Universal bequest, universal title or individual bequest: how to choose the right type of bequest?
You’ve decided to be generous and bequeath part or all of your estate to the Augustinians of the Assumption. But do you know what type of bequest to choose? There are three types of bequest, adapted to different patrimonial and family situations. How can you tell them apart? What are their advantages and limitations? And which type of bequest is best suited to your situation.
1. The universal bequest: pass on your entire estate
What is a universal legacy?
A universal bequest involves passing on all one’s assets (movable, immovable and liabilities) to one or more natural or legal persons. The universal legatee then becomes the sole heir of the testator, subject to the rights of the reserved heirs.
Example: “I bequeath all my possessions to the Assumption Missionary Procure.”
The benefits
- Simplicity: a single clause is all you need to transfer your entire estate.
- Maximum impact: allows you to fully support a cause or association.
- Flexibility: as testator, you retain the right to use your assets during your lifetime.
Limits and precautions
- Respect the reserved portion of the estate: if you have heirs with reserved rights (children, spouse), you can only bequeath the available portion (see table below).
- Anticipate the risk of contestation: your heirs may contest a universal legacy if they feel their rights have been prejudiced.
Knowing the available share according to your family situation
| Family situation | Quota available |
| 1 child | 50 % |
| 2 children | 33 % |
| 3 or more children | 25 % |
| Spouse without children | 75 % |
| No reserved heirs | 100 % |
Understanding the universal legacy: the example of Marie
Marie, a childless widow, wishes to bequeath her entire estate to the Procure missionnaire de l’Assomption.
She can opt for a universal bequest, as she has no heirs with right of succession.
Sample clause: “I, Marie Dupont, bequeath my entire estate to the Procure missionnaire de l’Assomption, located at 79 avenue Denfert-Rochereau, 75014 Paris” place, date and signature
2. The universal bequest: pass on a share or category of assets
What is a universal legacy?
It is a bequest that makes it possible to pass on :
- a share of all your assets (e.g. 1/3 of your estate).
- a specific category of your assets (e.g. all your real estate).
- a share of a category of your assets (e.g. 50% of your real estate).
Examples: “I bequeath 30% of my estate to the Assumption Missionary Procure.
“I bequeath all my real estate to my nephew, and 50% of my personal property to the Assumption Missionary Procure.
The benefits
- Flexibility: you can distribute your estate among several beneficiaries.
- Adaptability: ideal for balancing the interests of your heirs and the causes you support.
- Tax optimization: you can combine a universal bequest with a specific bequest.
Limits and precautions
- Take into account its complexity: a universal legacy requires precise drafting of your will to avoid ambiguities.
- Manage potential conflicts: your heirs can contest the distribution if they feel it is unbalanced.
Our advice: to avoid disputes, we recommend that you consult a notary to draw up clear, precise clauses.
A better understanding of universal bequests: the example of Pierre
Pierre, father of two, wishes to bequeath part of his estate to the Procure missionnaire de l’Assomption while protecting the rights of his children.
He opted for a universal bequest of 33% of his estate (the available portion for 2 children).
Sample clause: “I bequeath 33% of my assets to the Procure missionnaire de l’Assomption, located at 79 avenue Denfert-Rochereau, 75014 Paris. The remainder of my property will be divided between my two children, Arthur and Marine.”
3. A specific bequest: pass on a specific asset
What does a bequest convey?
With a bequest by particular title, you pass on one or more specific assets:
- a property (house, apartment).
- movable property (work of art, vehicle).
- a sum of money.
- an equity portfolio.
Examples: “I bequeath my apartment at 15 rue de la Paix, 75001 Paris, to the Procure missionnaire de l’Assomption.
“I bequeath the sum of €50,000 to my grandson, and my painting ” Déjeuner d’automne” to the Procure missionnaire de l’Assomption.”
The benefits
- Precision: it allows you to target specific, often meaningful goods.
- Simplicity: it is easy for your heirs to draw up and understand.
