Family Lawyers in Bulgaria

The Bulgarian family law governs family-related matters and domestic relations, such as: marriage and divorce (civil unions are not recognised in Bulgaria), adoption, custody, guardianship, and tutelage. The purpose of the Bulgarian Family Code is to protect and consolidate the family, protect the children, and safeguard their interests. Our Bulgarian family lawyers are prepared to answer any questions regarding family law in Bulgaria and represent you in court.

Services provided by our family lawyers in Bulgaria

If you need support in Family Law matters in Bulgaria, our law firm can help with the following:

• marriage registration between Bulgarian nationals and Bulgarian and foreign citizens;
• prenuptial and post-nuptial agreement creation and breaches;
• divorce procedures;
• child custody and alimony;
• division of assets after the divorce;
• spousal support;
• pension claims;
• recognition of foreign judgments related to family law matters;
• inheritance matters between family members.

Our Bulgarian family lawyers are also familiar with international regulations applicable to such matters, so you can rely on us if you or your current/former partner live abroad and need to attend to legal matters in Bulgaria.

Assistance in drafting marriage agreements in Bulgaria

The creation of pre and postnuptial agreements has become a popular choice among Bulgarian citizens wishing to get married. If you want to draft such a contract, our Bulgarian family lawyers can help you establish the conditions and the assets you can safeguard through such an arrangement. We can help you and your future partner establish the terms of such a contract.

Marriage and divorce in Bulgaria

According to Family Law, only the civil marriage in Bulgaria is legally binding. The religious ceremony has no legal effect. Both individuals must be over the age of 18 in order to conclude a marriage in Bulgaria. However, exceptions may apply and a person aged 16 or 17 may marry with the permission of the president of the regional court.

Family Law stipulates that the married couple may file for divorce if the marriage is irreparable. There are two types of divorce in Bulgaria: by mutual consent and by disruption of marriage.

Our family lawyers in Bulgaria can assist in marriage and divorce procedures in Bulgaria.

Custody and adoption in Bulgaria

In a divorce by mutual consent, the parents must present an agreement that establishes details, such as: the residence of the children, child support, alimony, and family name. A Bulgarian Court will ratify the agreement if the child’s interests are protected.

Individuals who want to adopt a child in Bulgaria must be at least 15 years older than the child. The age difference is not mandatory when a spouse adopts the child of another spouse. In Bulgaria, adoption between brothers, sisters and relatives of a direct line is prohibited. Regional courts are responsible for processing applications for adoption in Bulgaria.

Our Bulgarian family lawyers can guide youin child custody and adoption matters.

Support in asset division after divorce in Bulgaria

Having a prenup or postnuptial agreement can ease the procedure through which the assets are divided between the former spouses. However, if there is no contract, here are your main options:

• you can settle the problem out of court, with the help of our family lawyers in Bulgaria, who can establish the assets obtained during the marriage and how they can be divided between the two of you;
• you can settle the matter during the court proceedings, case in which the judge will decide who and what portion of the estate gets.

Our family lawyers in Bulgaria are aware of the fact that sometimes only a judge can rule in such cases, so if you need representation, our lawyers can offer it.

General provisions of the Bulgarian family law

The family-related matters referred to in the Bulgarian Family Code include, but are not limited to:

• the protection of the marriage and family;
• equality offered to both partners;
• special protection for the children;
• equality for adopted children;
• mutual respect and care within the family.

Under the provisions of the Bulgarian family code, both the husband and the wife have equal rights. The Bulgarian State offers conditions for the development of the family, protects the mother’s rights and offers assistance for bringing up children.

Marriage and divorce statistics in Bulgaria

According to data gathered by the National Statistical Institute for 2023:

• the total number of marriages registered in Bulgaria in 2023 was 21,800;
• the largest number of marriages recorded was between people aged 25 to 29 – 4,811 marriages;
• when it comes to divorces, the total number of dissolutions was 9,088;
• the highest number of divorces was registered in Sofia – 1,980.

If you intend to marry your foreign partner, our family lawyers work together with our specialists and can help him/her apply for Bulgarian residency and even citizenship. We are also at the disposal of those interested in immigration to Bulgaria by other means.

Our law firm in Bulgaria can provide more information if you want to know more about Family Law or if you encounter other legal issues in Bulgaria. Contact us for more details.