Is there a time limit to renounce a succession?

The Civil Code of Quebec provides that a successor has a time limit of six months to make a renunciation, as from the opening of his right.

Example 1: Mr. X dies and Mrs. Y, being his heir, will have a time limit of six months to renounce the succession as from the date of death of Mr. X.

Example 2: Mr. X has a sole heir, his daughter, Mrs. Y who has herself a child, the young Z. In case of death of Mr. X, if Mrs. Y renounces the succession, it is only then that Z will see the opening of his right. Consequently, the time limit of six months for Z will not begin until the time of renunciation of his mother and not the date of death of his grand-father.

This 6-month period is extended by a further 60 days as from the date of closing of the inventory. It can also be extended in the case of certain situations provided by the Civil Code of Quebec or if the successor makes an application to the court. The successor who does not renounce the succession after the elapsed time is presumed to have accepted it.