Divorce in Thailand

In this day and age of fast lifestyles and newOne is divorce by mutual consent, which is
priorities, the rise in divorce cases has increasedpossible only if it is uncontested, meaning you
significantly. The divorce rate in Thailand hashave no disputes over property or custody.
grown in the past decade, which is probablyBut if you have disagreements and one party
related to the decrease of marriages in themay not be in Thailand at the moment, then you
country as well. Most of the divorce cases filed inmust proceed to the courts to file for the divorce
Thailand come from a marriage between a Thaifor cause. However, both parties must be in
lady and a foreigner.Thailand during the set court date for the case.
GROUNDS FOR DIVORCEThe divorce process in Thailand usually takes
Thai law has several provisions on the grounds foraround a year and all documents concerning the
divorce. You may file for a divorce if yourmatter are translated into Thai. Once the divorce
marriage has undergone any of the followingis granted, divorce certificates can be obtained
circumstances:from the district office where the divorce was
1. a 3-year period of separation from your spousefiled.
2. your spouse has deserted you for over oneWHY YOU NEED A LAW FIRM
yearApplying for a divorce in Thailand can be a
3. your spouse has taken another person as acomplicated process, most especially for the
spouseforeigner who does not understand the Thai
4. your wife has committed adulterylanguage-since the proceedings and supporting
5. your spouse is guilty of misconduct (criminal ordocuments are all in Thai. Apart from this, it can
otherwise)also be very cumbersome to handle the disputes
6. your spouse has physically or mentally harmedconcerning the separation of assets, debts and
youliabilities, and addressing the issues of child custody
7. you can prove a lack of maintenance andand spouse maintenance after the divorce.
support during the marriageTherefore, it is recommended to retain the
8. your spouse has had incurable insanity for atservices of a reputable Thai law firm to handle
least 3 yearsyour divorce proceedings to save you time,
9. your spouse has broken the bond of goodeffort, and money going through this process.
behaviorSUMMARY
10. your spouse has an incurable, communicableGoing through a divorce in Thailand can be a very
and dangerous diseasestressful phase, with its emotional and financial
11. your spouse has a physical disadvantage whichissues. It is best to educate yourself before
makes living together as husband and wifepursuing the decision to file for the divorce.
impossible.Engaging the services of a Thai law firm can help
THE DIVORCE PROCESSyou obtain sound legal guidance regarding this
If your marriage has been registered under Thaimatter, and thus helping you avoid the
law, then divorce is permitted in two categories.devastating disputes which may arise.