How do I get divorced in Czechia?
The smooth path is the agreed (uncontested) divorce — and since 1 January 2026 it's simpler still. Conditions: the marriage lasted at least 1 year, the spouses haven't lived as a couple for over 6 months, and they submit agreements on the children and property (plus housing/maintenance). The 2026 family-law reform abolished the court's inquiry into breakdown causes, and child arrangements can be joined with the divorce — one hearing is now the norm. The court fee for an agreed divorce is CZK 2,000. A contested divorce (no agreements) is slower: the court examines the breakdown and child matters, dragging months to years. Lawyers aren't mandatory, but are worth it for the agreements.
📋 The rules
- Agreed divorce: marriage ≥ 1 year, ≥ 6 months de facto separation
- Required agreements: child care, property, housing (and maintenance)
- From 1 Jan 2026: no breakdown inquiry; proceedings can be merged
- Fee: CZK 2,000 (agreed divorce)
- Reverting to a previous surname: free registry notification within 6 months
🔓 Exceptions
- Contested divorce: no agreements — the court decides children and breakdown, longer and costlier
- Hardship clause: divorce can exceptionally be denied if it would cause one spouse exceptionally serious harm
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Not a sanction area — but court-approved agreements are enforceable by bailiff; obstructing child contact can escalate to criminal liability.
📎 Official sources
- Justice portal · I want a divorce (CS) →
- LGLS · Family-law changes from 1 Jan 2026 (CS) →
- Česká spořitelna · Divorce cost and duration (CS) →
❓ Frequently asked
How long does an agreed divorce take?
With complete agreements typically a single hearing — weeks to a few months from filing, depending on the court.
What changed in 2026?
Courts no longer probe breakdown causes in agreed divorces, and custody proceedings can merge with the divorce — fewer hearings.
Do we need lawyers?
Not mandatory; legal review of the property agreements is money well spent.
What does it cost?
CZK 2,000 court fee for the agreed divorce, plus optional lawyer/notary fees for the agreements.
Can I take back my maiden name?
Yes — notify the registry within 6 months of the final judgment, free of charge.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “divorce czech republic process”
- “uncontested divorce czechia”
- “divorce prague foreigner”
- “czech divorce 2026 reform”
- “divorce fee czech”