Divorce costs set to rise for most in France from September

Getting divorced in France is likely to be more expensive for most people from September as new rules designed to speed up the process come into force.

The rules mean that judges in charge of a divorce case can order a mediating step as a separate side case.

In theory this means that a mediator will be able to get divorcing couples to reach agreements on disputes involved in the case.

These can include common disagreements such as the payment of alimony, child support, pension entitlements, loan repayments, access to children or the sale of property.

When the case returns to the judge, it will then be handled quicker due to the agreements.

Mediators will only be able to suggest solutions, with the final decision remaining with the judge.

Mediators must be paid

However, court mediators have to be paid for their services after an initial free interview.

Mediator centres with lists of court approved mediators are attached to all appeal courts, as mediation is required as a first step in all civil cases where the claims are €5,000 or less.

The mediators, who are often retired legal professionals, can specialise in family, civil, employment or commercial cases.

Estimates of the fees mediators will charge for divorce cases vary from €600 to €1,500.

Supporters of the measure say that although the upfront cost will be more, some people will actually end up saving money.

This is because cases which would previously have lasted for years will be resolved sooner through the use of a mediator.

If the measure does speed up cases the quicker procedure will benefit everyone, proponents say.

The price of a divorce varies in France according to the complexity of the case, with the most simple divorce procedure,divorce amiable (roughly equivalent to a no-fault divorce in the UK) costing between €1,000 and €2,000.

However, more complex procedures can cost €4,000 or more depending on the details.