Divorce and family lawyer, with a focus on children
Divorce and disputes about children are hard, even when both sides agree. We explain your options and represent you so that decisions are clear and workable.
Romanian law offers several routes to divorce. Where both spouses agree and there are no minor children, divorce can be granted by the civil registrar or by a notary. A notary can also grant a divorce where there are children, if the spouses agree on every matter concerning them. Without agreement, the court decides, on grounds of fault, by consent, or after at least two years of separation.
As regards children, the rule is joint parental authority, and the court decides the child's residence, the contact schedule and the maintenance contribution in the child's best interests. We help you build a realistic proposal and support it with evidence: a social enquiry report, witnesses and proof of income and living conditions.
We also handle division of marital property, marital agreements, paternity, adoption and protection orders in domestic violence cases. For families with ties abroad, we check which law applies and which court has jurisdiction, and we can work with you in English. Where possible, we encourage negotiated solutions or mediation, which better protect the relationship between parents and children.
Divorce and family law services
- Divorce by agreement before a notary or civil registrar, as permitted by law
- Court divorce: by consent, on grounds of fault or after separation
- Child residence and the exercise of parental authority
- Contact schedules with the child and changes to them
- Child maintenance: setting, increasing, reducing and enforcing it
- Division of marital property, including real estate, businesses and loans
- Marital agreements and changes to the matrimonial property regime
- Protection orders and measures in domestic violence cases
- Establishing or disputing paternity
- Adoption and child protection procedures
- Travel abroad with the child and the other parent's consent
- Divorce and family disputes with an international element
Common situations where we can help
- You want an amicable divorce and need to know whether you can go to a notary or must go to court.
- The other parent is not respecting the contact schedule or refuses to let you see your child.
- Maintenance set a few years ago no longer reflects the parent's income or the child's needs.
- Your spouse refuses to divide the house and the loan taken out during the marriage.
- You are a victim of domestic violence and urgently need protection.
- One spouse lives abroad and you do not know in which country to file for divorce.
How we work
Confidential discussion
We listen to your family's situation, giving priority to the children and to safety, and explain the legal options available.
Choosing the route
We recommend the right route: agreement before a notary, mediation or court proceedings, depending on how far you agree and what property is involved.
Preparing the file
We draft the agreements or the divorce petition and gather the documents and evidence on children, income and marital property.
Representation and enforcement
We represent you in court and, after judgment, help you enforce it, including where the other parent does not comply.
Frequently asked questions
Can we divorce before a notary if we have minor children?
Yes, provided both spouses agree to divorce and agree on everything concerning the children: surname, parental authority, the child's residence, the contact schedule and maintenance. If you disagree on any of these points, the divorce must go to court. Divorce before the civil registrar is only possible where there are no minor children.
How much is child maintenance?
Maintenance is set according to the child's needs and the paying parent's means. The Civil Code sets maximum limits: up to one quarter of net monthly income for one child, one third for two children and one half for three or more. The amount can later be changed if the parent's income or the child's needs change.
How is a house bought during the marriage divided?
Under the default community property regime, assets acquired during the marriage are in principle joint, whoever's name they are registered in. On division, each spouse's share is set according to their contribution, and the property may be awarded to one spouse, who pays the other compensation, or it may be sold. Joint loans and debts are also taken into account.
What is a protection order?
It is a court measure to protect a victim of domestic violence. The aggressor may be ordered, for example, to leave the home temporarily, keep a minimum distance or not contact the victim. In urgent situations, the police can issue a provisional protection order. We help you draft the application and gather the evidence needed.
Other practice areas
Do you need a lawyer?
Tell us briefly about your situation. We will tell you honestly what can be done and what the next steps are, anywhere in Romania.
