How to divorce in Ukraine in 2026: Civil Registry, Diia, or court

Divorce in Ukraine does not always require court proceedings. If both spouses agree to end the marriage and have no shared minor children, they may apply to the Civil Registry Office (DRACS) or use the online service in Diia. If they have shared minor children or one spouse does not agree, the matter goes to court.

Start by identifying which route fits your circumstances. Property, child support, and parenting arrangements may require separate steps.

Choosing a route

• No shared minor children and both spouses agree: a joint application to DRACS or the Diia online service, if its requirements are met.
• Shared minor children: court proceedings, even if both spouses agree.
• One spouse disagrees or avoids the process: a claim in court.
• A property dispute: this does not by itself prevent a DRACS divorce when the administrative requirements are met. Property division may be handled separately.

These rules are set out in Articles 106–112 of Ukraine’s Family Code.

Divorce through the Civil Registry Office

Spouses who have no shared minor children and mutually agree to divorce may submit a joint application to DRACS. Registration takes place after one month from the application date, unless it is withdrawn. The marriage ends on the date of registration.

A property dispute does not remove the option to use this procedure. In specified circumstances, one spouse may submit an appropriately certified application on behalf of the other.

The online service in Diia

In September 2026, Diia announced the launch of an online divorce service for spouses without shared minor children. One spouse prepares the application and the other confirms it; the information is then sent to DRACS for processing. Diia describes a video call with a DRACS official, a digital record in the app, and delivery of a paper certificate within Ukraine. Check the app and Diia’s official announcement for current availability and requirements.

The service is not for couples with shared minor children. Both spouses must agree, and the documents and information required by Diia must be available. If the other spouse does not confirm the application, the applicant may still apply to court.

When there are shared minor children

The marriage must be dissolved by a court. If both spouses agree, they may submit a joint application and a written agreement on where the children will live, how the other parent will contribute to their support, and how they will participate in raising them. An agreement on child support must be notarized. The court checks that the spouses’ request reflects their genuine intention and does not violate the children’s rights.

If one spouse does not agree, the other may file a claim. The court assesses the circumstances and dissolves the marriage if continuing married life would conflict with the significant interests of a spouse or the children. A reconciliation period may be allowed where appropriate.

Arrangements for a child’s residence, contact, and support may need separate formal steps. It is not always necessary to combine every family dispute with the divorce request.

If a spouse objects or does not attend court

The other spouse’s consent is not a prerequisite for filing a claim. An objection or absence does not guarantee that the proceedings will stop. A court may consider a case in a participant’s absence when notice and other procedural requirements have been met. The specific procedure depends on the case record.

Property division and child support

Divorce, division of joint property, and child support are separate legal issues. They may be resolved by agreement or in court, but dividing a home or car is not a prerequisite to ending the marriage.

Child support can also be addressed separately. A child’s right to support does not depend on whether the parents are still married.

Court fee in 2026

In 2026, the court fee for an individual’s claim for divorce is UAH 1,331.20. Other claims may have separate fees. For property division, the fee depends on the claim value and statutory limits. Before paying, check the amount and payment details on the relevant court’s website.

Ukrainian Judiciary: court fees for 2026.

When does the marriage end?

For a DRACS divorce, the marriage ends on the registration date. For a court divorce, it ends when the court decision becomes legally effective. That final decision confirms the divorce; there is no need to divorce again at DRACS.

If one spouse lives abroad

Living abroad does not by itself make divorce impossible. The route depends on whether both spouses agree, whether they have shared minor children, access to Diia, participation in proceedings, and jurisdiction rules. In some cross-border cases, check how a Ukrainian court decision can be recognized or used in the other country.

Frequently asked questions

Can I divorce through Diia in 2026?

Diia announced the launch of the service for spouses without shared minor children. Check current availability and requirements in the app.

How long does a DRACS divorce take?

Registration takes place after one month from the application date, unless the application is withdrawn. Check the timeline shown during a Diia application.

Can I divorce without my spouse’s consent?

Yes. One spouse may file a divorce claim, which is considered by a court.

Can we use DRACS or Diia if we have a child together?

If the spouses have a shared minor child, the divorce must go through court.

Must we divide property or arrange child support at the same time?

No. These matters may be handled separately.

How much is the court fee for divorce in 2026?

The fee for an individual’s divorce claim is UAH 1,331.20. Other claims may have separate fees.

Summary

If you have no shared minor children and both agree, check whether you can apply to DRACS or use Diia. If you have shared minor children or one spouse disagrees, the route is through court. Consider property, support, and parenting arrangements separately, based on the circumstances.

If your situation involves children, assets, living abroad, or a dispute, Jurly Vysnovok can help organize the questions and identify what to check first.

This article is general information, not individual legal advice. Check current law and government service requirements before acting.