French Code of civil procedure

Where a purely technical matter does not require complex investigations, the judge may instruct the person he or she appoints to provide a simple consultation.

Consultation may be prescribed at any time, including in conciliation or during deliberation. In the latter case, the parties shall be notified. The consultation shall be presented orally unless the judge prescribes that it be recorded in writing.

The judge who prescribes a consultation shall fix either the date of the hearing at which it is to be presented orally or the time limit within which it is to be lodged. He shall designate the party or parties who will be required to pay the consultant an advance on his remuneration, the amount of which he shall fix.

The consultant shall be notified of his assignment by the court registrar, who shall summon him if necessary.

If the consultation is given orally, an official report is drawn up. The drafting of the record may, however, be replaced by a mention in the judgment if the case is immediately decided at last instance. If the consultation is in writing, it is submitted to the court registry. The documents supporting the consultation are attached to the case file. .

Where consultation has been prescribed during deliberation, the judge, following the execution of the measure, shall order the reopening of the proceedings if one of the parties so requests or if he considers it necessary.

The judge shall set the consultant’s remuneration, on proof that the assignment has been completed. He may issue him with a writ of execution.