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Separation and divorce: how to do it

Draft, translated: translated from the Norwegian original with the help of a language model, and may contain errors. The Norwegian version is the authoritative one. See the Norwegian original →

You apply for separation to the County Governor (Statsforvalteren), free of charge and without giving a reason. After one year you can apply for divorce, or after two years if you have lived apart without separation. Mediation is required if you have children under 16.

Norwegian original last checked against official sources: 14 October 2026. Rules and figures change, so always check the official site before you act.

When a marriage ends, there are usually two steps: first separation, then divorce. You apply for both to the County Governor (Statsforvalteren). According to the County Governor, applying is free.

If you are cohabitants, this does not apply. Then mediation (if you have children under 16), contact arrangements and child support are what matter.

Step 1: Separation

According to the Marriage Act, a spouse who cannot continue living together can demand separation. You can apply alone or together, and you do not need to give a reason.
Apply digitally via the County Governor's website (you need a Norwegian national ID number and BankID), or on a paper form from the state forms archive (Statens blankettarkiv).
The application goes to the County Governor in the county where you last lived together.
If you have children together under 16, you must enclose a mediation certificate. Mediation is free, and the certificate is valid for six months. Read mediation after separation.
If you married abroad, you must enclose the marriage certificate (not if you married at a Norwegian embassy or seamen's church).

If you move back in together, the separation lapses. According to the County Governor, you must then notify the Tax Administration (Skatteetaten) in writing, so you are registered as married again.

Step 2: Divorce after one year

If you have been separated by licence for at least one year, either of you can apply for divorce.

You need two witnesses who can confirm that you have lived apart for at least one year. The witnesses can sign digitally (they must have a Norwegian national ID number), and you need each witness's date of birth and e-mail address.
One of you creates the application and sends it digitally to the other, who logs in and approves it. You can also send it straight to the County Governor.

Divorce without separation

After two years apart: If you have lived apart for at least two years, you can apply for divorce without having been separated. According to the County Governor, you must agree that the relationship has broken down, and you need two witnesses. A mediation certificate is needed if you have children under 16.
In cases of violence or abuse: If your spouse has deliberately subjected you or the children to serious abuse, you can demand divorce straight away (Marriage Act § 23). According to the County Governor, such cases are handled by the courts. Also read violence in close relationships.

What is not sorted out automatically

The separation licence does not decide how you divide your home, belongings and debt. If you cannot agree, it may be wise to get legal help, see free legal aid. If you have children, you also need to agree on where they live and contact arrangements.

Your finances after the break-up: Check whether you may be entitled to extended child benefit, transitional benefit, housing benefit or child support.

Tip: The family counselling office can help with more than mediation, for example cooperation after the break-up. Read the family counselling office.

Sources

Kontaktpunkt24 gives general information, not legal advice. If you need help with your own case, contact a lawyer, a legal aid service, or the relevant authority.

This page is translated from Norwegian with the help of a language model, and may contain errors. The Norwegian version is always the authoritative one.