ฉบับภาษาไทย: อ่านหน้านี้เป็นภาษาไทย
What is the difference between divorcing at the district office and divorcing in court?
Short answer
An administrative divorce at the amphoe requires both spouses to agree and to appear in person, and it only works where the marriage was registered in Thailand. A court divorce is for the case where one spouse refuses or where the parties cannot agree, and it must be founded on one of the statutory grounds in the Civil and Commercial Code.
The administrative route is quick — both parties attend with ID and the marriage certificate, sign the divorce register with two witnesses, and receive the divorce certificate the same day. Its limits matter: nothing is decided for you. Child custody, support, and division of marital property should be recorded in a written divorce agreement registered together with the divorce, otherwise those questions remain open and a second dispute follows.
The court route takes months and needs evidence of a ground such as desertion for more than one year, separation for the statutory period, serious harm, or adultery. It can decide custody and support against an unwilling party, which the amphoe cannot. If either spouse is overseas, check how the destination country will recognise the outcome before choosing — some jurisdictions accept a registered Thai administrative divorce readily, others expect a judicial decree. Scope, turnaround and fees are confirmed by IVC staff by phone, LINE or email — this site does not publish prices.
Reviewed as of 2026-08-04. General guidance only, not case-specific advice and not a guarantee of outcome. Government fees, conditions and processing times are set by the responsible authority and can change. This site does not publish prices — please ask our staff.
ให้เจ้าหน้าที่ตรวจขอบเขตงานและเอกสารก่อนเริ่ม
สอบถามรายละเอียดและเงื่อนไขได้ทางโทรศัพท์ LINE หรืออีเมล