How to File for Divorce in District of Columbia
How to file for divorce in District of Columbia: the residency rule, filing fee and fee waivers, uncontested options and how long it takes.
Short answer: One spouse must have been a genuine (bona fide) resident of the District of Columbia for at least 6 months before filing for divorce or legal separation. A service member who lives in D.C. D.C. Code § 16-902
| Residency requirement | One spouse must have been a genuine (bona fide) resident of the District of Columbia for at least 6 months before filing for divorce or legal separation. A service member who lives in D.C. for 6 continuous months during military service counts as a resident. Same-sex couples married in D.C. may divorce there even if neither lives in D.C., if they live where their marriage would not be dissolved. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 16-902 |
|---|---|
| Waiting period | The current D.C. divorce statute does not require a period of separation or a waiting period before filing; a divorce may be granted on a spouse's statement that they no longer wish to remain married. Earlier versions of the law required six months or one year of separation; the separation requirement was removed in 2024. Court scheduling still affects how long a case takes. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code § 16-904(a) |
Where to get help in District of Columbia
More District of Columbia divorce & family law
- Getting a Marriage License in District of Columbia
- Adopting a Child in District of Columbia
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in District of Columbia
- Establishing Paternity in District of Columbia
- Changing Your Name in District of Columbia
- Child Custody Laws in District of Columbia
- How Child Support Is Calculated in District of Columbia
- Divorce Records in District of Columbia
- Alimony and Spousal Support in District of Columbia
- Legal Separation and Annulment in District of Columbia
- All District of Columbia divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How long do you have to live in District of Columbia to file for divorce?
One spouse must have been a genuine (bona fide) resident of the District of Columbia for at least 6 months before filing for divorce or legal separation. A service member who lives in D.C. for 6 continuous months during military service counts as a resident. Same-sex couples married in D.C. may divorce there even if neither lives in D.C., if they live where their marriage would not be dissolved.
Is there a waiting period for divorce in District of Columbia?
The current D.C. divorce statute does not require a period of separation or a waiting period before filing; a divorce may be granted on a spouse's statement that they no longer wish to remain married.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.