The differences worth understanding before you choose a process, sign an agreement, or buy a service.
Expanded October 11, 2026: 50 states now covered. Review dates appear in each profile. General information, not legal advice or an eligibility decision.
Eight practical questions
Compare two states
A minimum wait is not a completion estimate. The clock may start at filing, service, or another event. A short statutory minimum does not mean a fast or simple case.
California compared with Texas. All eight topics.
California
Texas
Where you can file
California
Usually 6 months in California and 3 months in the county.
One spouse must meet both residence periods before a standard divorce filing. A limited exception exists for some same-sex couples married in California; authority over money or children may still be limited.
Ordinary filing rule: 6 months domiciled in Texas and 90 days in the county.
Either spouse can meet the rule. Separate provisions address a nonresident filing against a Texas spouse and military/service residence. Residence is not the only jurisdiction question.
Standard divorce: at least 6 months after service or the other spouse's court response.
This is not six months from every filing. Summary dissolution uses six months from the joint filing. Completing paperwork and obtaining judgment can take longer.
Generally no divorce before the 60th day after the petition is filed.
Certain family-violence exceptions involve a qualifying conviction/deferred adjudication or an active protective/emergency order. They are not a general waiver for every allegation. The case can take longer.
Community property is generally divided equally; separate property is different.
Classifying assets and debts matters before dividing them. Mixed funds, retirement benefits, out-of-state acquisitions, agreements, and special debt rules may need individual advice.
Community property does not mean a mandatory 50/50 division.
The court divides the marital estate in a just-and-right manner. Separate property is treated differently. Identify debts and ownership carefully before signing an agreement.
Temporary and longer-term support serve different purposes.
Longer-term support considers statutory factors, including earning capacity, needs, ability to pay, marriage duration, health, and domestic violence. It is not an automatic award or a single universal formula.
Court-ordered maintenance has specific eligibility requirements.
Insufficient property to meet minimum reasonable needs must be paired with a qualifying path, such as certain family-violence offenses, disability, care of a disabled child, or a marriage of at least ten years with insufficient earning ability. Ten years alone does not qualify someone.
Parenting arrangements must serve the child's best interests.
Custody and parenting time address care, residence, and decisions. Child support and health insurance also need attention. Domestic-violence rules can change the analysis; agreement alone is not the whole legal test.
Custody is called conservatorship; possession schedules and support are separate issues.
The child's best interests guide decisions. A divorce involving children includes custody, visitation, child support, and medical-support orders; sharing decision-making does not itself promise equal time.
Joint petitions are available from 2026; summary dissolution has narrower eligibility.
Joint filing requires agreement on all final terms and does not finish the case. Temporary orders cannot be requested in that joint process. Summary dissolution is a separate option for qualifying short marriages with limited property/debt and no children together.
Agreed divorce forms can help when their scope fits your circumstances.
Use the correct packet for children and existing orders. A packet is not suitable for every property, maintenance, or jurisdiction issue, and agreement does not remove the required court steps.
Ask about temporary parenting or financial orders when you cannot wait for a final agreement.
The procedure depends on the kind of case. If safety is a concern, seek confidential advocacy or legal help rather than treating joint filing or negotiation as the default.
Temporary orders can address children and property while the case is pending.
Temporary restraining orders and family-violence protective orders are different tools. Ask about the correct procedure, hearing, and safety protections before using forms.
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
Six months of residence is required when the other spouse is a nonresident.The filing spouse must prove that residence. Do not apply this particular requirement indiscriminately to two resident spouses; venue and authority over money or children are separate questions.Alabama Code 30-2-5
Grounds & separation
Incompatibility and irretrievable breakdown are available grounds.Fault grounds also exist. A ground for ending the marriage does not decide the parenting arrangement or financial settlement. Ask which ground your evidence supports before buying a forms package.Alabama Code 30-2-1
Timing: what starts the clock
A final divorce must wait until 30 days after filing have expired.This is a minimum, not a completion promise. Temporary orders remain available during that period, so urgent housing, support, or safety questions need not wait for final divorce.Alabama Code 30-2-8.1
Property & debts
Marital assets are divided equitably; separate-property treatment has exceptions.Regular use for the marriage's common benefit can affect treatment of premarital, gifted, or inherited property. Retirement interests also need classification. Bring tracing records to agreement review, not just account balances.Alabama Code 30-2-51
Spousal support
Rehabilitative support is preferred where feasible; preserving future rights matters.Need, ability to pay, and fairness control. If final divorce contains neither an alimony award nor reserved jurisdiction, the court permanently loses authority to award rehabilitative or periodic alimony later. Review that issue before signing a waiver.Alabama Code 30-2-57
Parenting & child support
Joint custody is considered, with a presumption when both parents request it.Best interests remain controlling, including cooperation and abuse history. The court can order a form of joint custody without mutual consent. Do not treat the label alone as a complete daily schedule.Alabama Code 30-3-152
Agreed & simpler processes
Agreement still requires complete papers and court approval.Montgomery County's instructions illustrate separate requirements for cases with children, including support papers. They are local instructions, not universal statewide eligibility rules. One spouse's lawyer does not automatically represent the other.Alabama Courts: Montgomery County divorce instructions
Help while a case is pending
Temporary orders can address parenting, support, the home, and restraints.The 30-day final-judgment restriction does not block necessary interim orders. Ask whether your plan covers advice only or also the motion and hearing; obtain separate representation promptly when needed.Alabama Code 30-2-8.1(b)
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
Residence generally means presence and intent to remain, not a fixed months-long stay.Either spouse can qualify; a separate route covers military personnel stationed here continuously for 30 days. Authority over children or an out-of-state spouse's finances requires separate review before filing.Alaska Courts: residency and filing
Grounds & separation
Incompatibility can support ending the marriage without proving a spouse's wrongdoing.The court's divorce findings address incompatibility; joint dissolution also requires agreement on the issues. Being ready to end the marriage is different from having a workable financial and parenting settlement.Alaska Courts: divorce findings
Timing: what starts the clock
Generally, at least 30 days must pass after filing before final judgment.That minimum is not a promised completion date. Service, financial disclosure, hearings, and unresolved issues can add time. Ask about urgent interim help rather than waiting for the final decree.Alaska Courts: waiting period
Property & debts
Fair and equitable division can differ from an exact half-and-half split.Classification, valuation, and debts matter together. Compare the usable value of a home or retirement account with its obligations; a plan consultation can help identify records and specialist work needed before agreement.Alaska Courts: property and debt division
Spousal support
Rehabilitation support addresses training; reorientation support helps a short transition.A request needs evidence of the goal and financial need. Do not assume support lasts indefinitely or that a higher-earning spouse automatically pays. Ask for review of the proposed budget and property settlement together.Alaska Courts: spousal support
Parenting & child support
The child's best interests guide the parenting plan, with safety among the factors.Decision-making and living arrangements need practical detail, including travel, school, and exchanges. Tell a lawyer about violence or coercion before using a cooperative template; the court's safety rules can change the appropriate arrangement.Alaska Courts: parenting and custody
Agreed & simpler processes
Joint dissolution requires agreement; disputed issues use the divorce process.Choose the packet for your circumstances, including children and paternity. Ask whether your prepaid benefit includes independent review of the agreement; filing forms together does not show that the settlement protects each spouse.Alaska Courts: agreed proceedings
Help while a case is pending
Interim spousal support requires a motion in addition to the divorce complaint.The court supplies different motion forms for cases with and without children, plus financial disclosures. Confirm whether the plan covers preparing the request and appearing at a hearing, or only a consultation.Alaska Courts: interim support requests
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
One spouse generally needs 90 days of Arizona domicile or qualifying military presence before filing.Child-related and financial jurisdiction can require additional analysis. Ask which court can handle your actual issues rather than relying on where the wedding occurred.Arizona Revised Statutes 25-312
Grounds & separation
Ordinary divorce uses irretrievable breakdown; covenant marriages have different statutory grounds.Check the type of marriage before using a standard no-fault packet. A plan consultation can help identify the correct route and the matters that need separate work.Arizona Revised Statutes 25-312 and 25-903
Timing: what starts the clock
The 60-day minimum runs from service or acceptance of process, not the petition alone.Completing the agreement and court steps can take longer. Ask about urgent temporary relief instead of assuming the minimum period is a completion estimate.Arizona Revised Statutes 25-329
Property & debts
Separate property is assigned to its owner; community and jointly held property are divided equitably.An agreement assigning a debt does not necessarily release you from the creditor's contract. Ask about refinancing, creditor releases, and the consequences if the other spouse does not pay.Arizona Revised Statutes 25-318
Spousal support
Maintenance requires an eligibility finding before the guideline amount and duration are applied.Guideline deviations need written findings. Ask how needs, earning capacity, childcare, and the settlement affect eligibility rather than assuming an income difference guarantees support.Arizona Revised Statutes 25-319
Parenting & child support
Legal decision-making and parenting time are distinct best-interest decisions.Sole decision-making does not permit unilateral changes to court-ordered parenting time. Review the schedule, travel, expenses, and safety concerns with the lawyer before selecting a joint or sole label.Arizona Revised Statutes 25-403.01
Agreed & simpler processes
A separation agreement can make maintenance nonmodifiable.That provision can remove the court's later power to adjust support. Independent review before signing may be one of the most useful plan benefits; confirm the written scope of that review.Arizona Revised Statutes 25-317
Help while a case is pending
