Going through a divorce in Denmark as a foreigner or expat? Danish divorce law is straightforward in many respects, but navigating Familieretshuset (the Danish Family Law Agency), understanding your rights to remain in Denmark, and ensuring a fair division of assets requires expert guidance. At Globe Advokater, we help foreign nationals through every step of the process.
DIVORCE IN DENMARK
STEP 1
Free Case Assessment
We carry out a free assessment of your case and review the individual conditions. The assessment can be done in person, by email, by telephone or through an online meeting.
STEP 2
Sending an offer – Fixed Price
If we decide to proceed mutually with the process, we will send you a quotation for our consultancy, including the onuses of the consultancy. Our fee is fixed, which means that you know your cost in advance.
Step 3
Starting the case – With you all the way
We will assist you in completing the application correctly, as well as assisting you in providing the necessary documentation. We will handle all communication with the relevant authorities, and continuously follow up on your case.
Fees
Division of matrimonial assets upon divorce
Hourly rate of DKK 3,500 incl. VAT
- Consultation, guidance and legal advice
- Review of your assets and liabilities
- Settlement negotiations with your former spouse
- Representation before the Probate Court (Skifteretten)
- Representation in proceedings before the estate administrator
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Divorce by mutual agreement
From DKK 9,000 incl. VAT
- Consultation, guidance and legal advice
- Review of the terms of the divorce
- Assistance with completing the application to Familieretshuset
- Assistance with documentation (marriage certificate, separation order if applicable)
- Advice on division of assets and agreements on assumption of tenancy
- Ongoing follow-up until the divorce order has been granted
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Contested divorce
From DKK 12,500 incl. VAT
- Consultation, guidance and legal advice
- Representation during the terms negotiation at Familieretshuset
- Advice on spousal maintenance and claims relating to the division of assets
- Legal representation throughout the entire case, including any subsequent family court proceedings
- Ongoing follow-up and communication with Familieretshuset
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ℹ️ All fees are indicative. A fixed fee is agreed individually following a review of your case.
Who can file for divorce in Denmark?
Denmark has jurisdiction to handle your divorce case if:
- Your spouse (the respondent) is resident in Denmark, OR
- You have been resident in Denmark for the past two years, OR
- Both spouses are Danish citizens and neither objects to the Danish jurisdiction.
Foreign nationals living in Denmark can generally file for divorce on the same basis as Danish citizens.
Practical steps for filing
- File your application digitally via Familieretshuset's self-service portal (requires NemID / MitID).
- Pay the mandatory filing fee (amount set annually — check familieretshuset.dk).
- If you do not have a Danish personal identification number (CPR), you may be exempt from the digital filing requirement. Familieretshuset will advise on alternative submission methods.
Globe Advokater can handle all communication with Familieretshuset on your behalf.
Division of assets (bodeling)
Under Danish law, marital property (fælleseje) is split equally between spouses at the time of divorce. The cut-off date is the day your application is received by Familieretshuset. Separate property (særeje), established by a prenuptial agreement or inheritance, is not subject to division.
Your residency rights after divorce
If your residence permit in Denmark is based on family reunification with your now ex-spouse, the divorce may affect your right to remain in Denmark. We assess your specific situation and advise you on how to protect your residence status.
Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Denmark?
You are not legally required to hire a lawyer. However, if you and your spouse disagree on terms, or if your situation involves assets in multiple countries or residence permit concerns, legal advice is strongly recommended.
How long does a divorce take in Denmark?
An uncontested divorce where both spouses agree on all terms can often be concluded in a few weeks. Contested cases involving disputes over assets or alimony may take several months, particularly if the case is referred to the family court.
What is a 'vilkårsforhandling' (terms negotiation)?
If spouses disagree on the terms of a divorce, Familieretshuset convenes a vilkårsforhandling — a meeting where both spouses (or their lawyers) discuss and try to reach agreement on alimony, division of the rental property, etc. This meeting is mandatory in contested cases.
Over 20 years of practical experience in handling cases
Highly professional and customer centric. We are efficient and always on the client’s side
Fixed Prices. Credible. Transparent
At Globe Advokater, we make a difference for our clients
Confidence
As the client's trusted adviser, lawyers play a very special role in society. We help people in important, difficult, and sensitive situations. The rules and requirements in the field of immigration can be complicated to understand. Complex and incomprehensible rules require specialised legal advice.
Service
As a smaller law firm, we value offering our clients specialist knowledge, dignity, and availability. Our advice is based on the highest degree of professionalism. If you need to talk more, don't hesitate to contact us. We are available and it is non-binding and free to contact us.
Experience
We know immigration law both in detail and in depth. We have over 20 years of practical experience in handling immigration law cases. We have worked in all relevant offices in the Ministry of Immigration and Integration. This makes us one of the professionally strongest law firms within our field.
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