Family & litigation
Getting divorced in Luxembourg
Luxembourg law provides for two routes to divorce: divorce by mutual consent, based on an agreement settling all of its effects (children, assets, maintenance), and divorce for irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, which can be granted even without agreement. Mutual consent is faster and less costly. The firm advises and represents you.
Legal content reviewed by Maître Cora Maglo, Avocate à la Cour, Liste I du Barreau de Luxembourg depuis 2009.
The choice of divorce route determines the length, the cost and the tone of the procedure. A comprehensive agreement on the children and the assets opens the way to mutual consent.
Cerno Law Firm secures the agreement or defends your interests in the event of disagreement.
The need
You want to get divorced, whether amicably or not.
The effects (children, home, assets, maintenance) must be settled properly.
The risk
An unbalanced agreement, poorly organised custody, an unfavourable division, lengthy contested proceedings.
A poorly drafted agreement is later open to challenge.
How we help
Advice on the appropriate route, drafting of the divorce agreement, or representation in a divorce for breakdown.
Securing the effects on the children and the estate.
Practice areas
When to call on the firm
- Divorce by mutual consent with a complete agreement.
- Initiate a divorce without the spouse's agreement.
- Organise child custody and maintenance.
- Settle the division of assets.
Method
Our engagement process
- 1
Information intake
You describe your need via a structured form or an initial call. Our digital tools serve only to organise this information and save time.
- 2
Lawyer qualification
Maître Maglo reviews your situation, identifies the legal issues and confirms the feasibility and exact scope of the engagement.
- 3
Transparent quote
You receive a clear fee proposal, a fixed fee or a range, before any engagement. Nothing is billed without your approval.
- 4
Legal work
The firm drafts, negotiates or litigates as required. Every deliverable is designed and approved by a lawyer admitted to the Luxembourg Bar.
- 5
Tracking and delivery
You follow your matter transparently and receive your finalised documents with the explanations you need.
Documents required
- • Marriage certificate and any contract
- • The situation of the children
- • Inventory of assets and debts
Deliverables
- • Divorce agreement or procedural documents
- • Representation in court
- • Advice on the effects
Indicative timing
Divorce by mutual consent is faster; divorce for breakdown follows the court's timetable.
Announced fees
Fixed fee for a mutual consent divorce; by the matter for a contested divorce.
A law firm, supported by digital tools
Cerno is a law firm admitted to the Luxembourg Bar; its digital tools only simplify information gathering, qualification of the matter and tracking of requests, never replacing the lawyer's advice.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What are the forms of divorce in Luxembourg?
Divorce by mutual consent (based on an agreement) and divorce for irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, which can be granted even at the request of a single spouse.
Is divorce by mutual consent faster?
Yes, as soon as the spouses agree on all of the effects (children, assets, maintenance), it is significantly faster and less costly.
How is child custody determined?
In the best interests of the child; the agreement or the judge sets parental authority, residence and visiting rights, as well as the maintenance contribution.
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Choosing Cerno means choosing over 17 years of experience
- 2013
- independent firm
- 2009
- at the Bar since 2009
- 7
- working languages

- 100+
- companies & SOPARFI structured
- 200+
- visas & residence permits obtained
- 170
- client nationalities served
- 300+
- due diligence reviews conducted
Around twenty M&A transactions supported · one of the best visa approval rates in Luxembourg.
Since 2009, we devote our expertise to your satisfaction: more than 85% of our clients renew their trust in us.
Our work
Representative matters, anonymised
Typical examples of engagements handled by the firm, presented in an anonymised and illustrative manner. Each matter is handled and validated by a lawyer registered with the Luxembourg Bar.
A holding company and a residence permit, in a single process
Incorporation of a SOPARFI for a non-resident investor, combined with obtaining their residence permit. A single point of contact across both fronts.
Permit obtained in 6 weeksA similar matter? Companies & governanceFounders protected before the funding round
Structuring a shareholders’ agreement and governance for a young company with several founders, ahead of a funding round.
Shareholders’ agreement signed before the roundA similar matter? Debt recoveryA debt recovered across borders
Cross-border recovery of unpaid debts for an SME, through an order for payment and coordination with a foreign colleague.
Receivable recovered in full (100%)A similar matter? Employment lawAn executive defended before the Labour Tribunal
Supporting an executive in a contested dismissal, from strategy to representation at the hearing.
Case argued at the hearingA similar matter? ContractsA secured international distribution
Negotiating and securing an international framework distribution agreement, from liabilities through to the competent jurisdiction.
Competent jurisdiction securedA similar matter?Typical, anonymised examples, for illustration only. They do not prejudge the outcome of a matter, which depends on each situation.
Entrust my matter to the firmExpertise & authority
Ongoing review and analysis of Luxembourg and European case law
Avocate à la Cour, List I of the Luxembourg Bar since 2009
Trained at the London School of Economics, formerly at Clifford Chance and Bonn Steichen & Partners
Member of international networks: EILN, AEA, Cross Border Advisory Solutions
Every matter handled and approved by a lawyer admitted to the Bar
Support in 7 languages, clients of 170 nationalities
Testimonials
What our clients say
Had a consultation with Me Cora Maglo about my Luxembourg Blue Card application. She explained everything clearly: the process, timeline and documents I need, and helped me with my wife’s family reunification too. Honest and practical advice. I felt confident after talking to her.Farshid Pourlatifi
J’ai beaucoup apprécié le service de Maître Maglo : son sérieux, sa sympathie, son professionnalisme et sa disponibilité. Toujours répondu rapidement et clairement, avec des conseils pragmatiques, sans pousser à des procédures longues et coûteuses lorsqu’elles ne sont pas justifiées.Nathan Wirtzfeld
Super assistance and great support! Highly recommend. All my questions were answered, Cora and her team kept me updated all the time. I will definitely reach out to them next time for my residency.Tatiana
They talk about us
The firm referenced and cited
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