Cross-border Divorce Navigator
Divorce: Russia → Russia
Case complexity: medium. Both spouses live in Russia.
Where you can divorce
Russia: A Russian court takes the case if at least one spouse is a Russian citizen or the respondent lives in Russia; without mutual consent or with minor children the route is judicial.
Which law governs the divorce and the assets
Russian and Kazakhstani courts likewise apply their own family law regardless of where the marriage was concluded.
There is no marriage contract — the default regime of each country involved will apply (see the property section).
How property will be divided
Russia: Community of acquisitions: everything acquired during the marriage is split equally regardless of title; pre-marital assets, gifts and inheritances stay personal.
Children and maintenance
Child disputes are heard by the courts of the child’s habitual residence (Brussels II-ter / Hague 1996) — not by the country more convenient for a parent.
Russia: Child support as income shares (¼ / ⅓ / ½); ex-spouse maintenance only in narrow cases (pregnancy, a child under 3, incapacity).
How the divorce is recognised across borders
Russia: A foreign divorce is recognised in Russia without a separate procedure if jurisdiction was proper and the other spouse was duly notified (Art. 160 Family Code); documents need apostille/legalisation.
What to set up in advance
Marriage contract (prenup / postnup)
Private foundation
What to watch out for
Without a marriage contract, everything acquired during the marriage is divided under the default regime — as a rule, equally.
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This is a first-pass orientation, not legal advice. The rules are simplified; verify the current details with a lawyer.
Contact information
If you have questions or need a consultation, our experts will be glad to help.