After a Thai Divorce:
How to Use Your Thai Divorce Abroad (UK/EU/Worldwide)

Short answer: after divorcing in Thailand, either at the District Office (Amphur) by mutual consent (Amphur Divorce) or by Thai court judgment (Court Divorce), collect your Thai documents, arrange a certified translation, complete the required consular legalisation (Thai MFA and, where needed, the destination embassy/consulate), then file them with your home civil registry so your marital status updates domestically. Some countries accept an administrative (Amphur) divorce; others may require or prefer a court-based divorce or a formal recognition step. Always check locally first.

1) Documents you receive in Thailand

  • Kor Ror 7. Thai Divorce Certificate (Amphur divorces).
  • Kor Ror 6. Extract/record of the divorce registration (often issued together).
  • Thai court judgment (if you divorced through the Thai courts).
  • If applicable: a bilingual settlement (property/parenting) signed at Amphur or recorded by the court.

Tip: Ask for 2–3 originals where possible. They are inexpensive and save time later.

2) Translate and legalise (consular chain)

  1. Arrange a certified/sworn translation of each Thai document into the language your home authority accepts (often English; sometimes your national language).
  2. Obtain Thai consular legalisation via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and, if required, the destination country’s embassy/consulate in Thailand.
  3. Keep digital scans and paper copies together with your passport and marriage/divorce records.

3) Recognition/registration in your home country

There is no global register for foreign divorces. You typically file your legalised + translated Thai documents with your national or local civil registry (municipality/town hall/population office) so they update your status.

  • Administrative (Amphur) divorces are valid in Thailand. Recognition abroad is common, but some countries are stricter with divorces without court proceedings.
  • If your registry requires a court-based divorce or a recognition/exequatur procedure, bring your Thai documents to a local family lawyer for the fastest route.

4) Country notes (very brief guidance)

  • United Kingdom: Frequently accepts Thai divorces if the legal connection to Thailand (habitual residence/domicile) is shown. Amphur divorces may face extra scrutiny if both spouses were UK-resident at the time.
  • Germany: Usually files foreign divorces through a recognition process at the competent authority (Oberlandesgericht). Court divorces are smoother; Amphur divorces can still be recognised with proper documentation.
  • Spain: Often accepts foreign divorces; check with the Registro Civil. Where needed, you may seek court recognition (exequátur) before updating status.
  • Netherlands: Register the divorce with the gemeente/BRP; some cases require a court recognition step depending on circumstances (court vs administrative divorce).
  • France: File at the Mairie / Service Central d’État Civil; recognition may be straightforward with a court judgment; administrative divorces can require extra proof.

These are patterns, not legal advice—local practice varies. Always confirm with your own civil registry before you travel.

5) Update your personal records

  • Passport & national ID (especially if changing/reverting your surname).
  • Immigration/residence status (for you or your ex-spouse) where applicable.
  • Tax status/withholding and social security/pension records.
  • Health insurance and other benefits.

6) Children & parenting orders

A Thai parenting plan or support/custody order might need recognition in your home country before local authorities enforce it. Consider a bilingual order and ask your registry or a family lawyer about recognition steps.

7) Property & finances

  • Complete any asset transfers (condo titles, vehicles, bank accounts) in the relevant jurisdiction(s).
  • Update beneficiaries (life insurance, retirement accounts) and your will.

8) Quick checklist

  • Collect Kor Ror 7 / Kor Ror 6 or court judgment.
  • Certified translation into the required language.
  • Thai MFA/consular legalisation (and destination embassy if required).
  • File with your home civil registry (and complete any recognition step).
  • Update IDs, immigration, tax, benefits, parenting orders, and property records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do embassies register my Thai divorce?

No. Embassies/consulates generally do not register your divorce. Use your translated and legalised Thai documents to file with your home civil registry so your domestic records update.

Do I need a court divorce for recognition abroad?

It depends on the country. Administrative (Amphur) divorces are valid in Thailand and often recognised abroad, but some jurisdictions are stricter with divorces without court proceedings and may require formal recognition or a court-based route.

Do I need an apostille?

Thailand is not a party to the Apostille Convention. You will typically use consular legalisation via the Thai MFA/consulates and, where required, the destination country’s embassy. Always check the receiving authority’s instructions.