A divorce is the legal ending of a marriage. Every state has different requirements in terms of how to complete a divorce, but all require a judge to review and approve the divorce settlement or, if the spouses can't agree to a settlement, decide how property will be divided and how parenting time will be shared. Until you have a court order signed by a judge, you're not officially divorced and you can't remarry. The rules that are different in each state include how long you must live in the state before you can file for divorce, how long you must wait before your divorce can be completed after you file it, and how the state treats child support and alimony. To learn the basics of divorce in your state, click on your state's link below.
Find the Basics of your State's Divorce Laws:
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
D.C.
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Ten Things To Do If Divorce Is Imminent
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Do-It-Yourself Divorce: Top Ten Tips
Are you a good candidate for a do-it-yourself divorce? Find out here.
Looking for the definition to a divorce term? Find it here.
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Do you and your spouse agree on how to resolve all of your divorce-related issues? If so, you can pursue an uncontested divorce, which is often the simplest kind.
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How narcissistic behaviors can affect the divorce process.
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Same-Sex Divorce: Everything You Need to Know
Along with the right to marry in every state, marriage equality laws also gave couples the right to divorce, regardless of where they live. But, in some cases, the divorce process can become very complicated.
Nolo's Essential Guide to Divorce, by Emily Doskow
Everything you need to know about getting a divorce.
Divorce & Money, by Violet Woodhouse with Dale Fetherling
Dealing with the finances of divorce can be a challenge--find help here.
A Judge's Guide to Divorce: Uncommon Advice from the Bench, by Roderic Duncan
Practical, useful advice from a family law judge.
Divorce Without Court: A Guide to Mediation and Collaborative Divorce, by Katherine E. Stoner
Learn how to avoid divorce court by using mediation or collaborative divorce.
Challenges of Grey Divorce: Tips If You're Divorcing Over 50
The challenges of a grey divorce and tips to reduce the complications.
Top Tips for Managing Your Expectations in Divorce
The prospect of venturing into divorce can be intimidating. But knowing what to expect can go a long way toward diminishing anxiety down the road, and it might save you attorneys’ fees as well.
Basic Divorce Residency Requirements in Your State
Divorcenet has compiled a that chart identifies your state's residency requirements and explains, in some instances, where there may be limitations or county requirements.
Considering Divorce | Planning Divorce | Filing & Litigation | After Divorce