Family Law

During the divorce, the judge grants the use of the family home to one spouse, often the one who keeps the children. This may be free or against compensation. It does not prejudge the final division of the property. The issue of who occupies the marital home during...

In a blended family, the step-parent has no automatic right or duty over their partner's child. Several tools can organise daily life and protect everyone: mandate, will, gift, delegation of parental authority. With rising divorce and separation rates and the...

Co-ownership exists when several people own the same asset, for example after a separation. No one is forced to remain in it: you can buy out the other's share, sell, or request a judicial division. An occupancy indemnity may be due. This article provides a simple,...

Placement removes the child from their family environment when their safety or development is threatened. The children's judge decides it for a limited period. The parents keep parental authority and a visitation right, unless decided otherwise. This measure aims to...

Educational assistance in an open setting, or AEMO (Assistance éducative en milieu ouvert), protects a child in danger without removing them from their family. An educator works regularly in the home to support the parents. The children's judge orders it for a...

The Juvenile Judge (juge des enfants) steps in when a minor is in danger or in conflict with the law. In educational assistance, they order protective measures: home support, placement. They can be seized, including by the parents or the minor themselves. They play a...

The matrimonial regime sets the rules for managing and dividing the couple's assets. Without a contract, the default is community reduced to acquisitions. Other regimes exist: separation of property, participation in acquisitions, universal community. In France,...

The child's best interests is the principle that guides every decision concerning them: custody, parental authority, protection. The judge assesses it case by case, taking into account the child's emotional, educational and material needs. 1. What does it mean? The...

Without marriage, the surviving partner does not inherit automatically, even after many years together. A cohabitant has no legal right. A PACS partner keeps the home for one year, but inherits only with a will. Unlike married couples, couples in civil partnerships or...

Since the 2022 law, changing your family name has become simple: a declaration at the town hall is enough to take the other parent's name. Changing a first name also goes through the town hall. A broader change is still possible by decree. This article reviews the...