English lady widow to a French man in France

[Lagogue]

Hi I am a widow of a Frenchman. We were married with a contract of community.and I moved into his house.He has 3 children whom I have never seen as they were estranged from him on their choice about 20 years ago.I found one son on fb to inform him of his fathers death and he was not interested.I don’t know if this son is in contact with the other 2 or not.When I was sorting things with the notaire he told me if I wait 10 years the property becomes mine and the children cannot come forward for a share of it.It has been 3 years now since my husband died and I would like to sell the house and move back to the UK ,So in theory I have 7 years to wait till it becomes mine ,but I am worried that if I try to find the children now I will only end up with a quarter of the value.We did a lot of renovation together and I have also done quite a lot since. Does anyone have any thoughts please?

I don’t know French (or English law) but from family experience I do know that it’s very had to disinherit children so I would imagine if they do come forward you will ended up having to share. I would also be surprised if you can sell without their permission either
What will your post Brexit situation be? Do you have dual nationality?

French property & inheritance law seems quite complicated (having had to do a bit of research around a different French inheritance issue) - you’re probably best off speaking to a solicitor who deals with this.

Could you let it out until the 10 years are up, and rent in the UK until you can sell up in France?