I am getting a divorce – what needs to be done?
5 tasks in suggested order
1. A marriage must be dissolved through court proceedings; prepare the details relating to the marriage and any ancillary matters that may need to be decided.
When you initiate the divorce.
The competent court.
Details of the marriage and the spouses, plus documents concerning children or other matters raised in the proceedings.
Only a court can dissolve the marriage.
Official source: e-justice.europa.eu
2. If you have a joint minor child, settle parental responsibility, the child's residence, contact arrangements and maintenance; if you cannot agree, the court will decide these issues.
When preparing the divorce and during the proceedings.
Between the parents and, where necessary, before the court.
Details of the child and the proposed agreement.
Even with joint parental responsibility, the child's place of residence must be specified.
Official source: e-justice.europa.eu
3. You do not have to divide joint property before the court can grant the divorce. If needed, deal separately with property and use-of-home issues.
Together with the divorce or in a separate procedure or agreement, depending on the situation.
By agreement or, where necessary, before the court.
Information about assets, loans and use of the home.
Division of property is not a condition for granting the divorce; the court decides ancillary issues only where an appropriate claim is made.
Official source: e-justice.europa.eu
4. If you want to use a different name after the divorce, make the required declaration on name use and then replace the affected documents.
After the divorce becomes final, if you want to change the name you use.
Civil registry administration and the authorities issuing the affected documents.
Final divorce decision and identity documents.
Divorce does not automatically change the name used during the marriage.
Official source: e-justice.europa.eu
5. If the divorce changes the household, the child’s actual residence or another fact relevant to benefits or tax, check whether the change must be reported for the affected benefit or tax matter.
After the change, where it is relevant to the particular benefit or tax matter.
With the relevant benefit-paying body or tax authority.
Documents proving the change and the identifiers for the specific case.
There is no single general reporting rule for all cases; the requirement depends on the particular benefit or tax matter.
