{"id":372492,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:53","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/family-laws\/details-on-state-requirements-for-divorce.html"},"modified":"2024-12-31T10:55:17","modified_gmt":"2024-12-31T15:55:17","slug":"details-on-state-requirements-for-divorce","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/family-laws\/details-on-state-requirements-for-divorce.html","title":{"rendered":"Divorce Laws By State"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Divorce Laws By State<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

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
\n

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 specific laws governing divorce<\/a>. Some state statutes call the divorce process "dissolution of marriage." Depending on where you live, you must follow statutory requirements and specific procedures to get divorced.<\/p>\n

The legal requirements for divorce or dissolution typically include state residency requirements, waiting periods, grounds for divorce, and defenses to divorce. If you don’t follow your local family court’s rules and procedures, the court clerk will reject your divorce petition or complaint, and you’ll need to start the process again.<\/p>\n

Every state also offers alternatives to divorce. For example, you can get an annulment if you meet specific criteria. While annulment<\/a> is like divorce in that it ends a marriage, it only applies to marriages that should never have taken place.<\/p>\n

Visit FindLaw’s extensive Divorce<\/a> section, including Property Division FAQ<\/a> and An Overview of No-Fault and Fault Divorce Law<\/a>.<\/p>\n

State Divorce Laws<\/h2>\n

The divorce process varies from state to state. If you meet the legal requirements for divorce, it’s time to file your divorce papers. Take them to your county’s family court. Familiarize yourself with your state’s divorce laws before taking any legal action.<\/p>\n

The chart below offers a breakdown of the various divorce laws by state.<\/p>\n\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/th>\n

Separation required<\/th>\nResidency requirement<\/th>\nWaiting period<\/th>\nGrounds for divorce<\/th>\n<\/tr>
Alabama<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

30 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Ala. Code \u00a7 30-2-1<\/a>
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>
Alaska<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

None if one party intends to stay in-state<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

30 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Alaska Statute \u00a7 25.24.050<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Arizona<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

90 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

60 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

A.R.S. \u00a7 25-903<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Arkansas<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

60 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

30 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Ark. Code \u00a7 9-12-301<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

California<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Six months (state); three months (county)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Cal. Fam. Code. \u00a7 2310<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Colorado<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

91 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

91 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Colo. Rev. Stat. \u00a7 14-10-106<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Connecticut<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

12 months (with exceptions)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

90 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

C.G.S. \u00a7 46b-40<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Delaware<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

13 Del.Code \u00a7 1505<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

District of Columbia<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Six months (uncontested); 12 months (contested)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

None<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

D.C. Code \u00a7 16-904<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Florida<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

20 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Fla. Stat. \u00a7 61.052<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Georgia<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

30 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Ga. Code 19-5-3<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Hawaii<\/th>\n

Two years<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Three months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

None<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Haw. Stat. \u00a7 580-41<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Idaho<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Six weeks<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

21 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

I.C. \u00a7 32-603<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Illinois<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

90 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

None<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

750 ILCS 5\/401<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Indiana<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Six months (state); three months (county)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

60 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Indiana Code \u00a7 31-15-2-3<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Iowa<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

One year<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

90 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Iowa Code \u00a7 598.17<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Kansas<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

60 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

60 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Kansas Code 23-2701<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Kentucky<\/th>\n

One year<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

180 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

60 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

KRS \u00a7 403.170<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Louisiana<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

180 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

LA Civil Code Title V, Art. 103<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Maine<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

60 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

ME ST T. 19-A \u00a7 902<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Maryland<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

None<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Md. Code, Family Law \u00a7 7-103<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Massachusetts<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

One year<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

90-120 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Mass. Gen. Laws Part II Ch. 208 \u00a7 1<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Michigan<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

60 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

M.C.L. \u00a7 552.6<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Minnesota<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

None<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Minn. Stat. \u00a7 518.06(1)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Mississippi<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

60 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Miss. Code \u00a7 93-5-1<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Missouri<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

90 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

30 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Mo. St. \u00a7 452.320(1)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Montana<\/th>\n

