Section I: General provisions

Actions relating to filiation and subsidies are heard and argued in chambers. The judgment is pronounced in open court. It is provisionally enforceable only if so ordered.

Where, in the case of a change of filiation, the child of full age consents to the change of his or her name, this consent is received by a civil registrar, a notary, a French diplomatic or consular agent or by the court which pronounces the legitimation; in the latter case, mention of it is made in the operative part of the decision.

The time limit for lodging an appeal in cassation suspends the enforcement of the decision establishing or modifying the parent-child relationship. An appeal in cassation lodged within this time limit also suspends enforcement.

The Public Prosecutor represents the State in paternity actions brought in the absence of heirs to the alleged father or where they have renounced the succession.