Tribunal letter explained in English
Court. A court. Letters from a court are always important — never ignore them.
Letters you may get
- Convocation à l’audience — you must come to a hearing
- Jugement — the court’s decision
- Ordonnance portant injonction de payer — a court order to pay
What to do
- Court deadlines are strict and short. Get free legal advice quickly, for example at a Point-justice.
- If your income is low, you can ask for legal aid (aide juridictionnelle) to pay for a lawyer.
- Find the deadline. Look for “délai”, “avant le”, “au plus tard”.
- Write the reference number from the letter on everything you send back, and keep copies.
- If you disagree with a decision, object in writing before the deadline (“recours gracieux”, “recours administratif préalable obligatoire”, “recours amiable”, “réclamation”, “contestation”, “recours”). See the template.
Words you may see
- convocation
- Official invitation to an appointment. You are expected to come.
- aide juridictionnelle
- Legal aid. The state pays all or part of your lawyer if your income is low.
Questions
What is the Tribunal?
Court. A court. Letters from a court are always important — never ignore them.
How long do I have to answer a letter from the Tribunal?
It depends on the letter. Look for words like “délai”, “avant le”, “au plus tard” — they mark the deadline. In France, a deadline usually starts on the day you receive the letter — for a registered letter, often the day the post first tried to deliver it. The 3 days are only an estimate, so check the envelope or the delivery notice. To object, the letter usually names the way to do it (“recours gracieux”, “recours administratif préalable obligatoire”, “recours amiable”, “réclamation”, “contestation”, “recours”).
Can I read a Tribunal letter in English?
Yes. Take a photo of the letter with Briefly. It explains the letter in plain English, finds the deadline and the amount, and gives you ready-made replies in French. Your letter never leaves your device.
Other offices in France
Finances publiques (DGFiP) · Trésor public / Service de gestion comptable · Caisse d’allocations familiales (CAF) · France Travail (ex Pôle emploi) · Préfecture / ANEF · OFII · Assurance Maladie (CPAM) · Mutuelle / complémentaire santé