Family court application in France: forms, documents and procedure
Published on 09/07/2026 · updated on 25/09/2026
Free tool The fact log, ready to print Open the fact logA family court application in France starts with a specific request about a child's living arrangements, contact or maintenance. This guide explains French law, outside ongoing divorce proceedings. It does not identify the right procedure for an individual case.
Aridelle's free fact log helps prepare a chronology. It does not submit an application to the court.
Family court application: do you need a lawyer?
A lawyer is generally optional for parental applications about residence, contact and child maintenance, but compulsory for divorce. The official representation guide distinguishes the proceedings. Changes during a judicial divorce are handled with the lawyer involved.
The JAF application form and instructions identify the relevant court and documents. The child's usual residence matters; the applicant's address alone does not determine jurisdiction. This form is not a divorce application or a grandparents' contact application.
Which documents belong in the file?
| Group | Check |
|---|---|
| Identity and civil status | People concerned, documents and required issue dates |
| Earlier decisions | Complete copy, date and relevant provisions |
| Current circumstances | Housing, income and expenses relevant to the request |
| Changes | Dated event and corresponding supporting document |
| Document list | Number, title, date and fact supported |
A chronology does not replace evidence or the procedural duty to share documents with the other party.
Online filing, costs and follow-up
The online application uses FranceConnect. A free online service does not make every proceeding free: the form's official page lists a €50 fiscal stamp, with an exemption for legal aid beneficiaries. Applicable exemptions and legal fees need checking for the proceeding concerned.
Keep the filing receipt, court requests and hearing notice separately. There is no universal hearing timetable. Urgency or violence requires appropriate guidance. A lawyer or a point-justice, a free French legal information centre, can help. See also organising the evidence file.