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법률칼럼Legal Insight2026. 05. 19

Korean Solicitors in Law Firm Majung

  In cases of international marriage divorce, the true difficulty often lies not only in ending the marriage itself but also in handling the immigration and residency complications that follow.   When a spouse holds an F-6 marriage visa, or has obtained permanent residency or Korean citizenship, divorce can have a direct impact on their right to stay in Korea as well as issues such as child custody. If the divorce coincides with a visa renewal period, it is wiser to first consult with Korean solicitors to assess whether continued residence eligibility can be maintained, rather than proceeding hastily.   For this reason, international divorce proceedings should not begin based on emotion alone. Instead, they require a strategic and well-planned approach that aligns with one’s current legal status and personal situation.   By preparing thoroughly in advance and seeking guidance from experienced Korean solicitors, you can achieve a more stable, efficient resolution and minimize unnecessary delays or complications in both the divorce and immigration process.    

Divorce Procedure(Litigation) in general

  When pursuing a divorce from a foreign spouse through the court, simply submitting a petition is not enough to move the case forward.   The first step is to determine which court holds jurisdiction over the international divorce. This depends on factors such as the nationalities of both spouses, their current places of residence, and the primary location of their married life.   Next, it is crucial to carefully review the grounds for judicial divorce. Minor disagreements or personality differences alone are not sufficient; it must be proven that the marriage has irretrievably broken down due to causes such as infidelity, verbal or emotional abuse, or financial neglect.   When the other party lives abroad or has already left Korea, the service of court documents can take far longer than expected. If the spouse’s address is unknown, the process may require public service by publication to proceed.   Because these procedural and evidentiary matters are highly technical and interconnected, it is much safer to consult experienced Korean solicitors early on. With their guidance, you can analyze the case structure, strategically prepare each stage, and ensure that the proceedings progress smoothly and effectively.    

Situation where divorce by agreement cannot proceed

  When preparing for a multicultural divorce, many assume that a mutual consent divorce will be straightforward—but in practice, it often proves far more complicated.   If the spouse has already returned to their home country or cannot re-enter Korea, the agreement process cannot proceed. Even when communication is possible, it is common for the other party to ignore court notices or refuse contact. Moreover, even a written agreement may be deemed invalid if it lacks proper translation or fails to comply with Korean court requirements.   When mutual consent is no longer possible, the case must transition to litigation. To initiate a lawsuit, you must submit clear evidence—such as text messages, emails, immigration records, medical reports, or financial documents—to demonstrate that the marriage has effectively broken down. If the spouse’s address cannot be verified, the complaint cannot be delivered, and the trial may be suspended, so careful preparation is essential.   In situations where amicable resolution is difficult, the most reliable approach is to consult experienced Korean solicitors and prepare all necessary documents and proof in advance. With proper legal guidance, you can navigate the process more efficiently and protect your rights throughout the divorce proceedings.    
Multilingual consultation available in English and Chinese.   Professional interpreters assist from the first consultation to the conclusion of the case.   Offices in Seoul, Daejeon, Busan, Daegu, and Gwangju   Don’t face the legal system alone. Let Majung fight for you!  
   

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