Family Lawyers in Paris

A family lawyer in Paris handles divorce, custody and visiting rights, child support, compensatory payments and the division of property. Contested cases are heard by the juge aux affaires familiales at the Tribunal judiciaire de Paris. With a large international population, Paris sees many cross border family cases.

France offers divorce by mutual consent without a judge. Each spouse must have their own lawyer, the agreement is signed by both lawyers and then filed with a notaire. This route is fast but cannot be used in every case, for example where a child asks to be heard. Contested divorces, custody disputes and support claims go before the family judge. Expat couples in Paris often ask which law applies under EU rules, how a marriage contract signed abroad is treated, and what happens if a parent wants to leave France with a child. A family lawyer in Paris can also help unmarried couples and those in a PACS settle custody and property questions.

Fees are free to agree, and a written fee agreement is compulsory in France. Lawyers usually charge hourly rates or fixed fees, and may add a success fee. A fee based only on the result is prohibited. People with low incomes may qualify for aide juridictionnelle, state legal aid. Every lawyer here is registered with the Paris Bar, the Barreau de Paris, which lists its members. Before your first meeting, gather your livret de famille, income documents and any marriage contract. Many family lawyers in Paris work in English. Compare the firms below and contact them directly.