If you are planning to get divorced, don't decide where to file based on cheap fees or fast processing times alone. Getting divorced is easier or harder in different states, and there are various waiting periods and restrictions depending on the location.
But your major considerations will depend on the specifics of your situation -- whether you have children or property to split and whether you will be seeking spousal support, among others. Still, let's look at the 5 easiest places to get divorced, based on the combination of cheap filing fees and fast processing times, according to the Huffington Post.
Top 5 Easiest States to File
- Alaska: In Alaska you can get divorced for $150 with a minimum of 30 days processing time. Although this is not the cheapest state in which to divorce, the processing speed give Alaska its rating of easiest state for divorce, with an ease of filing score of 100/100.
- South Dakota: This state earned an ease of filing rate of 98/100 for its $95 filing fee and 60 day minimum processing time, making it the second easiest state to get a divorce.
- Wyoming: Getting divorced in Wyoming is a steal, at a mere $70 dollars for filing fees. This state earned a 95/100 for ease of divorce based on the inexpensive fee and the 80 day processing time.
- Iowa: The state of Iowa gets a 93/100, making it the fourth easiest state to get a divorce. It costs $185 to file there and the minimum processing time is 90 days.
- Washington: Fifth on the list of easiest states to get a divorce is Washington, which has a relatively rapid minimum processing time of 90 days. But the filing fee in Washington is 4 times more than that of Wyoming. For $280 you can file for divorce.
This list notably features some states that weren't mentioned in our previous list of the best states to get a divorce.
Consult With Counsel
Of course there is more to consider than ease of divorce when you are splitting up with a spouse. Some states require you to live there for a minimum of a year, while others allow you to file for divorce if you've lived there only a day.
If you are considering a divorce, talk to a lawyer. Get guidance and find out how to make your divorce easy based on your actual circumstances.
Related Resources:
- Browse Divorce Lawyers by Location (FindLaw Directory)
- Divorce Property Division FAQ (FindLaw)
- Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer? (FindLaw)
