Divorce by mutual consent: steps, deadlines and benefits

Amicable divorce, a simple and modern solution

In the past, divorce meant going through court, hearing, tension, sometimes confrontation.

Today, amicable divorce — or divorce by mutual consent — has changed profoundly. It has become smoother, faster, more protective. No hearing, no judge, it is negotiated and written by two lawyers, and filed with a notary.

In Saint-Germain-en-Laye, in Yvelines, I receive more and more couples who already reach an agreement: on childcare, the sharing of assets, the desire to move on... with respect for everyone.

What are these couples looking for?
👉 A simple, humane, safe procedure.
👉 A framework to formalize their agreement without fuelling conflict.
👉 A lawyer who guides them without dividing them.

The divorce by mutual consent perfectly meets this need. And it is precisely for these people that I thought of this article: for reassure, clarify, and Help to plan.

What is a divorce by mutual consent?

A clear and accessible definition

Divorce by mutual consent is the the fastest, most serene and most economical form of divorce in France.

Since the 2017 reform, it no longer goes through the judge (with some exceptions). It takes place By lawyer's act, signed by each of the spouses, then registered with a notary.

It's a divorce contractual. That means it's all based on a prior global agreement between spouses.

The conditions to be met

To be able to divorce amicably, several conditions must be met:

✅ Full agreement between the spouses on the principle of divorce

✅ Agreement on The distribution of assets, if there is a heritage

✅ Agreement on parental authority, children's residence, custody and maintenance arrangements

If a minor child is concerned and wishes to be heard, the divorce cannot be done without a judge. But in the vast majority of cases, children are protected by mutually agreed terms.

‍What your lawyer brings to each stage of an amicable divorce

You have found common ground with your spouse. You are aligned with the essentials: children, housing, goods, everyone's rhythm.
All that's left is to formalize this agreement? Not quite.

It is precisely here that the support of an experienced lawyer makes all the difference.
An amicable divorce is not limited to “shaping” an agreement: it is a work of securing, anticipating and clarifying.

Thanks to my expertise, I help you see beyond what you have already posed together:

• Have I properly identified all the legal impacts of our decisions?
  
  
• Is our agreement balanced and sustainable over time?
  
  
• Are there any areas that are unclear or absent that should be clearly framed?
  
  

My role is to be the guarantee of your common intention, of maintaining balance, andorchestrate its implementation with rigor and kindness.

I am at your side to transform your agreement into a legal framework that is protective, fluid and in line with your expectations.

1. First appointment with your lawyer

This first meeting is much more than a formality. It is a moment of clarification and projection... and often of discovery.

As a lawyer, I take the time to:

• Listen to your story and understand your deep needs
  
  
• Identify the points to be formalized in the convention (childcare, housing, debts, assets...)
  
  
• Explain to you clearly the legal implications of your choices
• And above all, discuss topics you may not have considered yet
  
  

Because even when the agreement seems complete, it often remains Blurred areas, blind spots, important details that, if not anticipated, can become sources of tension later on.
This is where all the added value of my support lies: help you see the big picture, ask the right questions, and secure your entire approach.

🔎 Good to know
Each spouse should have their own lawyer. It is a Balance guarantee and transparency for both parties.

This appointment also allows you to ask a realistic temporality, depending on your availability and the parts to be assembled.

2. Drafting the divorce agreement

That is the core of the procedure. The convention is a custom document which formalizes all the agreements between you two. In particular, it includes:

• The division of property
  
  
• The possible Payment of a compensatory benefit
  
  
• Les Practical Methods of Separation
  
  
• The provisions relating to the Children's residence, teaParental authority, tea Alimony
  
  

This step is done in a co-construction climate. I Make Sure That Everyone Be Heard and Respected, and that the terms are legally clear while still being humanly acceptable.

Once the agreement is finalized, it is Sent by registered mail with AR To each spouse, for a mandatory reflection period of 15 days.

3. Signature and registration at the notary

At the end of the reflection period, a simultaneous signature is organized with your lawyers. The Document Is Then Sent To A Notary, who registers it within 7 days.

This Deposit Gives Date and enforceability At divorce: you are officially divorced.

💡 To Understand: The Real Role of the Notary

Contrary to popular belief, The notary is not the pilot of the divorce procedure. He Only Comes In at the Very End, to officially register the agreement drawn up by the lawyers.
These are The Lawyers Who Manage the Entire Procedure : listening, advice, negotiation, negotiation, negotiation, drafting, coordination...

‍
🔍 The notary writes a Act of Sharing Whether joint or undivided real estate should be distributed — but it does not participate in the divorce proceedings itself.

What are the average deadlines?

Many couples dread long and expensive procedures. Amicable divorce is precisely A Response to This Need for Simplicity and Efficiency.

On average, here are the deadlines observed:

• 🔸 3 to 6 months When Everything Is Clear and Simple
  
  
• 🔸 6 to 10 months In Case of Assets to Be Liquidated or Discussions Around Children
  
  
• 🔸 Potentially more If Documents Are Missing or If Exchanges Take Time
  
  

💡 The big advantage? You advance to Your Pace, without depending on a judicial calendar or hearing deadlines.

Why choose an amicable divorce?

In my office in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, I support women and men who have already come a long way: that of dialogue, awareness, and mutual respect.

What they want from the procedure is not a fight.
It is A co-construction and a Clear and respectful formatting Of what they decided together.

Divorce by mutual consent offers them three main advantages:

Cheaper

An amicable divorce does not require a hearing, long litigation, or multiple trips. It allows:

• Of Control costs Right from the Start
  
  
• To avoid the costs associated with prolonged legal proceedings
  
  
• To Focus Fees On The Main Thing: The Agreement and Its Security
  

Faster

The emotional time of a separation is already long. No need to add months of waiting.

An amicable divorce allows:

• One Procedure finalized in 3 to 6 months
  
  
• Flexible calendar management, at your own pace
  
  
• A conclusion without a hearing, without the intervention of the judge (with some exceptions)
  
  

More Serene

Choosing this path also means making a choice:

• Of a Cooperative framework, to appeasement
  
  
• Of a Better Parenting Communication
  
  
• Of a process where you feel Actors and Listenings

“Choosing an amicable divorce means choosing a conscious, respectful, and future-oriented separation.”

Your frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can we have the same lawyer?
No, each spouse must be assisted by their own lawyer. This guarantees the balance and the loyalty of exchanges.

How much does a divorce by mutual consent cost?
The fees are generally fixed. The cost depends on the complexity of the case (children, assets, assets). I always offer a clear and transparent offer from the first appointment.

What if we change our mind along the way?
It is always possible to suspend or reconsider the procedure until the agreement has been signed and filed.

Is it possible remotely?
Yes. Many of my customers live in different cities or abroad. Exchanges can be done remotely, only the signature requires your presence.

Conclusion: The choice of peace, guided by a trusted lawyer

A divorce, even in the agreement, is still a pivotal moment.
But Well Accompanied, He Can Become A lever for clarification, protection, and new beginnings.

In my support, I help you create a clear, peaceful and effective framework.
A framework that respects your agreements, protects your children and allows you to move forward with confidence.

A well-managed divorce is a divorce that is not repeated through other procedures.
My support is aimed at Clarity, Sustainability, and Peace, from the first procedure.
A well-prepared separation prevents you from going backwards, gray areas and future steps. That is why I Take the Time to Do Things Right — Once, for Good.

I Support You in a Peaceful, Effective Divorce in Accordance with Your Interests

👉 Book an appointment here