Temporary orders can address home use, support, children, liquid assets, and litigation costs.A temporary financial order does not settle the final property division. Ask which motion and evidence apply and whether the plan includes preparing and arguing the request.Arizona Revised Statutes 25-316
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
Either spouse must have lived in Arkansas for 60 days before filing and three full months before the decree.Residency needs independent corroboration. Ask a lawyer to check venue, service, proof, and separate child-custody jurisdiction rather than choosing a court based on the wedding location.Arkansas Code 9-12-307 (official publisher), rechecked October 16, 2026
Grounds & separation
The ordinary no-fault route requires 18 continuous months living apart without cohabitation; fault grounds also exist.A witness or affidavit must corroborate the separation. Ask whether the actual facts support a ground before buying a document package or assuming agreement alone permits divorce.Arkansas Legal Aid: divorce grounds and proof
Timing: what starts the clock
Ordinarily a decree cannot issue before the 30th day after filing; statutory exceptions do not make completion automatic.The separate residency and applicable separation requirements still matter. Ask the court or a lawyer which timing rule applies, and allow for service, missing proof, contested issues, and scheduling.Arkansas Code 9-12-310 (official publisher), rechecked October 16, 2026
Property & debts
Marital property starts with equal division, but the court can explain an unequal division it finds equitable.Separate-property exceptions and tracing matter. The property presumption is not a promise that each debt is split in half; ask for review of balances, creditor obligations, and retirement transfers.Arkansas judiciary: property division and debts
Spousal support
Alimony is discretionary; financial need and ability to pay are the main considerations.Income, resources, health, marriage length, and other circumstances can matter. Bring a realistic budget and ask whether the plan covers advice only or also negotiating and requesting support.Arkansas judiciary: alimony factors
Parenting & child support
Original custody proceedings have a rebuttable joint-custody presumption, not an unconditional entitlement.Best interests, the statutory rebuttal routes, and abuse or sex-offender restrictions matter. Ask about the actual schedule and safety; do not assume the same presumption controls every later modification.Arkansas Code 9-13-101 (official publisher), rechecked October 16, 2026
Agreed & simpler processes
Agreement does not remove independent proof requirements for residency or continuous separation.Those facts can be supported by another person's testimony or verified affidavit in an uncontested case. A prepaid review can check the settlement and missing proof before filing; both spouses' signatures alone may not finish the case.Arkansas Code 9-12-306 (official publisher), rechecked October 16, 2026
Help while a case is pending
During the case the court can allow maintenance, reasonable attorney fees, and expert-witness fees.These are discretionary requests, not automatic benefits of filing or enrolling in a plan. Ask who will prepare the request, what financial evidence is needed, and whether representation costs extra.Arkansas Code 9-12-309 (official publisher), rechecked October 16, 2026
Reviewed October 10, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
Usually 6 months in California and 3 months in the county.One spouse must meet both residence periods before a standard divorce filing. A limited exception exists for some same-sex couples married in California; authority over money or children may still be limited.California Courts: residency
Grounds & separation
No-fault divorce; no general requirement to live apart first.Irreconcilable differences are the usual ground. Legal separation is a different process and does not end the marriage.California Courts: divorce basics
Timing: what starts the clock
Standard divorce: at least 6 months after service or the other spouse's court response.This is not six months from every filing. Summary dissolution uses six months from the joint filing. Completing paperwork and obtaining judgment can take longer.California Courts: divorce versus separation
Property & debts
Community property is generally divided equally; separate property is different.Classifying assets and debts matters before dividing them. Mixed funds, retirement benefits, out-of-state acquisitions, agreements, and special debt rules may need individual advice.California Courts: property and debt rules
Spousal support
Temporary and longer-term support serve different purposes.Longer-term support considers statutory factors, including earning capacity, needs, ability to pay, marriage duration, health, and domestic violence. It is not an automatic award or a single universal formula.California Courts: longer-term support
Parenting & child support
Parenting arrangements must serve the child's best interests.Custody and parenting time address care, residence, and decisions. Child support and health insurance also need attention. Domestic-violence rules can change the analysis; agreement alone is not the whole legal test.California Courts: parenting and support agreements
Agreed & simpler processes
Joint petitions are available from 2026; summary dissolution has narrower eligibility.Joint filing requires agreement on all final terms and does not finish the case. Temporary orders cannot be requested in that joint process. Summary dissolution is a separate option for qualifying short marriages with limited property/debt and no children together.California Courts: joint petition
Help while a case is pending
Ask about temporary parenting or financial orders when you cannot wait for a final agreement.The procedure depends on the kind of case. If safety is a concern, seek confidential advocacy or legal help rather than treating joint filing or negotiation as the default.California Courts: decisions during divorce
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
One spouse generally needs 91 days of Colorado domicile before the proceeding begins.The child's home-state and other jurisdiction questions are separate. Ask which court can address the family's actual issues before relying on a recent move.Colorado Revised Statutes 14-10-106
Grounds & separation
Irretrievable breakdown is the basis for dissolution.Legal separation is a different decree and does not end the marriage. Discuss the practical consequences of the requested order, not just the name on the form.Colorado Revised Statutes 14-10-106
Timing: what starts the clock
A separate 91-day decree minimum starts when the court acquires jurisdiction over the respondent.Service, joining as a co-petitioner, or another appearance can start that clock. It is not automatically 91 days from every filing; unresolved issues can add time.Colorado Revised Statutes 14-10-106(1)(a)(III)
Property & debts
Separate property is set apart; marital property is divided in just proportions.Appreciation and mixed contributions need review before assuming an asset is entirely separate. Ask about acquisition records, valuation, retirement work, and the settlement's net effect.Colorado Revised Statutes 14-10-113
Spousal support
Maintenance guidelines are advisory, not a presumptive entitlement or award.The court assesses the circumstances and makes findings. Ask how your needs, resources, and proposed property settlement fit before treating a calculator as a prediction.Colorado Revised Statutes 14-10-114
Parenting & child support
Parenting time and decision-making follow best interests, with the child's safety paramount.Co-parenting is not appropriate in every situation. Tell the lawyer about coercion or abuse before using a shared template, and review exchanges, school, travel, and expenses.Colorado Revised Statutes 14-10-124
Agreed & simpler processes
Affidavit-based final orders have eligibility conditions and do not shorten the waiting period.Children, representation, service, disputed facts, and property affect eligibility. Ask for independent agreement review, particularly where support or other financial terms would become difficult to change.Colorado Revised Statutes 14-10-120.3
Help while a case is pending
Temporary orders can address debts, property use, support, parenting, and legal expenses.Interim relief does not predetermine final rights. Ask which motion and evidence apply and whether your prepaid benefit covers the hearing rather than only initial advice.Colorado Revised Statutes 14-10-108
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
Filing can begin on residence; the final decree has separate residence routes.One route is 12 months before filing or decree; domicile at marriage with return, or a cause arising after moving here, can supply alternatives. Ask which applies before assuming you must wait a year to start.Connecticut General Statutes 46b-44
Grounds & separation
Irretrievable breakdown is a ground; 18-month separation is another route.Do not treat that separate separation ground as a prerequisite to every divorce. Ending marital status does not resolve support, parenting, or property without the necessary agreement or court orders.Connecticut General Statutes 46b-40
Timing: what starts the clock
A full agreement can proceed sooner; contested trials retain a 90-day return-date minimum.Current law distinguishes agreement, default, and contested procedures. The return date is not the filing date. Ask about your actual procedural route rather than relying on an old universal 90-day summary.Connecticut General Statutes 46b-67
Property & debts
The court can assign all or part of either spouse's estate.Its factor-based approach is not limited by a simple marital-versus-separate label. Do not assume a premarital asset is automatically beyond review; bring acquisition records and the whole proposed settlement to a lawyer.Connecticut General Statutes 46b-81
Spousal support
Alimony depends on circumstances, including earning capacity and property awards.There is no automatic award merely because incomes differ. Ask how a waiver, duration, or proposed financial trade affects your ability to meet needs after separation; the final wording matters.Connecticut General Statutes 46b-82
Parenting & child support
Agreed joint custody creates a presumption, not a complete equal-time schedule.A parental-responsibility plan addresses residence, decisions, changing needs, and conflict. Joint legal custody can differ from physical custody. Review the practical schedule and safety concerns, not just the label.Connecticut General Statutes 46b-56a
Agreed & simpler processes
Nonadversarial divorce has narrow eligibility and waives alimony, support, trial, and appeal.Marriage length, children, pregnancy, real estate, pensions, finances, bankruptcy, and protection orders affect eligibility. Ordinary agreed divorce is different. Ask for covered legal review before selecting the simplified route.Connecticut General Statutes 46b-44a
Help while a case is pending
Temporary support and exclusive use of a home can be requested during the case.Interim relief requires the appropriate motion and process. Ask which financial evidence is needed and whether your plan includes the hearing, or only advice about requesting one.Connecticut General Statutes 46b-83
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
Usually, either spouse needs six continuous months of residence or military stationing.A limited statutory exception covers certain Delaware same-gender marriages when the home jurisdiction does not permit dissolution. Ask about jurisdiction before choosing a court, especially if children or assets are elsewhere.Delaware Code, Title 13, 1504
Grounds & separation
Irretrievable breakdown can be based on voluntary separation or incompatibility.Misconduct and mental illness are other statutory routes. Separation may occur under one roof with separate bedrooms and no sexual relations, subject to reconciliation provisions. Ask what evidence fits your actual ground.Delaware Code, Title 13, 1503 and 1505
Timing: what starts the clock
Generally, six months of separation is needed before the divorce ruling, not before filing.Once jurisdiction and separation requirements permit filing, the case can begin sooner. The misconduct ground has no fixed separation period, but requires proof. Do not confuse this clock with six months of residence.Delaware Code, Title 13, 1503 and 1507
Property & debts
