Netherlands Divorce Guide: Laws, Process & Costs
Everything you need to know about divorce in Netherlands.10 in-depth guides covering your rights, costs, and options.
Legal System
Civil law
Divorce Type
No-fault (irretrievable breakdown)
Waiting Period
None
Average Cost
€1,000–€15,000+
Property System
Since 2018: limited community (beperkte gemeenschap)
Residency
Habitual residence in the Netherlands
Divorce Law in Netherlands: Overview
The Netherlands has one of Europe's fastest and simplest divorce systems. There is no waiting period, no separation requirement, and the sole ground is irretrievable breakdown — which is accepted at face value without proof. Since the 2018 reform, the default property regime changed from full community to limited community property (beperkte gemeenschap), meaning pre-marital assets and inheritances are automatically excluded. Partner alimony is now capped at 5 years (or 12 years for marriages over 15 years or with young children). A mandatory parenting plan is required for all divorcing parents.
Key Legislation
Burgerlijk Wetboek (Civil Code) Book 1
Marriage, divorce, property, and maintenance provisions.
Wet herziening partneralimentatie (2020)
Limited spousal alimony to maximum 5 years (exceptions for long marriages/young children).
Wet beperkte gemeenschap van goederen (2018)
Changed default property regime from full to limited community.
Grounds for Divorce
- ●Irretrievable breakdown (duurzame ontwrichting) — sole ground
- ●No proof required — statement by one spouse is sufficient
- ●No separation period needed
How to Divorce in Netherlands: Step-by-Step
File petition
Through a lawyer at the district court (rechtbank). Only one lawyer needed for mutual consent.
Parenting plan
Mandatory if children involved. Must cover residence, contact, costs, and decision-making.
Financial disclosure
Exchange financial information.
Court hearing
Often waived for mutual consent divorces. Judge reviews paperwork only.
Divorce decree
Beschikking issued. Must be registered in civil registry within 6 months.
Recent Legal Reforms
Partner alimony capped at 5 years (12 for marriages >15 years or children under 12).
Default property regime changed to limited community (pre-marital assets excluded).
Mandatory parenting plan introduced for divorcing parents.
What Makes Netherlands Divorce Unique
- →No waiting period — among the fastest in Europe
- →One lawyer can handle mutual consent divorce (unlike Germany where each spouse needs their own)
- →2018 reform created 'limited community' — pre-marital assets automatically excluded
- →Mandatory parenting plan is a model other countries are adopting
- →Partner alimony capped at 5 years (was unlimited before 2020)
Netherlands Divorce Statistics
~40% of marriages
Divorce rate
3-6 months
Average duration (mutual)
1-2 years
Average duration (contested)
~€314
Court fee
Netherlands Divorce Guides
Netherlands Property Division
How assets and debts are divided
Netherlands Spousal Support
Maintenance and alimony
Netherlands Child Custody
Custody and parenting arrangements
Netherlands Divorce Process & Timeline
Steps and how long it takes
Netherlands Divorce Costs
Fees, costs, and legal aid
Netherlands Child Support
Financial support for children
Netherlands Uncontested Divorce
When both spouses agree
Netherlands Divorce Mediation
Alternative dispute resolution
Netherlands Divorce & Taxes
Tax implications of divorce
Netherlands Domestic Violence & Divorce
Safety and legal protections
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Legal Disclaimer: This article covers Netherlands divorce law for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Always consult a qualified family law attorney or solicitor in Netherlands for advice specific to your situation.