{"id":24979,"date":"2024-08-25T13:22:35","date_gmt":"2024-08-25T12:22:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/divorce-find-foreign-partner\/"},"modified":"2026-03-14T09:46:59","modified_gmt":"2026-03-14T08:46:59","slug":"divorce-find-foreign-partner","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/divorce-find-foreign-partner\/","title":{"rendered":"Do you want to divorce your foreign partner who has an unknown address?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"s-section\">\n<div class=\"s-section-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"s-grid-toc_main gb-element-94926826\">\n<div class=\"s-section-sidebar\">\n<div class=\"s-sidebar-block-toc gb-element-bf14a539\">\n<p class=\"gb-text\">On this page<\/p>\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-flat ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/divorce-find-foreign-partner\/#What_does_it_mean_if_your_partner_is_untraceable\" >What does it mean if your partner is untraceable?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/divorce-find-foreign-partner\/#Which_court_has_jurisdiction_and_which_law_applies\" >Which court has jurisdiction and which law applies?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/divorce-find-foreign-partner\/#How_does_the_procedure_work_with_an_untraceable_partner\" >How does the procedure work with an untraceable partner?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/divorce-find-foreign-partner\/#What_are_the_possible_situations\" >What are the possible situations?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/divorce-find-foreign-partner\/#Recognition_of_the_divorce_abroad\" >Recognition of the divorce abroad<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/divorce-find-foreign-partner\/#Consequences_for_residence_permits\" >Consequences for residence permits<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/divorce-find-foreign-partner\/#Based_on_Real_Cases\" >Based on Real Cases<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/divorce-find-foreign-partner\/#Our_Attorneys_at_Law\" >Our Attorneys at Law<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/divorce-find-foreign-partner\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/divorce-find-foreign-partner\/#Trust_and_quality\" >Trust and quality<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/divorce-find-foreign-partner\/#Do_you_want_to_know_if_you_can_divorce_without_your_partners_cooperation\" >Do you want to know if you can divorce without your partner&#8217;s cooperation?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-section-main s-stack-2xl gb-element-6c76d265\">\n<div class=\"s-content-block s-content-block--filled gb-element-15683c21 block-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"s-content-block-narrow\">\n<p class=\"gb-text gb-text-91da06c0\">In brief<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Divorcing an untraceable partner<\/strong> is the procedure in which a spouse files a unilateral petition for divorce with the court while the whereabouts or residential address of the other spouse is unknown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If your partner&#8217;s address is completely unknown, the petition is served publicly via the Public Prosecutor&#8217;s Office and published in the Government Gazette (Staatscourant).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If your partner resides in an EU country, the EU Service Regulation applies; outside the EU, service takes place via a treaty-based or diplomatic route.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The sole ground for divorce in the Netherlands is the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage; the court assesses this based on your petition.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The jurisdiction of the Dutch court in an international divorce is determined by Brussels II-ter and, outside the EU, by Dutch private international law.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Following the court&#8217;s ruling, the decree is registered in the civil status records, after which the divorce becomes official.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_it_mean_if_your_partner_is_untraceable\"><\/span>What does it mean if your partner is untraceable?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A partner is legally untraceable if their place of residence or stay is unknown and cannot be ascertained through reasonable efforts. If the address is completely unknown, the Code of Civil Procedure prescribes <a href=\"https:\/\/wetten.overheid.nl\/BWBR0001827\/2024-01-01#TweedeBoek_TitelderdeBis_Artikel54\">public service<\/a>: the Public Prosecutor&#8217;s Office serves the petition, followed by publication in the Government Gazette. The only ground for divorce under Dutch law is the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. As the petitioner, you do not need to prove this; the court generally assumes this to be the case if you state that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The same procedure applies to a registered partnership. If you and your partner have entered into a registered partnership and one of you is untraceable, you can request the termination of the partnership through a similar judicial procedure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Untraceability is not the same as unwillingness. The determining factor is that there is no known address where your partner can be officially reached. If an address is known but your partner does not respond, different procedural rules apply.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_court_has_jurisdiction_and_which_law_applies\"><\/span>Which court has jurisdiction and which law applies?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The jurisdiction of the Dutch court in an <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/divorce\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"32536\">international divorce<\/a> is primarily determined by <a href=\"https:\/\/eur-lex.europa.eu\/legal-content\/NL\/TXT\/?uri=CELEX%3A32019R1111\">Brussels II-ter<\/a> (Regulation 2019\/1111). Based on this, the Dutch court is generally competent if you are habitually resident in the Netherlands, regardless of your partner&#8217;s nationality or place of residence. If you both habitually reside abroad, the matter becomes more complex.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Which law applies to the divorce itself is a separate question. Under the Rome III Regulation, parties can choose which law applies within certain limits. If they have not made a choice, the Regulation determines this based on the habitual residence and nationality of both spouses. In most cases where you live in the Netherlands, Dutch law will apply.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A practical point of attention is the prevention of parallel proceedings. If your partner also starts divorce proceedings abroad, this can lead to complications regarding which procedure takes precedence and which decree is recognized. Early legal advice helps prevent duplicate proceedings.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your partner lives outside the EU, the Dutch court assesses its jurisdiction based on national private international law. Depending on your nationality and the duration of your stay in the Netherlands, the Dutch court may still have jurisdiction. