intégrante

An intégrante is a French term often encountered in the context of legal or administrative matters, particularly concerning matters of heritage and family law. It refers to a portion of an inheritance or property that is legally reserved for certain heirs. This concept is rooted in civil law traditions, aiming to protect the rights of direct descendants.

The intégrante is a fraction of the deceased's estate that cannot be freely disposed of by the testator in their will. Instead, it is reserved for specific heirs, typically children or other descendants, in proportion to their legal entitlement. The portion of the estate that can be freely bequeathed is known as the quotité disponible, or the disposable portion.

The specific rules governing the intégrante and the quotité disponible vary by jurisdiction. However, the underlying principle is to ensure that close family members receive a minimum share of the inheritance, preventing complete disinheritance through testamentary dispositions. Understanding the intégrante is crucial for those dealing with estate planning and inheritance in civil law countries.