Content of this article:
- Divorce in Norway
- How apply for separation or divorce
- Consequences of divorce
Divorce is voluntary in Norway. In this article, we’ll look further into how you can get divorced in Norway, and what the consequences of a divorce are. This article is about the laws and regulations that apply to divorce in Norway for foreigners. There may be any number of alternatives or conditions that apply to the divorce process, depending on your situation. The article is based on current Norwegian law.
Divorce in Norway
If you do not want to be married anymore, you are required to apply for separation or divorce. Certain documents are required, and you are required to submit these, which may include proof of address, marriage certificate, and other relevant documentation. The application does not need to be justified and you do not need your spouse’s consent to divorce. There are also available services to help you with the application process. Do not forget to include all necessary documentation, as your application will not be processed without it.
If you, at the time of the divorce, live with your spouse, you are always required to apply for separation first. Only after one year of separation can you apply for divorce. These rules must always be followed, but there are exceptions.
Only in cases where you and your spouse, who have been living apart from each other for the past two years, can you apply directly for divorce. This applies to those who have lived separately for at least two years, and you are required to prove this with documentation, which may include rental contracts, utility bills, or other evidence. Also, if you have children, you must also meet certain requirements.
How to apply for separation or divorce
You have to apply for separation or divorce from the county governor’s office (Norwegian: “statsforvalteren”). You apply in the county you were living in during your marriage.
If you and your spouse have a common child under the age of 16, you are required to attend a “mediation” meeting. This meeting must be held at a family counseling office and the counselor issues a certificate of mediation. You must provide documentation of the child’s age and your parental relationship. It is also necessary to provide required information to the authorities, and correct and updated information is important to ensure proper processing of your application. You may receive support or guidance throughout the process, and there are various services available to assist with divorce and mediation. For more information, contact the relevant authorities or professional advisors.
Residency and citizenship after divorce
When going through a divorce from a Norwegian citizen, it is important to be aware of how this may affect your residence permit and your possibility of obtaining Norwegian citizenship. For foreign nationals who have lived in Norway on the basis of marriage, a divorce may lead to changes in residence status. In some cases, you may apply for Norwegian citizenship after having been married to a Norwegian citizen, but it is required that you have had a valid residence permit in Norway for a certain period of time. If you have children who are Norwegian citizens, this may also give you the right to apply for continued residence or citizenship.
It is important to note that Norwegian authorities always consider the best interests of the child in cases involving divorce and residence permits. This means that if you have children in common who are Norwegian citizens, this may influence the assessment of your case. For more information about the rules that apply to you, it is recommended to contact the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) or a lawyer experienced in family and immigration law. They can provide you with guidance tailored to your situation and help you understand parent responsibility and what rights and obligations you have after a divorce.
In some cases, you may also be entitled to financial support or other forms of assistance from Norwegian authorities after a divorce. To receive such support, you must meet certain requirements, such as income limits or specific life situations. It is always recommended to seek advice from a qualified lawyer or expert before making important decisions about your future in Norway after a divorce, so that you receive the help and information you need to secure your rights.
Consequences of divorce
If you changed your surname while being married, you will remain the surname after the divorce is approved. To change this, you have to apply for a name change from the Norwegian tax administration (Norwegian: “skatteetaten”).
When a divorce is approved, the spouses have to divide the fortune in the financial settlement. In the starting point, the fortune shall be divided after the principle of joint property. This starting point has some exceptions. At first, the spouses can make a prenuptial agreement. In such an agreement it can be agreed that the spouse will keep all or some of their fortune during the marriage. Second of all, the spouses may have the right to unequal partition. This right appears to fortune that clearly can be traced back to assets the spouse had before the marriage. If the Norwegian citizen owned a car before the marriage, he or she gets the car and its value at the financial settlement .
Many people are affected by the division of fortune in a financial settlement, as it can have major consequences for both adults and children. It may be wise to contact a law firm or company with experience in such matters to ensure that your rights are protected. Our lawyers have many years of experience with financial settlements after divorce, and in our company we offer advice based on our broad expertise in family and inheritance law. We work closely with our clients to ensure the best possible outcome in each individual case. Financial and legal matters have become more complex over time, and it is therefore important to seek professional assistance.
We offer 15 minutes of free case clarification for cases related to divorce. Contact us on or +47 23 68 85 58.
