Long-distance divorce: how to divorce from abroad
Amid mass displacement caused by the war, the issue of long-distance divorce has become increasingly relevant for Ukrainians abroad. The Electronic Court system allows individuals to initiate divorce proceedings from anywhere in the world, in accordance with Ukrainian legislation. This article outlines the step-by-step process for those currently living outside Ukraine.
Legal Framework
According to Articles 104–117 of the Family Code of Ukraine, a marriage can be dissolved either through the Civil Registry Office (if both parties agree and there are no children) or through the court (in cases involving children, property disputes, or lack of mutual consent). Ukrainian courts have jurisdiction over such cases as long as at least one of the spouses is a Ukrainian citizen — regardless of their location.
Initial Steps in the Electronic Court System
Step 1: Create an account on the “Electronic Court” portal via:
- Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) — obtained through accredited certification centers (e.g., via the Diia app or authorized providers). Ukrainians abroad may register remotely through consulates or official legal entities.
- BankID — authorization through online banking (if you have a Ukrainian bank account).
Step 2: Log in via ID.GOV.UA, Ukraine’s unified electronic identification system. You can connect your QES or use the Diia mobile app.
More details on registration can be found on the PravoVsim platform.
Document Preparation
Required documents:
- Scanned copy of the applicant’s passport (photo and residence pages).
- Marriage certificate (if issued abroad, it must be translated into Ukrainian and apostilled).
- Birth certificates of any children (if applicable).
Optional documents:
Medical certificates (e.g., pregnancy), proof of residence, or other evidence of marital separation.
File requirements:
- PDF or JPEG format, minimum 300 dpi resolution.
- Each document must be uploaded as a separate file (up to 5 MB each).
Filing the Application
Step 1: Fill in the electronic form on the portal:
Include details of both spouses (even if both are abroad), reasons for divorce, and any relevant circumstances (children, property claims, etc.).
Step 2: Upload all documents in the “Attachments” section.
Step 3: Sign the application with your QES. The system will automatically verify it.
Step 4: Pay the court fee online — calculated at 0.8% of the base amount (1211.20 UAH x 0.8% = 968.96 UAH for 2025), using LiqPay, Portmone, or other online services.
More details on filing an application are available on the PravoVsim platform .
Court Proceedings
- Hearing schedule: Date and time are displayed in your online cabinet.
- Participation via video conference: Conducted through the ESITS module or Zoom (upon court approval). You’ll need a stable internet connection, webcam, and microphone.
- Receiving the court decision: A digital copy signed by the judge is uploaded to your cabinet within 5 days. A hard copy can be ordered via Diia with international delivery.
Special Cases
- No consent from the other spouse: The court may schedule additional hearings, call witnesses, or request expert evaluations.
- Division of international property: Requires notarized documents proving ownership and may depend on existing international agreements.
- Recognition of the Ukrainian court decision abroad: Once finalized, the ruling must be legalized via apostille or consular legalization.
The Electronic Court system significantly simplifies the divorce process for Ukrainians living abroad, helping avoid travel costs and paperwork delays.
To improve the outcome, users are encouraged to:
- Seek legal advice from a qualified lawyer.
- Regularly check their electronic cabinet for updates after submitting the application.