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_does_the_procedure_work_with_an_untraceable_partner\"><\/span>How does the procedure work with an untraceable partner?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The procedure for an untraceable partner differs from a regular <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/divorce-lawyer\/\">divorce<\/a>. The following steps apply in most cases: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You file a unilateral petition for divorce with the competent Dutch court through a lawyer. Filing is not possible without a lawyer. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The court registry places the petition in the hands of the bailiff or the Public Prosecutor&#8217;s Office for service to your partner.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If your partner&#8217;s address is completely unknown, public service takes place. The Public Prosecutor&#8217;s Office serves the petition, followed by publication in the Government Gazette. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If your partner demonstrably lives in an EU country, service takes place via the EU Service Regulation. If your partner lives outside the EU, a treaty-based or diplomatic route applies. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After the statutory period has expired, the court sets a hearing date. Your partner will be summoned, even if no response is expected. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The court grants the divorce by decree. The decree is then registered in the civil status records and the personal records database. The divorce is only official after registration.  <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>If there are minor children, you must also address custody, the children&#8217;s place of residence, and <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/alimony\/child-support\/\">child maintenance<\/a> in the petition. The court can also grant provisional measures for the duration of the proceedings. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_are_the_possible_situations\"><\/span>What are the possible situations?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your partner lives in the Netherlands but is untraceable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your partner&#8217;s last known place of residence was in the Netherlands but they can no longer be traced, public service takes place. The Public Prosecutor&#8217;s Office acts as the serving authority and the petition is published in the Government Gazette. You can also attempt to trace your partner through the personal records database; your lawyer can advise you on this.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your partner lives in an EU country<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your partner&#8217;s address in an EU member state is known, the EU Service Regulation (as of 2022: Regulation 2020\/1784) applies. Service then takes place via the designated receiving agency in the country concerned. If the address in the EU country is unknown, public service may still take place in certain cases, depending on the circumstances and the national procedural law of that country.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Your partner lives outside the EU<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your partner resides in a country outside the EU, the service route depends on the country. The Netherlands has concluded treaties with various countries under which service can take place via the central authority of that country. For countries without a treaty, service takes place via diplomatic channels. If a partner is completely untraceable and no address outside the EU is known, public service can take place.   <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Recognition_of_the_divorce_abroad\"><\/span>Recognition of the divorce abroad<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A Dutch divorce decree is not automatically recognized in every country. Within the EU, under Brussels II-ter, decrees are in principle recognized without a separate recognition procedure. Outside the EU, recognition depends on the country and the rules applicable there.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your partner lives abroad and you want the divorce to have legal effect there as well, it is advisable to investigate this beforehand. In some countries, a separate recognition procedure is required. This can also have consequences for remarriage or changing your marital status abroad.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Consequences_for_residence_permits\"><\/span>Consequences for residence permits<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If your partner has a residence permit linked to your marriage, a divorce may have consequences for that residency status. The <a href=\"https:\/\/ind.nl\">IND<\/a> (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) must be informed of a divorce in certain cases. Whether this applies depends on the type of permit and the specific situation.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Simmelink Lawyers advises on family law aspects. For consequences regarding residency rights, we refer you to a specialized lawyer. Would you like to know more about the family law side?   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-approach\/advice\/\">Schedule a consultation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Based_on_Real_Cases\"><\/span>Based on Real Cases<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In one case, we assisted a Client with a divorce where the partner had lived abroad for years and no longer maintained contact. No current address was known. By carefully mapping out the situation, it was established that the Netherlands had jurisdiction, and a procedure could be started via the public service route. In another case, the question arose whether the decree would also be recognized in the partner&#8217;s country of residence. By investigating this beforehand, the procedure could be aligned with the recognition requirements of that country, preventing unnecessary delays.    <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<p><em>Content verified by the team at Simmelink Lawyers, specialized in <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/\"><em>international family law<\/em><\/a><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"s-advocaten-block\">\n<h2 class=\"gb-text\" id=\"advocaten\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Our_Attorneys_at_Law\"><\/span>Our Attorneys at Law<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Simmelink Lawyers team specializes in family law, International family law, and inheritance law.<br\/>The lawyers combine legal expertise with international experience.<br\/>Clients are guided by one dedicated lawyer who oversees the entire process and communicates discreetly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A specialized lawyer is essential in complex financial situations or international components.