In Latvia, a divorce procedure can be initiated if spouses have not been living together for at least three years. Divorce falls under the Latvian Family Law in the Civil Code. Since Latvia became an EU member state, the Council Regulation (EC) No 2201/2003 allows for out-of-court divorce along with the traditional marriage dissolution in front of a judge. We invite you to read this article about the divorce procedure in Latvia and then discuss with our Latvian divorce lawyers for representation in case of separation.
Types of divorces in Latvia
There are several ways in which a couple can divorce in Latvia:
- Mutual consent – Both spouses agree on divorce. This is the amicable divorce that is done at the notary once custody, property, and child alimony are established.
- Contested divorce – It happens when one of the spouses does not agree with the divorce. The divorce process takes place in a court of law in Latvia, where the judge can decide on how custody and distribution of assets are done.
In most cases, a divorce at the notary is done quite quickly. Once all the documents are presented, the spouses can be declared divorced within a maximum of 30 days. As for divorce in the court of law, it can take much longer and can even extend over several years until all the details are established and the former spouses agree on them. Regardless of how you want to get divorced, we are here to help you with full legal assistance. Our divorce lawyers in Latvia can represent spouses in divorce proceedings and discuss custody and property division from the very beginning of the process.
In case of judicial divorce, the judge will rule for marriage dissolution in case the spouses have not been living together for the last three years. A judge may decide to offer the couple a reconciliation period that could take up to six months in the following cases:
- domestic violence;
- one or both spouses file for marriage dissolution after less than three years;
- one of the spouses has left the conjugal home, lives with another person, and has a child outside the marriage.
Division of common property in divorce cases in Latvia
According to the Act on Civil Procedure, Section 238, a divorce will be pronounced only after the spouses have agreed to the division of common property in Latvia. In case of not reaching an understanding, the Civil Code may be enforced, and the spouses will keep any assets and property acquired before getting married and any assets and property obtained separately while married. If a marriage contract has been signed, the property division will be made according to the contract stipulations.
Child custody and support in Latvia
In case of child custody, spouses must reach an agreement before the divorce is granted in Latvia. Usually, when it comes to the responsibility concerning minor children, the judge will grant joint custody to the former spouses, but the child or children will live with one of the parents, who will take care of the child or children’s daily needs. The law states that both parents are responsible for the children’s welfare.
Key notes on divorce in Latvia
Divorce by mutual consent in Latvia is an optimal choice for couples who want this process to proceed quickly and without hassle. In this situation, the terms of custody and distribution of personal assets are established from the very beginning. Here is some other useful information related to divorce in Latvia, according to applicable law:
- it is sufficient for spouses to prove that they have been separated for at least 3 years in order to file for divorce;
- a divorced woman in Latvia must wait 300 days to remarry.
- domestic violence or abandonment are solid grounds for one of the spouses to file for divorce in Latvia.
The Civil Code and Family Law in Latvia emphasize the protection of minors resulting from a marriage. In other words, divorce can only be concluded when custody is established, if it is proven that both parents will act in the best interest of the minors, and if alimony is established. The marriage dissolution in Latvia is concluded when the common property division is done through the court of law.
Statistics on divorce in Latvia
Here are some statistical data about divorce in Latvia:
- Latvia is among the countries with the highest divorce rate in Europe;
- the divorce rate per 1,000 inhabitants in Latvia in 2025 was around 2.8%;
- in Latvia, couples divorce after approximately 5-9 years of marriage.
You can contact our divorce lawyers in Latvia if you need details about the divorce procedures. Plus, we are at your disposal with assistance in immigration to Latvia. Our law firm in Latvia will help you with information about the divorce procedures, and it will represent you in front of the Latvian courts of justice.