Court Reporting and Depositions in France

Allowing enough time (roughly between 4-6 weeks is ideal) for scheduling depositions overseas is extremely important because of the logistics associated with the scheduling and planning processes. However, with teams living on-the-ground throughout Europe, we are often able to cover last-minute requests.

Counsel will determine whether their witness is willing to be deposed. If so, both parties can agree to stipulate the oath and begin the process of setting up the deposition.

France is a party to The Hague Evidence Convention and requires foreign attorneys to provide advance notice and obtain permission from the French Central Authority to take depositions. If you need assistance, contact the Planet Depos International Scheduling Department.

For specific information, please consult the U.S. State Department for Judicial Assistance.

1. Select the deposition services needed:
   • U.S.-trained court reporter
   • U.S.-trained legal videographer
   • Any language interpreter
2. What is the location of the deposition in France?
   • Do you need Planet Depos to reserve a conference room for you?
3. If not participating in person, do you require videoconferencing services? (If not, please skip to the next item on the checklist).
   • Do you need a location in France?
   • Will you need a location in the United States?
   • Can you attend from your firm’s videoconference suite?
   • Ask about Planet Depos’ Mobile Videoconferencing capabilities!
   • Document Production
   • Do you need assistance with exhibit printing?
4. Select your deposition date
   • Start time
   • End time
5. Visa Restrictions:
6. • There is no visa required for travel to France at this time; however, your passport must be valid for six months or more beyond your intended period of stay.  For more information, please consult the U.S. State Department or contact Planet Depos’ International Scheduling Department.
7. Make travel arrangements
   • Flight
   • Lodging
     • Contact Planet Depos for information about corporate discounts with our partner hotels
   • Car rental
8. Send a protective order to Planet Depos for representatives to sign (if applicable)
9. Have you filled out the Planet Depos Standing Order Form? It’s an easy process that takes less than 60 seconds and will let us know:
   • Transcript turnaround time (regular or expedited)
   • Who should receive the Rough ASCII and final transcript
   • The number of realtime laptops that are needed
   • Preferred video format (DVD, MPEG1, Loaded DVD, Synchronized Viewer)
10. Send out Notice of Deposition to all counsel, your witness, and Planet Depos
11. Send prep materials to Planet Depos for reporter’s deposition preparation:
    • Notice of deposition
    • Complaint
    • Subpoena
    • Previous transcript(s)
    • Word index
12. Obtain emergency contact information for Planet Depos representatives
13. Provide emergency contact information for counsel

Travel safely to France and contact Planet Depos with any questions once you’ve arrived!

Did you know?  The official name of France is “French Republic.”

With teams living on the ground in Europe, Planet Depos offers 24/7 assistance for all of your deposition needs in France. Our teams have been covering depositions in France for over 15 years, earning the reputation of one of the leading experts in the scheduling process, travel, and document assistance. We would be more than happy to share our expertise and guide you through the logistical and procedural processes to ensure a successful deposition in France.

Entry Requirements for France

France does not require a tourist or business visa for stays of less than 90 days. You will need a passport valid for at least 90 days beyond the date of departure from France, and Planet Depos strongly recommends traveling with a passport valid no less than 6 months past your departure date from France. You will need one blank passport page for your entry stamp. Planet Depos does recommend having at least 2 blank pages, however. Most flights from the Unites States do not include a stopover in another country.

For more information, you may also contact the French Embassy in the United States (4101 Reservoir Road NW Washington DC 20007):

French Embassy

Flying to France

Below are the three major international airports in France:

• Aeroport Roissy-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) – Roissy/suburb of Paris (de Gaulle)
• Aeroport de Paris Orly (ORY) – Paris (Orly)
• Aeroport Nice Cote d’Azur (NCE) – Nice (Nice Airport)

Several airlines offer direct flights to France, including:

• Air France (www.airfrance.us)
• Delta (www.delta.com)
• United (www.unitedairlines.com)
• American Airlines (www.aa.com)

Travel in France

For updated travel alerts and information, please visit the State Department’s webpage.

Staying in France

Depositions in France must be held at the Embassy in Paris or at one of the Consulates, unless an explanation of why this is not possible is provided to and approved by the Ministry of Justice. Paris is typically the number one location for depositions because of the amenities it offers. There are many luxurious hotels to choose from for lodging, both in Paris and just outside. Consulates are located in Marseille, Strasbourg, Lyon, and Nice, which also offer many luxurious accommodation choices. Planet Depos has established relationships with many hotels throughout France, and we can gladly assist with your hotel recommendations.

Medical Information for France

There are many medical facilities with English-speaking personnel throughout France. For a list of these facilities, and additional medical/emergency information, please go to:

U.S. Embassy – France

For updated health information, including health travel alerts and immunizations, please visit France specific website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at:

CDC – France

Money Matters

France’s currency is the Euro. ATMs are widely available and offer the most generous exchange rate. Major credit cards are also widely accepted.

For up-to-date information on the local conversion rate, please visit a reputable currency converter website such as OANDA, which also offers an app for smartphones.

Weather

France has a temperate climate, with relatively mild seasons. Summers are warmer along the Mediterranean Coast than other areas, as winters are colder in the mountainous areas. January tends to be the coldest month, with temperatures in the low 40’s. Spring temperatures hover in the 50’s while summer temperatures remain in the high 60’s in many regions of France. Autumn temperatures drop to the low 60’s and high 50’s.

Interesting Fact about France
A French shepherd invented stilts, in order to get around in wet marshes.