Parentage (known in French law as filiation) is a cornerstone concept of family law. It defines a person’s legal relationship to their parents and determines many personal and patrimonial rights and duties within the family. This article explains what parentage means,...

In France, divorce is a structured legal process that varies depending on the type of divorce chosen. Here is an overview of the main common and specific stages of each procedure. 1. Choosing the Type of Divorce There are four main types of divorce in France, each...

Marriage, a cornerstone of French law, entails reciprocal obligations between spouses. Their scope, content, implementation, and evolution over time raise numerous practical and theoretical questions. This article provides an overview of the obligations arising from...

The divorce for irretrievable breakdown of the marriage is one of the main types of contested divorce in France. It allows one spouse to petition for dissolution of the marriage without having to prove fault by the other spouse, based solely on the durable breakdown...

Divorce by mutual acceptance (sometimes called “accepted divorce”) is one of the main forms of contested divorce in France. This procedure allows spouses to jointly acknowledge the breakdown of their marriage without having to reveal the reasons for their separation....

Fault-based divorce remains a specific procedure under French law, regularly debated and reformed, but whose fundamental principles have been reaffirmed by recent legislative and case law developments. This article provides an overview of the conditions required to...

Life as a couple in France can take different legal forms: marriage, civil partnership (PACS), or cohabitation. Each status creates specific rights and obligations. This article provides a clear overview to help you understand the practical and legal implications of...

Getting divorced abroad as a French expat raises many questions: which court should you approach? Which law applies? Can a French court still have jurisdiction? And above all, how can you have a foreign divorce recognized in France? The answers depend on whether you...

Couples' lives evolve, as do their financial and family needs. The choice of matrimonial regime is therefore not set in stone at the time of marriage: it can be adapted during the marriage to better protect your spouse, organize the transfer of your assets, or take...

With the rise of blended families, the role of stepparents has become central in the lives of many children. Yet, in France, the legal status of stepparents—whether married, in a civil partnership (PACS), or simply cohabiting—remains largely undefined. This lack of a...