Marriage, divorce, children, alimony, property — when a family straddles Ukraine and Europe
Family law becomes many times more complex when family members live in different countries. A husband in Berlin, a wife in Odesa. A child studying in Prague, while the other parent remained in Kyiv. Shared property — an apartment in Ukraine and a car in Poland.
Which law applies? Which court has jurisdiction? How do you enforce child support against someone who lives in another country? How do you ensure a child cannot be taken abroad without your consent?
AO Zakhyst is the only law firm with offices both in Ukraine (over 50) and in six EU countries (Berlin, Prague, Kraków, Paris, Amsterdam, Helsinki). We handle your family case from both sides of the border simultaneously — one team, one lawyer, both jurisdictions.
Who we help
Couples who want to get married abroad
You live in Europe and want to officially marry in your country of residence. You need documents from Ukraine — a certificate of marital status, birth certificate. We obtain them without you having to travel to Ukraine.
Spouses living in different countries who want to divorce
He is in Germany, she is in Ukraine. Where to file for divorce? Which law applies to asset division? The answer determines who gets what.
Parents fighting for a child
One parent has taken the child abroad without the other's consent. Or both parents are abroad but cannot agree on where the child should live. International child disputes are one of the most complex categories of cases.
Those who want to enforce child support abroad
The child's father or mother lives in another country and does not pay child support. Cross-border enforcement of child support is possible — but requires knowledge of specific mechanisms.
Spouses with assets in two jurisdictions
An apartment in Ukraine, an account in Czech Republic, a business in Poland. Asset division on divorce when assets are in different countries always requires an individual strategy.
Those who want to conclude a prenuptial agreement
If you are married and living abroad, or planning to marry an EU citizen — a prenuptial agreement will protect your interests in both legal systems.
Divorce
Choice of jurisdiction
This is the first and most important question. The choice of jurisdiction determines: which law applies to asset division, how the child's place of residence is decided, what procedure is followed, and what level of child support applies. We analyse your situation and recommend the jurisdiction that best protects your interests.
Divorce in Ukraine (for those living in the EU)
We represent your interests in a Ukrainian court without your presence. We gather documents through our network of offices, file the application, attend hearings, obtain the decision, and have it legalised for recognition in your country of residence.
Divorce in EU countries
Germany: mandatory one year of separation (Trennungsjahr). Our Berlin office handles the entire process through the Familiengericht. Poland: the court determines "fault" in the breakdown of the marriage, which affects alimony and assets. France: out-of-court divorce by mutual consent is possible. Czech Republic: simplified divorce by agreement of the parties (rozvod dohodou). Netherlands: relatively swift court procedure.
Getting married abroad
Documents from Ukraine
The key document is a certificate of marital status (confirming you are not currently married). You will also need a birth certificate with apostille and a divorce certificate (if you were previously married). All with certified (sworn) translation. We obtain all documents through our network of offices in Ukraine — you do not need to travel.
Country-specific procedures
Germany: the most complex procedure — the Befreiung von der Beibringung des Ehefähigkeitszeugnisses process via the Oberlandesgericht is required. Timelines from 2 to 6 months. Poland: relatively straightforward, timelines from 2 to 4 weeks. France: publication des bans procedure — announcement of intent 10 days in advance. Netherlands: ondertrouw procedure — registering intention to marry.
Legalising the marriage in Ukraine
If you married abroad and want the marriage to be recognised in Ukraine — a legalisation procedure is required. We handle it in full.
Cases involving children
Determining place of residence
When parents live in different countries, the competent court is that of the country where the child habitually resides. We analyse which court has jurisdiction, prepare the claim or defence, gather evidence, and represent you in court.
Child abduction (Hague Convention)
If one parent has taken the child to another country without consent — this is international abduction within the meaning of the 1980 Hague Convention. Action must be taken immediately. We file an application through the Central Authority and simultaneously a claim in the court of the country to which the child was taken. The court is obliged to hear the case within 6 weeks.
Right of contact with the child
Establishing a contact schedule (including video calls), arranging travel of the child to the other parent, ensuring enforcement of contact orders in another country, variation of conditions when circumstances change.
Child support and asset division
Enforcing child support across borders
EU Regulation No 4/2009 on maintenance obligations allows child support to be enforced across EU borders — a court order from one EU country is automatically recognised in another. We help choose the jurisdiction with the maximum child support level and ensure enforcement.
