Divorce is never easy – but once the decision is made, most couples want the process to be quick, predictable and as light as possible. In Hungary, divorce by mutual consent offers exactly that. Here is how it works, how long it takes and what it costs.
What does mutual consent mean?
The court dissolves a marriage if it has completely and irretrievably broken down. With mutual consent, this does not have to be proven: the spouses’ final and uninfluenced joint declaration is sufficient – provided they have also agreed on the so-called ancillary matters and the court approves their settlement.
What must the spouses agree on?
- parental custody of any minor children (joint or sole),
- the contact schedule between the child and the non-resident parent,
- the amount and payment of child support,
- the further use of the family home,
- and spousal maintenance, if claimed.
A rule that surprises many: the division of matrimonial property is not a mandatory element of a consensual divorce in Hungary. The financial settlement can be handled separately – by agreement or, if necessary, in separate proceedings – so the divorce itself is not held up by property questions.
How long does it take, and what does it cost?
With a well-prepared settlement, the court can approve the agreement and dissolve the marriage as early as the first hearing; the whole process typically takes a few months, depending mostly on the court’s schedule. The court fee for a divorce petition is a fixed statutory amount (currently 30,000 HUF), to which the attorney’s fee is added – for a consensual divorce, including the drafting of the settlement, this is substantially lower than in a contested case. One attorney may represent only one of the spouses; the other may accept the draft settlement with or without their own counsel.
International couples
If one spouse lives abroad or the marriage has an international element, questions of jurisdiction and applicable law arise under EU rules – where the proceedings can be brought often has real strategic significance. I advise international clients in English, and the entire preparation can be done by video call.
Questions about your own case?
I advise clients in English and Hungarian, in person in Győr and Mosonmagyaróvár or by video call from anywhere in the world. The 20,000 HUF consultation fee is fully credited against my fee if you retain me.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Fees, duties and thresholds are set by law and change from time to time; every case is different – please contact me about your specific situation.