Nicolas Leroy
Head of Research
6 years in the field
Who is behind Intractera
Intractera is an independent editorial project focused on making contract, dispute and transaction topics understandable for people without a legal background. Our content is researched against current French practice and reviewed for accuracy and neutrality, and we update it as rules and common practices change. We do not sell legal services, take sides or push you toward any particular outcome — our aim is to help you understand your own situation clearly. Where a matter needs formal advice, we say so plainly rather than pretending general information is a substitute.
Business
Understand contracts, disputes and transactions before you decide
Intractera gives private individuals and small business owners in France plain-language guidance on the contracts they sign, the disagreements they face and the transactions they enter into. We explain how things work, what to check and when a situation calls for professional help — so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Business
How contracts work: the basics explained
Understand what makes a contract valid, common terms and what to check before signing, in clear everyday language.
Meet the team
A small, senior team — you speak to the same people from the first call to the final handover.
Romain Lefèvre
Head of Partnerships
18 years in the field
Vincent Bernard
Founder & Managing Director
18 years in the field
Sophie Blanchard
Lead Analyst
17 years in the field
Thibault Renaud
Senior Consultant
18 years in the field
Does Intractera provide legal advice?
No. We provide general, educational guidance to help you understand contracts, disputes and transactions. For advice on your specific situation, we point you toward a qualified lawyer or notary and help you prepare for that conversation.
Is the guidance relevant to my situation in France?
Our content is written for private individuals and small businesses dealing with contracts and transactions in France, and reflects current French practice. That said, every situation has its own facts, so use our guidance as a starting point rather than a final answer.
I received a contract I don't fully understand. Where do I start?
Begin with our guide on how contracts work and the pre-signature review checklist. Together they help you identify the key terms — obligations, deadlines, penalties and renewal clauses — and flag anything that deserves a closer look before you sign.
I'm already in a dispute. Can this help?
Yes. Our step-by-step guide on handling a business dispute walks you through documenting what happened, understanding your options and deciding when negotiation, formal notice or professional help makes sense.
How do I know when I actually need a professional?
Our guide on seeking professional legal advice sets out the warning signs — large amounts at stake, tight legal deadlines, formal proceedings or unclear liability — that mean it's time to consult a lawyer or notary rather than rely on general guidance.
Does requesting guidance commit me to anything?
No. Requesting guidance simply helps us understand your contract or transaction question so we can point you to the most relevant explanations and resources. There is no obligation.
Practical resources to keep on hand
Alongside the guides, we build simple tools you can use at the moment of decision. They're designed to be printed, saved or worked through in a few minutes before you act.
- A pre-signature contract review checklist
- A glossary of common contract and transaction terms in plain English
- A dispute timeline template to organise what happened and when
- A questions-to-ask list for when you meet a lawyer or notary
- A quick reference on common contract clauses and what they really mean
Where we stand today
24/7support availability
10years of practice
8,200+clients served
Guides written to be read, not decoded
Each guide takes a single question and answers it end to end: what the rules mean in practice, what usually happens, and what you can reasonably do. Start with the basics of how contracts work, learn how to review one before you sign, and read our step-by-step walkthroughs on handling a business dispute, understanding transaction support and responding to a breach. When the stakes rise, our guide on seeking professional legal advice helps you decide whether it's time to call in an expert.
How contracts work: the basics explained
Understand what makes a contract valid, common terms and what to check before signing, in clear everyday language.
How to review a contract before you sign
A practical checklist for reading and reviewing a contract, spotting risky clauses and knowing what questions to ask.
Handling a business dispute step by step
Learn how business disputes typically unfold, your options for resolution and how to prepare before escalating.
Transaction support: what it covers
Understand what transaction support involves, from due diligence to closing, and how it protects buyers and sellers.
Breach of contract: what you can do
What counts as a breach of contract and the practical options available when the other side does not deliver.
When to seek professional legal advice
Signs that a legal matter needs professional advice, and how to prepare so your first consultation is productive.
Who we work with
Orbary
Trevide Partners
Gravstead Studio
Corium Consulting
Fenex
Silcrest Partners
a gives private individuals and small business owners in France plain-language guidance on the contracts they sign, the disagreements they face and the transactions they enter into.
Get clear guidance on your contract or transaction
Tell us what you're dealing with and we'll help you understand the situation and the sensible next steps in plain language.