Section 4: Renunciation of the succession.

Renunciation of an inheritance cannot be presumed. To be enforceable against third parties, renunciation made by the universal heir or heir by universal title must be addressed to or filed with the court within whose jurisdiction the succession opened or made before a notary. Within one month of the renunciation, the notary who received it shall send a copy to the court within whose jurisdiction the succession opened.

An heir who renounces is deemed never to have been an heir. Subject to the provisions of article 845, the renouncer’s share devolves to his representatives; failing this, it increases to his co-heirs; if he is alone, it devolves to the subsequent degree.

The renouncing party is not liable for the payment of the debts and charges of the succession. However, he is liable in proportion to his means for the payment of the funeral expenses of the ascendant or descendant to whose succession he renounces.

As long as prescription of the right to accept has not been acquired against him, the heir may revoke his renunciation by accepting the succession purely and simply, if it has not already been accepted by another heir or if the State has not already been sent into possession. Such acceptance is retroactive to the day on which the succession was opened, without, however, calling into question any rights that…

Expenses legitimately incurred by the heir prior to his renunciation shall be borne by the estate.