Limitation period (prescription)
The time limit beyond which a legal action is no longer admissible. Varies by matter (often 2 to 5 years in civil cases).
Legal guidance · free & no commitment
The law is not reserved for those who already know it.
Before paying for a consultation, understand your situation: which area of law, which court, which deadlines, which first reflexes. We point you to the right contact — clearly, without jargon.
- Free guidance, no cold-calling
- Verifiable procedural pointers
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Guidance tool
What do you need?
Choose your situation: we indicate the area of law involved, the competent court, indicative timeframes and the first useful step.
Family & divorce
Separation, divorce, child custody, alimony, parental authority, inheritance between spouses.
- Competent court
- Family judge (juge aux affaires familiales, tribunal judiciaire)
- Indicative timeframes
- Mutual consent: 1 to 3 months · contested: 1 to 2 years
- First reflex
- Gather your family record book, proof of income and assets, and note the points of agreement and disagreement before your first appointment.
- Access to justice
- Legal aid available depending on your resources.
Eligibility
Legal aid eligibility simulator
Enter your monthly net income and the number of dependants. The result is instant, based on the official 2026 French thresholds published by the Ministry of Justice — no data is transmitted.
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Enter your monthly income to check your legal aid eligibility.
Limitation periods
Limitation period calculator
Select your type of dispute and enter the date of the triggering event. The result is instant, based on French statutory deadlines — no data is transmitted.
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Select a dispute type and a date to calculate your deadline.
Procedure guide
Five steps to approach any dispute.
A method that works whatever the area of law. Following it in order avoids the costliest mistakes.
- 01
Define the need
Identify the area of law involved and the real goal: obtaining compensation, contesting a decision, securing a document. A clear need points to the right expertise.
- 02
Gather the documents
Contracts, letters, invoices, written exchanges, key dates. Cases are often won on evidence: a written timeline beats a long account.
- 03
Know the deadlines
Many rights expire over time (limitation periods, appeal deadlines). Check the cut-off date first: it is the first thing a lawyer examines.
- 04
Try an amicable settlement
Formal notice, conciliation, mediation: often mandatory before a judge, sometimes faster and cheaper. A good agreement beats a long trial.
- 05
Bring the case to court
If the amicable route fails, the action goes before the competent court. The lawyer drafts the pleadings, sets the strategy and represents you at the hearing.
Glossary
Legal vocabulary, in plain words.
Formal notice (mise en demeure)
A formal (registered) letter requiring a party to fulfil its obligations. It triggers interest and prepares the litigation.
Legal aid (aide juridictionnelle)
Total or partial coverage of court and lawyer fees by the State, depending on your resources.
Conciliation
A free, amicable settlement led by a court conciliator. Often a mandatory step for small disputes.
Summary proceedings (référé)
An urgent procedure to obtain a quick provisional decision from the judge, within a few days to a few weeks.
Damages (dommages et intérêts)
A sum intended to compensate the harm suffered (material, bodily or moral) caused by a third party's fault.
Frequently asked questions
What we are asked most.
Does this guidance replace a lawyer?
No. We help you understand your situation and identify the right contact. Only a lawyer registered with the bar can advise you on your case and represent you in court.
How do I know whether my case is still within the time limits?
Identify the date of the event (notification, dismissal, unpaid invoice, etc.) then check the limitation or appeal period specific to your matter. This is the first point to examine: a valid but time-barred right can no longer be defended.
Am I entitled to legal aid?
Legal aid covers all or part of court and lawyer fees depending on your resources and household composition. The application is made to the competent court. Many eligible people never apply for it.
Do I always have to go to court?
Often not. Formal notice, conciliation and mediation settle a large share of disputes without a hearing — and are sometimes mandatory before going to a judge. A trial remains the last resort.
How much does a procedure cost?
It depends on the complexity and the duration. Lawyers' fees are unregulated but must be set out in a written agreement. Always ask for a clear estimate before starting an action.
Guiding you
Describe your situation.
A clear answer on the area of law involved, the court and the first useful reflexes. Free, confidential, no cold-calling.
- A written, understandable reply
- No data ever sold on
- Information, not an official consultation