The Handwritten Divorce Petition in Vietnam: How to Write It Correctly

Many people in Vietnam prepare a handwritten divorce petition rather than a typed one. This is acceptable, but the document must still contain the information the People's Court needs and reflect your actual circumstances. Writing it clearly and completely helps the court accept your file without asking for revisions.

What the petition must contain

Whether handwritten or typed, a divorce petition should identify the parties and set out your requests. Include the following core information:

• The full names, dates of birth and addresses of both spouses.
• The date and place of marriage and the marriage certificate details.
• The reasons the marriage has broken down, for a unilateral petition.
• Your requests about children, including custody and support.
• Your requests about shared property, if any.

Writing it correctly

Write legibly and sign the document yourself. For a mutual-consent divorce, both spouses sign a joint request; for a unilateral divorce, the requesting spouse signs. State facts plainly and avoid emotional or accusatory language that does not help the court decide. Date the petition and keep the content consistent with your supporting documents.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Leaving out details about children or property that the court needs to decide the case.
• Giving addresses that do not match residence documents.
• Failing to sign, or having the wrong person sign a joint request.

Frequently asked questions

Is a handwritten petition valid?

Yes. A handwritten petition is acceptable provided it contains the required information and is properly signed.

Must both spouses sign?

For a mutual-consent divorce both sign a joint request; for a unilateral divorce, only the requesting spouse signs.

What if I leave out information?

An incomplete petition may be returned for supplementation, delaying your case, so include all required details from the start.

How LTV Law helps

LTV Law reviews or drafts your petition so it is complete, consistent and ready for the court to accept; for help with your divorce documents, contact our team.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.