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What is the definition of parental authority (autorité parentale)?
Model-written, not yet read by a native reader.
Correct answer: All the rights and duties of parents towards their minor child. Parental authority is all the rights and duties of parents towards their child under 18. Both parents have it, even if they are separated. They use it in the interest of the child.
Sources: Sheet “Exercice de l’autorité parentale (1/2)” (French), read on 21 October 2026. Answer written by Hexaciv from this source. Hexaciv is an independent preparation tool. It is not an official website, is not linked to any government body and does not give legal advice. The authoritative source is the Ministry of the Interior's, cited on this page.
The four choices and why
- ✗ The right of the father alone to decide for the childLe droit du père seul de décider pour l'enfant mineurBoth parents have the same rights and duties.
- ✗ The power of the school over the childLe pouvoir de l'école et des professeurs sur l'enfantParental authority is about the parents, not the school.
- ✗ The right to punish the child with violenceLe droit de punir l'enfant avec la violence si besoinParents use neither physical nor psychological violence.
- ✓ All the rights and duties of parents towards their minor childLes droits et les devoirs des parents envers leur enfant mineurCorrect answer. Parental authority is all the rights and duties of parents towards their child under 18. Both parents have it, even if they are separated. They use it in the interest of the child.
How it reads on exam day
The exam is in French, so this is the question you will see: « Quelle est la définition de l'autorité parentale ? ». Learn the English idea above and the French words in the options.
This question comes from the naturalisation version of the exam (Ministry list read on 14 October 2026). The Ministry's wording: “Quelle est la définition de l'autorité parentale ?”.
Where the Ministry explains it
Sheet “Exercice de l’autorité parentale (1/2)” (French).
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