---
title: "Divorce by Mutual Consent in Bulgaria: Everything You Need to Know"
description: "Divorce by mutual consent in Bulgaria: quick, simple and without unnecessary stress. Learn how to settle every aspect of the separation properly and fairly."
url: "https://www.da-law.eu/en/insights/divorce-by-mutual-consent-everything-you-need-to-know"
lang: en
author: "Desislava Arsenova"
published: 2024-12-05
updated: 2026-07-29
category: "Civil Law"
---

# Divorce by Mutual Consent in Bulgaria: Everything You Need to Know

Author: Desislava Arsenova · Published: 5 December 2024 · Updated: 29 July 2026

*Divorce by mutual consent: quick, simple and without unnecessary stress. Learn how to settle every aspect of the separation properly and fairly.*

## Key points

- Both spouses file a joint application with the district court for the place of residence of one of them; no minimum duration of the marriage is required.
- An agreement on parental rights, maintenance, the family home and property is mandatory.
- The court approves the agreement if it protects the children's interests; the judgment takes effect immediately and cannot be appealed.
- The procedure usually takes one to three months and is faster and cheaper than a contested divorce.

Divorce by mutual consent is a procedure in which both spouses file a joint application with the court, stating their wish to dissolve the marriage. For it to proceed, they must first reach agreement on all the main issues arising from the separation.

## Basic Requirements

- **Consent of both spouses:** Both must agree to the dissolution of the marriage and state this in writing before the court.
- **Minimum duration of the marriage:** The law does not require the couple to have been married for any minimum period before applying for divorce by mutual consent.
- **An agreement between the spouses:** Before the documents are filed, the spouses must draw up an agreement settling all the key issues:
- The exercise of parental rights: who will care for the children and how contact with the other parent will take place.
- Child support: the amount and method of payment.
- Maintenance between the spouses (if necessary).
- Use of the family home: who will live in it after the divorce.
- Division of movable and immovable property (if applicable).

## The Procedure

- **Drafting the agreement:** The spouses' lawyers, or a single lawyer acting for both, draft an agreement settling all matters relating to the separation. This is a key step, as the court approves the divorce only if the agreement is clear and fair.
- **Filing the application:** The application for divorce by mutual consent, together with the agreement, is filed with the district court for the place of residence of one of the spouses.
- **Court hearing:** The court examines the application and checks whether:
- the spouses agree to the dissolution of the marriage;
- the agreement meets the legal requirements and protects the interests of any children.
- **Judgment:** If the court approves the agreement and is satisfied that the wish to divorce is freely given and mutual, it issues a judgment dissolving the marriage. The judgment takes effect immediately and is not subject to appeal.

Please note that, as a rule, both spouses must attend the hearing in person to confirm their consent.

## Advantages of Divorce by Mutual Consent

- **Speed:** The procedure is considerably shorter than contested divorce proceedings.
- **Less stress:** The absence of conflict and litigation makes the separation easier, especially where children are involved.
- **Lower costs:** It avoids the court and legal fees that a contested divorce would involve.
- **Preserving good relations:** It suits couples who want to remain on civil terms after the divorce.

Divorce by mutual consent is the least painful and most efficient way to end a marriage where both spouses have agreed on all important issues. It saves time and money and keeps relations between the parties on a good footing, which is particularly important where there are children.

If you need help drafting an agreement or representation in court, our [civil law](https://www.da-law.eu/en/services/civil-law) team is here to help.

## Legal basis

- [Family Code (Семеен кодекс): Arts. 50 and 51](https://lex.bg/laws/ldoc/2135637484)
- [Civil Procedure Code (Гражданско-процесуален кодекс): matrimonial proceedings](https://lex.bg/laws/ldoc/2135558368)

## Frequently asked questions

### How long does a divorce by mutual consent take?

Usually between one and three months, depending on the court's workload and how well the documents are prepared.

### Is a lawyer mandatory?

No, but it is advisable, so that the agreement is drafted correctly and protects your interests and those of your children.

### What happens if the court does not approve the agreement?

If the court considers it unfair or not in the children's interests, it will give the parties the opportunity to revise it.

### Do we have to attend court in person?

As a rule, yes. Both spouses must confirm their consent in person at the hearing.

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*The information on this website is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Every case has its specifics and requires an individual approach. For a professional opinion and a tailored strategy, please contact us.*

Source: https://www.da-law.eu/en/insights/divorce-by-mutual-consent-everything-you-need-to-know