Family and children
Legal help with divorce
A divorce may raise questions about the application, the waiting period, housing, finances, and children. Our lawyers help you understand your rights under Swedish law and handle the legal issues involved in your situation.
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How the divorce process works
A divorce application is submitted to the district court. If both spouses agree, they may apply jointly. If only one spouse wants a divorce, that spouse may submit an individual application.
The process generally includes the following steps:
- a joint or individual application is submitted to the district court
- the court determines whether a waiting period is required
- after any required waiting period, one or both spouses must ask the court to complete the divorce
- the court grants the divorce through a judgment
Both spouses do not have to agree. Either spouse has the right to end the marriage, although a waiting period applies when only one spouse wants the divorce.
When is a waiting period required?
The waiting period lasts at least six months and no more than twelve months. It applies if either spouse requests it, if only one spouse wants a divorce, or if either spouse permanently lives with and has custody of a child under the age of 16.
After at least six months, either spouse or both spouses together may ask the court to complete the divorce. If neither spouse makes this request within twelve months, the court closes the case and the marriage continues.
If the spouses have lived apart for at least two years, the court may grant a divorce without a waiting period in certain situations, even if only one spouse wants to divorce.
Finances, housing, and children
The divorce ends the marriage, but it does not automatically resolve every financial and practical issue. In most cases, the spouses must also divide their marital property.
Each spouse owns their own property during the marriage and is generally responsible for their own debts. During the property division, the value of the marital property included in the division is calculated and distributed between the spouses.
If you have children, you may also need to address custody, residence, parenting time, and child support. The child’s best interests determine these issues. If you disagree, the district court may consider them as part of the divorce proceedings.
How we can help you
The legal assistance you need depends on whether you agree and which issues remain unresolved. We help with the entire process or with specific parts of it.
Guidance before the divorce
We review your situation and explain how the divorce may affect your finances, housing, and family.
Applications and documents
We help you prepare the application, request completion after the waiting period, and handle other court documents.
Negotiations and agreements
We help you communicate about property division, housing, and other matters that need to be resolved.
Representation in a dispute
If you cannot agree, we represent you in negotiations and legal proceedings.
Get help with your divorce
Schedule a 15-minute meeting with a lawyer to review and discuss your situation.
If you need further assistance, we’ll explain your options, how we can assist you, and what it would cost. If you hire us for your case, the cost of the first 15 minutes will be deducted from your final bill.
Talk to a lawyer
15-minute legal consultation
A brief meeting for quick guidance. Get answers to your questions, understand your rights and options, and learn how to move forward.
Need more help? You can also schedule a longer meeting with a lawyer for assistance with a specific task or a more complex situation.
Concerned about the cost? In some cases, part of the cost may be covered by legal expenses insurance or legal aid. We also offer payment plans through Klarna. Learn more about costs and financing →
Get help from our lawyers
Meet with one of our lawyers when you need legal guidance or support before, during, or after a divorce.
Matilda Selander Persson
Lawyer
Matilda primarily works with employment law, business law, contract law, family law, and migration law. She speaks Swedish and English.
Wazima M. Aga
Lawyer
Wazima is deeply committed to protecting individual rights and practices immigration law, administrative law, social welfare law, family law, and contract law. She speaks Swedish, English, Persian, and Dari.
Aja Wadii
Lawyer
Aja specializes in migration law, family law, and criminal law. In addition to Swedish and English, Aja also speaks Arabic.
Nadja Hatem
Lawyer
Nadja works within family law – mainly custody disputes and international child abduction cases. She has also worked in criminal law. She speaks Swedish, English, and Arabic.
Anuta Sjunghamn
Lawyer
Anuta works in migration law – primarily handling asylum cases. She also assists with family law disputes and criminal cases. Anuta speaks Swedish, English and Persian.
Mirella Nunes Siqueira
Consulting lawyer
Mirella specializes in business law, financial family law, employment law, and consumer law. She speaks Swedish, English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Aleksandar Milic
Consulting lawyer
Aleksandar Milic specializes in business law and family law and also serves as legal counsel in LVU cases. He speaks Swedish, Serbian, Croatian, and Bosnian.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about divorce
Yes. You have the right to divorce even if your spouse objects. A waiting period of at least six months will normally apply.
A waiting period applies when only one spouse wants a divorce or when either spouse lives with and has custody of a child under the age of 16.
Spouses must complete a property division in most divorces. An exception may apply if all property is separate and neither spouse requests the right to take over the home or household property.
A divorce does not automatically change custody. If the parents cannot agree, the court may decide custody, residence, and parenting time based on the child’s best interests.
Let a lawyer contact you
Tell us briefly about your situation, and we’ll get back to you within one business day to schedule a video consultation.