Divorce in Croatia – Procedure, Costs and Duration

16/03/2026

Intro

Divorce is a legal procedure through which a marriage is officially dissolved by a court decision. In Croatia, divorce can be carried out either by mutual agreement between spouses or through court proceedings when the spouses cannot reach an agreement. In this guide we explain how to start a divorce, how long the procedure takes, and what the costs are.

When is Divorce Possible?

According to the Croatian Family Act, a marriage can be dissolved if:

marital relations have become seriously and permanently disrupted
at least one year has passed since the marital union ended
both spouses jointly request a divorce

The court determines whether the legal conditions for divorce are met.

Divorce by Mutual Agreement

The simplest way to get divorced is when spouses agree on all important matters.

This includes:

child custody
child support (alimony)
visitation and time spent with the children
division of property

If an agreement exists, the court procedure is usually faster and simpler.

How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take?

An uncontested divorce usually takes:

1 to 3 months, depending on the court and the documentation.

Divorce Through Court Proceedings

If spouses cannot reach an agreement, divorce is conducted through litigation before a court.

The court then decides on:

parental custody
child support
visitation arrangements
other rights and obligations

This procedure often involves:

hearing the parties
an opinion from the social welfare center
additional court hearings

How Long Does a Court Divorce Take?

Court divorce proceedings usually last:

6 months to 2 years, depending on the complexity of the case.

Mandatory Counseling Before Divorce

If spouses have minor children, they must undergo a mandatory counseling procedure before initiating divorce proceedings.

Mandatory Counseling at the Social Welfare Center

The purpose of counseling is to:

protect the best interests of the child
attempt reconciliation between spouses
reach an agreement on parental care

After counseling, a certificate is issued which is required to initiate court proceedings.

How Much Does Divorce Cost in Croatia?

The cost of divorce depends on the type of procedure.

Basic Court Costs

Court fees are usually approximately:

around EUR 50 – 100

Attorney Fees

If you hire an attorney, the cost depends on the complexity of the case.

In practice, legal fees may range from:

EUR 300 – 1500 or more

Uncontested divorces are generally significantly cheaper.

Division of Property After Divorce

Divorce does not automatically divide marital property.

Spouses may:

divide the property by agreement
initiate separate court proceedings for the division of marital assets

Marital property includes assets acquired during the marriage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce

Can a divorce be completed without appearing in court?

In uncontested cases it may be possible to minimize court appearances, but the court usually requires at least one hearing.

Who gets custody of the children?

The court decides in the best interests of the child. In practice, joint parental responsibility is often granted.

Can one spouse prevent the divorce?

No. If the court determines that marital relations are permanently disrupted, the divorce will be granted.

When Should You Contact an Attorney?

You should seek legal advice when:

there is a dispute over children
there is a dispute over property
the other spouse does not agree to the divorce
you want to protect your legal rights during the proceedings

Legal Assistance in Divorce Proceedings

Divorce proceedings can be emotionally and legally demanding. Professional legal assistance can help protect your rights and make the process more efficient.

If you need legal advice or representation in divorce proceedings, contact Law Office Bašović for professional legal assistance.

Do you have any more questions?

A representative from our office will get back to you as soon as possible.