Can You Request an Expedited Divorce in Vietnam?

Are you in an urgent situation and want to quickly end a marriage in Vietnam? This article will clearly explain whether it is possible to request the court for an expedited divorce, what the procedures are, who has the authority to handle it, and how to shorten the processing time at court.

1. Can Divorce Procedures in Vietnam Be Processed Quickly?

1.1. Duration of Mutual Consent Divorce

If both spouses agree to divorce and reach consensus on all matters, the court where either party resides will accept the case, mediate, and then issue a recognition decision. According to current law, the average processing time ranges from 2 to 3 months, and in some cases, it can be shortened to 1–2 months if the documents are fully prepared and the court is not overloaded.

1.2. Duration of Unilateral Divorce

In unilateral divorce cases (when only one party wants to end the marriage and there’s no agreement), the process takes longer—typically around 4–6 months, and even longer if there are disputes over property, children, or one party is absent.

If the absent spouse submits a request for trial in absentia, the court can still proceed. However, the process may extend to 6–9 months or even up to a year in complicated cases.

2. Can You Request the Court to Process a “Fast-Track” Divorce?

2.1. Does the Law Provide for Expedited Proceedings?

Currently, the Civil Procedure Code of Vietnam does not define "urgent" or "expedited" divorce proceedings as it does in other civil cases. The law outlines fixed procedural steps for processing, mediation, and decision-making, and the court must follow these strictly.

In exceptional cases such as domestic violence or endangerment to children/family members, the law still does not provide for expedited divorce processing. Instead, clear evidence is required, and normal court procedures apply.

2.2. Is It Possible to Shorten the Processing Time in Practice?

In practice, you can reduce the time needed for a divorce by:

• Preparing a complete and valid set of documents from the start, including a divorce petition, marriage certificate, certified ID cards, children’s birth certificates (if applicable), and documentation on property division if there are disputes.

• Avoiding major disputes over property or custody (especially in mutual consent cases); the clearer and more documented the agreement, the faster the court can process it.

• Consulting or hiring a lawyer: Lawyers can help reduce time by guiding each step, submitting correct forms, and tracking court progress to ensure swift handling.

3. FAQ – Common Questions About Quick Divorce Processing in Vietnam

3.1. Can a Spouse Request a Fast-Track Divorce if They Are Absent?

Yes, a spouse can request to be absent during the proceedings by submitting a written request in accordance with the Civil Procedure Code. The court will continue if the reason is justified. However, absence can lead to hearing delays or complications, making it difficult to significantly shorten processing time.

3.2. Should You Hire a Lawyer to Speed Up the Process?

Yes. A reputable lawyer can ensure the completeness and accuracy of your file, matching the proper templates under the Resolutions of the Judicial Council (e.g., 01/2017, 04/2018), and can track mediation and hearing schedules to avoid delays or omissions. Legal service firms may not shorten legal deadlines but can expedite administrative tasks for faster resolution.

3.3. Which Court Has Jurisdiction? Are Some Courts Faster Than Others?

• For mutual consent divorce: Submit your petition to the People’s Court of the district where either spouse resides or works. Jurisdiction is clearly defined in Articles 35 and 39 of the 2015 Civil Procedure Code.

• For unilateral divorce: If spouses cannot agree on where to file, the petitioner must submit to the court where the respondent resides or works. If foreign elements are involved or if one party lives in a border area, it may fall under the provincial court’s jurisdiction.

There is no significant difference in processing speed between courts. Timing depends largely on the completeness of your documents and the court’s caseload.

4. Conclusion

There is no legal provision for requesting an “urgent” or expedited divorce in Vietnam. In emergency situations, the only effective approach is to prepare your documents carefully, choose mutual consent if possible, avoid prolonging disputes, and hire a lawyer if needed to expedite administrative steps and avoid delays.

In practice, many mutual consent divorces can be resolved within 1–2 months if the documents are complete and the court is not overloaded. Some full-service legal providers even report completion within 7–10 working days. However, be mindful: this is expedited administrative handling—not a legally defined “urgent process.”

If you want a “quick” divorce in Vietnam, remember:

• There is no legal regime for urgent divorce.

• Always follow proper court procedures: case acceptance, mediation, petition review, and decision issuance.

• To save time: choose mutual consent if feasible, ensure a complete file, avoid disputes, and seek guidance from an experienced lawyer.

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