How much does a divorce cost

01Court fee for a divorce

• divorce petition: €100,
• if the petition is filed electronically (via the electronic mailbox): €50.

The fee is paid by the spouse who files the petition. If the divorce petition is withdrawn after the first hearing, half of the fees paid are refunded.

02Proceedings concerning the children and maintenance

If you have minor children, the court in the divorce proceedings will also decide who will have custody of the children, contact with the other parent and maintenance. Proceedings concerning the care of minor children are exempt from court fees.

03Division of property (BSM)

Property is not dealt with in the divorce – it is settled by agreement or in separate court proceedings. The court fees there are:

• a claim for the settlement of joint matrimonial property: €100,
• for the settlement itself, if the proceedings end in a judgment: 3% of the value of the property being settled,
• if the proceedings end in a court settlement: 1%,
• always at least €100 and at most €25,000.

With a flat worth €300,000, the difference between a judgment (€9,000) and a court settlement (€3,000) is therefore as much as €6,000. An agreement reached out of court is not subject to any court fee.

04The lawyer's fee

The lawyer's fee is agreed individually – according to the complexity of the matter and the scope of the work, or under the lawyers' tariff (Decree No. 655/2004 Coll.). At the first consultation, I will inform you in detail about the expected financial and time costs, so that you know in advance what to expect.

05How to save on a divorce

1. Agree on the children – an agreement on custody, contact and maintenance shortens the proceedings considerably.
2. File the petition electronically – the court fee is halved.
3. Try mediation – a mediator will help you find an agreement without a lengthy dispute.
4. Settle the property by a court settlement – the fee is 1% instead of 3%.

06Frequently asked questions

How much is the court fee for a divorce?

The court fee for a divorce petition is €100. If the petition is filed electronically, the fee is halved – €50.

Who pays the court fee for a divorce?

The fee is paid by the spouse who files the divorce petition. If the petition is withdrawn after the first hearing, half of the fees paid are refunded.

Is there also a fee for arrangements concerning the children?

No. Proceedings concerning the court's care for minor children, including maintenance, are exempt from court fees.

How much does a court division of property cost?

The claim costs €100. For the division itself, 3% of the value of the property is payable if the court decides by judgment, or 1% if the proceedings end in a court settlement – at least €100 and at most €25,000.

How much does a lawyer cost in a divorce?

The lawyer's fee is agreed individually according to the complexity of the matter or under the lawyers' tariff. At the first consultation, I will let you know the expected costs in advance.