What does a divorce cost in Germany?

An amicable divorce in Germany typically costs between €1,500 and €4,000, depending on both partners' income and joint assets. A contested divorce can easily cost €5,000 to €15,000 or more, as two lawyers and potentially additional proceedings (custody, maintenance, equalization of gains) are involved.

How is the procedural value calculated in a divorce?

The procedural value is calculated as three times the combined monthly net income, plus 5% of joint assets. If pension equalization applies, 10% of the combined annual income per pension right is added. The minimum procedural value is €4,000.

Do I need a lawyer for an amicable divorce?

Yes, at least one lawyer is legally required. In an amicable divorce, one lawyer is sufficient to file the divorce petition. The other partner can agree to the petition without hiring their own lawyer, saving considerable costs.

How long does a divorce take?

An amicable divorce takes about 4-8 months after the separation year. The separation year is mandatory. A contested divorce can take 1-3 years, especially when custody, maintenance, or equalization of gains are disputed.

What is legal aid and am I eligible?

Legal aid (Verfahrenskostenhilfe/VKH) is state support for divorce proceedings costs. It's available to low-income individuals. Your disposable income after deducting allowances, maintenance obligations, and housing costs must be below €20. Costs are then covered by the state or repaid in installments.

How much more does a contested divorce cost?

In a contested divorce, attorney fees are doubled (two lawyers instead of one), and each additional proceeding (equalization, custody, maintenance, household goods, marital home) incurs its own court and attorney fees. Total costs are often 3-5 times higher than an amicable divorce.

What is pension equalization and how much does it cost?

Pension equalization divides the pension rights acquired during the marriage equally between spouses. It increases the procedural value and thus court and attorney costs. It can be excluded for marriages under 3 years or by notarial waiver.

Can I deduct divorce costs from taxes?

Since 2013, divorce costs generally cannot be claimed as extraordinary expenses for tax purposes. Exceptions only apply when divorce is existentially necessary (e.g., domestic violence). Attorney fees for related proceedings (equalization, maintenance) may be deductible as income-related expenses in some cases.

What is a divorce settlement agreement?

A divorce settlement agreement regulates the consequences of divorce (maintenance, equalization, custody, household goods) amicably before the court date. It's notarially certified and avoids expensive additional court proceedings. Notary costs are usually significantly lower than separate court proceedings.

How can I reduce divorce costs?

The most effective ways: 1) Amicable divorce with only one lawyer. 2) Divorce settlement agreement at the notary instead of separate court proceedings. 3) Mediation for disagreements. 4) Apply for legal aid if income is low. 5) Use online divorce services (same legal effect, but often cheaper lawyers).

Legal Aid for Divorce: Who Is Eligible? | Divorce Cost Calculator

What Is Legal Aid for Divorce?

Legal aid (Verfahrenskostenhilfe/VKH) is state coverage or subsidization of court proceeding costs. It enables people with low income to exercise their legal rights without being blocked by costs. For divorce, VKH covers both court fees and attorney fees.

Who Is Eligible?

Anyone who cannot afford the costs of proceedings, either fully, partially, or only in installments. The key factor is disposable income after deducting specific allowances: a basic allowance of approximately €598, €473 per dependent, and actual housing costs.

How to Calculate Your Eligibility

Take your monthly net income after separation. Subtract the basic allowance of €598. Subtract €473 per person you support. Subtract your monthly housing costs. If the result is €20 or less, you're likely eligible for full legal aid.

What's Covered?

With approved VKH, the state covers full court costs and attorney fees per the RVG. If installment payments are possible, VKH is granted conditionally: you repay costs in monthly installments over up to 48 months.