Art. 3195 Contracts between succession representative and succession; exceptions

When someone manages a deceased person's estate (called a succession representative), there's normally a rule that stops them from personally buying property or making business deals with the estate they're in charge of. This rule explains when that restriction does not apply.

The restriction is lifted if the deceased person's will says it's okay. It's also lifted for certain people who have a close connection to the deceased or the property. This includes the surviving spouse, a business partner (when it comes to partnership assets), someone who co-owned property with the deceased, an heir or person named in the will, or someone who holds a mortgage or lien on estate property.

In simple terms, this rule recognizes that some people already have a legitimate stake in the property or business before the death happened. Because of that existing connection, they're allowed to make deals involving that property, even while serving as the estate's representative.