1. Determine the type of divorce

In Ukraine, there are two main ways to dissolve a marriage:

Through the Civil Registry Office (РАЦС / DRACS)

You can use this simplified procedure if:

• both spouses agree to divorce
• there are no minor children

This is the fastest and simplest option.

Through the court

Required if:

• you have minor children
• one spouse does not agree
• one spouse avoids the process

This is the most common route for people abroad.

2. If you are abroad: your options

Option 1: Through a Ukrainian consulate

You can apply via a Ukrainian consulate in your country of residence.

Possible only if:

• both spouses agree
• no minor children

Process:

• submit a joint application
• wait 1 month (mandatory waiting period)
• receive divorce registration

Option 2: Through a representative (power of attorney)

This is the most practical option.

You can:

• issue a power of attorney to a lawyer or trusted person in Ukraine
• they will handle the entire process on your behalf

Power of attorney must be:

• notarized
• legalized or apostilled (depending on country)
• translated into Ukrainian

Option 3: File a court case remotely

You can initiate divorce proceedings without returning to Ukraine.

Steps:

1. Prepare a statement of claim
2. Send documents to a Ukrainian court
3. Participate:
   • via representative, or
   • sometimes online (video hearings, if available)

3. Required documents

Typical list:

• passport copy
• marriage certificate
• proof of residence (optional but useful)
• birth certificates of children (if applicable)
• power of attorney (if using a representative)

For court:

• statement of claim
• receipt of court fee payment

4. How long it takes

• Through registry office: ~1 month
• Through court:
  • simple case: 2–4 months
  • contested case: 4–8+ months

5. Important legal points

• Divorce is finalized only after:
  • registration in the state register, or
  • court decision enters into force
• Ukrainian courts can process divorce even if you live abroad
• Your physical presence is not required if you have a representative

6. After the divorce

You may need to:

• obtain a Ukrainian divorce certificate
• legalize/apostille the court decision for use abroad
• translate documents for local authorities

7. Practical tips

• Use a Ukrainian family lawyer if the case is complex
• Make sure names match exactly in all documents (important for foreign use)
• If your spouse is uncooperative, court is the only route

Summary

You do not need to return to Ukraine to get divorced. In most cases, the process is handled through a court with a power of attorney, especially if there are children or disagreements. If both spouses agree and have no children, the consulate route is much faster.