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Legal Information: District of Columbia

Divorce

Updated: 
July 13, 2021

What are the residency requirements to file for divorce in D.C.?

To file for divorce (or legal separation) in D.C., you or your spouse must have been a resident of D.C. for at least 6 months before the filing for the divorce.1

A member of the armed forces will be considered a resident of D.C. if s/he resides in D.C. continuously for 6 months during his/her military service.2

1 D.C. Code § 16-902(a)
2 D.C. Code § 16-902(e)

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