Book III: Different ways of acquiring property

The depositary must return the thing deposited only to the person who entrusted it to him, or to the person in whose name the deposit was made, or to the person indicated to receive it.

He cannot require of the person who made the deposit, proof that he was the owner of the thing deposited. Nevertheless, if he discovers that the thing has been stolen, and who the true owner is, he must denounce to that person the deposit made to him with a summons to reclaim it within a specified and sufficient time. If the person to whom the notification was made neglects to…

In the event of the death of the person who made the deposit, the thing deposited may be returned only to his heir. If there are several heirs, it must be returned to each of them for their share and portion. If the thing deposited is indivisible, the heirs must agree among themselves to receive it.

If the person who made the deposit has been divested of his powers of administration, the deposit may only be returned to the person who has the administration of the depositor’s property.

If the deposit was made by a guardian or administrator, in one of those capacities, it may only be returned to the person whom that guardian or administrator represented, if their management or administration has ended.

If the deposit contract designates the place in which restitution is to be made, the depositary is obliged to take the thing deposited there. If there are transport costs, they shall be borne by the depositor.

If the contract does not designate the place of restitution, it must be made in the same place as the deposit.

The deposit must be returned to the depositor as soon as he claims it, even if the contract has fixed a specific time limit for its return; unless there is, in the hands of the depositary, an attachment or opposition to the return and removal of the thing deposited.

The unfaithful depositary is not admitted to the benefit of assignment.

All the depositary’s obligations cease if he discovers and proves that he himself is the owner of the thing deposited.