If you no longer want to be with your partner, you file for divorce or a termination of your registered partnership. In either case, you arrange this through a lawyer.

For more information, also visit the website of the central government | divorce.

Divorce can be done in 3 ways

If you are married, there are 3 ways you can divorce your partner:

  • In a divorce, the marriage is terminated. By law, this breaks all ties between you and your ex-partner.
  • In a legal separation, you are separated but remain married under the law. The rights and obligations of the marriage continue to apply. A legal separation can be a solution if your religion does not allow you to divorce. Or if you do not want a divorce for financial reasons.
  • After a legal separation of at least three years, you can have your marriage dissolved. Your marriage is then permanently terminated. By law, this breaks all ties between you and your ex-partner.

End of registered partnership

You terminate your registered partnership through the court in the following cases:

  • One of the partners wants to end the registered partnership.
  • You have minor children.

If you and your partner are in agreement and you have no minor children, you do not have to go through the courts.

Changing last name

If you are (were) married or registered partner you can choose to use your last name:

  • only your own name
  • just your partner's name
  • your partner's name followed by your own name
  • your own name followed by your partner's name

The municipality where you live can change this for you.

Note! This is not the same as changing your last name. Are you having your last name officially changed? Then the last name you received at birth, recognition or adoption will change.

For more information, see the product: Change Use Surname.

What to do

  • Choose a lawyer. If you are filing for divorce together with your partner, one lawyer is enough. If you do not file for divorce together or if you and your partner disagree, you will both choose your own lawyer.
  • Your lawyer files for divorce with the court with a petition. Your lawyer will draft this petition with you.
  • You can ask for a side provision in the petition. This is an agreement related to the divorce. For example, about access to the children.
  • If only you file for divorce, your partner will receive a copy of your petition.
  • Your partner can object to the divorce. This is called "objecting.
  • If the judge has made a ruling, you will be sent that decision through your attorney. This is called an order. Within 6 months after this decision has become final* or after the file is complete, have your lawyer register this decision with the municipality where you were married. Only then are you legally separated. This also applies to a dissolution of marriage after a legal separation. 
  • A legal separation is final if the order is entered in the matrimonial property register within 6 months after it becomes final*. To do so, contact the registry office of the court.

* A ruling has "res judicata" if it can no longer be appealed.

Ending registered partnership without a judge

  • Choose a lawyer or notary public.
  • At the lawyer or notary, you and your partner make an agreement. The agreement states that you want to end the registered partnership. You will also make agreements about, for example, spousal support and pension.
  • Have your lawyer or notary register the agreement with the municipality where your partnership is registered within 3 months. Only then are you separated before the law.

Ending registered partnership through the courts

This is done in the same way as a divorce.

Make an appointment

At this time, you cannot make an online appointment to register your divorce. Please call 14 079. 

Change or cancel appointment?

Once you have made an appointment you will receive a confirmation email. This e-mail also contains a link that allows you to change or cancel your appointment yourself.

Do you no longer have the e-mail? Then call 14 079. A staff member can change or cancel the appointment for you.

Cost

A divorce costs money. You have to pay for a lawyer and for the court ruling (court fees). Do you not have enough money for this? Maybe you are entitled to legal aid. This is also called an addition. For more information, visit the government website | divorce.

If you are divorced, registering the divorce with the municipality is free.

How long will it take?

The judge makes a ruling several weeks after the hearing. How many weeks depends on the course of the case. The judge will let you know at the end of the hearing approximately how many weeks you should count on.

The municipality enters the judge's ruling or declaration as soon as possible.

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