Divorce in Slovakia

1. Filing for Divorce:

• Divorce proceedings in Slovakia can be initiated by either spouse or both spouses jointly.
• The application for divorce is submitted to the district court in the area where one of the spouses has permanent residence.

2. Grounds for Divorce:

• Divorce can be granted based on the breakdown of the marriage.
• Grounds for divorce include serious and persistent differences between spouses, making it impossible to continue the marital relationship.

3. Divorce Process:

• The court typically schedules a conciliation hearing with the spouses to explore the possibility of reconciliation.
• If reconciliation is not possible, the court proceeds with the divorce proceedings.
• The court examines the circumstances leading to the breakdown of the marriage and considers the well-being of any minor children involved.

4. Child Custody and Support:

• The court determines issues related to child custody, visitation rights, and child support.
• Decisions are made based on the best interests of the child.

5. Division of Property:

• The court addresses the division of marital property, taking into account the contributions of each spouse to the acquisition of assets during the marriage.

6. Alimony:

• The court may award alimony (spousal support) based on factors such as the financial needs of the spouse seeking support and the ability of the other spouse to provide it.

7. Finalizing the Divorce:

• Once all issues are resolved, the court issues a divorce decree.
• The divorce becomes final after the decree is registered in the Registry of Acts of Civil Status.

8. Marriage Certificate Update:

• After the divorce is finalized, individuals should update their documents, such as their ID card and passport, to reflect the changed marital status.

9. Legal Representation:

• While legal representation is not mandatory, spouses may choose to have legal representation during divorce proceedings.

10. Counseling Services:

• Counseling services may be available to assist spouses in coping with the emotional challenges of divorce and to explore alternatives to ending the marriage.

11. Legal Assistance:

• For legal assistance and advice related to divorce, individuals can seek guidance from legal professionals or the Slovak Bar Association.

Initiating Divorce Proceedings in Slovakia.

In the Slovak Republic, marriage can be legally terminated through divorce, a process typically commenced at the request of one of the spouses. The court, responsible for divorce proceedings, thoroughly investigates the reasons leading to a significant breakdown in the marital relationship and considers these factors in the divorce decision. Additionally, the court always takes into account the well-being and interests of any minor children involved.

The divorce petition can be submitted either in writing by mail or in-person to the locally and substantively competent court or through the e-Žaloby portal, where an electronic form titled “Petition to Initiate Proceedings” is available. This electronic form must be signed with the qualified electronic signature of the petitioner. Alternatively, if the petitioner opts for legal representation, an attorney can handle the submission during the divorce process.

The divorce petition should include:

1. Identification of the substantively and locally competent court, which is typically the district court where the spouses had their last common residence. If such a court is unavailable, the court in the accused spouse’s residence (not necessarily permanent) is considered, and if that is not available, the petitioner’s general court.
2. Identification of the parties – the petitioner (the spouse filing for divorce) and the respondent (the other spouse). This includes name, surname, date of birth, residence, citizenship, and occupation.
3. Description of the marriage history, including details on when and where it was solemnized, registration information, whether there are children, and the last common residence of the spouses. The reasons for the breakdown of the marriage must be precisely and clearly stated, supported by specific facts.
4. The petitioner’s requests or “petit,” outline what the petitioner seeks from the divorce, such as the dissolution of the marriage, arrangements for minor children, child support, and other relevant matters.
5. Date, place, and the petitioner’s handwritten signature.

In addition to general requirements, the divorce petition must include personal information about the participants or their representatives, such as name, surname, date of birth, and contact number. It should also identify evidence supporting the petitioner’s claims.

The divorce petition must be accompanied by the following attachments: marriage certificate (or a copy), birth certificates of children, documentary evidence (income, reasons for marriage breakdown, expenses related to minor children), and other supporting evidence, such as a request for witness testimonies.

According to the law on court fees, a fee of 66 euros is required for filing a divorce petition. If submitted electronically, the fee is reduced by half.

Practical tip:

Ensure that the paper divorce petition is presented with the necessary number of copies and attachments so that one copy remains with the court, and each participant receives one copy with attachments. Failure to provide the required copies and attachments may result in the court making copies at your expense.

It is essential to note that an agreement on the settlement of joint property ownership among former spouses is solely the decision of the parties involved and does not require court intervention unless they cannot reach an agreement. Such settlement can only occur after the divorce is legally finalized.

If more than three years have elapsed since the termination of the marriage, the statutory fiction of settlement applies. In the case of movable assets, these belong to the spouse who has been using them as an owner, while other movable and immovable assets are considered jointly owned in undivided co-ownership, with equal shares for both former spouses. This principle also applies reasonably to other shared property rights among the former spouses.