In the event of the death of a spouse, the surviving spouse has specific rights to the deceased's estate. These rights, defined by the Civil Code, vary according to the family situation, the matrimonial regime adopted by the spouses, and any testamentary dispositions...

When a divorce occurs (by mutual consent or before the judge), one of the major issues for the spouses concerns the division of property. This process varies considerably depending on the matrimonial regime adopted by the spouses, whether it's a regime of community or...

Alimony is a sum of money or a benefit in kind paid by one of the ex-spouses to the other, following a divorce, to compensate for the disparities in their respective living conditions created by the breakdown of the marriage. Its aim is to ensure a degree of economic...

In France, the right of grandparents to maintain relations with their grandchildren is recognized and regulated by law. This right is based on the principle that it is generally in a child's best interests to maintain ties with his or her ascendants. However, the...

Child support or maintenance, at the heart of family obligations, is a central issue in parental and marital relations, particularly in the event of separation or divorce. This article looks at how child support is calculated, the factors that determine its amount,...

Domestic violence is a major social scourge to which the legislator is striving to respond with increasingly effective measures. Among these tools, the protection order occupies a central place. It provides rapid, appropriate protection for victims of domestic...

Family mediation has established itself as an essential solution for resolving family disputes. Framed by legislation and enriched by a growing body of practice, it offers an effective alternative to legal proceedings, which are often long, costly and emotionally...

Alternating residence, which involves the child spending time at each parent's home on an alternating basis, is an option provided for in the Civil Code. This type of residence is not automatic and its implementation depends on various criteria, which are always...

Parental authority is defined in article 371-1 of the French Civil Code as "a set of rights and duties aimed at protecting the interests of the child". Parental authority is vested in the parents until the child reaches the age of majority or becomes emancipated, and...

When a couple with children separates, the issue of child custody—legally referred to as the child’s residence—becomes a key matter to resolve. This article provides a simplified overview of the principles and rules that govern custody decisions in family law.  1. The...