Marital property is divided equitably; jointly titled premarital real estate can be included.That real-estate rule is an important exception to a simple before-marriage checklist. Bring deeds, acquisition records, agreements, and debts to a lawyer before assuming the house stays outside the settlement.Delaware Code, Title 13, 1513
Spousal support
Alimony depends on dependency; a marriage of at least 20 years removes the eligibility time limit.For shorter marriages, eligibility generally cannot exceed half the marriage term. The longer-marriage exception is not a guaranteed lifetime award. Ask about need, earning ability, and the consequences of a waiver.Delaware Code, Title 13, 1512
Parenting & child support
Legal custody and residence are decided in the child's best interests.A joint decision-making label does not specify a daily schedule. Review school continuity, exchanges, travel, support, and safety concerns separately before agreeing to arrangements that look simple on paper.Delaware Code, Title 13, 722 and 728
Agreed & simpler processes
An uncontested petition can be decided on papers or at a hearing.Different filing requirements apply. Uncontested marital status does not itself show agreement about every financial issue. Ask a lawyer to check the requested relief and deadlines before relying on a document-only route.Delaware Family Court: uncontested procedures
Help while a case is pending
Preliminary restrictions and requested interim orders can protect finances and family arrangements.Ask about the injunction's effective date and the evidence needed for temporary relief. A plan consultation is not necessarily payment for motion drafting or representation; confirm hearing coverage when asking for help.Delaware Code, Title 13, 1509
Reviewed October 10, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
One spouse must have resided in Florida for 6 months before filing.Proof of residence and the correct court still matter. Residence for divorce does not automatically decide jurisdiction over children or every financial issue.Florida Statutes 61.021
Grounds & separation
Irretrievable breakdown is a divorce ground.The statute also provides a mental-incapacity ground with a three-year condition. That is not a three-year separation requirement for ordinary no-fault divorce.Florida Statutes 61.052
Timing: what starts the clock
Usually at least 20 days from filing the original petition to final judgment.A court may act earlier if delay would cause injustice. This minimum is not a prediction of completion: service, unresolved issues, hearings, and the court calendar can extend the case.Florida Statutes 61.19
Property & debts
Equitable distribution starts with equal division of marital assets and liabilities.Relevant statutory factors may justify an unequal distribution. Nonmarital assets and liabilities are set apart; classification and agreements can materially affect the result.Florida Statutes 61.075
Spousal support
Support requires actual need and ability to pay.Current statutory types include temporary, bridge-the-gap, rehabilitative, and durational alimony. Marriage duration and other factors matter. Do not rely on older descriptions of permanent alimony.Florida Statutes 61.08
Parenting & child support
Equal time-sharing has a rebuttable presumption, not a guaranteed outcome.The child's best interests remain central. Evidence can rebut the presumption; domestic violence and safety must be considered. Parenting responsibility and guideline child support are related but distinct issues.Florida Statutes 61.13
Agreed & simpler processes
Simplified dissolution is only for couples meeting every condition.The official form requires agreement, no qualifying minor/dependent children or pregnancy, no alimony request, both signatures and attendance at the final hearing, and waiver of trial and appeal rights. Read the complete checklist before choosing it.Florida Courts: simplified dissolution instructions (PDF)
Help while a case is pending
Temporary alimony and suit money can be requested during the case.Ask the local court or legal aid about temporary parenting needs and a separate protective-injunction process if safety is a concern. A final-divorce waiting period is not a reason to postpone urgent help.Florida Statutes 61.071
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
The ordinary jurisdiction rule requires one spouse to have lived in Georgia for the past six months.Venue is usually the respondent's county, with other routes in specified circumstances. A court able to end the marriage may not have authority over every financial issue; ask about jurisdiction and service before filing.Georgia judiciary: divorce jurisdiction and venue instructions
Grounds & separation
An irretrievably broken marriage is an available no-fault ground; one spouse can say the marriage cannot be repaired.The reason for ending the marriage does not settle money or parenting disputes. A plan consultation can identify the issues requiring individual review rather than treating a no-fault form as a complete settlement.Georgia judiciary: grounds for divorce
Timing: what starts the clock
With both parties' written consent, a hearing may occur after 31 days from service or filing the acknowledgment of service.This is not a promise of divorce 31 days after filing the complaint. Other service and response routes have different timing; unresolved issues and court scheduling can extend the case.Georgia Uniform Superior Court Rule 24.6
Property & debts
Marital property is divided equitably, not necessarily equally.Identify every asset and describe property transfers precisely: an omitted parcel may remain in the existing owners' names. Ask a lawyer to review deeds, classification, balances, and the settlement's actual transfer language.Georgia Supreme Court: Messaadi v. Messaadi, reproduced opinion
Spousal support
Alimony depends on need and ability to pay; the claimant's adultery or desertion causing the separation can bar it.That is not a blanket rule that any allegation of an affair decides support. Bring financial records and ask for individual advice on cause, evidence, and the plan's coverage for negotiating or litigating support.Georgia Code 19-6-1 (official publisher), rechecked October 16, 2026
Parenting & child support
The judge applies the child's best interests without a presumption favoring either parent or a particular custody form.Joint custody is possible, not guaranteed. Family-violence findings make the child's and victim parent's safety primary; ask about decision-making, a workable schedule, and any protective measures rather than assuming equal time.Georgia Code 19-9-3 (official publisher), rechecked October 16, 2026
Agreed & simpler processes
An agreed case still needs properly executed written consent, required papers, and a court decree.Rule 24.3 addresses witnessed consent or counsel's consent; Rule 24.7 requires contested issues to be resolved before the decree. Ask a plan lawyer to review the agreement and applicable local requirements before signing.Georgia Uniform Superior Court Rules 24.3 and 24.7
Help while a case is pending
Either spouse can request temporary alimony, including justified litigation expenses, while the case is pending.The judge considers the parties' circumstances and resources; relief is not automatic. Ask about the petition, hearing, financial evidence, and whether court work or urgent representation is outside the plan's consultation benefit.Georgia Code 19-6-3 (official publisher), rechecked October 16, 2026
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
Generally, six months in Hawaii and three months in the filing circuit are required.The Judiciary describes state domicile or physical presence and a separate circuit requirement for the filer. Ask about jurisdiction over children and out-of-state finances before treating a recent move as enough.Hawaii Judiciary: divorce residency
Grounds & separation
Irretrievable breakdown is a ground; the separate two-year separation grounds are alternatives.Do not assume every couple must first live apart for two years. A spouse need not agree that divorce is desirable, but resolving money, parenting, and service requirements still takes the appropriate process.Hawaii Revised Statutes 580-41
Timing: what starts the clock
An affidavit packet still needs judicial approval and a filed decree.The Judiciary gives a usual six-to-ten-week review estimate after an uncontested packet is submitted for judge review. This is a processing estimate, not a statutory minimum or a promise from the original filing date; contested cases can take longer.Hawaii Judiciary: decree and processing
Property & debts
The court can make just and equitable property and debt orders, not a universal equal split.Its authority covers the parties' estate under the statutory framework. Ask for review of acquisition values, titles, debts, and the proposed net result before accepting a simple half-of-everything worksheet.Hawaii Revised Statutes 580-47
Spousal support
Spousal support considers needs, resources, earning ability, and other circumstances.Training-related support can address a realistic return to employment. It is not automatic income equalization. Ask a lawyer to assess the proposed term alongside your budget and property settlement before waiving support.Hawaii Revised Statutes 580-47: maintenance
Parenting & child support
Best interests guide custody; a family-violence finding creates a rebuttable presumption.The presumption concerns custody with the perpetrator, including joint custody. Disclose safety concerns before selecting a cooperative parenting template; decisions, residence, exchanges, and support need individual attention.Hawaii Revised Statutes 571-46
Agreed & simpler processes
A full agreement can allow uncontested divorce by affidavit without a court appearance.The judge must approve the forms. Use the packet for the correct circuit and family situation. Independent review can help test the agreement's consequences; forms alone do not show that each spouse understands the tradeoffs.Hawaii Judiciary: uncontested divorce
Help while a case is pending
Temporary orders can address children, support, expenses, and marital debts.Relief before the final decree may be important when bills or housing cannot wait. Ask which motion and financial evidence are needed, and whether your prepaid plan includes representation rather than only initial advice.Hawaii Judiciary: temporary orders
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
The filing spouse needs six full weeks of Idaho residence immediately before starting the case.A short residence requirement does not settle venue, service, or authority over children and an out-of-state spouse. Ask a qualified lawyer to check those separately.Idaho Code 32-701
Grounds & separation
Irreconcilable differences concern substantial reasons the marriage should end.The court determines whether the ground is established. Use a consultation to distinguish ending the marriage from resolving disputed money, parenting, or safety issues.Idaho Code 32-616
Timing: what starts the clock
The ordinary minimum is 21 days after the action starts and process is served, with a specified agreed-trial exception.The exception requires both parties' agreement and their presence or representation by counsel at trial. Reconciliation proceedings can also affect timing. Ask a lawyer which route applies; this is not a guaranteed three-week divorce.Idaho Code 32-716
Property & debts
Community property is normally divided substantially equally in value, considering debts, unless compelling reasons justify otherwise.Ask for classification, valuation, and settlement review before choosing who keeps an asset. The home has additional rules; an equal dollar split is not necessarily an equal division of each item.Idaho Code 32-712
Spousal support
Maintenance requires insufficient property for reasonable needs and inability to support oneself through employment.Amount and duration have a separate factor analysis, which includes either party's fault. Bring a budget and employment history; confirm whether your benefit covers negotiation or only an initial consultation.Idaho Code 32-705
Parenting & child support
Custody turns on the child's best interests, including continuity, stability, and domestic violence.Abuse matters even when the child was not present. Discuss the actual care schedule, decisions, and safety concerns; request a separate support calculation rather than inferring it from a custody label.Idaho Code 32-717(1)
