District of Columbia: divorce rules by state
How long you must live in a state before filing for divorce, how long you wait after filing, and any separation the state requires.
| Residency requirement | 6 months (one spouse) |
|---|---|
| Residency law | D.C. Code § 16-902 |
| Waiting period after filing | None after filing |
| Separation required (no-fault divorce) | 6 months if both agree, 1 year if not (D.C. Code § 16-904) |
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply. Confirm with the state agency, the court or a licensed professional in District of Columbia.
Also for District of Columbia: Workers' comp deadlines in District of Columbia · Small estate limits in District of Columbia · Small claims limits in District of Columbia · Homestead exemptions in District of Columbia · DUI penalties in District of Columbia
How we checked this
Residency rules come from a statute-cited 50-state chart and were compared with two other 50-state tables. Disputed states were checked on the state's own code. Last checked: November 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the state agency or a licensed professional before acting.
Cross-checked sources agree Checked on official source confirmed on a government, court or legislature site From a statute-cited table one detailed source Under review sources disagree; read the note and the law.