Divorce in Bucharest: preparing for your first legal consultation

A first divorce consultation works best when you separate your current circumstances, intended outcome and available documents. You do not need to select a legal procedure in advance. The meeting helps identify the options and missing information. This guide is a preparation checklist, not a determination of the procedure applicable to an individual case.

Identify agreement and disagreement

Explain whether both spouses want a divorce and which matters have been discussed. Agreement to end the marriage is separate from agreement about children, names and property. Replace a broad statement such as “we agree on everything” with a list of concrete points.

Romanian civil law provides different routes to divorce. The availability of a procedure by agreement and the choice of authority depend on legal conditions and the family’s circumstances. Matters involving minor children require additional checks. Another family’s experience cannot establish the appropriate route for yours.

Organise the documents you already have

Keep originals and prepare legible copies. List missing documents rather than postponing contact until every document is available. Keep property and debt information separate from the account of the relationship.

• Identity documents and marriage certificate.
• Children’s birth certificates, where applicable.
• Existing applications, summonses, judgments and evidence of delivery.
• A list of property and debts you want to discuss.
• Relevant written agreements and a chronology of steps already taken.

Describe the children’s circumstances separately

Explain where the children live, how their care is organised and what arrangements the parents have discussed. Questions about residence, personal contact and financial contributions need a concrete account of each child’s circumstances.

Do not submit intimate accounts, medical information or children’s documents through a public enquiry form. Agree an appropriate channel for documents with the lawyer. Preparing for a consultation does not require publishing allegations or family correspondence.

Explain international connections

If a spouse or child lives abroad, or proceedings have started elsewhere, identify the country, dates and documents received. These facts can affect jurisdiction and procedure. Choosing a lawyer in Bucharest does not automatically make a Bucharest court competent.

Keep documents in their original language and identify any translations you already hold. Check the required form of a translation before ordering it. Avoid assuming that a deadline or procedural step is identical in two countries.

Clarify fees and next steps

Ask which activities the proposed fee covers and which expenses are separate. An initial consultation, drafting documents and attending proceedings are distinct activities. Ask how additional work or an international element would be discussed.

Duration depends on the procedure, disputed issues and progress of the case. Understand the assumptions behind any estimate. At the end of the meeting, clarify the missing documents, next step and work to be agreed.

Family-law and divorce assistance in Bucharest

Legislative source: Romanian Civil Code, Articles 373–375