Agreed & simpler processes
An agreed case can use a sworn stipulation and proposed decree; the judge may still require a hearing.The courts provide separate steps for cases with and without children. Ask a plan lawyer to review financial and parenting terms before both spouses sign, and confirm who prepares and submits the final documents.Idaho courts: finalizing by stipulation
Help while a case is pending
Temporary maintenance, child support, and litigation-cost assistance require a request and a supported showing.Court discretion and financial factors matter; help is not automatic. Explain immediate needs and ask whether your prepaid plan includes the motion, negotiation, and any required appearance.Idaho Code 32-704
Reviewed October 10, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
A 90-day residence condition must be met before the divorce can be granted.The statutory period can precede filing or the court's finding. Filing before 90 days can be possible; military presence is another statutory route. Check venue and other jurisdiction issues separately.Illinois Legal Aid Online: residency FAQ
Grounds & separation
Irreconcilable differences are the ground; 6 months apart establishes a presumption.Six continuous months apart before judgment creates an irrebuttable presumption of the ground. It is not a universal prerequisite when the ground can otherwise be established.750 ILCS 5/401
Timing: what starts the clock
Do not read the 6-month separation presumption as a post-filing wait.The 90-day residence condition, establishing the ground, resolving issues, notice, and the court's process all matter. An agreed case still needs a judge's approval; there is no promised completion date here.Illinois Legal Aid Online: divorce FAQ
Property & debts
Marital property and debts are divided equitably, not automatically 50/50.Relevant factors include contributions, economic circumstances, duration, needs, and agreements. Identify marital versus nonmarital property and potential reimbursement questions before settling.Illinois Legal Aid Online: property and debt
Spousal support
A judge first considers whether maintenance is appropriate.Guidelines apply to qualifying circumstances; other cases use statutory factors. Income, earning capacity, marriage duration, and needs matter. A guideline calculation is not automatic eligibility.Illinois Legal Aid Online: maintenance
Parenting & child support
Parental responsibilities and parenting time need a child-focused plan.Decision-making, time with each parent, and child support are separate questions to resolve. Use the correct court resources and address safety or existing orders before negotiating a plan.Illinois Legal Aid Online: parental responsibilities
Agreed & simpler processes
Agreed divorce and joint simplified divorce are different processes.Joint simplified divorce has strict eligibility, including no children, financial limits, and other conditions. The linked form tool is for Cook County only; confirm your own county's forms and procedures.Illinois Legal Aid Online: Cook County simplified forms
Help while a case is pending
Standing orders, temporary orders, and financial disclosure deserve an early check.Ask about immediate parenting or household-payment needs, local standing orders, and the correct protective-order route if needed. Do not assume an informal agreement replaces a court order.Illinois Legal Aid Online: during a divorce
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
Usually six months in Indiana and three months in the filing county.At least one spouse must meet the residence or qualifying military-stationing periods immediately before filing. A guardian-filing exception exists. Money and child-custody jurisdiction need separate review.Indiana Code 31-15-2-6
Grounds & separation
Irretrievable breakdown is available without proving marital misconduct.Other statutory grounds exist, but the no-fault ground does not require a year living apart. Legal separation and dissolution have different effects; choose the process for the outcome you need.Indiana Code 31-15-2-3
Timing: what starts the clock
The ordinary final hearing cannot occur earlier than 60 days after filing.The filing date starts this minimum, not the date you moved out. An agreed summary decree also requires at least 60 days. Service, unresolved issues, and scheduling can make the case longer.Indiana Code 31-15-2-10 and 31-15-2-13
Property & debts
Equal division is presumed, but property owned before marriage is not automatically outside the case.The court's property pool includes premarital property. Evidence about gifts, inheritance, contributions, finances, or dissipation can rebut an equal split. Bring ownership and debt records rather than assuming whose name is on an account decides the result.Indiana Code 31-15-7-4 and 31-15-7-5
Spousal support
Court-ordered maintenance has specific incapacity, caregiving, and rehabilitation routes.A pay difference alone is not the full test. Rehabilitative maintenance can last no more than three years from the final decree; incapacity and qualifying caregiving have different rules. Review any negotiated support promise before signing.Indiana Code 31-15-7-2
Parenting & child support
Best interests guide custody, with no presumption favoring either parent.The child's adjustment, relationships, health, and a pattern of family violence matter. More consideration goes to a child's wishes at age 14 or older, but the child does not simply choose. Child support requires a separate calculation.Indiana Code 31-17-2-8
Agreed & simpler processes
A summary decree without a final hearing can be available when both spouses file verified agreement documents.Both must sign a hearing waiver and either confirm no contested issues or submit a settlement resolving them. The court may grant this route after the minimum wait; a downloaded agreement alone does not end the marriage.Indiana Code 31-15-2-13
Help while a case is pending
Temporary orders can address support, custody, property possession, and restraints.The final-hearing wait does not mean every immediate need must wait. Ask about the required request and evidence for housing, bills, or parenting. Urgent safety help and plan enrollment are separate routes.Indiana Code 31-15-4-8
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
The petitioner ordinarily needs a year of Iowa residence; an Iowa-resident respondent personally served is an exception.The residence must be genuine, not maintained only to obtain divorce. Ask about service and jurisdiction before assuming either spouse's brief stay makes filing possible.Iowa Code 2026, 598.5(1)(k)
Grounds & separation
The court must find marriage breakdown with no reasonable likelihood it can be preserved.Focus a consultation on the decisions you need help making, including safety and finances. The court still needs adequate evidence; buying a form is not proof that a divorce has been granted.Iowa Code 2026, 598.17
Timing: what starts the clock
Normally 90 days runs from service, last publication, or filing a waiver or acceptance of notice.Court-ordered conciliation can make the wait longer. A qualifying emergency or necessity requires a supported motion and court decision; agreement alone is not an automatic waiver.Iowa Code 2026, 598.19
Property & debts
Division is equitable; inherited and gifted property is normally excluded, with an inequity exception.Premarital property is a factor, not a blanket exclusion. Ask a lawyer to examine acquisition records and the final terms: the statute says property divisions are not subject to modification.Iowa Code 2026, 598.21(5)-(7)
Spousal support
Support may be limited or indefinite, considering finances, earning capacity, marriage length, and other factors.Ask about the proposed support term alongside the property division and your realistic monthly needs. Confirm whether negotiation is included or would be a separate engagement.Iowa Code 2026, 598.21A
Parenting & child support
Joint legal custody and joint physical care are separate decisions; domestic abuse changes the custody analysis.Best interests govern, and a history of domestic abuse creates a rebuttable presumption against joint custody. Discuss safety, decision-making, the actual schedule, and a separate support calculation.Iowa Code 2026, 598.41
Agreed & simpler processes
A written full settlement and required filings can allow the court to enter a decree without a hearing.The court retains discretion and the waiting-period rules still matter. Ask if your prepaid benefit includes reviewing the settlement and completed filings before you sign.Iowa Code 2026, 598.8(2)(a)
Help while a case is pending
Temporary support, litigation money, and custody orders have their own request and notice procedures.The section requires at least five days' hearing notice and an opportunity to be heard. Get advice promptly about urgent needs and whether motion or hearing work costs extra.Iowa Code 2026, 598.10
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
One spouse must ordinarily be an actual Kansas resident for 60 days before filing.The statute also addresses military residence. Ask about your facts, venue, and separate child-custody jurisdiction rather than treating a short visit as residence.Kansas Statutes 2026, 23-2703
Grounds & separation
Incompatibility is an available divorce ground.Other statutory grounds have different requirements. Ask which route fits your circumstances and what evidence is needed; a no-fault ground does not answer the money or parenting questions.Kansas Statutes 2026, 23-2701
Timing: what starts the clock
A divorce normally cannot be heard until 60 days after petition filing.An emergency exception requires the judge's supported order. This filing clock is different from residence and response deadlines; ask a lawyer to identify all three.Kansas Statutes 2026, 23-2708
Property & debts
The property division can include premarital assets and retirement plans, with a just and reasonable result required.Ask for valuation and settlement review, not just an equal-split worksheet. The decree does not relieve you of filing required beneficiary changes with the insurer or account issuer.Kansas Statutes 2026, 23-2802
Spousal support
Court-awarded maintenance periods are limited to 121 months, with conditional reinstatement routes.Reinstatement depends on reserved authority and a timely motion; the initial period is not automatically a lifetime cap or promise. Ask for review of the actual support and settlement terms.Kansas Statutes 2026, 23-2904
Parenting & child support
Legal custody, residence, and parenting time are determined in the child's best interests.Ask about decision-making, daily care, safety, and a support calculation rather than assuming one custody label resolves everything. Confirm the benefit for reviewing your proposed parenting plan.Kansas Statutes 2026, 23-3201
Agreed & simpler processes
An approved separation agreement can sharply limit later changes to nonchild terms.The court must find it valid, just, and equitable; child matters remain under court control. Ask for independent prepaid-lawyer review of modification language before signing.Kansas Statutes 2026, 23-2712
Help while a case is pending
Interim orders can address property, privacy, parenting, support, and litigation expenses.Explain immediate needs and any tracking or intimidation concerns. Ask whether your benefit covers a motion and hearing; emergency relief and final resolution are different jobs.Kansas Statutes 2026, 23-2707
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
One spouse needs 180 days of residence or qualifying military stationing.The period must immediately precede filing. Authority over support, property, and children still needs individual review; satisfying residence does not answer every interstate question.Kentucky KRS 403.140
Grounds & separation
Irretrievable breakdown requires at least 60 days living apart before decree.Living apart can include sharing a roof without sexual cohabitation. This is not the same clock as service or a children's-case hearing restriction. Ask how to document the applicable dates.Kentucky KRS 403.170
Timing: what starts the clock
Cases with minor children have a separate 60-day hearing restriction.Except temporary motions, testimony waits 60 days from the earliest service, warning-order attorney appointment, appearance, or responsive pleading. It is not simply 60 days after filing and is separate from living apart.Kentucky KRS 403.044
