In Romania, a divorce can be granted in three ways. The choice is not a matter of preference but of conditions met.

At the civil registrar (town hall)

Only if both spouses agree to the divorce, have no minor children (from the marriage, outside it or adopted) and agree on the surname after divorce. The procedure is simple and quick (a 30-day reflection period), but settles nothing about property.

At the notary

Also by agreement, but the notary can grant the divorce even where there are minor children, if the spouses agree on everything: parental authority, the child's home, contact schedule, contribution to expenses. A psychosocial report is required. Property division can be done at the notary too, by separate deed.

In court

When there is no agreement (on the divorce itself or on the children) or when one spouse seeks a fault-based divorce. It takes longer and involves evidence. The court may also rule on the surname, the children's home, maintenance and, if requested, division of property.

What we ask you first

Whether there is agreement, whether there are minor children, and what, concretely, you want after the divorce. Often the answer to the third question decides the route, not the first two.

Informative; specific situations have particulars that may change the answer.