Divorce Lawyer in Finland
Divorce in Finland follows a specific legal process. We guide English-speaking clients through every step — from filing the application to property division and children's arrangements — in plain English.
Our service
In Finland, divorce (avioero) is granted by the Digital and Population Information Agency (DVV, formerly maistraatti). The process is administrative, not a court procedure, but the consequences — property division, child custody, maintenance — may require legal help. We help you understand the process, protect your rights, and reach fair arrangements.
You do not need to be a Finnish citizen to divorce in Finland. If you or your spouse lives in Finland, Finnish law typically applies. We handle the entire process in English, so you never have to navigate Finnish forms or authorities alone.
When you need a lawyer
Filing for divorce
You want to file for divorce and need help preparing and submitting the application to the DVV.
Property division
You and your spouse own property together — a home, savings, a business — and need help with property division (ositus).
Children's matters
You need to arrange custody, living arrangements, visitation, and maintenance for your children.
Prenuptial agreement
You have a prenuptial agreement (avioehto) and need to understand how it affects property division.
Disputed divorce
Your spouse disagrees on property, children, or support, and you need negotiation or court representation.
How it works
- 1
Consultation
We explain the Finnish divorce process, the six-month waiting period, and what happens with property and children.
- 2
Filing the application
We prepare and file the divorce application with the DVV, either as a joint application or a sole application.
- 3
Reconsideration period
The six-month reconsideration period (harkinta-aika) begins. We use this time to negotiate property division and children's arrangements.
- 4
Property division
We calculate each spouse's marital share and divide property and debts, either by agreement or through a court-appointed distributor (jakaja) if you cannot agree.
- 5
Children's arrangements
We help agree on custody, living arrangements, visitation, and maintenance, confirmed by a child welfare officer or the court.
- 6
Confirmation
After the waiting period, we file the second application to confirm the divorce.
What you need
- Marriage certificate
- Proof of separate residence (if applicable)
- Financial records — income, bank statements, property valuations, pension information
- Mortgage and loan documents
- Prenuptial agreement (if one exists)
- Children's birth certificates
- Identification
How costs are formed
The DVV charges a small administrative fee for the divorce application. Our legal fees are based on the time spent and the complexity of your case. A divorce with agreed property and children's matters costs less than a contested one.
We give you a written cost estimate before starting. If you qualify for legal aid (oikeusapu), the state covers most of the cost and you pay a reduced share based on your income.
We cannot promise a fixed price or a specific timeline, because contested matters depend on the other party and the court's schedule.
Your lawyer
Pezhman Ahmadi
LL.M (Master of Laws)
Founded Lakiasiaintoimisto A&Co. Legal in 2020. Specialized in immigration law, family law, and inheritance law. Has assisted hundreds of clients with residence permit appeals, divorce and property division, and inheritance matters.
Legal sources
Frequently asked questions
Can my spouse stop the divorce?
No. In Finland, either spouse can get a divorce without the other's consent. If one spouse files, the divorce will be granted after the six-month reconsideration period, regardless of the other spouse's position.
Do we have to go to court?
Not for the divorce itself — that is handled by the DVV. Court is only needed if you disagree on property division, custody, or maintenance and cannot settle through negotiation.
What happens to our home?
Your home is part of the marital property and is dealt with in property division (ositus). You can agree that one spouse keeps the home and pays the other their share, or sell the home and divide the proceeds. We help you find the best solution.
What if we have lived apart for a long time?
If you have lived apart for at least two years before applying, the divorce can be granted immediately without the six-month waiting period.
Can I get divorced in Finland if I married abroad?
Yes, in most cases. If you live in Finland, Finnish authorities can process the divorce even if the marriage was registered abroad. We confirm which rules apply to your situation.
How is child maintenance decided?
Child maintenance (elatusapu) is based on the child's needs and both parents' income. The amount can be agreed between parents or set by the court. We help calculate and negotiate a fair amount.
Service in Vantaa and remotely across Finland
Our office is located at Merikotkantie 1, 01450 Vantaa. We serve clients in person in the Helsinki metropolitan area and remotely across all of Finland. All communication and documents can be handled in English — no Finnish required.
Contact an English-speaking lawyer
Get in touch for a free consultation of your situation. We respond in English and guide you through Finnish law clearly.