This FAQ answers the questions most frequently asked by users.
What is Votre-Litige?
Votre-litige is a free information and guidance website. It helps you understand your situation, identify useful steps, and choose a suitable contact person before starting a procedure, if necessary.
The site does not replace a lawyer, a mediator handling a case, or a court of law.
Does the site provide personalized legal advice?
No. Votre-litige provides general information and a guidance path based on the details you provide. It does not provide legal consultation, settle your dispute, or guarantee an outcome.
For an individualized analysis of your rights, consult a lawyer, a qualified professional, or a justice point.
Is the use of the site free?
Yes. Access to the content and the guidance tool is free.
Any potential costs related to an external procedure — lawyer, expert appraisal, judicial officer (bailiff), court proceedings, or private mediation — are independent of Votre‑litige.
Do I need to create an account?
No. You can use the guidance service without creating an account.
Avoid entering sensitive or unnecessary data: full identity, bank details, passwords, credit card number, health data, or documents containing confidential information.
What can I do in the event of a dispute with a professional?
Start, in most cases, with a clear, documented written complaint addressed to the professional. Keep proof of its sending and receipt.
If the response is absent or unsatisfactory, you can then consider consumer mediation, a consumer association, a report to the competent authority, or legal action, depending on the nature of the case.
What is a formal notice used for?
A formal notice is a letter by which you formally request the other party to perform its obligation within a specific timeframe: to repay, repair, deliver, compensate, or cease a behavior.
It helps to clarify your request, serves as evidence, and may be necessary before certain procedures. However, it does not guarantee a result.
What is the difference between mediation and conciliation?
Mediation and conciliation both aim to seek an amicable agreement with the help of a neutral third party.
- The mediator facilitates dialogue and helps the parties construct a solution.
- The court conciliator is a volunteer judicial officer; their intervention is free of charge and they can propose solutions.
The choice depends in particular on the nature of the dispute, the parties involved, and the competent body.
What is consumer mediation?
Consumer mediation concerns disputes between a consumer and a professional. The professional must, in principle, allow the consumer free access to a competent mediator, after a prior complaint has remained without a satisfactory solution.
The mediator is independent: they neither defend the consumer nor the professional and cannot impose their solution.
Is consumer mediation free of charge for the consumer?
Yes, it is free for the consumer, subject to any costs they choose to incur personally, such as the fees of a lawyer or an expert.
The legal framework is set out in the articles Articles L. 612-1 et seq. of the Consumer Code.
When can I contact the consumer ombudsman?
You must first have attempted to resolve the dispute directly with the professional through a written complaint.
In principle, your request must be submitted within the year following this complaint. The ombudsman may also declare a case inadmissible if it has already been examined, is manifestly abusive, or falls under the jurisdiction of another competent body.
Can the mediator force the professional to compensate me?
No. The mediator is not a judge: they can neither condemn a party nor impose a solution.
He facilitates an agreement or may propose a solution. Each party remains free to accept or reject it.
Can I go to court without an amicable settlement attempt?
It depends on the dispute. For certain claims, a prior attempt at amicable resolution is required, particularly when the claim does not exceed €5,000 or in certain neighborhood disputes. Exceptions exist.
Before any referral, check the rules applicable to your situation. They appear in particular in article Article 750-1 of the Code of Civil Procedure.
Is a lawyer required to go to court?
Not always. For many everyday disputes, particularly before the judicial court for limited amounts, you can act without a lawyer.
However, a lawyer can be useful if the case is complex, if the financial stakes are high, if an expert assessment is necessary, or if you need to respond to proceedings brought against you.
Which court has jurisdiction over my dispute?
It depends on the nature of the dispute, the amount claimed, and the parties involved.
In matters of consumer protection, the consumer may generally bring proceedings, at their option, before the court of their domicile at the time of the conclusion of the contract or the occurrence of the harmful event, in particular pursuant to Article Section 631-3 of the Consumer Code.
What documents should I keep?
Keep all the elements necessary to establish the facts and your request:
- contract, estimate, purchase order and invoice; ;
- email exchanges, messages, and mail; ;
- Proof of payment ;
- photographs, inspection reports, testimonies and reports; ;
- proof of your claims and their receipt; ;
- general conditions applicable on the date of the contract.
Present them in chronological order: a well-organized file increases the efficiency of both amicable and legal proceedings.
What are the time limits for taking action?
Deadlines vary greatly depending on the type of dispute: consumer affairs, insurance, construction, rental, banking, transport, or civil liability.
Do not wait. A late claim can complicate the burden of proof or let a limitation period expire. If in doubt, promptly consult a legal professional or a Justice Access Point.
What should I do if the other party does not respond?
Follow up with her in writing by reiterating your request, the supporting documents, and a reasonable response deadline. A formal notice to perform may then be appropriate.
In the absence of a solution, consider mediation, conciliation, reporting to the competent authority, or referring the matter to court.
Can I claim damages?
Yes, if you can demonstrate a loss, an act establishing the other party's liability, and a link between the two.
The requested amount must be substantiated: replacement invoice, additional cost, expenses incurred, proven loss, and medical certificates where applicable. An unsubstantiated request is liable to be rejected or reduced.
What should I do if I am accused by someone?
Do not leave the request unanswered. Verify the facts, gather your documents, respond accurately, and keep proof of all exchanges.
Do not admit liability that you dispute without having examined the file. If you are insured, promptly report the claim to your insurer in accordance with the terms of your contract.
Can Votre-Litige act directly on my case?
No. Votre‑litige is not a party to your dispute, does not receive documents to process them, and does not intervene with the opposing party on your behalf.
The site guides you to the procedures and contacts that may be suited to your situation.
Where to find free or low-cost legal aid?
You can get closer to a Justice Point, of a house of justice and law, a consumer association, your legal protection insurance, or a court-appointed conciliator.
The court conciliator intervenes free of charge in numerous civil and consumer disputes. Official information: Service-Public.fr.
Is the information on this website always up to date?
The law changes. The content is designed to be useful and verified, but it cannot replace checking the texts applicable to your situation and the date of your procedure.
In case of a significant issue, check official sources and seek advice from a qualified professional.