Raphaël MORENON
Transitional pce law: principles, reforms and current impact
By Raphaël MORENON29 October 2025New law and legal proceedings in progress? Find out whether the old or new rules apply to your seizure or recovery. Secure your rights easily!
Behind the scenes of a civil trial: from the hearing to the judge's decision
Civil procedureThe courts can be impressive, even intimidating. Behind the often closed doors of courtrooms and chambers, how do judges reach a decision that can have a major impact on people's lives? The process that leads to a civil judgment is not arbitrary...Exequatur: how can a foreign judgment be enforced in France?
Judgment, Civil procedureYou have obtained a favourable court decision abroad, for example ordering a debtor to pay you a sum of money. If this person lives or owns property in France, you might think that all you have to do to obtain satisfaction is present the foreign judgment. Unfortunately, however...What do costs really cover? Deciphering article 695 of the Code of Civil Procedure
Costs and expenses, Civil procedureThe conclusion of a lawsuit raises an essential question for the client and his counsel: who pays the legal costs? Article 696 of the Code of Civil Procedure lays down a general principle: unless the court decides otherwise, the losing party is ordered to pay the costs. However, there is often confusion...The main principles of civil litigation: who does what between the parties and the judge?
Civil procedureThe course of a civil trial can often seem like a complex mechanism, with its rules, deadlines and players with well-defined roles. But for anyone unfamiliar with the legal world, understanding who is in control at each stage is essential. A procedure that is badly started or badly...What is a civil judgment and how do we understand it?
Judgment, Civil procedureHave you just received an official document from a court, entitled "judgment"? This word, often charged with a certain solemnity, can cover different legal realities, with very concrete consequences for your situation. Understanding the exact nature of the ruling is the first essential step in knowing how to...Understanding foreign judgments: why is their recognition in France an issue?
Judgment, Civil procedureHave you obtained a favourable court ruling in another country? Or perhaps you are affected by a judgement handed down abroad, such as a divorce or an inheritance decision? Many people think that once a legal decision has been handed down, it applies everywhere. However, the legal reality is...Legal costs: who pays what? Understanding costs and Article 700
Costs and expenses, Civil procedureEmbarking on legal proceedings, whether to assert one's rights or to defend oneself, inevitably raises the question of costs. Over and above the legal issues themselves, a legitimate and frequent concern is the final financial burden: who will have to bear the costs generated by the legal proceedings?Enforcement of judgments obtained through the European Small Claims Procedure
Civil Procedure, European Small Claims ProcedureObtaining a favourable decision is not enough. Actually enforcing it is the crucial stage in the recovery process. This final phase has some important specificities in the European small claims procedure. Understanding these mechanisms will enable you to ensure the real effectiveness of your title. Notification of the decision:...Procedure and costs of the European Small Claims Procedure
Civil Procedure, European Small Claims ProcedureCross-border litigation is often a source of concern for litigants. Unpredictable delays, uncertain costs and complex formalities can discourage even the most determined creditors. The European Small Claims Procedure addresses precisely these concerns. It establishes a clear framework for the procedural steps and...How do I start a European small claims procedure?
Civil Procedure, European Small Claims ProcedureRecovering a debt in another European country can seem daunting. Language barriers, legal differences and distance often complicate the process. The European Small Claims Procedure offers a practical solution to this problem. This guide outlines the practical steps you need to take to initiate the procedure correctly. Check that...Notification of judgments by default: pitfalls to avoid and critical deadlines
Judgment, Civil procedureThe notification of a judgment rendered in the absence of a party is subject to strict rules. A special time limit of six months applies on pain of nullity. These special rules are designed to protect the party in default while ensuring legal certainty. Failure to comply with these rules may invalidate a favourable court decision. The system...Challenging a judgment handed down in your absence: deadlines and procedures to be aware of
Judgment, Civil procedureA judgment handed down in your absence can have serious consequences. The law provides for specific legal remedies. These depend on the exact nature of the judgment. Strict time limits govern these appeals. If they are not respected, the decision cannot be contested. Identifying the exact nature of the judgment The exact nature of the...The European Small Claims Procedure: a simplified tool for cross-border debt collection
Civil Procedure, European Small Claims ProcedureRecovering a debt in a cross-border context is often a daunting task. Geographical distance, linguistic and legal differences and the associated costs often discourage creditors from pursuing their debtors established in another Member State. This observation led the European legislator to create a...Failure to take procedural steps: risks and legal remedies
Civil procedureIn civil procedure, appearing is not enough. The parties must perform certain acts within the allotted time. This obligation, which is distinct from mere presence, entails specific sanctions in the event of failure to comply. Mastery of these rules often determines the outcome of a trial. Fundamental distinction in civil procedure The Code of Civil Procedure...What should you do if you fail to appear in court? Consequences and solutions
Judgment, Civil procedureFailure to attend a court hearing has far-reaching legal consequences. This absence, known as a "failure to appear", profoundly alters the course of the trial. It can affect both the plaintiff and the defendant, with different effects depending on the case. Understanding these mechanisms will enable you to act effectively in these situations...Judgment by default or deemed contradictory: understanding the essential differences
Judgment, Civil procedureA judgment given in the absence of a party (a failure to appear) can have radically different consequences depending on its legal classification. Whether for domestic judgments or to enforce a foreign judgment via exequatur, the complexity of the rules is constant. The distinction between judgments by default and...Review proceedings: when and how to challenge a final judgment
Appeal, Civil procedureRes judicata is a fundamental pillar of our legal system. But what can be done when a final judgment is based on fraud or a major error? French justice provides an exceptional solution: an application for judicial review. Our firm regularly observes that this legal remedy remains...Temporal application of civil enforcement procedure laws
Guarantees, securities and enforcement lawWhen a new law changes the rules on enforcement, how do you know which text applies to your current case? This question, far from being theoretical, often determines the outcome of enforcement proceedings. Between the protection of acquired rights and the immediate application of new legislation, transitional law lays down rules...Court-ordered mortgages: legal and conservatory mortgages
Law of guarantees, security interests and enforcement measures, Security interests in immovable propertyThe world of mortgages is not limited to the guarantees voluntarily given as part of a property loan. In some cases, a court ruling can be the very source of a mortgage, transforming a recognised claim into a solid right over your debtor's assets. Similarly, it is sometimes possible...Special cases in insolvency proceedings: focus on the spouse, the right of retention and the security trust
Guarantees, securities and enforcement lawInsolvency law, with its rules for dealing with debts and safeguarding businesses, often interferes with other branches of law. When the debtor's situation involves his or her spouse, assets held jointly or in joint tenancy, or when specific guarantees are required, the law...
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