Patrimoine

Domestic Violence: Protection Order

📅 Décision du 12 March 2024⚖️ Cour d'appel de Versailles

Procedure for obtaining a protection order in cases of domestic violence and the measures the judge may order on an emergency basis.


Reference Decision: Court of Appeal of Versailles • Case No. RG n° 99005 • 03/12/2024



This decision sheds important light on your family and property rights. Here is what it changes for you.


The Situation


Procedure for obtaining a protection order in cases of domestic violence and the measures the judge may order on an emergency basis.


What the Law Says


This decision confirms the fundamental principles of property law.


Key Points to Remember



  • Scrupulously respect the legal time limits for appeal

  • Keep all your supporting documents (titles, deeds, letters)

  • Anticipate: preventive advice always costs less than litigation


For an analysis of your situation: 30-min consultation at €45 with Maître Perucca.



📌 Does this apply to your situation? Maître Bruno Perucca, French family and estate lawyer, practises throughout France.

→ Avocat donation & gestion de patrimoine  | 
→ Browse all our legal articles


Informations juridiques

  • Numéro: RG n° 99005
  • Juridiction: Cour d'appel de Versailles
  • Date de décision: 12 mars 2024

Mots-clés

droit de la famillejurisprudencepatrimoine

Cas d'usage pratiques

1

Wife seeks protection and home exclusivity

Sophie, a 42-year-old teacher in Paris, files for a protection order after her husband threatens her. She needs the family apartment (worth €350,000) assigned to her exclusively to ensure safety for her and her two children. The judge can order the husband to leave immediately and pay temporary spousal support.

Application pratique:

This case law confirms the judge's power to grant exclusive use of the family home as an emergency measure. Sophie must immediately gather evidence (medical reports, messages, police complaints) and file for a protection order at the Versailles court. She should keep copies of all property deeds and rental agreements. Consulting a family lawyer is essential to ensure the order is enforced and to appeal if necessary within the strict 15-day time limit.

2

Landlord evicts abusive partner of tenant

In Lyon, landlord Marc rents a two-bedroom flat (€900/month) to Clara, who lives with her violent boyfriend. The boyfriend threatens Clara and damages the property. Marc wants to evict the boyfriend but fears breaching the lease or Clara's rights. A protection order could force the boyfriend to leave while preserving Clara's tenancy.

Application pratique:

Marc should encourage Clara to obtain a protection order, which can include a measure ordering the abusive partner to vacate the property. Once the order is issued, Marc can lawfully change the locks and change the lease terms if needed. Marc must keep all correspondence and evidence of damages. He should respect the legal process: notify the partner after the order and avoid self-help eviction. Preventive legal advice from a lawyer costs far less than litigation over improper eviction.

3

Co-owning couple splits after violence in Marseille

Pierre and Julie jointly own a house in Marseille (value €250,000). After Julie files for a protection order due to Pierre's physical abuse, she needs exclusive use of the house and a fair division of assets. Pierre argues for an immediate sale, but Julie's safety and housing rights come first. The judge may postpone the sale and award Julie temporary exclusive use.

Application pratique:

The decision reinforces that property rights are secondary to safety in domestic violence cases. Julie should present evidence of violence and argue that the house is her primary residence. The judge can order Pierre to vacate and forbid him from selling until the protection order expires. Julie must keep all deeds and financial documents. She should consult a family-law attorney to file for divorce and request property division after the protection order, respecting appeal deadlines. Preventive advice ensures she doesn't lose her home during the proceedings.

CZ

À propos de l'auteur

Maître Bruno Perucca — Avocat au Barreau de Grasse, Docteur en Droit, spécialisé en droit de la famille et du patrimoine. Chaque article de ce magazine est rédigé à partir de l'analyse d'une décision de jurisprudence réelle, commentée et mise en perspective par Maître Bruno Perucca.

Voir le cabinet →

Avertissement: Les analyses présentées sur ce site sont fournies à titre informatif uniquement et ne constituent pas des conseils juridiques personnalisés. Pour une consultation adaptée à votre situation, contactez un avocat.

Maître Bruno Perucca, Doctor of Law

Phone and video consultations available — Fast appointments

Book an appointment
First consultation 30 minutes — €45