{"id":372296,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:48","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/dc-law\/district-of-columbia-legal-requirements-for-divorce.html"},"modified":"2024-05-31T14:02:45","modified_gmt":"2024-05-31T19:02:45","slug":"district-of-columbia-legal-requirements-for-divorce","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/dc-law\/district-of-columbia-legal-requirements-for-divorce.html","title":{"rendered":"District of Columbia Divorce Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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District of Columbia Divorce Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Every state has laws governing divorce. The same is true for the District of Columbia. If you\u2019re contemplating divorce in the nation’s capital, you should be familiar with the divorce laws in Washington, D.C.<\/a> The laws can be complex, and it isn\u2019t easy to navigate the family courts.<\/p>\r\n

Here, we will highlight the divorce laws in Washington, D.C. We will also briefly explain the divorce process in D.C.<\/a> While most couples hire divorce lawyers to handle their divorce case, you can handle it yourself. But remember that the judge won\u2019t treat you differently because you don\u2019t have a family law attorney. You may be at a significant disadvantage.<\/p>\r\n

Read on and click the links below if you need additional information.<\/p>\r\n

Legal Requirements for Divorce in Washington D.C.<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Most states have a residency requirement<\/a> to file for divorce. These laws require that a party live in-state for a specific period of time. In Washington, D.C., one party must have been a bona fide resident of the district for at least six months.<\/p>\r\n

In the past, Washington, D.C. law required a voluntary separation period of six months or one year before filing for divorce. This provision could be especially difficult in cases involving domestic violence.<\/p>\r\n

In 2023, the D.C. Council<\/a> passed the Grounds for Divorce, Legal Separation, and Annulment Amendment Act. The Act repealed the separation requirement. You can now file for a divorce in D.C. whether you have separated from your spouse or not.<\/p>\r\n

You can file your divorce complaint with the Superior Court Family Court Operations Division<\/a> of the District of Columbia.<\/p>\r\n

Types of Divorce in the District of Columbia<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

There are two types of divorce in D.C.\u2014contested and uncontested. An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree to the divorce terms. They both agree that divorce is best.<\/p>\r\n

According to the D.C. courts, to qualify for an uncontested divorce, the couple must agree on all matters, including:<\/p>\r\n