Chapter I: General provisions.

The judge may not rule before the expiry of the longest time limit for appearance, on first or second summons. He shall rule in respect of all the defendants in a single judgment, unless the circumstances require that he rule in respect of some of them only.

A judgment rendered by default may be opposed, except where this remedy is excluded by an express provision.

A judgment deemed to be contradictory may be appealed only through the channels open against contradictory judgments.

A judgment rendered by default or a judgment deemed to be contradictory on the sole ground that it is subject to appeal is null and void if it has not been notified within six months of its date. Proceedings may be resumed after reiteration of the initial summons.

The judgment by default or the judgment deemed to be contradictory rendered against a party residing abroad must expressly state the steps taken to give notice of the document instituting the proceedings to the defendant.