Asset division across jurisdictions
An apartment in Ukraine is governed by Ukrainian law, a bank account in the Netherlands by Dutch law, a business stake by the law of the country of registration. We determine which law applies to each asset, conduct an inventory, and develop a division strategy.
Prenuptial agreement for two jurisdictions
We draft agreements that are valid under both Ukrainian and European law. We account for the specific requirements of each EU country and arrange notarisation where required.
How much does it cost
Marriage preparation
Gathering documents from Ukraine: certificate of marital status, birth certificate, apostille, dispatch to your city.
Marriage support
Document collection + application preparation and filing with the local authority + arranging translations.
Uncontested divorce
Document preparation, filing, obtaining the decision. For cases with no dispute over children or assets.
Contested divorce
Full court representation. Depends on complexity, presence of disputes over children and assets in two jurisdictions.
Child case
Determining place of residence: preparing the claim, gathering evidence, court representation.
Hague Convention case
Urgent in nature, representation in two jurisdictions simultaneously.
Common mistakes
Filing for divorce in the "wrong" country
The choice of jurisdiction significantly affects the outcome: asset division, child support, the child's fate. Sometimes the difference between countries amounts to tens of thousands of euros.
Agreeing to an "amicable" divorce without a lawyer
The other party suggests "sorting it out without lawyers" — and this often means they have already consulted their own.
Not securing shared assets in time
While negotiations are ongoing, the other party may sell or conceal assets. We help obtain protective measures (account freezes, prohibition on disposal of real estate) at an early stage.
Taking a child abroad without the other parent's consent
Even with the best intentions — this may be classified as international abduction. The consequences are serious: forced return, criminal liability, loss of custody rights.
Missing deadlines
In child cases (especially under the Hague Convention) deadlines are critical. Every week of delay reduces the chances of a positive outcome.
Why AO Zakhyst
We act on both sides of the border simultaneously
We file a claim in Berlin and simultaneously freeze an apartment in Kyiv. We enforce child support in Kraków and monitor compliance in Odesa.
We know family law in each country
Not in theory, but in practice. Our lawyers in Berlin know the Familiengericht, in Kraków — the polski sąd rodzinny, in Paris — the juge aux affaires familiales.
Speed in child cases
When a child is involved, every hour counts. Our network allows us to act in two jurisdictions simultaneously.
Empathy without emotion
Family cases always involve pain. We understand this and treat clients with humanity. But in court we act coldly, strategically, and effectively.
50+ offices in Ukraine and 6 offices in the EU
Documents, certificates, court representation, asset freezes — in any city. Berlin, Prague, Kraków, Paris, Amsterdam, Helsinki — a personal meeting in your language.
Frequently asked questions
Which country is better to file for divorce in?
Depends on your situation: where the children live, where the main assets are, which law is more favourable for you. We analyse all factors and recommend a specific jurisdiction. Sometimes the difference between countries amounts to tens of thousands of euros in asset division.
Will a marriage concluded in Europe be recognised in Ukraine?
Yes, if it was concluded in accordance with the legislation of the country where it was registered. For official recognition in Ukraine, a legalisation procedure is required (apostille + translation). We carry out this procedure in full.
Do I need to come to Ukraine for the divorce?
No. We represent you in court under a power of attorney. You remain in your country of residence, and our lawyer in Ukraine handles the case on your behalf.
Can I prevent the other parent from taking the child abroad?
Yes. It is possible to obtain a court order prohibiting the child's departure abroad, add the child to the border database, and contact child welfare authorities. We help take all necessary measures.
How do I enforce child support if the father has no official income?
We search for the debtor's assets (real estate, accounts, vehicles) and apply to court for enforcement against those assets. Criminal prosecution for non-payment of child support is also possible — both in Ukraine and in most EU countries.
Can a child choose which parent to live with?
Depends on age and country. In Ukraine a child's opinion is taken into account from age 10. In Germany — from age 14 (Anhörung des Kindes). In most EU countries the court is obliged to hear the child but makes its own decision.
How long does a divorce take?
By mutual agreement: in Ukraine from 1 month, in Netherlands from 2 months, in France from 2 months. Contested: in Ukraine 3–12 months, in Germany 6–18 months (plus mandatory year of separation), in Poland 6–24 months.
Book a free consultation
Family cases do not resolve themselves. The longer you wait — the more complicated it becomes: assets disappear, the other party strengthens their position, and the child adjusts to new circumstances. The first consultation is free.