Map of support payments · French law
Which Support?How Much?
Child support, spousal support during the proceedings, compensatory allowance: for each one, this map sets out when to consider it and how to quantify it, set it and get it paid. It applies where French law governs your situation.
- Member of the Paris Bar
- Doctor of Law
- CNMA-listed mediator
- FR / EN
The map
Four branches, from separation to payment
The branches follow the course of a case: the children from separation, the spouse during the proceedings, the compensatory allowance on divorce, then what happens after the decision. Click on a question: it unfolds down to the criteria and the steps. Drag to move around; zoom with the buttons, by pinching the screen or with Ctrl + scroll wheel.
Tip: each question also leads to its full sheet, further down.
Before putting a figure on it
Three questions
Support can only be quantified properly once the applicable law, the timing and the figures are clear. These three questions, in this order, avoid false leads.
- 1
Does French law apply?
If one of you, or the child, lives outside France, the law applicable to support is in principle that of the country where the recipient lives. This map only applies if that law is French law.
- 2
Where are you in the process?
Separation, divorce proceedings, divorce granted: each stage opens a different kind of support, calculated differently.
- 3
Which figures to gather?
Net income, expenses, the children’s budget, the standard of living during life together and, for the compensatory allowance, each spouse’s assets after the division of property.
Key
- Any of theseSeveral possible options, to be compared according to the situation.
- In orderThe steps follow one another; each one prepares the next.
- Another countryWhat changes as soon as one of you, or the child, lives abroad.
- Ruled out or unlikelyWhat to avoid, or cases where support is unlikely.
- TimingThe moments and deadlines that matter.
- Rule and exceptionsA basic rule, then the cases where it gives way.
Browse
The PDF guide
The method, to take with you
A 16-page guide, the third of the four “Toolkit Guides”: the three kinds of support, what the judge looks at and how to estimate it, without any figures, and how to prepare for your appointment, including the wealth review.
- Browse it freely online.
- Receive it free of charge by email, as a personal copy in your name.
- Updated .
Protected document, strictly for personal use: reproduction and distribution prohibited without permission.
What next?
Verifiable figures are already negotiation
A reasoned range lets both sides discuss on a basis each can check. If negotiation fails, the same work prepares the hearing: negotiating, without giving up on going to court.
Official texts
Disclaimer
This map sets out general rules of French law, as updated . It contains no figures, simplifies texts that include conditions and exceptions, and is no substitute for a consultation. The tax pointers are general and must be confirmed by a tax adviser. If one of you, or the child, lives outside France, another law may apply.