Immigration, residence permits and divorce: support through the moments that shape your personal life
Certain moments in personal life call for attentive legal support, because they shape what comes next: a separation, the administrative situation of a loved one who has come from abroad, the organisation of family life. LexInnov supports individuals through these steps, with a listening ear, clear explanations and rigour.
Divorce: several procedures depending on the situation
French law provides for several forms of divorce, suited to different situations.
Divorce by mutual consent, with lawyers, is for spouses who agree both on the principle of the separation and on all of its consequences. Since 2017, it usually takes the form of a private deed countersigned by the lawyers, deposited with a notary, without going before a judge. It is generally the quickest and most peaceful route — though it is reserved for situations where full agreement is possible.
Where agreement is only partial, or absent, other routes exist: the divorce by accepted principle, where the spouses agree on the principle but not on its effects; the divorce for irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, based on the ending of shared life for a certain period; and the fault-based divorce, which is more contentious. Divorce carries important consequences that need to be anticipated: the compensatory allowance (prestation compensatoire), the division of assets, parental authority, the children’s residence and the contribution to their maintenance and education.
Immigration law: securing an administrative situation
Immigration law, governed in particular by the CESEDA (the French code on the entry and residence of foreign nationals), regulates entry into and residence in France. It covers a wide range of situations: applying for or renewing a residence permit, moving to a multi-year residence card or a long-term resident’s card, family reunification, or applying for naturalisation.
These procedures are largely handled online and demanding when it comes to supporting documents: an incomplete or poorly presented file can be enough to weaken an application. Where a residence permit is refused or an order to leave French territory (OQTF) is issued, avenues of appeal exist — in particular before the administrative court — within often short deadlines that call for prompt action.
Organising the children’s lives
When a couple with children separates, matters concerning the children take centre stage, whatever the form of the divorce or separation. Parental authority is, in principle, still exercised jointly. What needs to be arranged is the children’s residence — alternating, or mainly with one parent — the exercise of visitation and accommodation rights, and the contribution to their maintenance and education (child support). These arrangements are set in the light of the child’s best interests and can be revised if circumstances change. They also apply to unmarried parents when they separate.
Nationality and family reunification
A foreign national’s administrative journey does not stop at the residence permit. Naturalisation is subject to precise conditions (length of residence, integration, resources, knowledge of the language) and calls for a carefully prepared file. Family reunification, which allows a person to bring their family to France, is likewise subject to strict requirements, notably as to resources and housing. In these procedures, the quality of the file and compliance with deadlines often make the difference.
How LexInnov Law Firm can help you
The firm helps each person to understand the procedure suited to their situation, to put together a solid file and, where necessary, to pursue the appropriate appeals within the deadlines. In family matters as in immigration law, the support is intended to be both legally rigorous and attentive to the human dimension of each case.
LexInnov handles family-law and immigration matters. Click here to make an appointment: Maître Simon will meet with you to review your situation and the steps open to you.
Grenoble – 17 September 2026