- Flexibility: you can combine it with other types of bequest.
Limits and precautions
- Take into account the risk of ineffectiveness: if the property bequeathed no longer belongs to you at the time of your death, the bequest lapses.
- Tax information: real estate may be subject to transfer taxes.
Our advice: In order to avoid any ambiguity regarding a bequest by particular title, we recommend that you describe your property precisely (full address, lot number for real estate or parcel number for land, etc.). )
A better understanding of bequests: the Claude example
Claude owns an art collection and wishes to bequeath a specific painting to the Procure missionnaire de l’Assomption.Sample clause:“I bequeath my painting entitled ‘Le Port de Marseille ‘, painted by Jean-Bernard Collombier in 1979, to the Procure missionnaire de l’Assomption, located at 79 avenue Denfert-Rochereau, 75014 Paris.” Place, date and signature
4. Quick comparison of the three types of bequest (universal, universal title and special title)
| Criteria | Universal legs | Universal bequests | Special bequests |
| Range | All our assets | Share or category of assets | Specific property(ies) |
| Flexibility | Low (all or nothing) | High | High |
| Complexity | Low | Average | Low |
| Risk of dispute | High (if reserved heirs) | Medium | Low |
| Taxation | Exemption for associations | Exemption for associations | Possible transfer duties |
| Sample clause | “I bequeath all my property to X.” | “I bequeath 30% of my estate to X.” | “I bequeath my apartment to X.” |
5. How can you choose the right type of legacy?
Analyze your family situation
- If you have heirs with reserved rights, you should opt for a universal or individual bequest to respect the reserved portion of your estate.
- If you have no reserved heirs: you can opt for a universal bequest.
Define your goals
- If you wish to fully support the causes supported by the Procure missionnaire de l’Assomption, you can opt for a universal bequest or a universal bequest of a substantial share.
- If you wish to pass on symbolic assets, you can opt for a special bequest.
- If you want to strike a balance between your heirs and the causes you care about, you can opt for a universal bequest (e.g. 30% to an association, 70% to your children).
Consult a notary
A notary will help you :
- Understanding and calculating the inheritance reserve
- Evaluate your available share.
- Draft precise clauses.
- Anticipate potential conflicts.
6. A brief summary of how to choose and write your bequest to the Missionary Procure of the Assumption
1. Reflect on your values and priorities
- What causes would you like to support?
- What assets do you have to pass on?
2. Consult a notary
- To evaluate your estate and your available share.
- To draw up a secure will.
3. Choose the type of bequest
- Universal
- Universal
- As an individual.
4. Draw up your will
- Holographic will: handwritten, dated and signed. (no erasures or notations in the margin)
- Authentic will: dictated to a notary.
Model clauses :
- Universal bequest: “I bequeath my entire estate to the Missionary Procure of the Assumption.
- Universal bequest: “I bequeath 25% of my estate to the Missionary Procure of the Assumption.
- Special bequest: “I bequeath my second home located at [address] to the Procure missionnaire de l’Assomption”.
7. Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can combine a universal bequest for an association with a bequest for a loved one.
Example: “I bequeath 50% of my estate to the Procure missionnaire de l’Assomption, and my apartment located at [address] to my son.”
The bequest lapses (becomes ineffective). That’s why we recommend that you bequeath shares rather than specific assets, and that you update your will regularly.
No, you don’t have to do this, but it can help avoid surprises and make the transfer easier. La Procure missionnaire de l’Assomption can help you.
Yes, a will can be revoked at any time. You can draw up a new will to change your wishes.
Choosing the right type of bequest
Choosing the right type of bequest depends on your family situation, your objectives and your assets. Whether you opt for a universal bequest, a bequest with universal title or a bequest with particular title, the important thing is to secure your approach by consulting a notary and drawing up a clear will.
Do you still have questions? Would you like us to help you?
Contact us: legs@assomption.org | 01 44 41 40 34