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Divorce in Münster

What you need to know about divorce

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

✓ Du bist in 4 Minuten fertig

Step 1

Observe separation year

Before divorce, at least one year of separation is required. Separation can also occur within the shared home.

⏰ At least 1 year separation💰 0 €
💡 Tips
  • Document separation of bed and board
  • Make separate household management demonstrable
  • In hardship cases: divorce without separation year possible
  • Record separation date in writing
Separation year info↗
Step 2

Hire a lawyer

A lawyer is required for divorce. For amicable divorce, one lawyer for both is sufficient.

💰 Ab ca. 1.000 € (je nach Streitwert)
💡 Tips
  • Lawyer mandatory at family court
  • Amicable divorce: one lawyer sufficient
  • Contested divorce: each needs own lawyer
  • Legal aid possible with low income
Find a lawyer↗
Step 3

File divorce petition

The divorce petition is filed through the lawyer at the family court.

💰 Gerichtskosten: 254 € - 1.648 € (je nach Streitwert)
💡 Tips
  • Münster District Court – Family Court responsible
  • Address: Gerichtsstraße 2-4, 48149 Münster
  • Value in dispute determines costs
Münster District Court↗
Step 4

Change tax class

After divorce, both spouses must change their tax class.

⏰ Automatically from year after divorce💰 0 €
💡 Tips
  • Change from III/V or IV/IV to I
  • Single parents: Tax class II possible
  • Change via ELSTER or tax office
  • Mandatory from the year after divorce
ELSTER↗
Step 5

Name change (optional)

After divorce, you can take back your birth name.

💰 25 € (Erklärung beim Standesamt)
💡 Tips
  • Submit declaration at registry office
  • Registry office Münster: Heinrich-Brüning-Str. 7
  • New ID card: 37 €
  • Apply for new passport if name changes
Registry office Münster↗

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have time?
Mindestens 1 Jahr Trennung
What does it cost?
0 €, Ab ca. 1.000 € (je nach Streitwert), Gerichtskosten: 254 € - 1.648 € (je nach Streitwert), 0 €, 25 € (Erklärung beim Standesamt)
What happens if I miss the deadline?
Mögliche Bußgelder oder Verzögerungen

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