Me Lou Bessis-Osty
Legal Services
Immigration and administrative law specialist in Nice. Advises on residence permits, visa applications, regularisation, and appeals against removal orders.
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Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a French lawyer to buy property in France?
- Not strictly. A notaire is required for any property purchase and handles the legal transfer, but the notaire acts for the transaction, not for you personally. Having a separate avocat on your side is optional, though worth considering for complex purchases, off-plan builds, or anything disputed. If you use your own notaire, the fee is split between the two, so it doesn't add to your overall cost.
- What's the difference between a notaire and an avocat in France?
- A notaire is a public official who authenticates legal documents, handles property transfers, and collects transaction taxes on behalf of the state. An avocat is a private lawyer who represents your interests in disputes, contracts, or immigration matters. For a standard property purchase you'll deal with a notaire. For anything contested or complex, you'd want an avocat.
- Can I use an English-speaking lawyer for French legal matters?
- Yes. Many avocats on the Côte d'Azur work regularly with international clients and handle cases in English. French law still applies, and official documents will be in French, but having a lawyer who can explain the process clearly makes a real difference in practice.