Property & debts
Separate property is assigned; marital property is divided in just proportions.The division disregards marital misconduct and recognizes homemaking. Gifts, inheritances, and marital contributions need classification. A half-and-half spreadsheet is not a substitute for reviewing the proposed division.Kentucky KRS 403.190
Spousal support
Maintenance requires both insufficient property and a qualifying inability to meet needs.Suitable employment and certain childcare responsibilities matter, followed by amount-and-duration factors. An income gap alone does not establish eligibility. Bring a realistic post-separation budget to a covered consultation.Kentucky KRS 403.200
Parenting & child support
Joint custody and equal parenting time presumptions yield to abuse protections.A domestic-violence order removes the usual presumption for that party. Since July 15, 2026, a finding of two or more domestic-violence acts creates a presumption against joint custody and equal time, with further safety restrictions.Kentucky KRS 403.315: effective July 15, 2026
Agreed & simpler processes
A written separation agreement gets different review for money and children.Financial terms generally bind unless unconscionable; parenting and support do not simply bind the judge in the same way. Ask about enforceability and future modification before trading an important right for a quick agreement.Kentucky KRS 403.180
Help while a case is pending
Temporary motions can seek maintenance, child support, and protective restraints.Financial requests require supporting facts, including an affidavit. Interim proceedings can address immediate needs before final divorce, but a plan consultation is not a promise that emergency litigation is included.Kentucky KRS 403.160
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
At least one spouse must be domiciled in Louisiana when the divorce is filed.Six months of residence in a parish creates a rebuttable presumption of domicile, not an absolute six-month filing requirement. Ask a lawyer to check domicile, parish venue, service, and separate jurisdiction over children.Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure 10(A)(7), (B)
Grounds & separation
Ordinary no-fault divorce uses continuous separation; other grounds include adultery and specified abuse-related grounds.Article 103(1) uses separation completed before filing; Article 102 follows a different procedure. Covenant marriages have different rules. Ask which route fits the facts before paying for an online packet.Louisiana Civil Code 103
Timing: what starts the clock
The ordinary separation period is 180 days without minor children of the marriage, or 365 days with them.Article 102 also measures a delay from service or written waiver before the final motion. This is not simply a countdown from filing. Ask an attorney to check dates and proof; court processing can add time.Louisiana Civil Code 103.1; see also Article 102
Property & debts
A court partition divides community assets and liabilities to equal net values, not necessarily half of each item.An equalizing payment may be needed; assigning a debt between spouses does not change a creditor's rights. Bring valuations and debt records and ask whether partition, retirement orders, and reimbursement disputes cost extra.Louisiana Revised Statutes 9:2801(A)(4)
Spousal support
Final periodic support generally requires need, ability to pay, and absence of qualifying pre-filing fault.Income, obligations, earning capacity, marriage length, and abuse matter; certain grounds create a presumption of entitlement. This differs from interim support. Ask a lawyer to assess eligibility and negotiation, not just a standard form.Louisiana Civil Code 112
Parenting & child support
Best interests govern parenting; abuse is a primary consideration and special safety rules apply.Joint custody is not a guarantee of equal time or safe negotiation. Ask for individual advice on decision-making, the practical schedule, and protective measures before agreeing to a parenting plan.Louisiana Civil Code 134; see also Article 132
Agreed & simpler processes
Agreement does not replace the evidence and service requirements for an Article 102 divorce.The statute lists the petition, service or waivers, final motion, and affidavits establishing continuous separation. Ask who prepares and checks the final papers; a signed settlement alone does not end the marriage.Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure 3956
Help while a case is pending
During divorce, either spouse may request parenting, support, injunctive relief, and use of the family home or property.These are matters the court may determine, not automatic protection from filing. Ask a lawyer about urgent requests, evidence, and whether motions and appearances are included or separately charged.Louisiana Civil Code 105
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
Six months' Maine residence is one route, not the only route.Other routes include a resident married here, a resident whose divorce cause arose while the parties lived here, or a Maine-resident spouse. Ask which jurisdictional route fits before assuming everyone must wait six months.Maine Judicial Branch: filing eligibility
Grounds & separation
Irreconcilable marital differences are a statutory ground.Judicial separation is a different process that leaves the marriage intact. Ask about the consequences for property, support, and future plans rather than treating a separation order as a completed divorce.Maine Revised Statutes, Title 19-A, 902
Timing: what starts the clock
The Judiciary describes a minimum 60 days after filing all necessary paperwork before final hearing.Missing filings or unresolved issues can make the case longer. Confirm the court's actual schedule and service requirements; the minimum is not an estimate of when a contested case will be finished.Maine Judicial Branch: divorce timing
Property & debts
Marital property is divided in just proportions; title alone does not settle classification.Separate property is ordinarily set apart. Appreciation involving marital money or labor needs careful review. Bring acquisition records and debts before agreeing to who keeps an asset and who pays for it.Maine Revised Statutes, Title 19-A, 953
Spousal support
Support serves different needs; new general-support provisions apply from January 1, 2027.Do not apply the new presumptive amount to a 2026 case automatically. Chapter 571 applies to actions pending on or after that date and has special modification rules for older awards. Ask which version governs before relying on an online formula or signing a waiver.Maine Public Law chapter 571: application provision
Parenting & child support
Shared parental responsibilities do not by themselves promise equal residential time.Best interests guide decisions, with safety and well-being primary for residence and contact. The order needs a workable schedule and financial arrangements. Tell a lawyer about abuse or control before agreeing to shared responsibilities.Maine Revised Statutes, Title 19-A, 1653
Agreed & simpler processes
A full agreement can narrow the issues, but still needs the court process.The court reviews the case and can enter a final order after the necessary steps. Ask your plan lawyer to review the whole settlement, not only the divorce form, and check what remains unresolved before the hearing.Maine Judicial Branch: family case process
Help while a case is pending
Interim orders can address parenting, support, property use, and debts before judgment.Rule 107 provides a motion process for temporary help, not an automatic order. A motion needs a witness list, an estimate of hearing time, and a proposed order; a hearing may be required. Ask whether your plan includes preparing the motion and appearing, or advice only.Maine Civil Rule 107: interim orders, rechecked October 16, 2026
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
Six months of residence applies when the grounds arose outside Maryland.Either party can satisfy that period before filing. Where the grounds arose matters; the rule is not an automatic six-month delay for every resident. Ask which court can address your family and finances.Maryland Family Law 7-101
Grounds & separation
Three grounds: six-month separation, irreconcilable differences, or mutual consent.Separate lives can qualify despite a shared roof. Mutual consent has its own agreement requirements. A spouse's refusal to sign does not mean the six-month separation route is the only possible option.Maryland Family Law 7-103
Timing: what starts the clock
Irreconcilable differences has no waiting period before filing.The six-month separation ground is a different route, not a mandatory delay for every divorce. Service, response, and court review still take time. No instant final judgment is promised by an online document service.Maryland Judiciary: Divorce Basics (PDF)
Property & debts
A monetary award and specified transfers can adjust marital property interests.The court uses statutory factors, not an automatic equal split. Ownership, debt, and the proposed award need review together. A settlement discussion should address the house and retirement interests as well as cash.Maryland Family Law 8-205
Spousal support
Alimony considers self-support, training, need, and ability to pay.Indefinite awards are possible in specified circumstances, including limited progress from age or illness, or an unconscionable disparity after expected progress. Indefinite is not a promise of lifetime payments. Review waivers against likely future needs.Maryland Family Law 11-106
Parenting & child support
Best interests include safety, stability, and managing parental conflict.Current statutory factors address a child's needs and each parent's involvement. Decision-making, residence, and practical transitions deserve separate attention. Disclose intimidation or abuse before treating cooperation as a safe default.Maryland Family Law 9-201
Agreed & simpler processes
Mutual consent needs a complete signed agreement and children's-interest review.Resolve alimony, property, and applicable child arrangements; a support worksheet is required when support is paid. Agreement to end the marriage is not agreement on every consequence. A covered review may be valuable before signatures.Maryland Family Law 7-103(a)(3)
Help while a case is pending
Temporary alimony may be requested while the case is pending.Interim support is distinct from the final award and is not automatic. Ask about financial evidence and whether your benefit includes presenting the request, not merely explaining it.Maryland Family Law 11-102
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
One-year residence is a route when the cause occurred outside Massachusetts.Another route requires domicile when filing and a cause occurring in Massachusetts. Moving solely to obtain a divorce can defeat that route. Ask about your facts, venue, and jurisdiction rather than treating the wedding location as controlling.Massachusetts G.L. c. 208, 5
Grounds & separation
Irretrievable breakdown has joint (1A) and individual (1B) filing routes.A 1B complaint does not require a spouse's signed dissolution agreement at filing. Its ordinary hearing wait is six months from the complaint, with a statutory consolidation exception. That is not a requirement to live apart for six months first.Massachusetts G.L. c. 208, 1B
Timing: what starts the clock
Approval is not final divorce: the nisi period still matters.In a joint 1A case, 30 days from initial agreement approval precede entry of the nisi judgment, then the 90-day nisi period runs. A 1B or fault divorce ordinarily becomes final 90 days after its nisi judgment. Do not plan remarriage on the hearing date.Massachusetts Courts: finalizing a divorce; c. 208, 1A
Property & debts
The court can assign all or part of either spouse's estate, not just split new purchases.Marriage length, conduct, contributions, needs, liabilities, and future opportunities matter. Premarital or inherited assets are not categorically outside the court's reach. Gather records before agreeing to an informal 'keep what is in your name' split.Massachusetts G.L. c. 208, 34
Spousal support
Alimony form, amount, and duration depend on circumstances.Need, income, employability, marriage length, and lost opportunities matter; child-support income treatment and deviations complicate any percentage shortcut. A generic calculator is not a promise of support or a substitute for reviewing a waiver.Massachusetts G.L. c. 208, 53
