Exequatur in France of
judgments rendered in Canada
Issues and definition
Enforcement in France of a judgment rendered in Canada requires a prior exequatur procedure, as Canadian decisions are not automatically enforceable on French territory. This procedure allows them to be granted executive force in France in order to initiate measures on the debtor’s assets.
It constitutes an essential step to transform a foreign decision into an enforceable title in France.
Conditions and procedures
Recognition of a Canadian judgment assumes that it was rendered by a competent jurisdiction, in compliance with the rights of the defense, is final and enforceable, and conforms to French international public policy.
The procedure is initiated before the judicial court (tribunal judiciaire) and relies on the production of the judgment, its translation if necessary, and a complete legal analysis of the file.
Areas of expertise
Canadian decisions concern commercial, financial, contractual, or international litigation involving assets located in France, such as bank accounts, real estate, equity interests, or receivables.
These assets may be held directly or through complex structures requiring in-depth analysis.
Client support
The firm assists its clients from the recognition of the Canadian judgment to its effective enforcement in France, integrating the necessary protective measures and seizures.
Each case is subject to a global strategy combining identification of assets, anticipation of challenges, and rapid implementation of adapted measures in an international context.
Frequently Asked Questions
IS A CANADIAN JUDGMENT ENFORCEABLE IN FRANCE?
No, an exequatur procedure is necessary.
MUST THE JUDGMENT BE FINAL?
Yes, it must be enforceable and final.
CAN ASSETS BE SEIZED IN FRANCE?
Yes, as a protective measure or after recognition of the judgment.
IS THE PROCEDURE COMPLEX?
It requires an adapted legal analysis, notably due to the specificities of the Canadian system.
IS A LAWYER REQUIRED?
In practice, these procedures involve the intervention of a lawyer before French courts, both to obtain the exequatur and for enforcement litigation.
They also imply a strategic approach, beyond just the procedural dimension.
Do you wish to initiate an exequatur procedure in France or analyze the possibilities of asset seizure?
The firm assists you in defining and implementing an adapted strategy.