Divorce Lawyer Bulgaria

One of the most common and straightforward questions asked by our clients is about the availability of legal support from a Divorce Lawyer Bulgaria

Every Bulgarian lawyer specialized in family and divorce legal procedures will carefully inform clients about the necessary documents, the relevant regulations, and the possible legal scenarios when initiating a divorce case in Bulgaria.

This includes explaining the procedural steps, the role of the court, the financial implications, and the rights of both spouses.

Understanding the law and preparing the right documentation is essential for achieving a favorable outcome.

Proper legal representation ensures that all deadlines are observed, that the evidence is presented in the correct legal form, and that the interests of the client are fully protected before the court.

Under Bulgarian Family Law and Council Regulation (EC) No 4/2009, parents are legally required to provide financial support to their children, ensuring proper living standards, education, and healthcare.

Marriage in Bulgaria may be terminated or suspended in defined circumstances, and an individual can apply for divorce either:

• By mutual consent (fast and less adversarial).

• Through civil litigation (contested divorce, requiring proof of irretrievable breakdown).

Types of Divorce in Bulgaria

• Divorce in Bulgaria and the Family Code

  Every divorce procedure is strictly regulated by the Bulgarian Family Code.

• The Family Code sets out the grounds, the procedure, and the consequences of divorce. Depending on the circumstances, divorce in Bulgaria can proceed in two main ways:

Divorce by Mutual Consent

• Both spouses must agree that the marriage is irretrievably broken.

• A joint petition is submitted to the court.

• The process is relatively quick and straightforward, often concluded within one hearing.

• The court will approve the divorce only if an agreement is presented covering child custody, child support, use of the family home, and property arrangements.

Contested Divorce 

• Initiated by one spouse when the other does not consent to divorce.
• The court must establish that the marriage has broken down irretrievably.
• Evidence such as witness testimony, documents, and expert reports may be required.
• The court decides on child custody, support, and property division if the parties cannot reach an agreement.

Legal Grounds for Divorce

Under Bulgarian law, Article 49 of the Family Code states that a marriage may be dissolved when it is “deeply and irreparably disrupted.”

Unlike some jurisdictions, Bulgaria does not require a minimum period of separation before filing for divorce.

Division of Property and Marital Assets

At the end of divorce proceedings, the conjugal community of property is terminated.

 These assets include:

• Real estate and family homes

• Bank accounts and savings

• Vehicles and movable property

• Couples can negotiate a property settlement agreement or request the court to decide.

Child Custody and Parental Rights

Child custody  determines:

• The child’s place of residence

• The parent responsible for upbringing and daily care

• The contact regime for the non-custodial parent

The Bulgarian courts always prioritize the best interests of the child

Child Maintenance (Alimony) in Bulgaria – Legal Guidance and Enforcement Across the EU

Child maintenance, also known as alimony, represents one of the key obligations following a divorce or separation.

Legal Framework and Determination of Child Maintenance

According to the Bulgarian Family Code, maintenance is determined by two main factors:

• The needs of the child, including daily living expenses, schooling, medical costs, and extracurricular activities.

• The financial means of the parent responsible for paying maintenance.

Courts assess both parents’ income, social status, and standard of living to determine a fair and proportionate amount.

Maintenance may be set either by mutual agreement, approved by the court, or by judicial order in the absence of agreement.

Cross-Border Enforcement within the EU

Thanks to Regulation (EC) No 4/2009, maintenance orders and agreements issued in Bulgaria are automatically recognized and enforceable across all EU member states without additional procedures.

This provides legal certainty and protects the child’s right to adequate support, even when parents reside in different countries.

Non-Payment and Legal Remedies

Failure to pay child maintenance can lead to:

• Enforcement actions by private or state bailiffs (ЧСИ/ДСИ).

• Freezing of bank accounts or property of the debtor parent.

• Criminal liability under Article 183 of the Bulgarian Criminal Code for persistent non-payment.

Timeframe for Divorce in Bulgaria

• Mutual consent divorce: 2–3 months.

• Contested divorce: 3–5 months

Why Choose Our Family & Divorce Lawyers in Bulgaria

• Over 15 years of expertise in Bulgarian and international family law.

• Experience with cases involving foreign citizens married to Bulgarians.

• Multilingual team offering services in English, German, Russian, and Romanian.

Legal Assistance and Representation

Our family lawyers prepare and negotiate child maintenance agreements fully compliant with Bulgarian and EU law.

We represent clients in court proceedings, enforcement actions, and cross-border recognition cases to ensure that children’s rights are protected and that maintenance payments are timely and fair.

📞 Call us: +359 897 90 43 91
📧 Email: info@lawyer-bulgaria.bg