F A Q

A free divorce is possible if you are eligible for subsidized social assistance. Whether this is the case depends on factors such as your family situation and income. The government funds legal assistance for your divorce.

Although divorce is free if you meet the requirements, child support can still be ordered for one of the partners. Whether this happens depends on income. A child cannot care for themselves. When calculating child support, we consider the income of both parents and apply a distribution formula. It is also important to know how many days per week the child spends with each parent separately, when the primary residence is with either the father or the mother. During our consultations, we will be happy to explain how the calculation is made.

Yes, if the non-custodial parent has sufficient financial means, child support must be paid. Often, separating couples, if there are two children, choose to register each child with one parent. This results in a higher child-related budget. We factor this into our calculation. Then, we consider the amount, if any, that one partner still owes the ex-partner in child support.

No, absolutely not. The law stipulates that there must be an equal upbringing. This means that each parent has the right to have contact with their children. An exception is when children are in mental and/or physical danger from the other parent.

In the event of a divorce, you must divide your pension. How this is done depends on your wishes. The “Equalization of Pension Rights After Divorce” Act states that if one partner has accrued sufficient pension, the other is entitled to half of the total accrued during the marriage. If this amount is approximately equal, it is often decided not to equalize the old-age pension, but rather the special partner’s pension. This means that if the ex-spouse does not reach retirement age, a portion of a widow’s/widower’s benefit is still released. The divorce settlement stipulates how the accrued pension will be divided.

The Samen Gratis Scheiden Foundation employs only lawyers and mediators registered as Mfn Mediators with the Legal Aid Board. These mediators are experienced in handling all the questions and issues that arise during divorce proceedings. They are trained to manage the emotions that arise during proceedings. Moreover, they can provide you with comprehensive legal advice. With us, you are assured of excellent guidance from a mediator and lawyer. There is no need to hire an additional lawyer.

Yes, that’s possible. We offer the option of an online divorce. In that case, we’ll only be in contact online, and the meetings will take place via video call. It’s not necessary to be in the same room together. Are you still willing to make amicable arrangements? The preference for an online divorce may also be for other reasons, such as travel distance or the time required for in-person meetings.

With a legal separation, the marriage remains in place, but you are separating. This type of separation is often requested for religious reasons. Legal separation is often a compromise. You want to live separately, but not officially divorce yet. If you want to live apart, you can do so during your marriage, as cohabitation is no longer legally required during marriage. You can only apply for this type of divorce if you are married (not in a registered partnership).

If you are willing to separate quickly and amicably, it is possible to divorce quickly. Expect an average of 3 to 5 weeks. In complicated divorce proceedings, a divorce can take years. These complex proceedings generally do not qualify for a free divorce.

In 99% of cases, both parents have parental responsibility. If one of you wants sole custody, you must be able to prove that the other is incapable of having parental responsibility for the children..

This depends, among other things, on the financial means and the wishes of the ex-partner. If both parties have roughly the same income, spousal support is generally not required. If one of you works part-time and the other has a much higher income from a full-time job, spousal support is often customary. We are happy to calculate this for you. The duration of spousal support depends on factors such as the duration of the marriage and your ages.

Yes, it can be completely free. This depends on whether you meet the requirements of the Legal Aid Board. They apply an income and asset test.

If, in the reference year, you had a combined income PER PERSON with minor children of less than the then-established amount, you meet the standard. Without minor children, the standard is different. Note: this concerns combined income, not gross income. There is also a means test. If you acquire assets (for example, from home equity) exceeding the then-established amount within two years of your divorce, you must pay the lawyer yourself. We know the current applicable amounts and can calculate this for you.

Yes, that’s certainly possible, but not with the Samen Gratis Scheiden Foundation. The Samen Gratis Scheiden Foundation works exclusively through mediation, so it benefits both parties.

On average four to six weeks.

The original birth and marriage certificates, a copy of your ID, a signed mediation agreement, and a list of your assets and debts.

After the court has issued a ruling, you will receive it from the foundation. You will also receive a deed of acceptance, which you must sign and return. The divorce will then be registered in the appropriate registry. From that moment on, you are officially divorced. You will receive this certificate from your lawyer.

If during mediation it becomes apparent that either party no longer wishes to cooperate, the mediator/lawyer is obligated to terminate the mediation and refer both parties to an attorney of their choice.

Should any problems arise during the mediation process, the mediator/lawyer can always schedule a further meeting. If the parties still cannot reach a solution, the mediator/lawyer will be obligated to refer the parties to their own legal counsel.