Before any separation. You can turn to couples therapy or marital mediation. It offers a neutral listening space, supervised by a professional, which encourages the search for a positive solution for your couple.
Before or after separation. Family mediation (médiation familiale) helps restore communication between you and your spouse. It is a voluntary process aimed at restoring dialogue and preserving your weakened family ties.
It can resolve issues such as the liquidation of the matrimonial regime (liquidation du régime matrimonial), parental authority (autorité parentale), child support (pension alimentaire), and the compensatory allowance (prestation compensatoire).
Led by a qualified, neutral, and impartial family mediator, it provides a safe and confidential setting for the parties to work together to find solutions that meet their needs (see What is mediation?).
After the actual separation. First, you have the option of a de facto separation (séparation de fait). You live separately without any formal legal proceedings, without, however, ending the duties of marriage (assistance, fidelity, etc.), which remain.
This cessation of cohabitation can be a good way to ease tensions between you. You are advised to put this de facto separation in writing to avoid any future disagreement.
Finally, if the decision to divorce is made in a calm atmosphere and you agree on all the effects of the divorce, opt for divorce by mutual consent (divorce par consentement mutuel) (see How does a divorce by mutual consent work?). This divorce procedure is quick, less expensive, less contentious, confidential, and more flexible.
Gaëtan Escudey is available to help you prepare for your divorce as well as possible and minimize its repercussions.
This general information does not replace a consultation: each situation requires individual assessment.
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