Civil law encompasses various sub-categories, including inheritance and personal law, family law, civil liability, property law and the law of obligations. Unlike criminal law, the aim of civil law is not to impose a penalty, but rather to find solutions that can help repair the damage caused.

In Quebec, civil law is the foundation of the legal system, and it is distinct from the common law system used in other provinces of Canada. The civil law system in Quebec is largely based on the Civil Code of Quebec (Code civil du Québec), which governs various aspects of private law, including contracts, property, family law, obligations, and civil liability.

Our lawyers are committed to providing you with the best possible representation and to protecting your interests. We are at your disposal to answer any questions you may have and to explain the steps you need to take to safeguard your rights.

In Quebec, civil law governs a wide range of legal areas, providing rules and principles that regulate private relationships and transactions. Here are some key areas of civil law in Quebec:

  • Change of name
  • Defamation
  • Civil law litigation
Change of Name

Do you find the name change process too complicated? Would you like to know more about the procedure? Perhaps the name you've been using for years in your daily life doesn't match the name on your birth certificate, or it has a negative connotation that's damaging to your reputation. If so, we're here to help you with the process of changing your name with the Directeur de l'état civil du Québec.

At Allen Madelin, we understand that the process of changing your name in Quebec can be complex. Whatever your motivation, our legal team is here to provide you with useful information and guide you through the process.

There are two procedures in Quebec by which you can request a name change. The first is the Directeur de l'état civil du Québec, which is an administrative process that allows the Directeur de l'état civil to authorize name changes that do not fall under the jurisdiction of the court. The Directeur de l'état civil is also the only public officer in Quebec empowered to draw up birth, marriage, civil union and death certificates, and to issue authentic documents relating to these events.

The second instance is the court, which is a judicial process. You can request a change of name through the court in cases such as abandonment by a parent, forfeiture of parental authority or a change of filiation, as in the case of adoption.

To request a name change, you must be 14 years of age or older, a Canadian citizen and have been domiciled in Quebec for more than one year. If you represent a minor under the age of 14 as mother, father or legal guardian, and that person is a Canadian citizen and has been domiciled in Quebec for more than one year, you may also request a name change of their name.

If you are not a Canadian citizen or domiciled in Quebec, or if the person you represent is not a Canadian citizen or domiciled in Quebec, specific conditions apply.

Contact us to arrange an initial consultation with our legal team. Please also consult this list of documents required for the name change procedure.

Defamation

Have you been or are you currently being subjected to defamation or slander? Has your privacy been violated, or have you been the subject of false rumors that have damaged your reputation or image? Our legal team at Allen Madelin is equipped to help you seek justice. We understand that being a victim of defamation can be a stressful situation to manage. Our team is available to inform and guide you through your options.

If you have been accused of defamation, our team can also give you an overview of your legal rights. Contact us for an initial consultation.

It's important to note that defamation can occur in a variety of forms, whether through physical means or online platforms.

Civil Law Litigation

Are you looking for a civil litigation lawyer? Are you involved in a civil dispute? Do you have questions about civil law?

Our team will be happy to help you obtain information on your situation, defend you and represent your interests. Contact us for an initial consultation.