Divorce by mutual consent

Since January 1, 2017, French law allows divorce by mutual consent without the intervention of a judge.

Together with your own lawyers, you will discuss all questions regarding residence, contact, child maintenance, your assets and finances and potentially a compensatory allowance for one of the spouses. Your lawyers will draft a settlement agreement. The law requires spouses to inform their children of their right to be heard by a family law judge. If one of your children wishes to do so, the divorce can always be done by mutual consent, but the procedure will take place before a family law judge. Only children with a sufficient maturity will meet a judge.

How much will it cost?

The cost varies depending on your family situation and the complexity of your separation. Indeed, a divorce agreement called a ‘convention de divorce’ for a couple without children, real estate and debt, will be much faster and easier to negotiate and draft than an agreement for a larger family with real estate.

How long will it take?

This divorce is faster than divorce proceedings before a French judge. Nevertheless, one must still consider the time needed for a couple to reach an agreement and gather all the documents to be included in the settlement agreement. As it happens, sometimes the dialogue between the spouses is more difficult than expected because of the interests involved and the family history. However, your lawyers will help you reach a global agreement.

Want to ask a question?

For a confidential discussion about your situation or requirements, you can contact Peggy Lethier by telephone or email: Contact