Since 1 March 2026, bringing a civil case before the courts once again has a cost: a court fee of 50 euros. This “contribution pour l’aide juridique (court fee for legal aid)” takes many people by surprise — and it does not concern only the labour court. As a lawyer at the Mulhouse Bar, I explain who has to pay it, who is exempt and how to pay it, so that your case is not held up.
A 50-euro court fee to go to court
Reintroduced by the 2026 finance law (law of 19 February 2026), the contribution pour l’aide juridique (court fee for legal aid) takes the form of a dematerialised fiscal stamp of 50 euros (article 1635 bis Q of the code général des impôts, the French general tax code). It applies to proceedings brought since 1 March 2026.
Which proceedings are concerned? (not only the labour court)
The fee is due for first-instance proceedings in civil and labour matters, brought before the tribunal judiciaire (civil court) or the conseil de prud’hommes (labour court). It is therefore not limited to the labour court: many family cases and many civil disputes between individuals are also concerned. Criminal matters, on the other hand, are not affected.
Note: divorce by mutual consent (by lawyers’ deed, without a judge) does not open proceedings before a court: it is not concerned by this fee.
Who has to pay it?
It is the party who brings the proceedings — the claimant — who pays the fee, or their lawyer on their behalf. It is due for each set of proceedings: it must be paid before the court is seised, and the proof of payment attached to the claim.
Who is exempt?
The law provides for significant exemptions. In particular, you do not have to pay the fee if you fall within one of these cases:
The following are notably exempt:
- recipients of aide juridictionnelle (legal aid);
- applications for an ordonnance de protection (protection order) (domestic violence, forced marriage);
- over-indebtedness, judicial reorganisation or liquidation proceedings;
- the injonction de payer (order for payment) (and the objection to it);
- the approval of a parental agreement;
- proceedings before the juge des enfants (children’s judge), the juge des tutelles (guardianship judge), the liberty and custody judge, in matters of psychiatric care without consent, or of compensation for victims of offences (CIVI).
This list is exhaustive: it is best to check case by case whether an exemption applies to your situation.
How to pay it?
The fee is bought online only, by bank card, on the official electronic-stamp website (timbres.impots.gouv.fr). You receive proof of payment — a PDF with a code to scan, or a text message with a reference — to attach to your claim. The stamp is valid for 12 months; if it is not used, it can be refunded within 18 months of purchase.
And if the fee is not paid?
The absence of the fee may make your claim inadmissible — but not immediately: the court must first invite you to put things right within one month. Only if things are not put right can inadmissibility be pronounced. It is therefore essential not to let this deadline pass.
How I assist you
When I represent you, I take care of this formality: buying the stamp, checking whether an exemption applies, and filing the proof of payment with your claim — so that a missing stamp does not delay your case. You are supported at every step, in accordance with professional secrecy. The terms of fees are set out clearly from the outset, in a written engagement agreement.
An action to bring before the court in Mulhouse or in the Haut-Rhin?
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to pay to go to court from 2026?
Yes. For civil proceedings brought since 1 March 2026, a court fee of 50 euros (the contribution pour l’aide juridique / court fee for legal aid) must, in principle, be paid. Criminal matters are not affected.
Does the 50-euro fee only concern the labour court?
No. It applies to civil and labour proceedings at first instance, before the tribunal judiciaire (civil court) or the conseil de prud’hommes (labour court) — so also, for example, many family cases and civil disputes.
Who has to pay this fee?
The party who brings the proceedings (the claimant), or their lawyer on their behalf. It is due for each set of proceedings and must be paid before the court is seised.
Am I exempt if I have legal aid?
Yes. Recipients of aide juridictionnelle (legal aid) are exempt from the fee. Other proceedings are exempt too, such as the ordonnance de protection (protection order) in domestic violence cases, over-indebtedness, or the injonction de payer (order for payment).
What happens if I do not pay?
Your claim may be declared inadmissible, but only after you have been invited to put things right within one month. Payment is made online, by electronic stamp.
This article provides general information on the state of the law and does not constitute legal advice. Every situation is unique: to have yours examined, contact the firm.