Family Law · France
Your Family Law lawyers in France – matched free.
Facing a divorce, custody dispute or inheritance question in France? We match you with a specialised French avocat who understands the local civil code and court practice. Tell us briefly what you need and receive a response within 24–48 hours at no cost.
- Free matching with vetted French family law avocats
- Clear guidance on divorce, custody and matrimonial property
- No obligation – 24–48h average first response
Free · No obligation · Confidential
Get matched with a lawyer
Tell us about your situation and receive a free, confidential case review.
Why choose us
Family law help for expats and residents in France
French family law is codified and can feel overwhelming, especially when children, property and inheritance are at stake. We help you connect with vetted Family Law lawyers in France who are registered with a French bar and experienced in the tribunal judiciaire, the court of appeal and the Cour de cassation. Whether you are divorcing in France, separating property under the default community of acquests, negotiating child residence, or planning an estate subject to the réserve héréditaire, we match you with a lawyer who handles your specific matter. Our service is free and obligation-free: you describe your problem, and a selected lawyer contacts you within 24–48 hours. No legal advice is given by the platform; we simply facilitate the match.
France-specific practice
How family law works in France
Family law in France is rooted in the Civil Code and handled by the judicial order of courts. The rules below draw only from official French sources so you know what to expect when you engage a lawyer.
Court structure for family disputes
Family claims are heard at first instance by the tribunal judiciaire. Appeals go to one of the 36 cours d’appel, which re-examine the case in fact and in law. The Cour de cassation in Paris reviews questions of law only. A lawyer is mandatory for most civil claims above €10,000 and for appeals, and since 2017 for out-of-court divorce by mutual consent.
Lawyers and qualification
Your matched lawyer is an avocat admitted to one of the 164 local bars under the Conseil national des barreaux. They hold at least a Master 2 degree in law and the CAPA, and owe a continuing-education duty of 20 hours per year. We only work with lawyers registered on the roll of a French bar.
Default matrimonial regime
Couples who marry without a prenuptial contract are automatically subject to the communauté réduite aux acquêts. Assets owned before the marriage remain personal, while property acquired during the marriage for value is community property. Spouses may choose separation of property in a notarised marriage contract.
Forced heirship and inheritance
French succession law protects descendants through the réserve héréditaire. With one child, half the estate is reserved; with two children, two-thirds; with three or more, three-quarters. Only the remaining quotité disponible may be freely bequeathed, making total disinheritance of children impossible.
Costs and legal aid
Justice is in principle free, but filing a civil claim before the tribunal judiciaire requires a €50 fiscal stamp; an appeal with mandatory representation requires a €225 electronic stamp. Lawyer fees are freely agreed and set out in a convention d’honoraires. Legal aid (aide juridictionnelle) may cover part or all costs for eligible clients.
Key time limit — Family Law
Divorce (action for divorce) — No limitation period. There is no time limit to file for divorce in France.
These details are drawn from official French sources (Ministry of Justice, CNB, Légifrance, Code du travail and Justice.fr) and were verified as of 2025.
- Organisation of courts and tribunals – Ministry of Justice
- Access to the profession of avocat – Conseil national des barreaux
- Employment limitation periods – Labour Code L1471-1
- Civil and commercial debt and tort limitation – Civil Code
- Consumer debt claim – Civil Code
- Succession option – Civil Code
- Rental lease actions – unpaid rent and charges
- Administrative appeal – recours contentieux
- Divorce action – no limitation period – Civil Code
- Court fees and legal aid – Justice.fr
- Default matrimonial regime – Civil Code
- Forced heirship – Civil Code
Common challenges
What brings clients to us
French family law has specific rules that differ from common-law systems. Here are three frequent difficulties we help you address.
Divorce and separation
French divorce procedures differ from common-law systems. Property division under community of acquests and child custody arrangements need careful handling to avoid long disputes.
Inheritance and forced heirship
You cannot freely dispose of your entire estate if you have children in France. Understanding the réserve héréditaire is essential before drafting a will or planning your succession.
Cross-border family matters
Expats and binational couples often face conflict between French law and their home law. A lawyer versed in French practice can clarify jurisdiction and applicable rules.
Why use our matching
Four reasons to start here
We take the guesswork out of finding the right family lawyer in France.
Vetted French avocats
Every lawyer in our network is registered with a French bar and holds the required Master 2 and CAPA qualifications, so you are matched only with authorised practitioners.
Fast, free matching
Our service costs you nothing. You submit your matter and receive a response from a suitable lawyer within 24–48 hours on average.
No hidden fees
We do not charge referral fees. Lawyer fees are agreed directly between you and the avocat, with a written convention d’honoraires if you proceed.
Clear French law guidance
Your matched lawyer explains the relevant French rules — from divorce and matrimonial regimes to succession — in plain English before you commit.
Also available in
We cover these European jurisdictions
Beyond France, we match clients with specialised lawyers in neighbouring and major European countries. Choose your jurisdiction for the same free, verified matching service.
Common questions
Family law in France – FAQs
What does a family law lawyer in France handle?
They handle divorce, legal separation, child custody and residence, alimony, matrimonial property division, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, and succession matters. Because French family law is codified, a lawyer helps you navigate the Civil Code and the tribunal judiciaire procedures.
How much does it cost to hire Family Law lawyers in France?
Lawyer fees are freely agreed between you and the avocat; there is no statutory tariff outside legal aid. Many lawyers work on fixed fees or hourly rates. Eligible clients may receive full or partial aide juridictionnelle, covering some or all costs.
Do I need a lawyer for divorce in France?
Yes, since 2017 a lawyer is mandatory for divorce by mutual consent concluded out of court. For contested divorce before the tribunal judiciaire, you also need Family Law lawyers in France to represent you. This ensures the procedure complies with French law.
How is property divided in a French divorce?
Unless a marriage contract provides otherwise, the default regime is the community of acquests: assets acquired during the marriage are common, while pre-marital assets remain personal. A lawyer can explain how this applies to your assets and debts.
Can I disinherit my children under French inheritance law?
No. French law protects children through the réserve héréditaire. With one child, half the estate is reserved; with two, two-thirds; with three or more, three-quarters. Only the remaining quotité disponible can be freely bequeathed.
How quickly can I be matched with a lawyer?
After you submit your matter through our form, we match you within 24–48 hours on average. The service is free and without obligation. You then decide whether to instruct the lawyer directly.
Ready to find your lawyer?
Get matched with a French family law avocat
Tell us about your family law matter in France. We will connect you with a vetted lawyer who handles divorce, custody, matrimonial property or succession. Free and confidential.