Checklists and practical resources
This page collects the working tools we use most often when helping people prepare for a contract, respond to a dispute or complete a transaction: step-by-step checklists you can run through in minutes, and quick-reference facts that save you from second-guessing. Everything here is written in plain language and geared to French contract situations, so you can act with confidence before you sign, pay or push back. Use these alongside our guides, and reach out when a situation needs a closer look.
Contract review checklist (before you sign)
- Confirm the exact identity of the other party — full legal name, SIREN/SIRET number and the person actually authorised to sign on their behalf.
- Read the object clause and check it describes precisely what is being delivered, in what quantity and to what standard.
- Locate the price, whether it is HT or TTC, the payment schedule and any late-payment penalties or interest.
- Check the start date, the duration and any automatic renewal (tacite reconduction) clause — note the exact deadline to cancel.
- Find the termination conditions: who can end the contract, on how much notice, and what happens to sums already paid.
- Review any penalty, indemnity or liability-limitation clauses and calculate what they could cost you in a worst case.
- Check which law and which court or arbitration process applies if there is a disagreement.
- Confirm nothing was promised verbally that is missing from the written text — if it matters, add it in an annex before signing.
Business dispute response checklist
- Gather every document in one place: the signed contract, quotes, invoices, emails, delivery notes and any messages exchanged.
- Write a short timeline of what happened and when, so the sequence of events is clear and dated.
- Re-read the contract to identify the exact clause or obligation you believe has been broken.
- Send a written notice (a mise en demeure by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt) setting out the problem and a reasonable deadline to fix it.
- Keep every reply and note verbal exchanges with the date and who said what.
- Calculate your actual loss with figures you can support — extra costs, delays, lost revenue.
- Check the applicable limitation period so you do not lose the right to act by waiting too long.
- Decide on your next step — negotiation, mediation or a formal claim — before emotions drive the decision.
Quick reference: key facts
- The general limitation period for commercial and civil contract claims in France is 5 years from when you knew or should have known of the problem (Article 2224 of the Civil Code).
- A mise en demeure is the standard first formal step: a registered letter demanding performance within a set deadline, and it is often required before claiming damages.
- An automatic renewal clause (tacite reconduction) usually requires you to cancel within a specific notice window — miss it and the contract renews for a full new term.
- A verbal agreement can be legally binding, but proving its terms is far harder than proving a signed written contract.
- Standard payment terms between businesses in France are capped at 60 days from invoice date (or 45 days end of month) unless otherwise agreed within legal limits.
- A signed contract cannot be changed by one side alone — any amendment (avenant) needs the agreement of both parties in writing.
Can I use these checklists without a lawyer?
Yes. They are designed so a private individual or small business owner can work through them independently to understand a contract, organise a dispute or prepare a transaction. They help you spot the issues early; if the stakes are high or the situation is unclear, that is the moment to request tailored guidance.
Is a contract valid if it was only agreed by email or verbally?
Often yes — French law recognises many agreements formed without a formal signed document, including by email. The real difficulty is evidence: if a dispute arises, you must prove what was agreed. A written, signed contract or a clear email trail makes your position far stronger than a purely verbal understanding.
How quickly do I need to act if a contract is breached?
As a rule, do not wait. Send a written mise en demeure promptly, keep the deadline reasonable and record everything. The general limitation period is five years, but delay weakens your case, and some contracts impose much shorter notice or complaint deadlines you must respect.
What is a mise en demeure and when should I send one?
It is a formal written demand, usually by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt, asking the other party to perform their obligation within a stated deadline. Send it once informal reminders have failed, before escalating. It creates a dated record and is frequently a legal prerequisite before claiming damages.
When does a situation go beyond what a checklist can cover?
When significant money is at risk, the clauses are ambiguous, the other side has refused a formal notice, or a court process may follow, you should get advice specific to your facts. Our guide on when to seek professional legal advice explains the warning signs to watch for.
How do I get help with my specific contract or dispute?
Use the checklists to organise your documents and questions first, then request guidance. Sharing your prepared timeline and key documents lets us give you clearer, faster answers about your particular situation.
Guides
How contracts work: the basics explained
Understand what makes a contract valid, common terms and what to check before signing, in clear everyday language.
How to review a contract before you sign
A practical checklist for reading and reviewing a contract, spotting risky clauses and knowing what questions to ask.
Handling a business dispute step by step
Learn how business disputes typically unfold, your options for resolution and how to prepare before escalating.
Transaction support: what it covers
Understand what transaction support involves, from due diligence to closing, and how it protects buyers and sellers.
Breach of contract: what you can do
What counts as a breach of contract and the practical options available when the other side does not deliver.
When to seek professional legal advice
Signs that a legal matter needs professional advice, and how to prepare so your first consultation is productive.