Is It Possible to Get a Divorce via Video Call or Online in Vietnam?
In today’s digital age, many people wonder: “Can I get a divorce without going to court — just through a few online steps or a video call?” This isn’t merely a desire for convenience; it also comes from a wish to protect privacy and reduce the emotional stress associated with divorce. So, does Vietnamese law allow this? Let’s explore the answer in detail below.
1. Can You File for Divorce Online?
Yes, but only if you meet the necessary technical requirements and the court where you file has implemented an online submission system.
Legal Basis
According to Article 190 of the 2015 Civil Procedure Code, a petitioner can submit a divorce application to the court in three ways:
Direct submission at the court.
Via postal service.
Through the court's official electronic portal (if available).
Furthermore, Resolution No. 04/2016/NQ-HDTP from the Judicial Council of the Supreme People's Court provides detailed guidance on the receipt and handling of electronic lawsuits, along with the technical requirements:
The petitioner must have a valid personal email address.
A digital signature (e-signature) registered with a competent authority is required.
Registration for an electronic transaction account with the court through the Supreme People's Court’s online portal is mandatory.
Conditions for Online Filing
Not all courts in Vietnam have implemented online divorce filing systems. Whether you can file online depends on whether the court is on the list of courts that have adopted electronic systems, which is published on the official website of the Supreme People’s Court.
Online Filing Procedure
If your local court has implemented an e-filing system, you can proceed with the following steps:
Visit the court’s online portal and register for an e-transaction account.
Prepare all required documents (e.g., divorce petition, marriage certificate, personal ID, children’s birth certificates, etc.).
Scan the documents and submit them through the system.
Digitally sign and submit the application.
Monitor the court’s response via your registered email.
Online filing is significantly convenient, saving time and reducing the stress for those who wish to limit interaction with the court environment.
2. Can Divorce Proceedings Be Held via Video Call?
As of now, Vietnamese law does NOT permit full divorce proceedings to be conducted online or via video call.
Current Practice
Although some courts experimented with online hearings during the COVID-19 pandemic — particularly for civil and administrative cases — these were mostly non-divorce-related matters.
For example, in early 2024, the People's Court of Thanh Ha District, Hai Duong Province, conducted a pilot virtual hearing for a family and marriage case. However, this remains an isolated case and there is no official legal framework allowing such proceedings to be widely implemented.
Why It's Not Widely Allowed Yet
There are three main reasons:
Divorce involves sensitive emotional and psychological factors. In-person hearings help judges better assess the parties’ emotions, attitudes, and true intentions.
Legal procedural integrity: According to the Civil Procedure Code, reconciliation and hearings must be conducted publicly at the court. There is no specific provision that allows video calls or equivalent to replace court proceedings.
Security and identity verification risks: Online identity verification still has loopholes, which may lead to fraudulent behavior or legal complications during the litigation process.
Future Outlook
While not yet legally recognized, virtual divorce hearings may be possible in the near future. The Ministry of Justice and the Supreme People’s Court have proposed and drafted an E-litigation Law, aiming to digitize the court process, potentially including mutual divorce cases.
However, as of 2025, all divorce proceedings — whether unilateral or mutual — must still be conducted in person at the court.
3. Quick Summary
Can you file for divorce online? Yes, if the court has an electronic portal and the petitioner meets the requirements for email, digital signature, and transaction account.
Can divorce be adjudicated via video call? Currently, there is no legal provision allowing this. Court hearings must be held in person.
Which laws govern online filing? The 2015 Civil Procedure Code (Article 190) and Resolution No. 04/2016/NQ-HDTP.
What do you need to prepare for online filing? A personal email, valid digital signature, a registered court transaction account, scanned documents, and payment of court fees if required.
Conclusion
In this rapidly digitizing era, online divorce in Vietnam is gradually being adopted — but as of now, it’s limited to filing applications online. Divorce hearings via video call are not yet legally recognized, and reconciliation or adjudication must still take place at the court.
If you're preparing for divorce or find it challenging to navigate the court system, getting legal advice from professional lawyers is highly recommended. Don’t hesitate to consult reputable law firms for detailed guidance to ensure your legal rights are protected thoroughly and lawfully.
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