What you need to know when getting divorced in the Netherlands

If you want a divorce in the Netherlands you need a lawyer. Your lawyer will discuss with you what to arrange in your situation and how to do it. If you are not a Dutch citizen, you can ask for a lawyer who specialises in divorce and has knowledge of immigration law.

If you have a disagreement with your partner that makes it difficult to settle a divorce, you can also hire a mediator. A mediator is independent and helps you and your partner talk so you can find a solution to your divorce.

It costs money to get divorced. Namely, you have to pay the lawyer and perhaps the mediator. The amount depends on your income and savings.

There are two ways to find legal help:

1. You can look for a lawyer yourself. This also applies to a mediator.

2. The

Juridisch Lloket

If you want to divorce your partner who is not in the Netherlands but in Ukraine, ask a Ukrainian lawyer about divorce options in Ukraine.

After your divorce in Ukraine, you must officially notify the Netherlands that you are divorced. This works as follows:

1. Have your divorce document translated into Dutch, English, French or German. The translation must be performed by a sworn translator.

2. Have your divorce documents legally approved at the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They put a stamp on the translation. This is called an 'apostille'. You can have this done in Ukraine or online. If you have it done online, you get an 'elektronische stempel' (electronic stamp). 

3. Send an email with your translated divorce document to apostille@mfa.gov.ua. You can also call the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs if you have any questions: +380 442 531 596.

4. Report to the municipality where you live in the Netherlands that you are divorced. You will need the translated divorce document for this. The municipality will update this in the Dutch population register (BRP).