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Recognition of a Divorce

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Stamp on divorce papers © picturedesk.com

Divorce proceedings do not necessarily have to be initiated in the state where the marriage was contracted. If one of the spouses is a German citizen, divorce proceedings can be initiated in Germany, but spouses can also divorce abroad. Applicants should check with the respective court and a family lawyer where to apply best for the divorce.

If the divorce is decreed by a foreign court, the divorce is not automatically valid in Germany. German citizens must have their divorce acknowledged by a German court. For further information, please consult the leaflet provided below.

Detailed information about international marriage and recognition of foreign divorce from the Website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (in German language)

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Scheidung: Merkblatt zur Anerkennung einer Scheidung / Information leaflet on recognition of an international dicorce (in German language)/ Brochure d’information sur la reconnaissance d’un divorce international (en allemand)

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Antrag auf Anerkennung einer ausländischen Scheidung / Application for Recognition of an International Divorce (in German language)/ Demande de reconnaissance d’un divorce international (en allemand)

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Book an appointment with the Consular Section

You always need an appointment for any type of service at a German foreign mission. Depeding on the mission, appointments can be booked online or by phone.