Can I get divorced quickly?
Yes — mutual consent is the fastest route. Divorce sits in articles 49–59 of the Family Code, with articles 50–51 governing divorce by mutual consent. No fault is proved and the reasons are not examined — which is exactly what makes it quick and far cheaper than a contested divorce, which can run for years. You file a joint petition with an agreement the court must approve. The agreement must settle the children's residence, parental rights, contact and maintenance, plus use of the family home, spousal maintenance and the surname. The procedure usually takes 1 to 2 months. The decision approving the agreement cannot be appealed.
📋 The rules
- Governed by art. 50–51 of the Family Code
- No fault is proved and the reasons are not examined
- You file an agreement that the court approves
- It must settle children, parental rights, maintenance and the home
- The court decision cannot be appealed
🔓 Exceptions
- Without agreement, the case goes down the contested (fault-based) route
- The court may refuse to approve an agreement that does not protect the children
- Where property is divided, an extra state fee is due
⚠️ Penalties & fines
This is about fees, not penalties. The filing fee is around BGN 25, and on approval of the agreement a final state fee of up to BGN 40 is due. If the agreement settles property, a further 2% of the value of each share is payable, and for agreed maintenance, 2% of three years of payments. If the court does not approve the agreement, the case continues down the ordinary route.
📎 Official sources
- lex.bg · Family Code (art. 50–51) →
- European e-Justice Portal · Divorce in Bulgaria →
- Trud i Pravo · The cost of divorce by mutual consent →
❓ Frequently asked
How long does a mutual-consent divorce take?
Usually 1 to 2 months, depending on the court's workload. It is the fastest route — a contested, fault-based divorce can run for years.
Do I have to prove fault?
No. In a mutual-consent divorce the court does not examine the reasons for the separation and does not establish fault against either spouse. That is exactly what makes it quick and much cheaper.
What must the agreement cover?
The children's residence, exercise of parental rights, contact and maintenance, plus use of the family home, spousal maintenance and the surname. If something essential is missing, the court will not approve it.
How much does it cost?
The filing fee is around BGN 25 and the final state fee on approval is up to BGN 40. Where property is divided a further 2% of the value of each share is due, and for agreed maintenance, 2% of three years of payments.
Can the decision be appealed?
No. The decision approving a mutual-consent divorce agreement is not subject to appeal. So the agreement needs to be thought through — once approved, changing it means going down the ordinary route.
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