Seizure of assets placed in a safe

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  • The bank safe deposit box contract: legal aspects and implications for seizures

    By Raphaël MORENON
    20 March 2025
    html Who hasn't wondered about the legal status of a bank safe deposit box? Far from being a simple rented space, this banking service is subject to a complex legal regime, particularly in the event of seizure by a creditor. Here's how it works. The legal nature of a safe-deposit box contract A safe-deposit box contract provides a customer with a secure space in which to deposit valuables or objects, in return for payment. In a judgment of 2 June 1993, the Court of Cassation described it as a "custody contract" (Civ. 1re, 2 June 1993, no. 91-10.971, RTD civ. 1994. 389, Zenati commenting). It is not a deposit contract. The banker is unaware of the contents of the safe deposit box and cannot be regarded as the holder of the assets deposited there. According to the First Civil Chamber of the Court of Cassation, this is a "provision of services in return for remuneration" (Civ. 1re, 30 June 2004, no. 01-00.475, Bull. civ....
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