Divorce Law Map · 48 state guides

Divorce

Ending a marriage: how long you must live in the state, the waiting period, filing fees, official forms and what to do if you're served.

What it is

Divorce is handled by state courts under state law. Before you can file, you or your spouse usually must have lived in the state for a set time. Many states also make you wait a set number of days or months before the divorce can be final. Courts publish free forms, and most have a simpler process when you and your spouse agree on everything. If you were served with divorce papers, you have a short deadline to respond.

Who it helps

  • People who want to end a marriage
  • Spouses who were served with divorce papers
  • Couples who agree and want a simpler process
  • People going back to a former name

Go straight to your state's guide

Opens Divorce Law Map, part of RobinClaim. Or see every topic for your state:

Across the country

48state guides checked against official sources so far (the other states are listed with their court's self-help page)
20of them require 6 months of residency before you file
4set no minimum time: Alaska, Hawaii, South Dakota and Washington
12have no set waiting period before the divorce is final
9are community property states, including Arizona, California, Idaho and 6 more

Figures from Divorce Law Map's state data, checked Oct 2026.

Guides and comparison tables

All of Divorce Law Map: every state, tools and guides.

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