Am I allowed to get divorced in Denmark?
Yes — if you agree, you can get a direct divorce immediately. Since the 2019 reform, spouses who agree can get a direct divorce without separation first, via the Family Law House. The former 3-month reflection period for couples with children under 18 was abolished in 2020 — it is still quoted everywhere, but it no longer exists; agreeing parents are divorced immediately. It costs 875 kr in 2026 to apply, and the application is not processed until the fee is paid. If one spouse refuses, 6 months of separation is required first. A direct divorce without agreement is also possible if you have not lived together for at least 2 years, or in cases of adultery, bigamy or violence.
📋 The rules
- If you agree: direct divorce immediately
- Done via the Family Law House
- The reflection period for parents was abolished in 2020
- It costs 875 kr in 2026
- If one refuses: 6 months of separation
🔓 Exceptions
- A direct divorce without agreement is possible after at least 2 years apart
- Adultery, bigamy or violence can give a direct divorce
- A short digital course is offered to parents with common children under 18
⚠️ Penalties & fines
There is no penalty attached to getting divorced — it is an administrative process, not a case with sanctions. The consequence lies in the fee: the application is not processed until the 875 kr is paid, so an unpaid application moves you no closer to a divorce, however much you agree. What actually costs is disagreement. If one spouse refuses, you must go through 6 months of separation first, unless there are grounds for a direct divorce. And the widely repeated 3-month reflection period for parents is out of date — it was abolished in 2020.
📎 Official sources
- Family Law House · Divorce →
- Guidance on separation and divorce · Retsinformation →
- Borger.dk · Divorce →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I get divorced in Denmark?
Yes. If you agree, you can get a direct divorce immediately via the Family Law House, with no separation first. That has been possible since the 2019 reform, and it applies even if you have children under 18.
Is there a reflection period?
No. The 3-month reflection period for couples with children under 18 was abolished in 2020, so agreeing parents are divorced immediately. A short digital course is still offered, but it is not a waiting time.
What does a divorce cost?
It costs 875 kr in 2026 to apply for divorce via the Family Law House. The fee must be paid for the application to be processed — there is no penalty, but an unpaid application goes nowhere.
What if one spouse refuses?
Then 6 months of separation is required first, unless there are grounds for a direct divorce. Those grounds can be that you have not lived together for at least 2 years, or adultery, bigamy or violence.
Can I divorce without agreement?
Yes. If you have not lived together for at least 2 years, or there is adultery, bigamy or violence involved, you can be divorced directly without the other spouse consenting. Otherwise the route is 6 months of separation.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “can I get divorced denmark”
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- “6 months separation”
- “family law house divorce”