Recognition of foreign decisions in matrimonial matters

• foreign decision in matrimonial matters Decision by which a marriage abroad has been declared null and void, annulled, divorced or by which the existence or non-existence of a marriage between the parties has been established. • Decision of a country which is not a member state of the European Union • or a Danish decision • or if the procedure was initiated before 1 March 2001 or before the accession of the Member State which took place at a later date • Nationality of at least one spouse does not correspond to the state by which the marriage was dissolved or there is dual nationality • Usual stay in Berlin • or neither of the spouses has their habitual residence in Germany, but a new marriage is to be contracted in Berlin • or there is no other jurisdiction, the judicial administration of the Land of Berlin is also responsible

• Application for recognition of foreign decisions in matrimonial matters (foreign divorces) The form can be filled out online, but must be signed with an original signature. • in writing or • in person during opening hours. • foreign decision Complete copy (original) or certified copy with res judicata notice (if issued) and reasons for decision • Marriage certificate of the dissolved marriage Image/ Photograph • Proof of citizenship e.g. by passport copies of the divorced spouses • Certificate of earnings/ the income of the applicant • Translations of the above foreign language documents directly from the foreign language into the German language, prepared by authorised or publicly appointed translators • Written power of attorney if the application is made by an authorised person

• Application for recognition of foreign decisions in matrimonial matters (foreign divorces) www.berlin.de/sen/justva/_assets/antrag-auf-anerkennung-eine

• 15,00 to 305,00 Euro The amount of the fee depends on the circumstances of the individual case. When setting the fee, the importance of the matter for the parties involved, the administrative effort and the economic circumstances of the applicant are to be taken into account in particular. The usual average fee is 160,00 Euro.

• Act on Proceedings in Family Matters and in Matters of Voluntary Jurisdiction (FamFG) § 7 www.gesetze-im-internet.de/famfg/__107.html

The duration of the procedure depends essentially on whether all the information required for the examination of the application is provided and the necessary documents are submitted in full. Only then can the final examination take place and the decision (after receipt of the fee) be issued. Delays may also occur due to transmission channels and payment transactions. Therefore, the procedure may take several weeks or even months (depending on the individual case).