Parenting & child support
Shared legal custody is not the same as shared physical time.Temporary shared decision-making has emergency, abuse, and best-interest qualifications; it does not presume shared physical custody. At trial, no general shared-custody presumption applies, subject to the abuse provision. Support is a separate worksheet issue.Massachusetts G.L. c. 208, 31 and linked 31A
Agreed & simpler processes
A joint 1A petition needs a separation agreement the court can approve.Agreement must address applicable parenting, support, alimony, and property issues. Ask what it means for terms to merge into the judgment or survive as a separate contract; those choices can affect later enforcement or changes.Massachusetts G.L. c. 208, 1A
Help while a case is pending
Temporary alimony and money to maintain or defend the case may be requested.A court can order financial help while litigation is pending; it is not automatic fee reimbursement. Ask what financial records and motion are needed. Parenting or safety concerns may require additional requests before the final judgment.Massachusetts G.L. c. 208, 17
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
Ordinarily 180 days in Michigan and 10 days in the filing county.Either spouse can meet the residence periods. County exceptions and additional rules for some nonresident-spouse cases require review; residence alone does not establish authority over every financial or parenting issue.Michigan Legislature: MCL 552.9
Grounds & separation
No-fault breakdown; spouses need not live apart before filing.One spouse can seek divorce even if the other objects. No-fault grounds do not mean conduct is irrelevant to every property or support question.Michigan Legal Help: divorce basics
Timing: what starts the clock
Usually 60 days from filing without minor children; six months with them.For unusual hardship or compelling necessity, a judge may shorten the children's waiting period, generally not below 60 days. These minimums do not predict completion or excuse response deadlines.Michigan Legislature: MCL 552.9f
Property & debts
Marital assets and debts must be divided fairly, not necessarily equally.Separate property usually stays with its owner, but exceptions matter. Assigning a joint debt to one spouse does not release the other from the creditor's contract; refinancing or a creditor release may be needed.Michigan Legal Help: property and debt
Spousal support
Spousal support is case-specific, not an automatic benefit of divorce.Relevant considerations include income, ability to work and pay, marriage length, needs, property awards, and conduct. A child-support formula is not a spousal-support formula.Michigan Legal Help: spousal support
Parenting & child support
Custody and parenting time require a best-interests review.The child's established custodial environment and safety can affect the decision. Support is a separate issue; shared custody is not a promise that no support will be owed.Michigan Legal Help: custody and parenting time
Agreed & simpler processes
An agreed judgment still needs court approval and the required waiting period.A document tool can prepare forms; it cannot decide whether your proposed property or parenting terms are fair and lawful. Choose the correct forms for children and existing orders.Michigan Legal Help: divorce with children
Help while a case is pending
Temporary orders can address parenting, support, and preservation of property.An emergency ex parte order may already be effective when served. Objections can have short deadlines; promptly seek advice rather than waiting for the final divorce or plan enrollment.Michigan Legal Help: responding and temporary orders
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
The ordinary rule requires 180 days of residence, domicile, or qualifying military stationing.One spouse's qualifying connection before starting the proceeding can suffice. A narrow nonresident route concerns certain couples married in Minnesota whose home jurisdictions will not dissolve their marriage. County venue and child jurisdiction are separate checks.Minnesota Statutes 518.07
Grounds & separation
Irretrievable breakdown is the dissolution ground.Legal separation determines rights and responsibilities but does not end marital status. You need the dissolution decree to end the marriage, not simply an agreement to live apart.Minnesota Statutes 518.06
Timing: what starts the clock
The decree is final when entered, subject to appeal.This provision does not impose a post-decree nisi period. It is not a filing-to-completion promise: service, response deadlines, hearings, and the selected process still matter. Summary dissolution has its own 30-day entry rule.Minnesota Statutes 518.145
Property & debts
Marital property is divided justly and equitably without regard to marital misconduct.Homemaking counts as a contribution. The valuation date can affect pensions, investments, and a changing house value. Separate-property claims and liabilities still require review; no automatic equal-dollar result is promised here.Minnesota Statutes 518.58
Spousal support
Maintenance uses transitional or indefinite awards, with rebuttable duration presumptions.Under five years of marriage: presumed no maintenance. Five to under 20: if eligibility supports an award, presumed transitional for no more than half the marriage. Twenty or more: if eligible, presumed indefinite. These presumptions can be rebutted; indefinite does not mean unchangeable.Minnesota Statutes 518.552, subdivisions 1-3
Parenting & child support
Joint legal custody and joint physical custody have different presumptions.Joint legal custody is presumed on request, but there is no general presumption for or against joint physical custody. Domestic abuse triggers a presumption against both. Joint physical custody does not require exactly equal time; support is separate.Minnesota Statutes 518.17(1)(b)
Agreed & simpler processes
Summary dissolution is narrower than simply agreeing to divorce.Both must meet every statutory condition, including no minor children together or pregnancy, no real estate, a marriage under eight years, financial limits, and no domestic abuse. A qualifying joint declaration has a 30-day entry rule; other agreed cases use different procedures.Minnesota Statutes 518.195
Help while a case is pending
Temporary motions can address the home, parenting, support, fees, and protection.Either party can request temporary orders pending the case. These can organize life before the final decree, but requests need evidence and court approval. Do not assume a membership covers the motion, hearing, or emergency representation.Minnesota Statutes 518.131
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
Ordinarily, either spouse needs six months of Mississippi residence before filing.County venue and service also matter. Ask a lawyer to check the residence evidence and any military exception rather than assuming where you married determines where you can divorce.Mississippi Bar: residence and filing
Grounds & separation
Irreconcilable-differences divorce requires both spouses' voluntary consent; it is not a unilateral no-fault route.If consent is missing, a different statutory ground needs proof. A prepaid consultation can help assess the route and evidence; a document subscription cannot make the other spouse consent.Mississippi Bar: divorce grounds
Timing: what starts the clock
An irreconcilable-differences complaint must be on file for 60 days before it is heard.That is a minimum, not a promised completion date. The agreement or issues submitted to court, proper service, and scheduling still need attention. Ask who handles final submission and review.Mississippi Bar: irreconcilable-differences waiting period
Property & debts
Marital property is divided equitably rather than necessarily equally, after classification and valuation.Homemaking contributions matter; separate assets can change character through mixing or family use. Bring account and home records and ask whether valuation, retirement orders, and disputed tracing are included in the plan.Mississippi Bar: equitable distribution and Ferguson factors
Spousal support
Alimony is considered after property division, using need, ability to pay, and the Armstrong factors.Income, health, earning capacity, marriage length, children, fault, and assets matter; there is no fixed percentage guarantee. Ask a lawyer to review the budget and whether support negotiation costs extra.Mississippi Bar: alimony and Armstrong factors
Parenting & child support
A rebuttable joint-custody and equal-time presumption applies to initial orders entered after July 1, 2026, not modifications.The child's best interests and rebuttal factors still govern, including the family-violence presumption. Equal time does not mean zero child support. Ask a lawyer to review safety, evidence, the practical schedule, and whether the new-order rule applies.Mississippi Code 93-5-24(2), (7) (official publisher), rechecked October 16, 2026
Agreed & simpler processes
Spouses may settle in writing or jointly consent to let the court decide specifically identified disputed issues.The court must approve the arrangements or decide the submitted issues. Consent is not freely withdrawable once proceedings on it begin. Ask a lawyer to explain what you are consenting to and review the final judgment.Mississippi Code 93-5-2 (official publisher), rechecked October 16, 2026
Help while a case is pending
On reasonable notice, the court may hear requests for temporary alimony, child custody, and child support.Relief needs a request and court action; filing does not automatically set payments or a parenting schedule. Ask about urgent evidence and coverage for motions and appearances beyond initial advice.Mississippi Code 93-5-17 (official publisher), rechecked October 16, 2026
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
One spouse ordinarily needs 90 days of residence or qualifying military stationing.The period immediately before the proceeding matters. The court must also have authority over the issues it decides. Under the amendment effective August 28, 2026, pregnancy status cannot prevent a dissolution or legal-separation judgment.Missouri RSMo 452.305: effective August 28, 2026
Grounds & separation
The court must find the marriage irretrievably broken.No reasonable likelihood of preserving the marriage is the dissolution standard. If breakdown is disputed, further findings under 452.320 matter. Legal separation is a different judgment, not the same as ending marital status.Missouri RSMo 452.305 and linked 452.320
Timing: what starts the clock
Thirty days must elapse after filing before a dissolution judgment.This minimum is separate from the 90-day residence requirement. Agreement does not remove necessary service, court review, or resolution of parenting and financial issues; do not mistake it for a 30-day delivery guarantee.Missouri RSMo 452.305(1)
Property & debts
Nonmarital property is set apart; marital property and debts are divided in just proportions.Economic circumstances, homemaking, conduct, and child arrangements can matter. Gifts and inheritances are statutory exceptions, but marital contributions to appreciation need analysis. A title in one name does not settle the classification.Missouri RSMo 452.330
Spousal support
Maintenance requires insufficient property and a qualifying inability to meet needs through work.A qualifying child's care can also affect the employment test. The order states whether it is modifiable or nonmodifiable; a termination date has consequences. Review that language before assuming a later income change will let you reopen it.Missouri RSMo 452.335
Parenting & child support
Equal or approximately equal parenting time is a rebuttable best-interest presumption.It is not a guaranteed schedule. The statute addresses rebuttal, including agreement and a pattern of domestic violence; protective findings and other child needs matter. Joint custody does not remove a separate child-support obligation.Missouri RSMo 452.375
Agreed & simpler processes
A written separation agreement can settle issues, but children receive separate court scrutiny.Property and maintenance terms generally bind the court unless unconscionable; child custody, support, and visitation are exceptions. Some financial terms can limit later modification. Independent review before signing can matter more than the form's price.Missouri RSMo 452.325
