La Maison Luciole
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Contractual framework

Terms of service

Last updated: 09/08/2026

This English version is a courtesy translation. The French text is the only legally binding version. Read the French version

These terms describe the general framework of our work. Each mission is covered by its own quote and contract, which take precedence over this document.

1. Purpose

Maison Luciole takes care of the contents and home of an estate: a photographed inventory, gathering the heirs’ decisions, organising sales through a licensed auction house, donations and clearance, then delivering a structured report to the notary’s office.

2. Scope and limits

The services expressly exclude:

  • conducting public auctions, which is reserved for licensed auction houses;
  • buying to resell and consignment selling: the items remain the property of the estate;
  • any legally binding valuation, which is the responsibility of the auctioneer, the judicial officer or the notary;
  • settling and dividing the estate, which is the notary’s responsibility;
  • property brokerage paid by an estate agency.

The documents we deliver state that they are for information only and not legally binding.

3. Formation of the contract

A mission begins after written acceptance of the quote and the handing over of the keys, recorded jointly. The quote sets out the scope, the options taken, the price and the end date.

4. The client’s obligations

  • provide the information needed for the work, in particular the authority to act regarding the home;
  • where the estate is jointly owned, appoint the lead heir authorised to approve the report;
  • respond to decision requests within a reasonable time, as the overall timeframe depends on it;
  • give prior written instruction before any personal document is digitised.

5. Obligations of Maison Luciole

  • carry out a complete, photographed inventory of the home and its outbuildings;
  • carry out no destination without a prior decision from the heirs;
  • record every decision, every status change and every handover of a valuable;
  • meet the announced timeframe, subject to the dependencies listed in article 7;
  • deliver the deliverables after approval by the lead heir.

6. Price and payment

The price is set out in the quote. Unless otherwise agreed, it is paid forty per cent at the start, forty per cent during the mission and twenty per cent on completion.

No payment is routed to the notary’s office, in either direction. Proceeds from sales made by a licensed auction house are paid out by the notary, without any involvement on our part.

7. Timeframes

The end date is set out in the quote. It may be postponed in the event of circumstances not attributable to Maison Luciole: delays in the heirs’ decisions, lack of access to the home, an inheritance dispute, an auction house’s calendar, or force majeure. Any postponement is notified with reasons.

8. Liability

Maison Luciole is bound by an obligation of means. It cannot be held liable for decisions taken by the heirs, for the results of sales conducted by a licensed third party, or for tax or inheritance consequences falling within the notary’s remit.

9. Insurance

Maison Luciole declares that it holds professional liability insurance, details of which are available on request.

10. Confidentiality and personal data

Data processing is described in the privacy policy. Every contributor is bound by a duty of discretion, and only accesses the file they are authorised for.

11. Portability

The client may ask at any time for a full export of their file in an open format, independent of our tools.

12. Termination

Either party may end the mission in writing. Services already under way remain payable in proportion to their progress. Goods, documents and valuables held are returned against a receipt.

13. Governing law and disputes

These terms are governed by French law. In the event of a dispute, the parties will seek an amicable solution before taking any action. Consumers may use a consumer mediator free of charge.