By Raphaël MORENON
7 April 2025
You have just received a judgement handed down in your absence. This is known as a default judgment. The law offers you a second chance: the opposition. This allows you to have the case heard by both parties. But beware: this remedy is subject to strict rules on form and reasons. Failure to comply with these rules can permanently deprive you of this right. 1. Methods of bringing a case before the court General principle Article 573 of the Code of Civil Procedure lays down a clear principle: an objection must be lodged in accordance with the rules applicable to legal proceedings before the court that handed down the contested decision. This general principle is adapted according to the type of court concerned. Specific features in courts where representation by a lawyer is compulsory In courts where representation by a lawyer is compulsory (judicial court for cases over €10,000, court of appeal in most matters), opposition may be lodged in accordance with the rules applicable to legal claims in the court that handed down the decision being contested...
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