Family disputes differ from other types of disputes in one respect: people make legal decisions in them whilst in the worst emotional state of their lives. This leads to typical mistakes — agreeing to a ‘settlement’ without doing the maths, signing away property, failing to claim maintenance for years ‘to avoid arguments’, or missing the limitation period.
A family lawyer is not there to ‘take revenge’ on the other party. They are needed to make a dispassionate assessment: what you will actually receive, how long it will take and at what cost — and to ensure that your emotions do not cost you your flat.
Svarog has been handling family law cases since 2014. We operate in Kyiv and throughout Ukraine — most cases are conducted via the ‘Electronic Court’, without you having to attend hearings in person.
+38 095 554-54-24 — legal consultation
Areas of practice
Divorce solicitor — via the Civil Registry Office within a month or through the courts; divorce without the consent of the other spouse; divorce where one of the parties is abroad.
Alimony lawyer — recovery as a percentage of income or as a fixed sum; court order within 5 days; recovery of arrears and penalties; increasing or reducing the amount.
Lawyer specialising in property division — flats, cars, businesses, loans; agreements drawn up by a notary or in court; protection against asset stripping.
Lawyer specialising in inheritance matters — acceptance of an inheritance, reinstatement of a missed six-month deadline, contesting a will, division of an estate.
Acknowledgement of paternity and termination of parental rights — DNA testing, establishing paternity, termination of parental rights as a last resort.
Establishment of guardianship and custody — formalising guardianship of a child, disputes with the guardianship authority.
Separately: determining the child’s place of residence, establishing visitation arrangements, contesting paternity, annulment of marriage, and prenuptial agreements.
Matters to be resolved before filing a claim
Procedure. Divorce, division of property and maintenance are three separate proceedings, and the order in which they are conducted is important. For example, the division of property can be carried out without dissolving the marriage (Article 69 of the Family Code) — and in some situations, this is more advantageous.
Time limits. The limitation period for the division of property following a divorce is three years, but the period begins not from the date of the divorce, but from the day on which you became aware of the infringement of your rights (Article 72 of the Family Code). There is no limitation period for maintenance claims at all: you can file a claim at any time, provided the child has not yet turned 18.
Evidence. In family cases, it is not the person who is in the right who wins, but the one who is prepared: bank statements, proof of income, extracts from registers, correspondence. All this must be gathered before filing the claim, as the court may not accept it afterwards.
Interim relief. If there is a risk that the other spouse will dispose of assets, an application for a freezing order must be filed at the same time as the claim, rather than after the case has been won.
When you don’t need a solicitor
Let’s be blunt, as this is more honest than an ‘individualised approach’:
- divorce without children and by mutual consent — go to the Civil Registry Office; it takes a month and costs 8.50 UAH in state fees;
- maintenance payments, if the payer agrees — a notarised agreement is sufficient;
- division of property, if both parties agree to split it equally — a notary will suffice.
You need a solicitor when:
- the other party does not agree or is dragging out the process;
- there are children, and you need to determine their place of residence or visiting arrangements;
- property is being transferred or income is being concealed;
- you are unsure what constitutes joint property;
- the matter involves a business, a sole trader, a mortgage or loans;
- one of the parties is abroad or on active duty;
- a deadline has been missed — for accepting an inheritance or dividing assets.
How much does it cost?
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Consultation with a family lawyer | from 1,500 UAH |
| Legal opinion: analysis of documents and the case’s prospects | from 5,000 UAH |
| Negotiations, pre-litigation settlement, agreements | from 5,000 UAH |
| Preparation of a statement of claim and procedural documents | from 5,000 UAH |
| Participation in one court hearing | from 3,000 UAH |
| Legal representation in court | from 10,000 UAH |
| Comprehensive ‘turnkey’ support for family law cases | from 25,000 UAH |
| Support with enforcement proceedings | from 3,000 UAH |
Court fees in 2026 (subsistence minimum — 3,328 UAH):
- divorce by application — 1,331.20 UAH;
- divorce by joint application of spouses with children (separate proceedings) — 665.60 UAH;
- division of property — 1% of the value of the claim, ranging from 1,331.20 to 16,640 UAH;
- claims for the recovery of maintenance are not subject to court fees — the claimant is exempt from them.
Questions and answers
Where do you start with a divorce if there are children?
By determining the procedure: if both parties agree and there is an agreement regarding the children, this is a separate proceeding with a court fee of 665.60 UAH. If there is no agreement, it is a claim-based proceeding at 1,331.20 UAH. Child maintenance and the division of property can be claimed alongside the divorce or separately.
Can you get a divorce if the other party objects?
Yes. Disagreement does not prevent a divorce, but merely prolongs the process: the court may grant a period of up to six months for reconciliation (Article 240(7) of the Code of Civil Procedure). The court will not force you to remain married.
Can you pursue a case whilst abroad?
Yes. A solicitor will represent you under a legal aid agreement; documents are submitted via the ‘Electronic Court’ system, and you can participate in hearings via video conference.
How long does a family law case take?
Divorce — 2–4 months. Maintenance by court order — 5 days; by claim — 2–4 months. Division of property — 4–18 months, depending on the complexity.
Is it possible to divide property without getting divorced?
Yes, Article 69 of the Family Code expressly permits this. This is often done when one spouse is involved in a high-risk business or has debts.
Can the defendant be ordered to pay the costs of legal representation?
Yes, if the case is won, the court will order the other party to pay the costs of professional legal assistance. The amount is assessed in proportion to the complexity of the case.
What documents should I bring to the consultation?
Your passport and tax identification number (RNOKPP), marriage certificate, children’s birth certificates, property documents, proof of income, and any court documents if proceedings have already begun.
Consulting a family lawyer at Svarog
Explain your situation during the consultation — we will break it down into specific steps: what to submit, in what order, how much it will cost and what you can realistically expect. If the matter can be resolved at a notary’s office within two weeks — we will tell you so, rather than taking you to court.
+38 095 554-54-24 · Kyiv, 7 Khoriva Street, Office 2 (Podil) · Mon–Fri 9.00–18.00