The Essentials at a Glance
- Every divorce goes through the family court; legal representation is mandatory.
- In an amicable divorce, only one spouse needs a lawyer – saving time and money.
- As a rule, a year of separation is required first.
- Costs follow fixed statutory rules – they are calculable, not arbitrary.
- Initial consultation confidential and without obligation, in English and German.
Your Biggest Worries
Most people are driven less by the procedure than by a few very human concerns. The uncertainty shrinks once you know what happens:
- Coming out financially worse. This fear almost always comes from not knowing the rules. We show you early what you are entitled to – on maintenance, the division of assets and the family home.
- The children. Custody, contact, everyday life. Here an amicable, de-escalating approach pays off. → Custody and contact
- The timing. We give you a realistic timeframe from the start.
- The cost. Calculable – we give you a concrete estimate up front, with no hidden items.
- Discretion. Your situation stays confidential. → Discreet divorce
Do I Need a Lawyer?
In Germany a divorce can only go through the family court, where legal representation is mandatory. The good news: in an amicable divorce, one lawyer is enough – the other spouse can consent without instructing their own, which noticeably reduces costs. If you disagree on maintenance, assets or the children, your own representation makes sense, as one lawyer may only ever represent one side.
A fork in the road
A gentle transition into your new future.
Your Confidential Consultation
Tell us about your situation in your own words. We listen, assess and show you your options – confidential, without obligation, with a single experienced point of contact at your side.
The Process in Five Steps
Year of separation
As a rule you must live apart for one year first – this can also apply within the same home.
Advice and strategy
We assess your situation and goals and set the approach – amicable or, where necessary, contested.
Divorce petition
We file the petition with the competent family court (in Munich, at the local court).
Proceedings & pension equalisation
The court automatically shares the pension entitlements; obtaining the providers' figures is usually the main time factor.
Decree and finality
At the non-public hearing the divorce is granted and becomes effective once final.
Duration and Costs
Duration: There is no fixed figure. An amicable divorce is often concluded within a few months after the separation year; contested cases take longer. The main time factor is usually the pension equalisation.
Costs: They are not arbitrary but based on the procedural value, derived chiefly from both spouses' incomes and rising with larger assets. From this follow court and lawyer's fees under the statutory tables. An amicable divorce is usually considerably cheaper. In the initial consultation we give you a concrete estimate – with no hidden items.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to wait the full year of separation?
As a rule yes; only in narrowly defined hardship cases is it possible sooner. Advice, however, can begin at any time.
Do both of us have to appear in court?
Both spouses are heard in person at the divorce hearing. It is usually short and not open to the public.
Do we need two lawyers?
No. In an amicable divorce one lawyer suffices; the other spouse simply consents.
Do you advise in English?
Yes – we support international clients in Munich in English and German.
Your next step
Tell us about your situation
We listen, make sense of it and show you your options — confidential and on equal terms. Your enquiry is free and without obligation.