Point d'Accès au Droit
Points d'Accès au Droit (or PAD) is the system available throughout France where legal advice is available at no charge to you.Some of the local offices are at Rochechoart, St. Junien, Bellac and Soyaux (near Angouleme)
The idea is to solve various problems in a friendly manner wherever possible e.g. problems between neighbours, after-sales disputes, complaints with energy suppliers, etc.
It also advises on more serious problems explaining your next move and helping in the composition of dossiers e.g. to take a case to court
It will also help in completing a dossier to enable you to get Legal Aid - Aide Juridictionnelle; however, legal aid is means tested.
Assurance Protection Juridique
Legal protection insurance covers the cost of procedures, or provided services, in case of dispute or litigation between you and a third party.Costs approximately 70€-100€ per year and is sometimes included in your house or motor insurance.
- Covers legal advice e.g. internet purchases, public services, problems with neighbours, etc
- Covers Avocat fees up to 20,000€ depending on your contract
If you think your house or motor insurance provides this protection, double check that such cover is not just limited to the scope of the main policy; for example, your motor insurance might only cover the legal costs of traffic accidents.
Don't confuse the insurance with legal protection against civil liability though, where you are responsible for compensation for damage caused to a third party - like a roof tile falling on someone's car.
