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...

Although the separation of a cohabiting couple is less formalized than that of a married or civil union couple, it can sometimes raise complex issues, particularly concerning the division of property, the fate of the home and the management of debts. Here are the main...

When a child reaches the age of majority, i.e. 18 in France, it marks an important stage in his or her life. However, contrary to popular belief, coming of age does not automatically put an end to parents' obligations towards their child. French law provides a...

There are 3 types of contested divorces available to spouses who are unable to reach an overall agreement on the consequences or principle of the divorce, or if divorce by mutual consent by private document countersigned by a lawyer is not recognized in either...

Divorce by mutual consent is a form of marriage dissolution based on complete agreement between the spouses, both on the principle of separation and on its consequences. This method of divorce, which is both rapid and amicable, was modernized by law no. 2016-1547 of...

The family affairs judge (JAF) plays a central role in disputes involving family relationships. Created to deal with family disputes competently and impartially, this specialized court of law is responsible for resolving family-related disputes, including divorce,...