Everything to Know About Divorce in Washington, D.C.
- Prerequisites
- How to file for divorce
- Cost of divorce & filing fees
- Property, assets & debt division
- Spousal support (alimony)
- Child support & custody
- Military divorce
- Legal separation and annulment
- E-filing
- After divorce
- Legal help and divorce resources
Whether you're just exploring your options or ready to file, understanding D.C.'s divorce process can make everything less overwhelming. Here's what to know.
Prerequisites
Residency requirements
You or your spouse must have lived in D.C. for at least 6 months before filing.
Grounds for divorce
- No-fault: Separation for 6 months (mutual) or 1 year (non-mutual).
- Fault-based grounds were eliminated in 2024, mostly to protect spouses in abusive marriages.
More about the grounds for divorce in DC here
Waiting period & separation requirement
There is a waiting period of 30 days after filing the paperwork before you can finalize the divorce. The original separation requirement was eliminated in 2024.
How to file for divorce in D.C.
- Complete the divorce complaint forms.
- File with the D.C. Superior Court.
- Serve your spouse.
- Attend any required hearings.
- Receive your divorce decree.
More about the filing for divorce in DC here
Cost of divorce & filing fees
- Filing fee: Starts at $80
- Waivers available: D.C. fee waiver info
Your total cost will depend on how much assistance you need from experts such as attorneys and mediators, and how you prepare and file all of your forms.
More about DC filing fees here
Property, assets & debt division
D.C. follows equitable distribution:
- Courts consider both spouses’ contributions and needs.
- Marital assets are divided fairly (not always 50/50).
Spousal support (alimony)
Alimony must be requested and justified. Courts can award it based on:
- Financial need
- Duration of marriage
- Health and income of both spouses
- Contributions to education or career
More about alimony in DC here
Child support & custody
Custody decisions focus on the child’s best interests. D.C. encourages co-parenting when possible. Child support is calculated using D.C. guidelines.
Military divorce
D.C. courts accommodate military divorces by delaying proceedings during active deployment and ensuring SCRA protections.
Legal separation and annulment
- Legal separation is allowed and follows a similar process to divorce, without permanently ending the marriage.
- Annulments are limited to marriages that were never legally valid (fraud, bigamy, etc.).
E-filing
D.C. offers e-filing through its online portal.
After divorce
Remember to handle important updates and changes such as:
- Insurance changes
- Name change paperwork
- Parenting plans
- Financial account updates
Legal help and divorce resources
You don’t have to figure this out alone. The right information—and support—can make your next chapter easier to start. Schedule a call with us today to get started.
