Sweden Divorce Guide: Laws, Process & Costs
Everything you need to know about divorce in Sweden.10 in-depth guides covering your rights, costs, and options.
Legal System
Civil law
Divorce Type
No-fault
Waiting Period
6 months consideration period if children under 16 or one spouse objects
Average Cost
SEK 900 court fee (~€80); total SEK 5,000–100,000+
Property System
Giftorättsgods (marital property)
Residency
Habitual residence in Sweden
Divorce Law in Sweden: Overview
Sweden pioneered no-fault divorce in 1915 — over a century ago. The system is designed for simplicity and equality. Either spouse can divorce unilaterally with no reason needed. If both agree and there are no children under 16, divorce is immediate. If one objects or there are young children, there is a 6-month 'consideration period' after which divorce is automatically granted. Sweden has virtually no spousal alimony — the expectation is that both spouses are self-sufficient. All marital property (giftorättsgods) is split 50/50. The court fee is SEK 900 (~€80), making it one of the cheapest divorce processes in the world.
Key Legislation
Äktenskapsbalken (Marriage Code)
Comprehensive law covering marriage, divorce, and property.
Föräldrabalken (Parental Code)
Custody, contact, and child-related provisions.
Grounds for Divorce
- ●No grounds needed — either spouse can file unilaterally
- ●Sole requirement: one spouse wants a divorce
- ●6-month betänketid (consideration period) only if children under 16 or one spouse objects
How to Divorce in Sweden: Step-by-Step
File application
At the district court (tingsrätt). Can be joint or single application.
Immediate or consideration
Immediate if both agree and no children under 16. Otherwise 6-month wait.
Consideration period
6-12 months. Must reconfirm desire to divorce after 6 months.
Divorce decree
Dom issued automatically if reconfirmed. No hearing usually needed.
Recent Legal Reforms
Sweden introduced no-fault divorce — one of the first countries in the world.
Further liberalized: unilateral divorce with minimal waiting period.
Gender-neutral marriage law adopted (one of the first in Europe).
What Makes Sweden Divorce Unique
- →Pioneered no-fault divorce over 100 years ago
- →Court fee of only SEK 900 (~€80) — among the cheapest in the world
- →Virtually no spousal alimony — self-sufficiency expected
- →Automatic 50/50 property split with no discretion
- →Joint custody is the strong default — sole custody is rare
Sweden Divorce Statistics
~50% of marriages
Divorce rate
Immediate to 6 months
Average duration
SEK 900 (~€80)
Court fee
~95%
Joint custody after divorce
Sweden Divorce Guides
Sweden Property Division
How assets and debts are divided
Sweden Spousal Support
Maintenance and alimony
Sweden Child Custody
Custody and parenting arrangements
Sweden Divorce Process & Timeline
Steps and how long it takes
Sweden Divorce Costs
Fees, costs, and legal aid
Sweden Child Support
Financial support for children
Sweden Uncontested Divorce
When both spouses agree
Sweden Divorce Mediation
Alternative dispute resolution
Sweden Divorce & Taxes
Tax implications of divorce
Sweden Domestic Violence & Divorce
Safety and legal protections
Every situation is different
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Legal Disclaimer: This article covers Sweden 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 Sweden for advice specific to your situation.