10 Worst States to Get a Divorce
This post was updated on December 13, 2022.
So, you want a divorce. And you probably want it now. Unfortunately, that's probably not going to happen. But you can try and game the system.
Below is a list of the worst states for divorce. Yes, the worst. They include waiting periods of up to 540 days, and boast price tags that come close to $400. Divorcing in one of these states will only prolong your misery.
But hey, consider some of the below-mentioned perks as well.
1. Vermont. 450 days--enough said.
2. Rhode Island. Divorcing couples need to wait 510 days, but they can get a fault divorce for "wickedness." How very New England of them.
3. South Carolina. This state boasts a 450-day waiting period. This includes a 1-year separation period during which the couple must live apart. Talk about a financial hardship.
4. Arkansas. It may be relatively cheap ($165), but an Arkansas divorce takes 540 days. Eighteen months of that is spent in isolation.
5. California. It's long (360 days) and pricy ($395). Plus it's awful for those attempting to avoid hefty child support payments.
6. New York. At 360 days and $335, the Big Apple has the second lowest divorce rate.
7. Nebraska. What this state charges in low fees ($157), it makes up in processing time (420 days). But hey, the divorce rate is pretty low.
8. North Carolina. The $225 price tag and 360-day separation period may be a drag, but separated couples can still engage in "isolated incidents of sexual intercourse."
9. New Jersey. A six-month separation and overall 360-day processing period contribute to the state's 6.1% divorce rate. That's the lowest in the country.
10. Maryland. One year and $135 don't seem so bad compared to the above. But there's no hate sex allowed.
Some of the above processing times may be shorter if you happen to reside within the state. So check with a divorce attorney before you jump ship. One person's worst state for divorce may be another person's best bet.
Related Resources:
- Dealing with a divorce? Get your case reviewed for free now. (Consumer Injury)
- Best and Worst States for Getting a Divorce (ABC News)
- Understanding the Divorce Process (FindLaw)
- Gay Divorce Can't be Stopped After Granted, Texas Court Rules (FindLaw's Decided)