180 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

90 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

21 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Mt. St. \u00a7 40-4-104(1)(b)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Nebraska<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

One year<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

60 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Ne. St. \u00a7 42-361<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Nevada<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Six weeks<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

None<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Nv. St. \u00a7 125.010<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

New Hampshire<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

One year<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

None<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Nh. St. \u00a7 458:7<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

New Jersey<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

One year (No requirement if grounds is adultery)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

None<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

N.J. Stat. \u00a7 2A:34-2<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

New Mexico<\/th>\n <\/td>\n

Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

30 days<\/td>\nN.M. Stat. \u00a7 40-4-1<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>
New York<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

One to two years (with exceptions)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

None<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

NY Dom Rel Law \u00a7 170<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

North Carolina<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Six months and one-year separation<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

30 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

N.C.G.S. \u00a7 50-6<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

North Dakota<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

None<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

N.D. Cent. Code \u00a7 14-05-03<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Ohio<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

30 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Ohio Revised Code \u00a7 3105.01<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>
Oklahoma<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

90 days<\/td>\nOK ST T. 43<\/a> \u00a7 101<\/td>\n<\/tr>
Oregon<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Six months if the marriage took place out of state<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

None<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

O.R.S. \u00a7 107.025(1)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Pennsylvania<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

90 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

23 Pa.C.S.A. \u00a7 3301(a)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Rhode Island<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

One year<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

90 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

R.I. Gen. Laws \u00a7 15-5-2<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

South Carolina<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Three months (One year if only one spouse lives in-state)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

60 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

S.C. Code \u00a7 20-3-10<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

South Dakota<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Must live in-state when file divorce action<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

60 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

SDCL \u00a7 25-4-2<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Tennessee<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

60 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

TN ST \u00a7 36-4-101(a)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Texas<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Six months (state); three months (county)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

60 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Tex. Fam. Code \u00a7 6.001 – 6.007<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Utah<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Three months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

30 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Utah Code \u00a7 30-3-1(3)(h)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Vermont<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Six months (one year before court can finalize divorce)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

90 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

VT ST 15 \u00a7 551(7)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Virginia<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Six months<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

None<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

VA ST \u00a7 20-91(A)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Washington<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

None if live in state at time of filing<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

90 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

R.C.W. \u00a7 26.09.030<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

West Virginia<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

One year<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

20 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

W. Va. Code \u00a7 48\u20135\u2013201, et seq.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Wisconsin<\/th>\n

120 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Six months (state); three months (county)<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

120 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Wis. Stat. \u00a7 767.315<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Wyoming<\/th>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/td>\n

60 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

20 days<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Wyo. Stat. \u00a7 20-2-104<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n

Note:<\/b> State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state laws you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\n

Divorce Eligibility Under State Law<\/b><\/h2>\n

Before filing your divorce papers, ensure you’re eligible for divorce. Most states require that at least one of the parties to a divorce live in the state. The residency rule time is usually anywhere from three to six months.<\/p>\n

For example, Missouri law requires that one party be a state resident for at least 90 days before filing for divorce. But, there is no waiting period. Connecticut, meanwhile, has a 12-month residency<\/a> rule and a 90-day waiting period.<\/p>\n

Many states also impose a mandatory waiting period for no-fault divorce. Most states have specific laws requiring family law judges to wait a particular period before finalizing a couple’s divorce. Some laws ban divorcing couples from remarrying for a certain period after the divorce.<\/p>\n

Types of Divorce<\/b><\/h2>\n

Regardless of where you live, there are two types of divorce: Contested and uncontested. In an uncontested divorce<\/a>, you and your spouse or partner agree that divorce is the best option. You agree to the divorce terms and have signed a divorce settlement agreement.<\/p>\n

You’ll submit a copy of your marital settlement agreement to the court for the judge’s approval. Once they approve your settlement, the judge will issue your final divorce decree. In states with a waiting period, the judge will schedule your final hearing once the waiting period<\/a> is over.<\/p>\n

In a contested divorce, the parties disagree about the terms of the divorce. Some of the more contentious issues include:<\/p>\n