How long do I have time?

Mindestens 1 Jahr (einvernehmlich) / 3 Jahre (strittig)

0 €, 0 € (Vergleich kostenlos), 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!

Divorce in Düsseldorf 2026 – Process, costs & separation year

Step 1⏱ 2–5 Min

Complete separation year

🚨

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.

💡 Weitere Tipps

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↗

Opens the official city page in a new tab

⚖️ Compare legal protection ↗

Step 2⏱ 2–5 Min

🏠 Organise your new start

Separation often means a new home. Plan your move early – from the new apartment to utilities and re-registration at the residents' office.

⏰ After separation💰 0 € (Vergleich kostenlos)

💡 Weitere Tipps

🏠 Start looking for a new flat early
📋 Use the moving checklist
🔌 Transfer electricity & internet immediately
💰 Free & non-binding comparison

👉 Umzug jetzt planen ↗👉 Strom & Internet *

⏱ 2 Minuten💰 Kostenlos🔒 Unverbindlich

Step 3⏱ 5–10 Min

Hire a lawyer

🚨

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

Complete all required documents first

Marriage certificate(Required)

Original or certified copy – request new from registry office where you married (approx. €12)

ID card(Required)

Current valid ID – needed for identity verification

Income proof(Required)

💡 Weitere Tipps

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↗

Opens the official city page in a new tab

Step 4⏱ 5–10 Min

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

Complete all required documents first

Marriage certificate (certified)(Required)

Birth certificates of children(Optional)

If joint children

Proof of separation year(Required)

🏛️ Lokale Behördeninfo

•Family court Düsseldorf: District court, Werdener Str. 1, 40227 Düsseldorf

💡 Weitere Tipps

Tel.: 0211 8306-0 | Email: poststelle@ag-duesseldorf.nrw.de
Pension equalization is done automatically
Consequential matters (alimony, assets) can be negotiated together

⚖️ Fachanwalt finden ↗

Step 5⏱ 5–10 Min

Divorce hearing & judgment

🚨

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

Complete all required documents first

ID card(Required)

Current valid ID – needed for identity verification

Pension equalization forms (completed)(Required)

💡 Weitere Tipps

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↗

Opens the official city page in a new tab

Step 6⏱ 5–10 Min

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

Complete all required documents first

Final divorce decree(Required)

ID card(Required)

Current valid ID – needed for identity verification

💡 Weitere Tipps

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↗

Opens the official city page in a new tab

Divorce in Düsseldorf

Complete separation year

🏠 Organise your new start

Hire a lawyer

📄 Required Documents

File divorce application

📄 Required Documents

Divorce hearing & judgment

📄 Required Documents

After divorce

📄 Required Documents

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

📋What you should do next: