The only condition in order to be separated is that one or both of the parties no longer wishes to cohabit. Divorce may take place on two different bases:
- when the couple have been formally separated for at least one year. The parties must apply for divorce themselves.
- when the couple have lived separately for two years without having been formally separated by authorisation or by a court ruling. This depends on both parties agreeing to sign the application or indicate agreement on this in the conditions.
Couples who have children of the marriage under the age of 16 must take part in conciliation before the matter is brought before the court or the county governor. The purpose of concilation is to reach agreement about parental responsibility, right of contact or with whom the child/children will live permanently.