Help while a case is pending
Temporary support, restraints, and custody orders can be requested.The motion and affidavit must explain the factual basis and requested amounts. Exclusion from a home requires the relevant harm showing. Ask about interim relief rather than waiting for the final decree to address urgent bills or safety.Missouri RSMo 452.315
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
One spouse ordinarily needs 90 days of Montana domicile or military presence before filing.A wedding or visit is not the same as domicile. Ask a lawyer about venue, service, and separate authority over children or an out-of-state spouse.Montana Code Annotated 40-4-104
Grounds & separation
Irretrievable breakdown can be supported by serious marital discord or more than 180 days apart.The separation period is an alternative, not a universal prerequisite. Bring the facts of your relationship to a consultation rather than assuming every couple must wait six months before filing.Montana Code Annotated 40-4-104(1)(b)
Timing: what starts the clock
When one spouse starts the case, a decree cannot be entered until 21 days after service.This is a minimum, not a promised completion date. Ask which response, disclosure, hearing, and parenting steps remain; do not confuse the service clock with the residence requirement.Montana Code Annotated 40-4-105(3)
Property & debts
Equitable division can reach property belonging to either spouse, however and whenever acquired.Premarital assets, gifts, and inheritance need a contribution-based review, not an automatic exclusion. Ask your lawyer to review ownership records, value, debts, and the proposed settlement together.Montana Code Annotated 40-4-202
Spousal support
Maintenance requires insufficient property for reasonable needs and an employment or qualifying caregiving limitation.Eligibility and the amount or duration are separate questions. Bring a realistic budget and explain care responsibilities; confirm whether negotiation or hearing work is within your prepaid benefit.Montana Code Annotated 40-4-203
Parenting & child support
The parenting plan turns on the child's best interests, including stability and abuse or threats.Contact with both parents is not an unconditional rule when contact would be detrimental. Discuss safety, daily care, decision-making, and a separate support calculation with a qualified lawyer.Montana Code Annotated 40-4-212
Agreed & simpler processes
A written separation agreement can settle finances; child terms remain subject to court review.Financial terms generally bind the court unless unconscionable, and an agreement can limit later modification. Ask for independent review before signing; an agreed case is not automatically a hearing-free case.Montana Code Annotated 40-4-201
Help while a case is pending
Temporary requests can address support, household liabilities, safety, and use of the home.Supported motions and notice rules matter; relief without notice has its own injury standard. Tell a lawyer about immediate needs and ask whether preparation and appearances cost extra.Montana Code Annotated 40-4-121
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
Usually one year of residence with intent to make Nebraska a permanent home.A Nebraska marriage followed by continuous residence supplies another route; military residence has special rules. Ask about your actual eligibility before relocating or filing.Nebraska Revised Statutes 42-349
Grounds & separation
The court determines whether the marriage is irretrievably broken.A spouse's disagreement does not simply end the case. Bring the facts to a lawyer rather than treating separation or a signed form as a divorce.Nebraska Revised Statutes 42-361
Timing: what starts the clock
The 60-day minimum starts after service is perfected, not automatically after filing.A hearing or decree cannot bypass that clock. Completion, decree effect, and eligibility to remarry are separate questions; confirm dates before making commitments.Nebraska Revised Statutes 42-363
Property & debts
The marital estate is divided equitably, including qualifying retirement benefits.There is no universal half-of-each-asset rule. Ask whether plan review includes valuation, account classification, and the additional orders needed to divide retirement benefits.Nebraska Revised Statutes 42-366
Spousal support
Alimony serves support, separately from the purpose of property division.If the original decree allows no alimony, it cannot later be modified to add it. Get advice before exchanging support rights for an asset.Nebraska Revised Statutes 42-365
Parenting & child support
A court-approved parenting plan addresses legal custody, physical custody, and child support.Best interests govern; joint custody can be ordered with or without parental agreement under the statute. Discuss safety, exchanges, school, and daily responsibilities, not just labels.Nebraska Revised Statutes 42-364
Agreed & simpler processes
A fully resolved, sworn agreement can allow a decree without a hearing after the minimum period.Both parties must waive the hearing and complete the required filings; the court still needs jurisdiction and findings. Ask for independent review before signing the settlement.Nebraska Revised Statutes 42-361(3)
Help while a case is pending
Temporary support and protective orders follow their own notice and evidence procedures.Urgent relief is different from final resolution. Explain immediate needs and ask whether your prepaid benefit includes the motion and hearing, not only consultation.Nebraska Revised Statutes 42-357
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
Generally one spouse must be a genuine Nevada resident for six weeks before filing.The court requires residence evidence; a short visit is not a qualifying move. Authority over children and out-of-state finances needs separate review.Nevada Courts: residence requirements
Grounds & separation
Nevada offers no-fault divorce without proving marital wrongdoing.Incompatibility is a statutory ground. Ask how financial misconduct or safety concerns affect the issues rather than assuming a no-fault divorce makes those concerns irrelevant.Nevada Revised Statutes 125.010
Timing: what starts the clock
There is no general divorce waiting period after filing.Residence, service, agreement, and court approval still take time. A signed settlement is not a filed decree; avoid treating no waiting period as same-day completion.Nevada Courts: waiting period
Property & debts
Community property is generally divided equally; a compelling reason can justify unequal division.The court must explain an unequal division in writing. Identify separate property, joint title, debts, and retirement benefits before agreeing to a simple equal-value worksheet.Nevada Revised Statutes 125.150
Spousal support
Alimony depends on statutory factors, including financial circumstances and earning capacity.It is not an automatic award for an income difference. Ask a lawyer to review the proposed support term together with the asset and debt settlement.Nevada Revised Statutes 125.150: alimony
Parenting & child support
Joint legal custody and joint physical custody are different arrangements with qualified presumptions.Joint legal custody need not include joint physical custody. Best interests and safety affect the outcome; confirm the actual schedule and support calculation before relying on the word joint.Nevada Revised Statutes 125C.002-125C.0035
Agreed & simpler processes
A joint petition requires full agreement and gives up rights, including appeal.The court's packet explains additional waivers and notarized signatures. Independent plan-lawyer review is valuable before choosing faster paperwork that limits ways to challenge the result.Nevada Courts: joint petition and waivers
Help while a case is pending
Temporary support, litigation expenses, and property-preservation orders can be requested.These require the appropriate court process. Ask what urgent help the benefit includes, whether the hearing costs extra, and which financial evidence to bring.Nevada Revised Statutes 125.040-125.050
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
Both spouses' domicile, in-state service, or the filer's one-year domicile can establish a route.Jurisdiction over the parties and the divorce cause are distinct statutory questions. Ask which applies before assuming every filer must reside here a year.New Hampshire RSA 458:4-458:6
Grounds & separation
Irreconcilable differences can support no-fault divorce; fault grounds also exist.A separate legal-separation process does not end the marriage. Discuss the consequences of the chosen ground and the other issues before deciding how to proceed.New Hampshire RSA 458:7 and 458:7-a
Timing: what starts the clock
Agreed and contested orders have different effective-date rules, not one filing-date clock.An agreed decree can take effect when signed; contested marital-status and property orders generally use day 31 after notice, subject to motions, appeals, or another ordered date. Confirm your decree's effect.New Hampshire Family Division Rule 2.29
Property & debts
An equal division is presumed equitable, across property belonging to either or both spouses.The court can depart after considering factors, including premarital and inherited assets. Do not assume a before-marriage label automatically excludes an asset; bring records for plan-lawyer review.New Hampshire RSA 458:16-a
Spousal support
Term alimony has eligibility rules and a need-or-formula calculation subject to adjustments.The statute also limits duration subject to agreement or justice-based adjustment. A percentage alone is not a reliable personal estimate; ask about income adjustments, needs, and waiver consequences.New Hampshire RSA 458:19-a
Parenting & child support
Best interests govern; a decision against approximately equal parenting time needs findings.This is not an unconditional equal-time guarantee. Safety, abuse, the child's needs, and practical arrangements still matter; ask about the actual parenting plan and support obligations.New Hampshire RSA 461-A:6
Agreed & simpler processes
An agreed decree can be issued without attendance when filings and written waivers satisfy the court.Agreements still require financial affidavits and clear documents. Confirm the full settlement with your lawyer, including issues that need specialist work, before waiving attendance.New Hampshire Family Division Rules 2.22-2.23
Help while a case is pending
Temporary relief can address support, children, property, and protective restrictions.Emergency orders have additional evidence and procedure requirements. Tell a lawyer about urgent safety or financial needs, and confirm whether your plan covers the hearing.New Hampshire RSA 458:16
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
The irreconcilable-differences route requires one spouse's 12 consecutive months in New Jersey.Other grounds and certain civil-union or domestic-partnership situations have different requirements. Ask which route applies rather than assuming residence alone resolves every jurisdiction question.New Jersey Courts: grounds and filing
Grounds & separation
No-fault irreconcilable differences must have lasted six months; 18-month separation is another ground.Those are different eligibility routes. You need not assume an 18-month move-out period for every no-fault case; discuss your actual circumstances before choosing a ground.New Jersey Courts: grounds for divorce
Timing: what starts the clock
Six months of irreconcilable differences is a ground requirement, not six months after every filing.Service and court steps have their own deadlines. Ask about the case schedule and how to protect urgent financial needs rather than treating an eligibility period as a completion estimate.New Jersey Courts: eligibility versus filing steps
Property & debts
Equitable distribution addresses qualifying marital acquisitions, with statutory factors rather than an automatic equal split.Gifts, inheritances, joint ownership, and contributions can require careful classification. Ask your plan lawyer to identify what needs valuation or specialist work before signing the financial agreement.New Jersey Statutes 2A:34-23(h)
Spousal support
