Divorce in Norway Step by Step – A Guide for Poles

This guide is aimed at Poles living in Norway and shows, step by step, how to go through a divorce safely and legally—in simple, understandable language.

In Norway, a divorce does not start in court, but with the county governor's office—now called Statsforvalteren (formerly Fylkesmannen).

Before you can apply for a divorce (skilsmisse), Norwegian law generally requires a period of separation (separasjon). This means that spouses usually have to live apart for at least one year. Only after this period can you formally apply for divorce.

The application is submitted electronically on the www.statsforvalteren.no website using BankID. If both spouses agree, the process is quick and formal.

The time it takes to receive a decision on separation or divorce mainly depends on whether both parties agree.

• If separation/divorce is by mutual consent (after one year of separation), the decision is usually issued within 3–6 weeks.
• If one party does not agree to separation/divorce, the decision is still issued, but later—usually after about 2–4 months.

Norwegian law favors amicable solutions, so most cases are resolved administratively, without the need for a court battle.

An additional requirement for couples with children (under 16 years old) is family mediation (mekling). This is a meeting with a mediator, often organized by the municipality, to help settle issues of custody, visitation, and child support. Without a mediation certificate, the office will not process the application for separation/divorce.

The division of property is often the most emotional part. In Norway, the principle of felleseie—joint marital property—applies. In practice, this means that everything acquired during the marriage is divided equally.

Personal property (særeie) is an exception—anything one spouse owned before the marriage, or received as a gift or inheritance.

Examples:

• If you bought a house together in Norway—it is divided equally.
• If the wife owned an apartment in Poland before the marriage—it remains hers.
• If the husband inherited a cottage in Poland—it remains his property.

In case of a dispute over property, mediation or referral to the district court is possible. Remember, property division can be carried out during separation; you don't have to wait until the divorce.

Property can also be divided before obtaining separation, but then it must be in the form of a prenuptial agreement (ektepakt).

Yes—a divorce obtained in Norway is fully recognized in Poland. Both countries are part of the European Economic Area (EEA), so there is no need to file additional applications in a Polish court.

You simply need to report the Norwegian divorce document to the Polish Civil Registry Office (USC) to have it entered into the register. This is done through transcription of the civil status act—a straightforward formality that can even be handled by a proxy.

Many Poles confuse separation with divorce, but in Norway, these are two different stages.

• Separation—a period during which spouses live apart but are still legally married. It's a time to reflect and settle property, child custody, and support matters.
• During separation, you can and should divide property—before emotions cool and documents get lost.
• After one year of separation, you can apply for divorce, which finalizes the matter.

How do I apply for a divorce in Norway?
Online at www.statsforvalteren.no, logging in with BankID. You must first go through a year of separation.

How long does a divorce take in Norway?
Usually 1–2 months if both parties agree. Disputes over children or property can extend the process.

How is property divided?
The rule is equal division, except for personal property (inheritances, gifts, property owned before marriage).

Is a divorce in Norway recognized in Poland?
Yes, just report the document to the Polish USC.

Can property be divided during separation?
Yes, and it's often the best time—faster, simpler, and with less emotion.

Although the Norwegian system is transparent, every case has its nuances—especially when property in Poland, children, or a joint mortgage are involved. In such situations, it's worth consulting a lawyer familiar with both Norwegian and Polish family law.

This article was created in cooperation with Advokatfirma Nierzwicki & Bluszko, which has been helping Poles in Norway with divorce, property, and family matters for years. Their experience shows one thing: you can get through divorce the Norwegian way—calmly, effectively, and wisely.