Maintenance obligations

France

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France

FINDING COMPETENT COURTS/AUTHORITIES

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France

Familiy law - maintenance obligations


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Article 71 1. (a) - Courts for application for a declaration of enforceability and courts for appeal against decisions on such applications

The authority designated under Article 27(1) is the President of the Civil Court (Tribunal judiciaire) or the President of the Chamber of Notaries.

The authority designated under Article 32(2) is the Court of Appeal (Cour d'appel).

In accordance with Article 27(2), the regional court with jurisdiction designated under Article 27(1) is determined by reference to the place of habitual residence of the party against whom enforcement is sought, or to the place of enforcement.

The authority designated under Article 32(2) has jurisdiction to deal with appeals against judgments by the family-law judge (juge aux affaires familiales).

Article 71 1. (b) - Redress procedure

The procedure provided for in Article 33 is for appeal on a point of law (pourvoi en cassation) to the Court of Cassation, which is governed by the rules laid down in Articles 973-982 and 1009-1031 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

Article 71 1. (c) - Review procedure

The review procedure provided for in Article 19 of the Regulation is the appeal which may be brought before the Court of Appeal with jurisdiction over the court that handed down the contested decision.

Article 71 1. (d) - Central Authorities

Ministère des Affaires étrangères et européennes
Direction des Français à l’étranger et de l’administration consulaire

Service des conventions, des affaires civiles et de l'entraide judiciaire

Sous-direction de la protection des droits des personnes

Bureau du recouvrement de créances alimentaires à l'étranger

27, Rue de la Convention

CS- 91533

F - 75732 PARIS CEDEX 15

Tel : + 33 (0)1 43 17 91 99

Fax : +33 (0)1 43 17 81 97

Functional mailbox : obligation.alimentaire@diplomatie.gouv.fr

Article 71 1. (f) – Competent authorities for enforcement

The court responsible for enforcement is the court in the place where the debtor resides or where the enforcement takes place. If the debtor lives abroad, or if the place of residence is not known, the competent court is that where the enforcement takes place.

Article 71 1. (g) - Accepted languages for translations of documents

French only.

Article 71 1. (h) - Languages accepted by Central Authorities for communication with other Central Authorities

French only.

Last update: 08/11/2021

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