France Divorce Guide: Laws, Process & Costs
Everything you need to know about divorce in France.15 in-depth guides covering your rights, costs, and options.
Legal System
Civil law
Divorce Type
4 types: mutual consent, acceptance, irretrievable breakdown, fault
Waiting Period
None for mutual consent; 1–2 years for others
Average Cost
€1,500–€20,000+
Property System
Communauté réduite aux acquêts (community of acquisitions)
Residency
Habitual residence in France
Divorce Law in France: Overview
France offers four distinct types of divorce, from the ultra-fast mutual consent divorce (which since 2017 can be completed without a judge, through a notarized agreement) to the lengthy fault-based divorce. French law defaults to community property (communauté réduite aux acquêts), meaning everything acquired during marriage is shared 50/50. A unique feature is the prestation compensatoire — typically a one-time lump sum rather than ongoing payments — designed to compensate for the economic disparity caused by divorce. French courts strongly protect privacy, and divorce financial details can be sealed from public view.
Key Legislation
Code Civil Articles 229-309
All four types of divorce: mutual consent, acceptance, irretrievable breakdown, and fault.
Loi n°2016-1547 (J21 Law)
Since 2017, mutual consent divorce can be done without a judge via notarial act.
Code Civil Articles 270-281
Prestation compensatoire — one-time compensatory payment at divorce.
Code Civil Articles 371-387
Autorité parentale (parental authority) provisions — joint authority continues after divorce.
Grounds for Divorce
- ●Divorce par consentement mutuel: mutual consent — both agree on all terms
- ●Divorce accepté: both accept breakdown but disagree on consequences
- ●Divorce pour altération définitive du lien conjugal: 1 year separation
- ●Divorce pour faute: fault-based (adultery, violence, conviction, etc.)
How to Divorce in France: Step-by-Step
Choose divorce type
Mutual consent is fastest; fault-based is longest.
Mutual consent: draft agreement
Each spouse has their own lawyer. They draft a convention covering all terms.
15-day reflection period
Each spouse has 15 days to review the agreement before signing.
Sign before notary
Since 2017, no judge needed. Notary registers the agreement.
Contested: file petition
For non-mutual cases, file at the Tribunal Judiciaire.
Conciliation hearing
Judge attempts reconciliation; sets temporary measures.
Recent Legal Reforms
Revolutionary reform: mutual consent divorce no longer requires a judge. Done via notarized agreement.
Divorce par altération: separation period reduced from 2 years to 1 year.
Major reform simplifying all four divorce types and reducing adversarial elements.
What Makes France Divorce Unique
- →Mutual consent divorce without a judge (since 2017) — fastest in Europe for agreed divorces
- →Prestation compensatoire is typically a lump sum, not ongoing payments — clean break principle
- →Four distinct types of divorce with different procedures and timelines
- →Extremely strong privacy protections — divorce financial details can be sealed
- →Community property by default, but couples can choose separation of property by marriage contract
France Divorce Statistics
~45% of marriages
Divorce rate
~55% of all divorces
Mutual consent divorce
€1,500-€4,000
Average cost (mutual)
€5,000-€20,000+
Average cost (contested)
2-6 months
Average duration (mutual)
France Divorce Guides
France Property Division
How assets and debts are divided
France Spousal Support
Maintenance and alimony
France Child Custody
Custody and parenting arrangements
France Divorce Process & Timeline
Steps and how long it takes
France Divorce Costs
Fees, costs, and legal aid
France Child Support
Financial support for children
France Uncontested Divorce
When both spouses agree
France Divorce Mediation
Alternative dispute resolution
France Divorce & Taxes
Tax implications of divorce
France Domestic Violence & Divorce
Safety and legal protections
France Prenuptial Agreements
How prenups affect divorce
France Legal Separation
Separation vs. divorce
France Contested Divorce
When spouses disagree
France Divorce with Children
Guide for parents
France Father's Rights
Equal parenting and custody
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Legal Disclaimer: This article covers France divorce law for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Always consult a qualified family law attorney or solicitor in France for advice specific to your situation.