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PacisLexis Family Law
DIVORCE & SEPARATION
Post separation abuse lawyer
Leaving a relationship does not always end the abuse. In many cases, control, manipulation or intimidation intensify after separation, especially when children, finances or property remain entangled. This is known as post-separation abuse — a pattern of coercive behaviour that continues after the relationship ends.
Post separation abuse lawyer
Leaving a relationship does not always end the abuse. In many cases, control, manipulation or intimidation intensify after separation, especially when children, finances or property remain entangled. This is known as post-separation abuse — a pattern of coercive behaviour that continues after the relationship ends.
Property adjustment order
When couples divorce or separate, one of the most difficult questions is: what happens to the property — the family home, other real estate, savings, other assets? In common-law jurisdictions like the UK, one of the tools available to courts is the Property Adjustment Order (PAO), which allows re-distribution of property between spouses or civil partners.
PacisLexis Family Law
CHILD LAW
Can I Modify My Custody or maintenance Agreement? What You Need to Know
If you are considering making changes to your custody or maintenance agreement, it’s essential to understand the legal processes and requirements. At our firm, we specialize in helping families navigate modifications to ensure their arrangements reflect their evolving needs and circumstances.
Our experienced legal team is here to provide personalized guidance every step of the way.
Step-parent Adoption
Adopting a stepchild is a beautiful way to strengthen a family bond and provide legal security for both the child and the adopting parent. However, step-parent adoption is not as simple as filing paperwork; it involves legal procedures that vary by state and require careful navigation. Many parents considering this step have concerns about eligibility, consent, costs, and the legal process.
Parental responsibility
Parental responsibility is a family law basement, outlining the rights and obligations parents have towards their children.
While similar in both France and the UK, there are nuanced differences in how parental responsibility is acquired, shared, and potentially removed.
Whether dealing with a straightforward family matter or a complex international dispute, understanding the laws surrounding parental responsibility is essential for parents navigating the legal system.
PacisLexis Family Law
Criminal family law
Common Law marriage France
When couples from English-speaking countries move to France, a common question arises:
“Will my common-law marriage be recognised under French law?”
In many common-law jurisdictions (United States, Canada, Australia, the UK historically), couples acquire legal rights simply by living together as a couple without any formal ceremony. These rights can include inheritance, spousal support, property sharing, and recognition as a spouse for immigration or benefits.
Bullying at school
What is bullying?
There is no legal definition of bullying as such, but it can be defined as behaviour by an individual or group repeated over time that is intended to hurt or harm another individual, either physically, emotionally or verbally.
Statistics in France:
The French department of education reported that around 700,000 children experienced bullying in school every year.
Family Harassment lawyer
Family harassment is a form of domestic violence and abuse. It can include physical abuse, threatening behaviour, psychological abuse, neglect…
Family harassment can take many forms, however, if you find yourself threatened, intimidated, and humiliated by a relative or a family member and/or your partner, it can affect your mental and physical health. Domestic abuse can happen to people of all genders. If you’re the victim of an abusive relationship, you might want to be protected and helped.
PacisLexis Family Law
Financial matters
Evolution of marital property regimes & protection of family assets
Around the world, marital property regimes determine how assets, debts, income, and property are owned between spouses — both during the marriage and in case of separation or death. In 2025, many countries (including France) are updating their rules to create more fairness and predictability.
Cohabitation agreement lawyer
More and more couples today choose to live together without getting married. While this is increasingly common, many people are unaware that living together can leave them legally vulnerable in case of separation, illness, or death. Unlike marriage, which comes with a clear legal framework, cohabitation often provides little or no protection unless you create one yourself — and this is where a cohabitation agreement lawyer becomes essential.
Premarital agreement
Marriage is more than a romantic commitment; it’s also a legal and financial partnership. For international couples, expats, or anyone with property and ties across borders, marriage brings complex legal consequences that differ dramatically between countries. That’s where an international prenuptial agreement (also called an “international prenup” or “marriage contract”) comes in.
PacisLexis Family Law
LEGACY
International disinheritance
Disinheriting a child is a complex and often emotionally charged decision that involves navigating intricate legal frameworks. In France, the civil law system imposes strict rules known as forced heirship, which protect children’s inheritance rights and limit parents’ ability to disinherit their offspring. Conversely, in common law jurisdictions like England, parents enjoy greater testamentary freedom, allowing them to distribute their assets according to their wishes, including the possibility of disinheriting a child.
Will – testament
Definition:
A will is a legal document in which a person (called the testator) declares their intention as to what should happen to their money and property after their death. A will can be updated or removed until the testator death.
International inheritance
Definition
International inheritance
Inheritance is the process by which the ownership of a deceased person’s property and assets (testator) is transferred to their heirs.
When it comes to legacy and the share of assets, as each country has its own laws and regulations, international inheritance requires legal advice.
PacisLexis Family Law