The PACS (civil solidarity pact) is a contract between two adults, of different sex or of the same sex, to organise their life together. It can be concluded at the French consulate in Dakar if at least one of the two partners is French (article 515-3 of the Civil Code).
The conditions
- Each partner is an adult (or an emancipated minor), neither married nor already in a PACS.
- No overly close family relationship between the partners.
- The partners commit to living together; their common residence must be within the consulate’s district.
The steps
- Gather the joint declaration, the sworn statements, the PACS agreement and the supporting documents.
- Request an appointment with the consulate’s PACS service to submit the file.
- Attend the registration appointment together, in person.
- The consulate issues a receipt and has the PACS recorded on the birth certificates.
The PACS takes effect between the partners as soon as it is registered. To amend or dissolve it, you must contact the post that registered it, even after moving.
The key point in Senegal
The consulate makes it clear: the Senegalese authorities do not recognise the PACS. It only has effect under French law. Before choosing between PACS and marriage, the consequences for property, inheritance and the foreign partner’s residence rights must be assessed.
How we help
Legal Field Avocats drafts your PACS agreement, prepares the file and advises you on the best choice between PACS and marriage for your Franco-Senegalese situation.
Planning a PACS? Call us on +221 33 844 29 16.
Sources: French Consulate General in Dakar – PACS (in French); French Civil Code, articles 515-1 to 515-7-1.
See also: French civil status in West Africa, country by country · French visa refusal lawyer
LEGAL FIELD AVOCATS
14 rue Woro Fila, Fann Hock, Dakar, Senegal
Phone: +221 33 844 29 16
Email: contact@fbavocat-sn.com
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FB AVOCAT
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