The Nanterre Court of First Instance ruled that it was up to the French courts, not the American courts, to decide on the succession of the star challenged by his two older children.

It's a decision that may change everything. The court in Nanterre said Tuesday it was competent to decide the question of the legacy of Johnny Hallyday, subject of a conflict between his widow Laeticia and two older children of the star, Laura Smet and David Hallyday. "The habitual residence of Jean-Philippe Smet (...) is in France" and not in the United States, judged the court in its decision.

#Johnny The court of Nanterre declares itself competent to treat this question of the inheritance of Johnny Hallyday. 1st round: victory of David and Laura.

- Salome Legrand (@Salome_L) May 28, 2019

This is an important victory for Hallyday Elders who have been claiming their share of inheritance for over a year while their father left all his fortune to his last wife and two daughters. "This is an extremely important decision because it marks the attachment of Johnny Hallyday to France and therefore, in return, the incompetence of the US judge to deal with this issue," said Emmanuel Ravanas, one advice from Laura Smet.

Laeticia Hallyday will appeal

The lawyer of Laeticia Hallyday, Mr. Ardavan Amir-Aslani, for his part announced to appeal the order of the court of Nanterre. "I do not hide my stupefaction and my consternation in view of this decision, I find that indisputable factual elements have been ruled out in favor of false arguments developed by the opposite party," responded the lawyer Laeticia Hallyday.

#Johnny Laeticia's lawyer, Mr. Ardavan Amir-Aslini, denounces a decision "out of all reality". He announces to appeal.

One of Laura's lawyers congratulates him on this decision. Notably because it is taken under Article 4 on habitual residence.

- Salome Legrand (@Salome_L) May 28, 2019

An estate governed by Swiss law?

If Laeticia Hallyday argued at the hearing in late March that she and her late husband had taken up residence in Los Angeles since 2007, the court noted that on the same date "Johnny Hallyday said he was a Swiss resident". In a will dated 9 May 2007, "he was domiciled in Gstaad" and intended that his estate "be liquidated entirely and exclusively under Swiss law". In another document, a marriage contract signed in 2011, Johnny and Laeticia Hallyday also stated that they had been living in Gstaad since November 2006. "It is not possible to call yourself a Swiss resident and live in another country, otherwise that in violation of the law, "says the court.

In addition, according to a count made by David Hallyday thanks to the geolocalisation function of Smet's Instagram account, Johnny Hallyday was present in France 151 days in 2015 and 168 days in 2016. "In 2017, it is common ground that Johnny Hallyday is remained on French soil eight months before his death, "the court said. The star has kept "until the end, a way of life both itinerant and bohemian, but especially very French, which led him to live in a (...) usual way, in France," said the court.