Q&A

⚖️ Checklist: Divorce in Germany

Process and documents for divorce in Germany. Separation year (1 year) is mandatory.

German terms
Scheidung Trennungsjahr Familiengericht Versorgungsausgleich Zugewinnausgleich Sorgerecht
Progress 0 / 9
Observe separation year (1 year mandatory) Required
Trennungsjahr
Living separately, possible even within the same apartment (separate households). Document the date!
Hire a lawyer (mandatory, at least 1 party) Required
Rechtsanwalt / Familienrecht
Only a lawyer can file the divorce petition. For amicable divorce, 1 lawyer is enough.
Divorce petition at family court Required
Scheidungsantrag / Familiengericht
Filed by the lawyer. Jurisdiction: family court where children or respondent lives.
Marriage certificate (original or certified copy) Required
Heiratsurkunde
Order original from Standesamt (~12€) if you don't have it.
Children's birth certificates Optional
Geburtsurkunden der Kinder
Only if there are joint children. Copies suffice for the application.
Income proof of both spouses Required
Einkommensnachweise
Last 3 payslips + last tax assessment. Relevant for alimony and legal aid.
Asset statement (property division) Required
Vermögensaufstellung / Zugewinnausgleich
Document assets at marriage AND at separation. Gains are split.
Pension equalization forms Required
Versorgungsausgleich
Court sends the forms. Pension entitlements are split. May be waived for short marriages (< 3 years).
Court and lawyer fees (min. 254€ court + lawyer) Required
Gerichtskosten / Verfahrenskostenhilfe (VKH)
Costs depend on income and assets. Legal aid (VKH) available for low income.

Other checklists

📋
Anmeldung Checklist (Address Registration)
Complete document list for registering your address at the Bürgeramt.
6 items
👶
Kindergeld Application Checklist
259€/month per child (from 2025). Apply at the Familienkasse.
8 items
🛂
Residence Permit Appointment Checklist
Appointment at the immigration office — renewal or issuance of a residence permit.
8 items
🏦
Bank Account Opening Checklist
Documents needed to open a German bank account — branch or online bank.
6 items