

The heirs designated by law are seized by operation of law of the property, rights and actions of the deceased. The legatees and universal donees are seized under the conditions laid down in Title II of this book. Failing them, the estate is acquired by the State, which must be sent into possession.

The provisions of this Title, in particular those concerning the option, indivision and partition, apply as appropriate to universal legatees and donees or to universal titlees, where they are not derogated from by a specific rule.