<br\/>Our goal: legally correct, enforceable agreements that bring peace and clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-3bd256ba\">\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-wrapper gb-grid-wrapper-5dcdaabb gb-query-loop-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-b6d769df gb-query-loop-item post-23938 advocaat type-advocaat status-publish hentry\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b6d769df\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7443210b\">\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-943d9da3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/carla-simmelink\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2-300x300.jpg\" class=\"gb-image-943d9da3\" alt=\"Carla Simmelink\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/carla-2.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f2d3d794 gb-headline-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/carla-simmelink\/\">Carla Simmelink &#8211; Family Law Attorney, International Family Law and Inheritance Law<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9bf895f6 gb-headline-text\">Family Law Attorney, International Family Law and Inheritance Law<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-b6d769df gb-query-loop-item post-29865 advocaat type-advocaat status-publish hentry\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b6d769df\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7443210b\">\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-943d9da3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/valerie-lingg\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1-300x300.jpg\" class=\"gb-image-943d9da3\" alt=\"Valerie Lingg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Valerie-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f2d3d794 gb-headline-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/valerie-lingg\/\">Valerie Lingg &#8211; Family Law Attorney, International Family Law<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9bf895f6 gb-headline-text\">Family Law Attorney, International Family Law<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-b6d769df gb-query-loop-item post-23939 advocaat type-advocaat status-publish hentry\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b6d769df\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7443210b\">\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-943d9da3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/eva-zaunbrecher-bosschlo\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva-300x300.jpg\" class=\"gb-image-943d9da3\" alt=\"Eva Zaunbrecher\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Eva.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f2d3d794 gb-headline-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/eva-zaunbrecher-bosschlo\/\">Eva Zaunbrecher-Boschloo &#8211; Family Law Attorney, International Family Law<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9bf895f6 gb-headline-text\">Lawyer at Law (International) Family Law<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-grid-column gb-grid-column-b6d769df gb-query-loop-item post-36349 advocaat type-advocaat status-publish hentry\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-b6d769df\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7443210b\">\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-943d9da3\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/sophia-sips\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-300x300.jpg\" class=\"gb-image-943d9da3\" alt=\"Sophia Sips\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-1200x1200.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sophia-2048x2048.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f2d3d794 gb-headline-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-team\/attorneys-at-law\/sophia-sips\/\">Sophia Sips &#8211; Family Law Attorney<\/a><\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-9bf895f6 gb-headline-text\">Family Law Attorney, International Family Law<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"s-quotes-block gb-element-b0365a51 testimonial-block\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"s-quote-card-icon gb-media-5cab658b testimonial-icon\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/quote.svg\" title=\"quote\">\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-text s-quote-card-text testimonial-text\"><em><em>Clients are guided by a dedicated lawyer who oversees the entire file and communicates discreetly.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-text s-quote-card-author testimonial-author\">Mr. Carla Simmelink, lawyer<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-be249d49 s-margin-vert-xl s-content-block\">\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-bfdf1120 gb-headline-text gbp-section__headline\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-1e85dbd5 gb-accordion\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d1310856 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-19f7b745 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-19f7b745\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">Can I divorce if I do not know my partner&#8217;s address?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-52e77243\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-52e77243\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-b299caa3 gb-headline-text\">Yes. If your partner&#8217;s residential or stay address is unknown, you can still file a unilateral petition for divorce. In that case, public service takes place via the Public Prosecutor&#8217;s Office and the Government Gazette. Your partner does not need to be present at the court hearing for the divorce to be granted.  <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-3600de9f gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-ba8b12fe gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-ba8b12fe\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">How long does the procedure take if my partner is untraceable?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-54bea308\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-54bea308\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-784447a0 gb-headline-text\">The procedure takes longer than a regular divorce because statutory periods apply for public service and international service. In most cases, you should expect a lead time of several months. Depending on the circumstances, such as the country where your partner resides, this may increase. Your lawyer can provide a realistic timeline based on your situation.   <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d7e7a6c6 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-361ea87d gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-361ea87d\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\"><strong><strong><strong>Is the Dutch court competent if my partner lives abroad?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-c5948222\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-c5948222\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-51ced355 gb-headline-text\">That depends on your situation. Under Brussels II-ter, the Dutch court is generally competent if you are habitually resident in the Netherlands. Even if your partner resides outside the EU, the Dutch court may have jurisdiction, depending on your nationality and the duration of your stay in the Netherlands. This is one of the first questions assessed at the start of the procedure.   <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-fc394c18 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-8dd43315 gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-8dd43315\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">What is public service?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-d545942c\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-d545942c\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-c9e904f9 gb-headline-text\">Public service is the legal method of bringing a procedural document to the attention of an untraceable party. The Public Prosecutor&#8217;s Office acts as the serving authority. The petition is published in the Government Gazette, after which a statutory period begins to run. This route is followed if no other address is known where your partner can be reached.   <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-2769f6b3 gb-accordion__item\" data-transition=\"slide\">\n\n<button class=\"gb-button gb-button-1983797d gb-accordion__toggle\" id=\"gb-accordion-toggle-1983797d\"><span class=\"gb-button-text\">Will my divorce also be recognized abroad?<\/span><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"1em\" height=\"1em\" role=\"img\" class=\"gb-accordion__icon-open\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/button>\n\n\n<div id=\"gb-accordion-content-7c18bfac\" class=\"gb-accordion__content\"><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7c18bfac\">\n\n<p class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-ee70b14f gb-headline-text\">Within the EU, a Dutch divorce decree is in principle recognized without a separate procedure, based on Brussels II-ter. Outside the EU, recognition depends on the country concerned. In some countries, a separate recognition procedure is required. It is advisable to investigate this beforehand so that the divorce also has legal consequences in your partner&#8217;s country.   <\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"s-content-block\">\n<h2 class=\"gb-text s-content-block\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Trust_and_quality\"><\/span>Trust and quality<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Simmelink Lawyers is affiliated with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.advocatenorde.nl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Dutch Bar Association<\/a>.<br\/>Read more about our <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/reviews\/\">reviews<\/a> or see how we work via our <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-approach\/\">working method<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"gb-element-eab29512\">\n<div class=\"s-btn-group gb-element-7313c4f1\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_you_want_to_know_if_you_can_divorce_without_your_partners_cooperation\"><\/span>Do you want to know if you can divorce without your partner&#8217;s cooperation?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Depending on the circumstances, several routes are possible. An <a href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/lawyer\/\">international divorce lawyer<\/a> from Simmelink Lawyers will assess your situation, determine which court has jurisdiction, and guide you through the correct service procedure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<a class=\"gb-text s-btn-primary s-btn--small\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/contact\/\">Schedule a consultation<\/a>\n\n\n\n<a class=\"gb-text s-btn-primary s-btn--small\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/our-approach\/second-opinion\/\">Request a Second opinion<\/a>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"gb-text\">Or contact us by phone via: <a href=\"tel:+31303078732\">030 &#8211; 30 787 32<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div><div class=\"gb-container gb-container-34ac26a6\">\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-34ce7bbc\">\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-7a1d0082\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"93\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-7a1d0082\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/nederlandse-orde-van-advocaten-logo-300x93.png\" alt=\"Logo of the Dutch Bar Association\" title=\"Logo of the Dutch Bar Association\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/nederlandse-orde-van-advocaten-logo-300x93.png 300w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/nederlandse-orde-van-advocaten-logo.png 340w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"gb-container gb-container-7b78af02\">\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-cae6833a\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-cae6833a\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/RaadvRechtspraak.svg\" alt=\"\" title=\"RaadvJustice\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-07670684\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"340\" height=\"105\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-07670684\" src=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/raad-voor-rechtsbijstand-high-trust-logo.png\" alt=\"Council for Legal Aid High Trust Logo\" title=\"Council for Legal Aid High Trust Logo\" srcset=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/raad-voor-rechtsbijstand-high-trust-logo.png 340w, https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/raad-voor-rechtsbijstand-high-trust-logo-300x93.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 340px) 100vw, 340px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>On this page In brief Divorcing an untraceable partner is the procedure in which a spouse files a unilateral petition for divorce with the court while the whereabouts or residential address of the other spouse is unknown. What does it mean if your partner is untraceable? A partner is legally untraceable if their place of &#8230; <a title=\"Do you want to divorce your foreign partner who has an unknown address?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/family-law\/international\/divorce-find-foreign-partner\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Do you want to divorce your foreign partner who has an unknown address?\">Lees meer<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":16431,"parent":25072,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-24979","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"infinite-scroll-item","7":"resize-featured-image"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24979","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24979"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24979\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":35966,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/24979\/revisions\/35966"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/25072"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16431"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/simmelink.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24979"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}