How long does a divorce take in Germany?

If both of you live in Germany and you have only the divorce (no child custody, no financial claims), it usually takes between 4 and 6 months. If you argue about custody and visitation for your children, about child support and alimony, about your house and your retirement, it might easily take a few years.

How do I get divorced if I live overseas?

Filing for a divorce while living abroad often presents complex legal questions. First of all, you may need to abide by local law in order to get a divorce. If so, you should contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your area to obtain a list of local attorneys that can help you get the divorce process started.

Can a military spouse file for divorce in the US?

The divorce process for U.S. military spouses can be a bit trickier than civilian matters, as the U.S. military has its own codes and processes that govern divorce-related matters.

What happens if you file for divorce in a foreign country?

The United States court (the local state court) will have jurisdiction over the children and will issue its own custody orders. Finally, a foreign divorce decree may not be effective to divide property, such as retirement benefits, located in the United States.

Can a foreign court issue a custody order?

And, even if the foreign court issues orders that purport to deal with the custody of your minor children, a United States court is not required to honor such foreign custody orders. The United States court (the local state court) will have jurisdiction over the children and will issue its own custody orders.

How to get a divorce in the United States?

First of all, you may need to abide by local law in order to get a divorce. If so, you should contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your area to obtain a list of local attorneys that can help you get the divorce process started.

Can a German citizen file for divorce in Germany?

Any married spouse can file for divorce in Germany, as long as one spouse has a German residency or citizenship, even if you did not get married in Germany. Since 1977 the above-mentioned Schuldprinzip (guilt principle) has been replaced by the Zerrüttungsprinzip (break-up principle).

Can a military spouse file for divorce while living abroad?

This state retains the power to divide the military pension. Some things to consider when filing for divorce while living overseas include: Talk with a civilian attorney or the military legal assistance office if you own property overseas, such as a house.

How long can you stay in Germany after a divorce?

If you have been married for three years or more, however, you can renew your residence permit for a year after the divorce. After this period, you can apply for the right to reside in Germany independently.