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Year of Separation

A requirement for divorce.

A marriage is generally considered to have broken down only once the spouses have lived apart for one year. Only then can it usually be divorced. Living apart is also possible within the shared home if there is no longer a domestic community.

The relevant statutes

§ 1565 BGB

Are you affected? There is a detailed guide with step-by-step instructions:

The year of separation: why it must come before divorce

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Related terms

General explanation for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). Individual cases may differ: if in doubt, contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.