How to divorce as an MRE in 2026: the complete country-by-country guide
MRE divorce: Moroccan Chiqaq (art. 97, max 6 months, €2,500‑8,000). Arabic power of attorney required. Foreign judgment exequatur €800‑2,500. Belgium: Rome III allows Moroccan law. Netherlands: online mutual‑consent divorce <6 weeks. Quebec: family patrimony splits assets.
Divorcing as an MRE: what changes depending on the country
The Moroccan procedure for divorce on grounds of discord, the Chiqaq, is governed by Article 97 of the Moudawana with a maximum duration of six months. Fees for this type of case range between 2 500 and 8 000 euros. The first step is to select a Moroccan law firm experienced in diaspora cases, based in a major city such as Casablanca, Rabat, Tanger or Safi. Note that the notarised power of attorney must be drawn up in Arabic to be accepted by the Moroccan court registry; a power of attorney in French, even if legalised, will be rejected.
If the judgment was delivered abroad, its exequatur in Morocco incurs Moroccan lawyer fees of between 800 and 2 500 euros. In Belgium, when both spouses are Moroccan nationals, they can request the application of Moroccan law before the Belgian judge under the European regulation Rome III, which may speed up subsequent recognition in Morocco.
In the Netherlands, divorce by mutual consent can be carried out entirely online via specialised platforms approved since 2014. The procedure can take less than six weeks if all matters are settled in advance.
In Quebec, the family property regime applies automatically. The division covers assets acquired during the marriage, namely the family home, cars and pension funds. This rule strongly protects the lower‑income spouse.
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