Divorce by Mutual Consent in Bulgaria 

Divorce by mutual consent in Bulgaria is the most peaceful and efficient way to end a marriage.

More and more international clients choose Bulgaria as a preferred jurisdiction for this type of divorce, due to its speed, simplicity, and low cost compared to many Western European countries.

1. Why Bulgaria Is an Advantageous Place for Divorce

Bulgaria offers several clear legal and practical advantages for couples wishing to dissolve their marriage amicably:

• Fast court procedure – Most mutual consent divorces are completed within 1–2 months, often after a single court hearing.

• Low court and legal fees – Costs are significantly lower than in Western Europe or the UK.

• No minimum marriage duration – The previous 3-year marriage requirement has been abolished. Couples can divorce at any time.

• Simple documentation – The process requires only a joint application, identification documents, and a mutual agreement under Article 51 of the Family Code.

• International accessibility – Foreign citizens or mixed marriages (Bulgarian and foreign spouse) may file for divorce in Bulgaria if one spouse is a Bulgarian citizen or has habitual residence in the country.

These advantages make Bulgaria a practical jurisdiction for international couples seeking a legally recognized, fast, and affordable divorce.

2. Legal Basis – Bulgarian Family Code

Under Article 50 of the Bulgarian Family Code, divorce by mutual consent is granted when both spouses declare serious and unwavering mutual agreement that their marriage has irretrievably broken down.

• There is no requirement to prove fault or misconduct.

• The court does not designate a plaintiff or defendant.

• The only condition is that both parties voluntarily and personally confirm their consent before the court.

The process is regulated by both the Family Code and the Civil Procedure Code, ensuring transparency and legal security for both parties.

3. Step-by-Step Divorce Procedure

Step 1: Joint Application

Both spouses must jointly submit a written request to the competent District Court, based on the permanent address of one of them.
The request must include:

• A declaration of mutual consent to dissolve the marriage;

• Proof of payment of the state court fee;

• Personal signatures of both spouses.

Both parties must appear personally at the court hearing to confirm their will to divorce.

Step 2: Agreement Under Article 51 Family Code

Before the court grants a divorce, the spouses must sign an agreement settling all family and financial matters, including:

• Parental rights and child residence (if there are minor children);

• Visitation rights and child maintenance;

• Use of the family home;

• Spousal support (alimony), if applicable;

• Change or retention of family names after divorce;

• Division of marital property acquired during the marriage.

The agreement may also include the distribution of debts, loans, or financial obligations accumulated during the marriage.

Once approved, it becomes legally binding and is entered into the Registry Agency for property updates.

The Court Hearing

The court reviews the documents and schedules a single hearing.

Both spouses must attend and personally confirm their mutual consent.

During the hearing, the court verifies:

• The authenticity of the mutual consent;

• That the agreement respects the best interests of the children (with input from the Social Assistance Directorate, if necessary).

If one spouse does not appear or withdraws consent, the case is dismissed.

In such cases, the other spouse may later file for contested divorce.

Final court order 

Once the court finds all documents in order, it:

1. Declares the marriage dissolved, based on mutual consent; and

2. Approves the settlement agreement between the spouses.

The court’s decision is final and cannot be appealed.
Only issues related to child custody or maintenance may be modified later if circumstances change substantially.

Divorce for Foreigners and Mixed Marriages

Foreign citizens can obtain a valid Bulgarian divorce if:

• One spouse is a Bulgarian citizen, or

• One spouse has habitual residence in Bulgaria.

This makes Bulgaria an attractive venue for international couples living or owning property in Bulgaria, as the decision is legally recognized across the EU under Regulation (EU) 2019/1111 (Brussels II-ter).

Representation and Professional Assistance

Although the mutual consent procedure is relatively simple, legal assistance is strongly recommended.
An experienced Bulgarian divorce lawyer will:

• Draft the joint application and Article 51 agreement correctly;

• Ensure compliance with Bulgarian family and procedural law;

• Represent each spouse’s interests in financial and custody matters;

• Coordinate with the court, translators, and notary (for foreign documents).

Because the court’s decision cannot be appealed, both spouses should have independent legal counsel before signing any final agreement.

Choosing our law office……. 

Our law firm has extensive experience representing both Bulgarian and international clients in family law matters.
We assist with:

• Drafting bilingual (English–Bulgarian or German–Bulgarian) agreements;

• Preparing and translating all required documents;

• Representation before the competent District Court in Bulgaria;

• Coordination of property transfers and registry updates after divorce.

We provide transparent pricing, rapid communication, and full confidentiality throughout the process.

Key Benefits of Divorce in Bulgaria

Fast, Affordable, and Legally Secure

A divorce by mutual consent in Bulgaria offers an efficient, affordable, and legally sound solution for both Bulgarian citizens and foreigners.
It allows couples to end their marriage with dignity, minimal conflict, and full recognition under EU law.

For professional legal support in preparing your documents, representing you before the court, and protecting your interests throughout the process, contact Vladimirov & Partners – Bulgarian Divorce Lawyers.

Email: info@lawyer-bulgaria.bg
Phone: +359 897 90 43 91
Website: https://lawyer-bulgaria.co.uk/divorce-by-mutual-consent