1. Domestic Noise Problems and Remedies in France

1. 1.1. ‘Friendly Persuasion’
   1.2. Legal Advice Centre
   1.3. Mediation
   1.4. Mairie/Police Intervention
   1.5. Médiateur Pénale
   1.6. Tribunal d’instance
   1.7. Civil Proceedings

1.3. Domestic Noise Problems in France - Use of Mediation

If you are unable to resolve the matter at an individual level then you may wish to consider resource to a mediator, an approach, which will also be looked upon favourably by the court should you later need to bring a legal action.

Throughout France, the services of state appointed Conciliateurs de justice are available to anyone who may have a dispute with another person or organisation.

A conciliateur is someone with experience in the legal system, but who offers their services at no charge.

Accordingly, the service is free although the conciliateur cannot oblige your neighbour to participate in the process nor impose a solution upon them.

Nevertheless, the fact that you can bring evidence that your neighbour is unwilling to join in the process can be used as evidence of their lack of good faith in trying to resolve the problem.

The Conciliateurs are bound by an obligation of professional secrecy, so anything you tell them cannot be conveyed to a third party or court of law without your consent.

If the Conciliateur is able to bring you together and arrive at a solution then it is usual for a written agreement (constat d’acord) to be signed between you.

In addition, if you do reach a signed agreement, you may be later able to go to a court of law or a huissier (an official bailiff) to secure performance of the agreement by your neighbour.

Your local mairie or a Tribunal d’instance should be able to give you the name of the conciliateur in your area.