Consumer & Compensation Law lawyers in France

France-specific rules

Consumer and compensation claims: how it works in France

France maintains a dual court system: the judicial order for private disputes and the administrative order for disputes involving public bodies. Consumer and compensation claims generally fall within the judicial order, but the intervention of a public authority may redirect the case. Below are the key procedural points from official French sources.

Civil-law framework and dual court orders

France has a codified civil-law system rooted in the Napoleonic codes. Consumer and compensation claims are heard in the judicial order — primarily the tribunal judiciaire at first instance — while the administrative order deals with claims against public authorities. The Tribunal des conflits resolves jurisdictional conflicts, and the Cour de cassation unifies case law.

Mandatory avocat in most civil claims

In most civil claims above €10,000 before the tribunal judiciaire, and in all appeals before the cour d’appel, parties must be represented by an avocat. Before the Cour de cassation only specialised avocats aux conseils may act. Lawyers must hold a Master 2 degree and the CAPA, be registered with a local bar and take an oath.

Limitation periods for consumer and compensation claims

Consumer debt claims are subject to a 2-year limitation period, while claims for bodily injury arising from tort or extra-contractual liability are subject to a 10-year period. General civil and commercial debt claims are limited to 5 years. Missing the applicable deadline can extinguish the claim, so early legal advice is essential.

Court costs and legal aid

Justice is in principle free: court acts themselves do not attract stamp duties, but filing a civil claim requires a €50 fiscal stamp and an appeal with mandatory representation requires a €225 electronic stamp. Legal aid (aide juridictionnelle) can cover all or part of lawyer’s fees and proceedings costs, with full aid available below an income threshold of €12,862 for a single person in 2025.

Notarial and real-estate specifics

Any transfer of real property in France must be evidenced by an authentic deed drawn up by a notary, who also collects transfer taxes. Non-residents selling French real estate are liable to a 19% income-tax levy on the net capital gain, with social levies varying by residency status. These points matter when a consumer transaction involves property or a notarised contract.

Key time limit — Consumer & Compensation Law

Consumer debt claim — 2 years. Claims arising from consumer debts must be brought within two years.

Data verified from official French sources (Ministry of Justice, CNB, Légifrance, Justice.fr) as of 2025.

• Organisation of Courts and Tribunals – Ministry of Justice
• All Conditions for Access to the Profession – National Bar Council (CNB)
• Court Fees: The Cost of a Trial – Justice.fr
• Article L1471-1 of the Labour Code – Légifrance
• Civil Code – Limitation Periods – Légifrance
• Article L218-2 of the Consumer Code – Légifrance
• Article 780 of the Civil Code – Légifrance
• Law No. 2014-366 of 24 March 2014 – Légifrance
• Article R421-1 of the Code of Administrative Justice – Légifrance