Divorce, though a personal matter, can severely affect one's mental well-being, finances, and future plans if it drags on. So how can the divorce procedure be handled quickly, effectively, and lawfully? Let Dedica Law Firm walk you through this topic with both legal and practical insights.

How to Shorten the Divorce Process in Vietnam?

1. Overview of the Streamlined Divorce Procedure

According to the 2015 Civil Procedure Code, the court may apply a simplified procedure in cases of divorce that meet certain conditions: no complex disputes over property or children, neither party resides abroad, or the parties have already clearly agreed on asset division.

This helps to:

Skip the lengthy reconciliation stage;
Save on court fees (due to lower fee levels for simplified procedures).

2. Standard Timeframes: Law vs. Reality

Mutual consent divorce typically takes 1–2 months from the date a complete file is submitted, fees are paid, and the court accepts the case.
Unilateral divorce can take 4–6 months, or even longer if there are disputes, difficulty verifying the respondent’s address, or objective delays such as absence, extended reconciliation, etc.

3. Real Case: A Streamlined Divorce Completed in 7 Days

A couple (Mr. B and his spouse from Ho Chi Minh City) applied for mutual consent divorce. They:

Prepared a complete dossier (marriage certificate, ID cards, children’s birth certificates, shared asset documents);
Reached a clear agreement on asset division and child custody;
Submitted a formal request for a shortened procedure without extended reconciliation.

Result: The court applied a simplified process. Within 7 days, the divorce was granted. This is a clear example of how a well-prepared and cooperative approach can significantly reduce processing time.

4. Tips for a Faster Divorce – Dedica’s Advice

4.1 Prepare a “Clean” File – Complete and Accurate

Missing documents often delay court acceptance and require supplementation. Always ensure:

A mutual or unilateral divorce petition;
Original marriage certificate or a certified extract;
Notarized copies of ID cards and children’s birth certificates (if any);
Certified copies of documents proving ownership of joint assets.

4.2 Mutual Understanding – Prioritize Mutual Consent

If both parties agree on key issues (asset division, child custody), mutual consent divorce is faster, cheaper, and more likely to qualify for the streamlined procedure.

4.3 Request the Simplified Procedure – Avoid Lengthy Reconciliation

If there’s no complex property, child custody is settled, both parties can request a simplified process and waive reconciliation. In unilateral divorce, if the respondent is absent at two properly summoned sessions, the court may skip reconciliation.

4.4 Coordinate Closely with Lawyers – Avoid Technical Errors

A wrong fee payment, a misplaced stamp, or a late filing can stall the process. Dedica recommends:

Letting your lawyer draft the correct forms and advise on the fastest filing time;
Actively monitoring the case file during the first week to ensure it’s accepted;
Responding promptly to any court requests for additional documents to avoid suspension.

4.5 Timely Legal Representation if Issues Arise

In unilateral cases involving shared property or children, disputes may occur. With Dedica’s legal expertise, we can help gather evidence and build clear legal arguments for quicker court resolution, avoiding extended verification or reconciliation phases.

5. Specific Recommendations from Dedica Law Firm

Mutual consent divorce – always the top priority
Parties should negotiate clear terms on child custody, asset division, and financial obligations to minimize risks of secondary disputes leading to extended review.
Submit a “Request for Simplified Procedure – Waiving Reconciliation”
Clearly state: “Request to apply simplified procedure under Articles 316–317 of the Civil Procedure Code, propose to waive reconciliation or proceed in the respondent’s absence.”
Actively monitor court deadlines and filings
Set weekly reminders to check: Is the case accepted? Has the court summoned the parties? Has a decision been issued?
Use professional legal services – Save time and cost
Dedica supports: standardizing forms, contacting the court, resolving issues (asset valuation, address verification, handling foreign documents…), ensuring a smooth and legally sound process.

6. When Time Cannot Be Shortened – Key Considerations

Complex property disputes (real estate, business, stocks…);
Parties involved reside abroad;
Disagreement on child custody;
The respondent is uncooperative, avoids contact, or refuses to receive court documents;
The case requires valuation, expert opinions, or further verification.

In these cases, the court will follow the standard divorce procedure with full reconciliation steps, resulting in longer processing times.

Conclusion – Act Now for a Swift Resolution

Divorce can be a life-changing moment. With thorough preparation, use of the simplified process, and legal expertise, the divorce timeline can be reduced to just a few days to 1–2 months (mutual consent), or 4–6 months (unilateral). The longer it drags, the more it affects mental well-being and daily life.

Dedica Law Firm is here to support you every step of the way – from drafting documents, proposing procedures, tracking court progress, valuing property, to resolving child custody matters. We help you protect your rights effectively and efficiently.

Contact DEDICA Law Firm for expert legal consultation!

📞 Hotline: (+84) 39 969 0012 (Available on WhatsApp, WeChat, and Zalo)

🏢 Head Office: 144 Vo Van Tan Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

🕒 Business Hours: Monday – Friday (8:30 AM – 6:00 PM)

Reach out today for a free initial consultation with our team of professional lawyers!

How to Shorten the Divorce Process in Vietnam?