Loan for divorce costs: How to quickly secure financial funds for your fresh start
28.05.2025
6
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
A divorce is an emotional and financial challenge. The often unexpectedly high costs for solicitors and court can place an additional burden on a fresh start. A targeted loan for divorce costs can provide you with the liquidity you need to get through this phase in a planned way and without financial pressure.
The topic in brief and concise terms
The costs of a divorce (court, lawyer) are based on the value of the proceedings and often amount to several thousand euros.
An instalment loan with unrestricted use provides quick liquidity to cover divorce costs and expenses for a fresh start.
With joint debts, both ex-partners are often liable; refinancing or a release from liability can help provide clarity here.
The financial reality: What costs you can expect in a divorce
The costs of a divorce are calculated on the basis of the so-called value of the proceedings, which is determined by the family court. This value is made up of the three times net income of both spouses and a portion of the joint assets. With a joint net income of 4,000 euros, the income component of the value of the proceedings alone already amounts to 12,000 euros.
Added to this value are surcharges for pension equalisation, that is, the division of pension entitlements. Per entitlement to be equalised, the value of the proceedings increases by at least 1,000 euros. For two partners, each with a statutory and a private pension scheme, this quickly adds another 4,000 euros. On the basis of this total value of 16,000 euros, the court and legal fees are then calculated.
A specific calculation example illustrates the financial burden. With a value of the proceedings of 23,000 euros, at least 2,469 euros in legal fees and 764 euros in court fees are incurred. That comes to total costs of over 3,200 euros for an uncontested divorce alone. A correct household budget calculation for the loan application helps you keep track of these new burdens. These unforeseen expenses require stable financial planning for the road ahead.
Create flexibility: the instalment loan as a flexible solution
To pay legal and court costs without delay, an instalment loan is a tried and tested option. This gives you immediate liquidity and clear, predictable monthly instalments over a fixed term. The payout often takes place within 24 hours of approval. This means you can pay all outstanding invoices on time.
A key advantage is the unrestricted use of the loan amount. You can use the money not only for the pure divorce costs, but also for other expenses associated with a fresh start. These include, for example, the rental deposit for a new flat, buying furniture or re-registering the car. A loan for unrestricted use offers maximum flexibility here.
When granting loans, banks check your creditworthiness to minimise the risk of default. A regular income and a positive SCHUFA report are therefore key requirements. Couples who take out a loan jointly often receive better terms, which after a separation requires a reassessment of the financial situation. Taking out a loan as an individual is the next logical step towards financial independence.
Four steps to a loan for your fresh start
The path to a divorce loan is straightforward and can be handled entirely digitally. With the right preparation, you can secure the funds you need quickly. Follow these four steps to make the process efficient:
Determine the loan amount and instalment: Calculate the expected divorce costs and plan a buffer of around 20 per cent for unforeseen expenses.
Compare offers: Use an online comparison calculator to check the terms and conditions of different banks. Pay attention to the effective annual interest rate.
Submit the application and upload documents: Complete the application online and upload the required documents, such as payslips for the last three months and bank statements.
Confirm your identity and receive the payout: Identity verification is conveniently carried out via the video identification process. After the final review, the loan amount is often paid out within one working day.
A clean SCHUFA report is the key to a quick and positive credit decision. For certain life situations, there are also special offers, such as a loan for single parents. Careful review of your own finances is the basis for dealing with existing commitments.
Clarify existing obligations: Who is liable for joint debts?
A frequent question during separations concerns liability for jointly taken-out loans. As a rule, the person who signed the contract is liable. If both partners signed the loan agreement, they are jointly and severally liable, even after the divorce. The bank can demand the full instalment from just one of the two ex-partners.
For debts incurred by only one partner on their own, only that partner is liable. Marriage alone does not automatically result in joint liability for the other spouse’s obligations. An exception is so-called transactions to cover everyday living needs, such as buying groceries or clothing for the children. In such cases, both partners may, in certain circumstances, be held liable.
A solution for joint loans is refinancing or release from liability. One partner then takes over the loan alone, which however requires the bank’s consent and sufficient creditworthiness of the remaining debtor. A refinancing to avoid personal insolvency can be sensible in some cases. Clarify liability issues at an early stage to avoid financial surprises. Settling old debts is an important step before new financial decisions are made.
Expert tips: state aid and financial reorganisation
Not everyone can afford the divorce costs from their own resources. If your income is below a certain threshold, you can apply for legal aid (VKH). This state support covers court and legal fees and is granted to at least one spouse in more than 70 per cent of cases. The application is submitted to the family court together with the divorce petition.
Divorce also has an impact on existing insurance policies and pension arrangements. An important question is what happens to a endowment life insurance policy in the event of divorce. The surrender value of the policy usually falls into the equalisation of accrued gains and must be divided. Check all contracts and adjust the beneficiaries to the new life situation.
Pension equalisation is another key issue, in which the pension rights accrued during the marriage are divided. This also applies to private contracts. The pension equalisation for an endowment life insurance policy should be examined carefully to avoid financial disadvantages. A comprehensive restructuring of your finances is essential for a successful start.
Conclusion: Financial sovereignty for the way forward
A loan for divorce costs and a fresh start is an effective tool for overcoming one of the biggest financial hurdles during a separation. It provides you with the necessary liquidity of several thousand euros to pay legal and court costs on time. Through fixed instalments and a clear term, you retain full control over your finances.
Careful planning, from determining the costs to clarifying old debts, lays the foundation for your financial independence. Take the opportunity to secure, quickly and without bureaucracy, the funds you need for this important step. This allows you to focus on what matters most: building your new life. An overdraft settlement via a loan can also be part of this reorganisation.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive concrete recommendations for improvement.
More useful links
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) provides comprehensive statistics on marriages, divorces and civil partnerships in Germany.
A press release from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) provides information on current developments and figures relating to divorces.
Wikipedia provides a detailed article on divorce in Germany, highlighting legal and social aspects.
The German Bar Association (DAV) provides a practical divorce cost calculator to estimate the likely costs of a divorce.
The Rhineland-Palatinate Consumer Advice Centre offers a comprehensive PDF document with valuable information and advice on separation and divorce.
The German Pension Insurance provides detailed information on pension equalisation in the event of divorce and its effects on pension entitlements.
The Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF) provides Appendix 33 to the Income Tax Guidelines (EstH), which highlights relevant tax aspects.
FAQ
How quickly can I get a loan for divorce costs?
After a positive credit decision and digital identity verification (video identification), most banks transfer the loan amount to your account within 24 to 48 hours.
What documents do I need for the loan application?
As a rule, you will need payslips for the last three months, current bank statements, a copy of your identity card and the completed loan application.
Can I also get a loan for a fresh start if I have a negative SCHUFA?
Lending with negative SCHUFA entries is very difficult, as banks regard this as a high default risk. Credit checks are a key requirement for lending in Germany.
Does a loan for the divorce increase my debt?
Yes, a loan is a new financial commitment. However, it turns a large one-off payment due immediately into manageable monthly instalments, giving you financial flexibility.
What is the difference between a normal instalment loan and a divorce loan?
A “divorce loan” is, at its core, a normal instalment loan with unrestricted use. The name merely describes the reason for which the money is needed in order to finance the costs of a solicitor, the court and a fresh start.
Can I also use the loan for the deposit on a new flat?
Yes, as this is a loan with free use of funds, you can use the money flexibly. This includes covering divorce costs, paying a rental deposit or buying new furniture.
