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Divorce in Düsseldorf

Legally arrange separation and divorce

Progress0 of 5 steps completed
5 Schritte · ca. 4 Minuten0%

✓ Du bist in 4 Minuten fertig

Step 1

Complete separation year

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Frist: At least 1 year (mutual) / 3 years (contested) · No divorce possible without separation year – except in hardship cases!

Before divorce you must live separately for at least 1 year. For contested divorce even 3 years. Separation can also occur within the shared home.

💡 Tips
  • Separation within the home possible: Separate bedrooms, no shared household
  • Document separation date (e.g. by letter to partner)
  • Divorce application can be filed 3-4 months before separation year ends
  • In hardship cases (violence, etc.) divorce without separation year is possible
Find counseling↗
Step 2

Hire a lawyer

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Frist: Before filing divorce application · Without a lawyer no divorce application can be filed at family court!

There is mandatory legal representation for divorce – at least one partner must have a lawyer. For mutual divorce, one shared lawyer is sufficient.

📄 Required Documents

💡 Tips
  • Bar Association Düsseldorf: rechtsanwaltskammer-duesseldorf.de
  • Mutual divorce: One lawyer for both saves costs
  • Low income: Apply for legal aid at district court
  • Legal aid (VKH) possible for financial hardship
Find lawyer↗
Step 3

File divorce application

The lawyer files the divorce application at the Düsseldorf family court. The court serves the application to the other partner after the court fee advance is paid.

⚠️The court only acts once the court fee advance is paid!
⏰ After separation year ends💰 Ab ca. 238 € Gerichtskosten (je nach Einkommen)

📄 Required Documents

💡 Tips
  • Family court Düsseldorf: District court, Werdener Str. 1, 40227 Düsseldorf
  • Tel.: 0211 8306-0 | Email: poststelle@ag-duesseldorf.nrw.de
  • Pension equalization is done automatically
  • Consequential matters (alimony, assets) can be negotiated together
District Court Düsseldorf↗
Step 4

Divorce hearing & judgment

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Frist: Set by court · Personal appearance is mandatory – otherwise the hearing fails!

The court sets a divorce hearing date. Both partners must appear in person. After the hearing, the court pronounces the divorce.

📄 Required Documents

💡 Tips
  • Both partners must appear in person
  • Mutual divorce: Short hearing (approx. 10-15 min)
  • Divorce becomes final after 1 month (if no appeal)
  • Düsseldorf Table applies nationwide for child support
Düsseldorf Table↗
Step 5

After divorce

After final divorce: Name change, change tax class, close joint accounts, adjust insurances.

⚠️Tax class changes automatically at next year change – check beforehand!
⏰ After divorce becomes final💰 22,80-37 € (Personalausweis), je nach Änderungen

📄 Required Documents

💡 Tips
  • Name change: Return to birth name possible
  • Registry office Düsseldorf for name change: Inselstraße 11
  • Tax class: Automatically to I after divorce
  • Revoke joint accounts and powers of attorney
Registry office Düsseldorf↗

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have time?
Mindestens 1 Jahr (einvernehmlich) / 3 Jahre (strittig)
What does it cost?
0 €, Ab ca. 700 € (je nach Verfahrenswert), Ab ca. 238 € Gerichtskosten (je nach Einkommen), Inkl. in Gerichtskosten, 22,80-37 € (Personalausweis), je nach Änderungen
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Ohne Trennungsjahr keine Scheidung möglich – außer in Härtefällen!

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