French heirs confront hidden hospital bills and frozen bank accounts after a relative’s death

When a French relative dies, heirs often inherit not only assets but also unpaid liabilities. Under Article 870 of the French Civil Code, debts of the deceased become part of the estate and must be settled proportionally by co‑heirs. A common and sizable liability is the amount owed to a public hospital for care not fully covered by social security or private insurance; cases can involve bills of several thousand euros, such as a reported €10,000 charge.

In parallel, French banks automatically block the deceased’s personal accounts once they receive the death certificate, immobilising savings accounts, Livret A, LDDS, LEP and current accounts. Joint accounts are generally left usable, allowing the surviving partner to continue transactions, though any funds contributed by the deceased belong to the succession. Minor expenses such as funeral costs may be paid from the frozen assets, up to a limit of €5,965.

These rules aim to protect the estate while ensuring necessary expenses are covered, but they also place an immediate administrative and financial burden on surviving family members.