Applying for divorce
If you are married and want a divorce, you must submit a petition for divorce to the district court. The same applies to the dissolution of your marriage after judicial separation.
Last updated on 12 August 2025
Drawing up a parenting plan
If you have children under the age of 18, you must firstly draw up a parenting plan. This contains the agreements you have made about the care and upbringing of your children. You can then start divorce proceedings.
Submitting a petition for divorce
You can submit your petition for divorce (in Dutch) to the district court. You will need a lawyer to do this.
Laws and regulations (in Dutch)
Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 1 (ontbinding van het huwelijk)
Wetboek van Burgerlijke Rechtsvordering