Helping English-speaking people feel at home in France
Whether you've received an official letter you don't understand, need help completing forms, are buying or selling a property, or simply don't know who to contact, it can be reassuring to have someone on your side who understands both the French system and the language.
That's where I can help.
My name is Valérie Patard, although most of my clients simply call me Val.
I was born in France and have lived in the Vendée for many years. Since 2006, I have been helping English-speaking clients throughout France deal with everyday administration, official paperwork, healthcare, taxation, property matters and much more.
Over the years, I have worked with hundreds of individuals and families—many of whom return to me year after year whenever they need help navigating French bureaucracy.
For many of my clients, I'm the person they call when something arrives in the post that they don't understand.
More than just translation
Although Val Assist began as a translation service, I quickly realised that what people really needed wasn't simply someone to translate words.
They needed someone who could explain how the French system works, speak to organisations on their behalf, attend appointments, complete paperwork correctly and help find practical solutions.
Today, that's exactly what I do.
I act as the link between my clients and French organisations, helping communication flow smoothly and taking away much of the stress that can come from dealing with administration in another language.
Who I help
Most of my clients are:
- Retired couples who have made France their permanent home.
- Owners of holiday homes in France.
- Families buying or selling French property.
- People relocating to France.
- Individuals dealing with healthcare or tax administration.
- Families managing French paperwork after the loss of a loved one.
- Anyone who simply needs someone they can trust to help with French administration.
No matter where you live in France, I can usually assist remotely by telephone, email or video call, meaning there's often no need to travel.
Experience you can rely on
Before creating Val Assist, I spent many years working alongside estate agents, notaires and British property buyers in the Vendée.
This gave me invaluable experience in property transactions, legal documents and communicating between French professionals and English-speaking clients.
Over the past twenty years, my knowledge has naturally expanded to include many other areas of French administration, allowing me to support clients through a wide range of situations.
Every case is different, and every client receives personal attention.
A personal service
I know that contacting someone for help often means you're already feeling worried or frustrated.
Perhaps you've been trying to resolve an issue for weeks, you've received conflicting information, or you simply don't know where to begin.
My aim is to make things easier.
I'll explain things in plain English, tell you what your options are, and work with you to find the best way forward.
Many of my clients tell me that having someone they trust to guide them through the process gives them enormous peace of mind.
You're not just another client
Val Assist has always been built on personal recommendations.
Many of the people I work with have been clients for years and continue to contact me whenever they need help with French administration.
That trust means everything to me.
Whether you need help with a single form or ongoing support throughout the year, I'll always do my best to make the process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
I look forward to helping you.
Valérie ("Val") Patard
Founder, Val Assist
Please note: I provide administrative assistance, translation and communication support. I am not a solicitor, accountant or tax adviser, and where specialist legal or tax advice is required I will always recommend consulting the appropriate qualified professional.
