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Area 06
Local-law associations
In Alsace and Moselle, associations are not governed by the 1901 Act but by local law. Specific rules that offer real advantages, provided the articles of association are well drafted.
How I can help
- Preliminary advice: purpose, governance, members, resources, choices suited to your project.
- Drafting the articles of association: mandatory provisions of local law and tailored operating rules.
- Founding meeting: preparation, minutes, appointment of the board.
- Registration with the register of associations: preparing and filing the application with the judicial court (tribunal judiciaire).
- Life of the association: amendments to the articles, change of board, dissolution.
The association is governed by Articles 21 to 79-III of the Local Civil Code (Code civil local). It must have at least seven founding members and register with the register of associations of the judicial court in order to acquire legal personality.
Cultural and community associations
I assist in particular cultural, educational and mutual-aid associations set up by Russian-speaking and international communities in Alsace: the articles of association, the procedures and exchanges with the court can be prepared in English or Russian. The articles of association and all documents filed with the court are drawn up in French.
How the process works
- Discussing the projectPurpose, members, planned activities, funding.
- Draft articles of associationDrafting, then adjustments with the founders.
- Founding meetingAdoption of the articles, election of the board, minutes.
- RegistrationFiling the application with the register and follow-up until registration.
Frequently asked questions
How many members are needed to set up an association in Alsace?
At least seven founding members, who sign the articles of association. This is a major difference from the 1901 Act, which only requires two.
What is the difference from an association under the 1901 Act?
A local-law association is entered in the register of the judicial court, rather than declared to the prefecture. Once registered, it has broader legal capacity: in particular, it can receive donations and bequests and own real property.
What must the articles of association contain?
At a minimum, the purpose, name and registered office of the association, the conditions for members joining and leaving, membership fees, the composition of the board, and the rules for convening and holding the general meeting.
Can you assist us in Russian?
Yes. Our exchanges can take place in Russian or English; the articles of association and the documents filed with the court are drawn up in French.