Where to go in Arles
Use the official sites below to check the responsible service, application method and appointment requirements. Not every procedure is handled by the prefecture. Contact the association to discuss available support.
Key points in 30 seconds
- In danger: 17 / 112 or SMS 114; discuss safety with 3919.
- Have or a lawyer identify the legal basis of your permit.
- Collect violence evidence and family documents and apply before expiry.
The procedure at a glance
L. 423-5: spouse of a French citizen
Ending cohabitation because of family or domestic violence cannot be held against the applicant under this category. If violence occurs after arrival in France but before the first card, L. 423-5 provides for the L. 423-1 card subject to its other conditions. This is not universal eligibility for every permit: the relevant family status and link between violence and separation must be established.
Advice from the association
Don't leave this procedure to the last minute — come and see us.
L. 423-18: family reunification
L. 423-17 describes withdrawal or refusal after separation; the violence exception is in L. 423-18. For a spouse admitted through , L. 423-18 protects against withdrawal and provides renewal where separation results from domestic or family violence; it also provides first issuance where violence occurs after arrival and before the first card. This does not mean every move to join a partner. Other grounds, including a protection order, are separate. Separation without violence can have different consequences. This concerns reunification with a foreign spouse; seek individual advice.
Common mistake
A spouse’s threat is not an administrative cancellation.
Prepare your residence application
Contact or an immigration lawyer before expiry. Follow the applicable prefecture / procedure with evidence of violence, separation and your family-based status. Keep filing records. A complaint alone does not automatically renew a card. An ordinary does not itself prove lawful residence or extend permission to work.
Common mistake
A complaint alone does not guarantee automatic renewal.
Children and maintenance
decides children’s residence, contact and based on circumstances and the child’s interests. Disclose violence and request safe arrangements. Divorce requires a lawyer; legal information is free, but legal aid depends on eligibility. Check consent requirements and court restrictions before taking children abroad. Seek professional advice before taking children abroad.
Common mistake
and do not guarantee full payment of every maintenance debt.
/ and
With an enforceable maintenance document, can collect and transfer child maintenance and recover unpaid amounts. This is not an unconditional state guarantee of the whole sum. is a separate / benefit subject to conditions, including for a single parent with unpaid or low maintenance; it is not automatic payment of all arrears. Provide the decision, and payment history and check pension-alimentaire..fr.
Step by step
- 1In danger: 17 / 112 or SMS 114; discuss safety with 3919.
- 2Have or a lawyer identify the legal basis of your permit.
- 3Collect violence evidence and family documents and apply before expiry.
- 4With a lawyer apply to about divorce, children, maintenance and protection.
- 5Give / the enforceable document; check intermediation, recovery and .
Documents needed
Collected: 0 / 6
- Passport, current permit, visa and filing records
- Marriage certificate, and reunification records
- Children’s documents and residence/contact decisions
- Medical certificates, complaint, protection order, messages and witnesses
- Safe address, income records, and bank statements
- Enforceable maintenance document and payment history
FAQ
Can my spouse cancel my permit?
No. They can report separation but the administration decides. Document violence and invoke the applicable legal basis.
What does an ordonnance de protection JAF look like?
It identifies the court, date, parties and orders: restrictions, home, children and duration. Check the operative decision and notification rather than relying on a sample.
Does CIDFF provide a free lawyer?
provides free legal information and referrals. Legal aid for lawyer fees requires a separate application and eligibility.
Steps and documents on one page — save as PDF and take it with you.