ALL-PURPOSE ASSIGNMENT PROCEDURE
Chapter II: The subpoena procedure
The summons contains, under penalty of nullity, in addition to the particulars prescribed in article 56 :
1 ° The place, day and time of the hearing at which conciliation will be attempted if it has not already been attempted, and where applicable. , the case decided;
2 ° If the applicant resides abroad, the surname, first names and address of the person with whom he takes up residence in France.
The document instituting the proceedings also mentions the conditions under which the defendant may be assisted or represented, as well as, if applicable, the name of the plaintiff’s representative.
Article 838
The judge is seized, at the request of either party, by handing over to the registry, a copy of the summons.
This postponement must take place at the latest eight days before the date of the hearing, under penalty of nullity of the summons recorded ex officio by order of the judge, or, failing that, at the request of a party.
Article 839
In an emergency, the time limits for appearance and delivery of the summons may be reduced by authorization of the judge.
Article 840
The judge tries to reconcile the parties. The attempt at conciliation can take place in his office.
It can also be conducted by a court conciliator appointed without any particular formality by the judge with the agreement of the parties.
Article 841
In the absence of conciliation, the case is immediately judged or, if it is not ready to be, sent back to a subsequent hearing. In the latter case, the clerk advises by simple letter the parties who have not been verbally, of the date of the hearing.
Article 842
Article 843
The proceedings are oral.
The parties’ claims or the reference they make to claims they have made in writing are noted in the file or recorded in a report.
Article 844
The judge may invite the parties to provide the explanations he considers necessary for the solution of the dispute and demand them to produce within the time limit he determines all the documents or justifications suitable for enlightening him, failing which, he may override and rule, except to draw any consequences from the abstention of the party or its refusal.