Section I: Institution of proceedings by writ of summons

The application made by summons shall be brought to a hearing, the date of which shall be communicated by the registry to the applicant upon presentation of the draft summons. An order of the Keeper of the Seals shall determine the detailed rules for the application of this article.

Where representation by a lawyer is mandatory, in addition to the information prescribed in articles 54 and 56, the summons shall contain on pain of nullity: 1° The constitution of the plaintiff’s lawyer; 2° The time limit within which the defendant is required to constitute a lawyer. Where applicable, the summons shall mention the plaintiff’s agreement for the proceedings to proceed without a hearing pursuant to the article L. 212-5-1…

Where representation by a lawyer is not compulsory, the summons shall contain, on pain of nullity, in addition to the particulars prescribed in articles 54 and 56, the surname, first names and address of the person with whom the claimant elects domicile in France when residing abroad. Where applicable, the summons shall mention the claimant’s agreement to the proceedings being conducted without a hearing pursuant to the Article L. 212-5-1…

The court is seised, at the request of either party, by delivering a copy of the summons to the registry. Provided that the date of the hearing is notified more than fifteen days in advance, the summons must be served at least fifteen days before the date of the hearing. The summons must be served within this period. Delivery must take place within this time limit or the summons will…

In urgent cases, the time limits for appearance and delivery of the summons may be reduced by authorisation of the judge. These time limits may also be reduced pursuant to law or regulation.