
Separation, divorce, child custody
Family law in France can seem overwhelming, particularly in cases with international considerations. In this section, we explain how it all works, what you need to do, and how to find a lawyer to support you regardless of your financial situation.
Below you will find resources that will guide you through family law procedures, step by step.
If you separate from your partner, you will have administrative and legal steps to take if you have children, are married or have entered into a French civil partnership called a “Pacs”.
The administrative procedure for ending a “Pacs” is relatively simple and does not require the agreement of your partner. On the other hand, the divorce procedure can be very complex in France, in particular if you have to go through a contentious procedure in the courts.
Child custody arrangements generally require a decision from a judge, unless you manage to find an agreement with the other parent. If you are afraid that the other parent will go abroad with the children, or that he will not respect the judge's decision, there are solutions.
Testimonials
After the violence, I had only one thing in mind: returning to Brazil with my children. I was devastated when I learned that I could not leave without the authorisation of their father, even though he had been convicted of domestic violence. In the meantime, the children live with me and only see their father during supervised visits. But because I can't find a job in my field here, I need to go back to my country. I have just started a new legal procedure to obtain the legal authorisation to move back home with my children.
I didn't expect the divorce to be so long and complex - in my country it's much faster! It was many, many years before the divorce was granted. My ex used the French legal system to keep hurting me. He did everything to slow things down. He made false accusations against me and because he is French and very respected, he even managed to get other people to give false testimonies about me, even though they had never even met me! It was very hard psychologically. Fortunately, I had an excellent lawyer. I also joined an online support group for English-speaking people, they were so supportive.
Our child was one year old when we separated. Since then, my ex has had to pay me child support every month to help me financially. After a few months, he simply stopped paying. I was very stressed, but I was able to find a solution by contacting the Caf. Now, I receive alimony through Aripa, and I no longer have to worry about unpaid bills. I feel relieved.