Legal Separation and Annulment in District of Columbia
Whether District of Columbia offers legal separation, how it differs from divorce, and the grounds for an annulment.
Short answer: Yes. A legal separation from bed and board may be granted when at least one spouse states they intend to pursue a separate life without getting a divorce. D.C. Code §§ 16-904(b), 16-905, 16-902
| Legal separation | Yes. A legal separation from bed and board may be granted when at least one spouse states they intend to pursue a separate life without getting a divorce. The same 6-month residency rule applies, and the court can divide property and award alimony. The court can revoke the separation on both spouses' joint request, or convert it to a divorce on the request of the spouse who obtained it. Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
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| Annulment | A marriage may be annulled if one spouse was still married to someone else, if it was entered during a spouse's insanity (unless they lived together voluntarily after discovering it), if it was obtained by fraud or coercion, if a spouse was incapable of the marriage relationship without the other's knowledge and remains so, or if a spouse was under 18 (only at the request of the underage spouse). Marriages between close relatives and bigamous marriages are void from the start. Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
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
- How to File for Divorce in District of Columbia
- All District of Columbia divorce & family law rules
FAQ
Can you get a legal separation in District of Columbia?
Yes. A legal separation from bed and board may be granted when at least one spouse states they intend to pursue a separate life without getting a divorce. The same 6-month residency rule applies, and the court can divide property and award alimony. The court can revoke the separation on both spouses' joint request, or convert it to a divorce on the request of the spouse who obtained it.
What are the grounds for annulment in District of Columbia?
A marriage may be annulled if one spouse was still married to someone else, if it was entered during a spouse's insanity (unless they lived together voluntarily after discovering it), if it was obtained by fraud or coercion, if a spouse was incapable of the marriage relationship without the other's knowledge and remains so, or if a spouse was under 18 (only at the request of the underage spouse). Marriages between close relatives and bigamous marriages are void from the start.
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.