Really no court required?

Yes since 2017 — divorce par consentement mutuel before notaire; exception if child requests judge audition

Will French recognize Thai amphoe divorce?

Requires exequatur — Tribunal Judiciaire reviews public policy; usually granted if due process observed

PACS vs mariage divorce difference?

PACS dissolved at mairie easily; mariage requires full divorce procedure

Prestation compensatoire amount?

Based on lifestyle disparity + duration; typically EUR 20,000–500,000 lump sum

🇹🇭🇫🇷 Thai–French Divorce

Civil law · Code Civil §229–§312

Quick Answer

Thai-French divorce: Since 2017, France allows mutual consent divorce via notaire without court — 2 months. Communauté légale splits marital acquisitions 50/50 unless contrat de mariage. Prestation compensatoire = lump sum, not monthly.

Uncontested: 2–4 (notary route) months
Contested: 18–36 months
Fees: THB 100,000–540,000
Waiting period: 0 (divorce par consentement mutuel · notary 2016 reform) · 6–24 contested
Hague Abduction 1980: ✓ Member
Fault-based: No (no-fault)

Jurisdiction & Recognition

Competent court: Thai court OR Tribunal Judiciaire — habitual residence of family.

Recognition of Thai judgment in Thai–French: Exequatur procedure required — Tribunal Judiciaire reviews Thai judgment for public policy compliance; automatic if divorce par consentement mutuel notariated.

Matrimonial Regime

System: Communauté réduite aux acquêts default; also séparation de biens, communauté universelle

Conflict with Thai law: Communauté légale splits ALL post-marriage acquisitions 50/50 — even sole-name Thai land purchases if funded from marital funds. Convention matrimoniale required to opt out.

Spousal support: Prestation compensatoire — one-time lump sum common; capital or annuity

Child support: Barème du Ministère de la Justice (income × care split)

Child Custody

Standard: Autorité parentale conjointe default (§372) · résidence alternée possible

Hague Abduction 1980: Member — return order within 6 weeks

Insider Playbook

Divorce par consentement mutuel — each spouse needs separate avocat, then notaire certifies (no court since 2017)
Contrat de mariage must be executed pre-marriage before notaire; otherwise communauté légale applies
Résidence alternée (alternating homes) is French default — Thai fathers get equal time
Prestation compensatoire calculated on lifestyle disparity — Thai spouse entitled if >50yo or child-carer
Titre de séjour VPF revoked if <3 yrs marriage; >4 yrs = independent right
Exequatur — Thai judgment via Tribunal Judiciaire; 6-12 months, EUR 3,000-8,000
Hague 1980 — French Central Authority at Ministère de la Justice

⚠️ Common Pitfalls

No contrat de mariage = Thai marital acquisitions split 50/50 (even offshore)
Signing convention de divorce without own avocat = void
Titre de séjour expiring without renewal application = immediate loss of status

FAQ

Really no court required?: Yes since 2017 — divorce par consentement mutuel before notaire; exception if child requests judge audition
Will French recognize Thai amphoe divorce?: Requires exequatur — Tribunal Judiciaire reviews public policy; usually granted if due process observed
PACS vs mariage divorce difference?: PACS dissolved at mairie easily; mariage requires full divorce procedure
Prestation compensatoire amount?: Based on lifestyle disparity + duration; typically EUR 20,000–500,000 lump sum