Modification Child Support or Alimony Agreements in France

This service is for English-speaking parents or former spouses who are already subject to a child support (pension alimentaire) or alimony (prestation compensatoire) order in France and now need to request a formal modification.

You may need this service if:

• You have experienced a significant change in income or expenses

• Your child’s needs have changed due to age, education, or health

• The paying party is no longer complying with the court order

• You or your ex-spouse have relocated internationally

• A previous agreement needs to be adjusted to reflect reality

Whether you're paying or receiving support, we can help you legally revise court-ordered obligations in accordance with French family law.

Under French law, modifications to child support or alimony must be authorised by the Family Affairs Judge (JAF). Informal agreements or changes made outside of court are not legally binding.

• Child Support (pension alimentaire): Governed by Code civil Article 373-2-13, child support can be adjusted if there's a “significant and lasting change in circumstances”, such as job loss, disability, or increased costs.

• Alimony (prestation compensatoire): Modifications depend on whether the payment is lump-sum (capital) or ongoing (rente viagère). Only the latter can be revised or terminated, per Article 276-3 of the Code civil.

• Cross-Border Cases: If one party lives abroad, international treaties (like the Hague Convention) may apply, particularly for enforcement or jurisdiction questions.

• Evidence Required: Courts require updated income statements, tax documents, proof of changed expenses, or new needs of the child.

• Enforcement and Appeals: Once revised, the new decision is binding. Our team also handles enforcement and appeals if the opposing party fails to comply.

1. Initial Consultation: We review your existing court order and assess whether your situation qualifies for modification.

2. Document Preparation: We assist in compiling financial documents, child-related expenses, or any evidence supporting a change in your situation.

3. Court Filing: We prepare and file your request (requête) before the Family Judge (JAF) in the appropriate tribunal.

4. Legal Representation: We represent you during the hearing and advocate for a fair revision of support payments based on updated circumstances.

5. Enforcement or Appeal Support: If necessary, we help enforce the modified order or initiate an appeal.

6. Post-Judgment Advice: We guide you on implementing the updated terms and your legal obligations going forward.

• Legally Binding Results: Ensure all changes are officially recognised by the French court and enforceable.

• Tailored to Life Changes: Adjust support to reflect your current financial capacity or your child's evolving needs.

• Bilingual Legal Assistance: Avoid misunderstandings or delays with advice from French lawyers who speak fluent English.

• Protection Against Non-Compliance: Get assistance if the other party refuses to pay or ignores the court's decision.

• Cross-Border Expertise: We manage international aspects of enforcement, especially where parties live in different countries.

• Legal assessment of eligibility for modification

• Drafting and submission of court petitions

• Compilation of supporting financial and family documentation

• Legal representation before the Family Judge (JAF)

• Assistance with enforcement and appeals

• Guidance on cross-border child support enforcement

• Bilingual communication and document handling