Divorcing in Belgium

Last activity 22 August 2019 by phipiemar

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DikshaModerator07 August 2019 05:52:15

4832

Hello everyone,

Reaching the decision to seek divorce can be hard. Filing the papers as an expat in Belgium can be as taxing since a good grasp of legislations is needed and the process can prove to be tedious.

Where and how do you apply for a divorce in Belgium? How long does it take for the process to be completed?

If the couple has children, which measures can be taken in order to protect their interests?

Which procedures should be completed so that the divorce is legally recognized in the country of origin?

How is divorce viewed in Belgium?

Being away from one's home country and loved ones, what advice do have for staying strong emotionally and mentally in this situation?

Thanks for sharing your experience.

Diksha

phipiemarVIP Member07 August 2019 08:52:28

4733

Hello,

Everything is clearly defined on the Belgian official sites as well as on the site of the notaries.
- https://justice.belgium.be/fr/themes_et … es/divorce
- https://www.notaire.be/divorce-separati … en-general
However, since English is not officially recognized by Belgium, you will have to translate the information or have an officially recognized interpreter.

Here are European sites that can help you. But all official documents will only be in one of the three languages recognized by the Belgian state.
- https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/f … dex_en.htm
- https://e-justice.europa.eu/content_div … p;member=1

MinikrisBanned12 August 2019 15:09:29

Moderated by Priscilla 5 years ago
Reason : offensive comment + ban

SimCityATExpert12 August 2019 17:53:02

11236

@Minikris

Your comment has been removed for offensive content.

Diksha is a member of staff at Expat.com HQ, each week she or another member of staff post such questions to keep the forums active.

neneokaiMember13 August 2019 18:45:15

Hi,thanks for sharing this pressing message on the block,but will like also to find out if you are married in your country of birth before moving to Belgium for more than 6 years now and both of you have now Belgium nationalities, can you divorce in Belgium or you have to go back to your county where you got married to divorce there?

thanks..

phipiemarVIP Member14 August 2019 10:23:26

4733

neneokai wrote:
Hi,thanks for sharing this pressing message on the block,but will like also to find out if you are married in your country of birth before moving to Belgium for more than 6 years now and both of you have now Belgium nationalities, can you divorce in Belgium or you have to go back to your county where you got married to divorce there?

thanks..

Hi,

In fact, you take the problem in the wrong way.

The Belgian state is content to officially enter the irremediable disunion between two married people. Whatever their nationalities and religions. After free to these people to transmit the information to the administration of the countries of origin.

The only parameters in which the Belgian state is uncompromising are the decisions concerning the well-being of children.

Now if you are married with a marriage contract with specific points of law, it will be the usual battle between lawyers. Only after the judge will rule.

neneokaiMember22 August 2019 05:33:43

Hi,so therefore we can divorce here in Belgium without going back to our birth country or where where we got married. Is that what you are saying?...
Thanks

phipiemarVIP Member22 August 2019 07:11:11

4733

neneokai wrote:
Hi,so therefore we can divorce here in Belgium without going back to our birth country or where where we got married. Is that what you are saying?...
Thanks

Hi,

Yes, you just have to give a copy of the official divorce document to your embassy.

However, because of the slowness of some adminsitrations whatever the country, during your next holidays in your region of origin, I advise you to deposit again the copy of your act of divorce. Just in case...

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