Alimony has several forms; for marriages under 20 years duration generally cannot exceed the marriage, subject to exceptions.Twenty years does not itself promise indefinite payments. Needs, earning ability, circumstances, and the type of award matter; ask about waiver and modification consequences before accepting a term.New Jersey Statutes 2A:34-23
Parenting & child support
Custody decisions are case-specific, with child safety a threshold best-interest issue.Joint custody can include different residence arrangements. Tell the lawyer about coercion or abuse and review practical exchanges, school, expenses, and the support calculation, not only the custody label.New Jersey Statutes 9:2-4, amended by P.L.2025, chapter 316
Agreed & simpler processes
Settlement can occur before or after filing; financial mediation is not required with a restraining order.A victim may choose voluntary participation, but a manageable process must still be safe. Ask for independent plan-lawyer review of the proposed settlement rather than assuming agreement removes risk.New Jersey Courts: settlement options
Help while a case is pending
The court can order support and help with legal or expert costs while litigation is pending.Financial circumstances matter. Ask what immediate evidence and request are needed and whether your prepaid benefit includes making the application and appearing, or only initial advice.New Jersey Statutes 2A:34-23: pending actions
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
Generally one spouse needs six months of New Mexico residence and domicile.Ask about jurisdiction over children and an out-of-state spouse's finances separately. The place of the wedding does not substitute for filing eligibility.New Mexico Courts: filing eligibility
Grounds & separation
Incompatibility is a ground; the statute also provides fault grounds.You need not make an accusation of wrongdoing simply to identify incompatibility. Ask how the chosen ground interacts with your circumstances before using a standard petition.New Mexico Statutes 40-4-1
Timing: what starts the clock
The response deadline after service is not a guaranteed divorce-completion date.The Courts describe 30 days to respond to a petition. A final decree still needs judicial action; confirm required filings, service, and the court's schedule rather than treating silence as an automatic divorce.New Mexico Courts: service, response, and final decree
Property & debts
Community and separate property require classification, with debts and values disclosed.Even property already divided between spouses must be reported to the court. Ask for review of acquisition records, debt responsibility, and the net settlement, not just whose name appears on an account.New Mexico Courts: property and marital settlement
Spousal support
Rehabilitative, transitional, indefinite, and lump-sum support serve different circumstances.Some awards can be nonmodifiable or have different death contingencies. Ask what the actual term means for your future budget before trading support for property or signing a waiver.New Mexico Statutes 40-4-7
Parenting & child support
Parenting time follows best interests; a custody plan and child-support worksheet do different jobs.Review school, travel, exchanges, and expenses together. Disclose intimidation or violence before relying on a joint template; supervised arrangements may need individual legal help.New Mexico Courts: custody and support process
Agreed & simpler processes
A marital settlement agreement must account for the property and debts, even if already divided.The judge determines whether a hearing is needed. Ask the plan lawyer to review the completed agreement and remaining filings; reaching a private understanding is not the final court step.New Mexico Courts: settlement and decree steps
Help while a case is pending
Pending-case orders can protect property, address children, provide support, and fund case expenses.Request the appropriate relief with evidence. Confirm whether your prepaid benefit includes motion preparation and representation, or only guidance about seeking an order.New Mexico Statutes 40-4-7(A)
Reviewed October 10, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
A 2-year residence route exists; shorter routes depend on New York connections.One-year routes combine residence with marriage in New York, living there as spouses, or grounds arising there. Another route applies when grounds arose in New York and both spouses reside there when the case starts. Check all five statutory routes.New York Domestic Relations Law 230
Grounds & separation
No-fault requires an irretrievable breakdown of at least 6 months.At least one spouse states this under oath. The required financial and parenting issues must be resolved or determined before a judgment under this ground. Separate statutory grounds have different conditions.New York Domestic Relations Law 170(7)
Timing: what starts the clock
Six months of breakdown is not a six-month timer after filing.Do not confuse the no-fault ground with a required period of living apart or a guaranteed judgment date. Service, response periods, resolution of issues, and court processing still matter.New York Domestic Relations Law 170(7)
Property & debts
Marital property is distributed equitably, not necessarily equally.Separate property remains separate under the statute. The court considers the parties' circumstances and statutory factors, including contributions, financial position, duration, and domestic violence.New York Domestic Relations Law 236(B)(5)
Spousal support
Temporary and post-divorce maintenance have guideline rules and adjustment factors.Income definitions, the applicable cap, other support, and statutory factors affect the calculation. A formula is not a promise of entitlement, amount, or duration in every case.New York Domestic Relations Law 236(B)(5-a),(6)
Parenting & child support
Custody and visitation turn on the child's best interests; support has statutory rules.Health and safety, caregiving, practical arrangements, and domestic violence matter. Do not assume a parenting-time arrangement eliminates child support or resolves jurisdiction.New York Domestic Relations Law 240
Agreed & simpler processes
Court resources include uncontested forms and a joint-divorce route.Use the current instructions and correct forms. If disputes arise, the uncontested packet may no longer fit. Documents, proper service or appearance, and judicial approval remain important.New York Courts: uncontested divorce
Help while a case is pending
Temporary financial relief and protection questions need their own attention.Maintenance and other interim financial orders may be available under the statute. Ask a court self-help center or legal aid about the appropriate court and protective-order process when safety is involved.New York Domestic Relations Law 236(B)
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
Either spouse must have lived in North Carolina for six months before filing.The ordinary absolute-divorce route also requires a year and a day of separation. Child-custody jurisdiction and authority over an out-of-state spouse need separate checks.North Carolina Courts: separation and divorce
Grounds & separation
Ordinary no-fault divorce requires a year and a day living in different homes.At least one spouse must intend permanent separation. Ending the relationship while sharing the same home generally does not start this separation period. Fault is not a shortcut around it.North Carolina Courts: separation requirements
Timing: what starts the clock
The separation period precedes filing; service and court steps follow.The court's simple-divorce packet ordinarily calls for waiting 30 days after service before arranging the hearing. Extensions, waivers, and local procedure can affect the next step; filing does not end the marriage.North Carolina Courts: divorce packet and steps
Property & debts
Equal division is the starting point, but equitable division can differ.Classify marital, separate, and divisible property and related debt. An unfiled equitable-distribution claim is generally lost at final absolute divorce; get advice before using a divorce-only packet.North Carolina Courts: property and claim deadlines
Spousal support
Alimony depends on dependency, ability to support, and statutory factors.Certain marital misconduct can determine entitlement; amount and duration have no universal formula. An unfiled alimony claim is generally lost at final absolute divorce, not automatically available later.North Carolina Courts: alimony and claim deadlines
Parenting & child support
Custody focuses on the child's welfare, and is separate from ending the marriage.Custody and child-support claims are not extinguished by absolute divorce. Existing orders, safety concerns, jurisdiction, and support procedures still need attention.North Carolina Courts: child custody
Agreed & simpler processes
The court's simple-divorce packet does not resolve property, alimony, or parenting.It is not the right tool for preserving financial claims you still need to pursue. A consultation about claim deadlines may be more valuable than buying document preparation alone.North Carolina Courts: packet limits
Help while a case is pending
Postseparation support can help before a final alimony decision.It requires a request and evidence about resources, needs, and ability to pay. Do not assume the year of separation means you must wait a year to ask about financial or safety help.North Carolina G.S. 50-16.2A: postseparation support
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
The filer needs six months' good-faith residence before starting or immediately before the decree.The alternative decree-based route is different from the court packet's filing eligibility. Ask which procedure fits before filing, especially when parenting jurisdiction is also involved.North Dakota Century Code 14-05-17
Grounds & separation
Irreconcilable differences support no-fault divorce; other grounds require proof.The court's self-help forms do not cover fault divorces. Ask a lawyer before trying to adapt a no-fault packet to a different ground.North Dakota Courts: divorce grounds
Timing: what starts the clock
Agreement and court caseload affect completion; the 21-day answer deadline is a different clock.That response period starts the day after service. A default still requires court steps, not just waiting. Ask about interim relief when immediate needs cannot wait for final judgment.North Dakota Courts: timing and response
Property & debts
Property and debts are distributed equitably, with a specified valuation-date framework.If spouses do not agree on a valuation date, the statute generally uses 60 days before the initially scheduled trial, with adjustment provisions. Ask which date and account records your settlement uses.North Dakota Century Code 14-05-24
Spousal support
Current support law provides limited-duration awards, not permanent spousal support.Need, ability to pay, award type, and duration limits matter. Ask how current rules apply to a new request versus an older award; do not assume a long marriage guarantees lifetime payments.North Dakota Century Code 14-05-24.1
Parenting & child support
Child-support calculations are required even when the spouses agree about support.The judge decides whether a waiver, stay, or different amount meets the applicable standard. Review the worksheet alongside residence, parenting time, healthcare, and expenses rather than omitting support by agreement.North Dakota Courts: required child-support calculations
Agreed & simpler processes
A complete written agreement filed together can usually be resolved without a hearing.Every issue and required document must be addressed. The self-help center warns its forms do not fit every case; ask your plan lawyer to review eligibility and retirement work beyond the packet.North Dakota Courts: filing a complete agreement
Help while a case is pending
Temporary orders can address support, attorney expenses, and parenting responsibilities.Appropriate protection relief has additional statutory requirements. Ask what evidence and procedure apply, and whether your benefit includes representation at the requested hearing.North Dakota Century Code 14-05-23
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
Divorce generally requires six months in Ohio and 90 days in the filing county.Dissolution requires one spouse to meet the six-month Ohio period, with different venue considerations. Divorce and agreed dissolution are distinct procedures, not interchangeable labels.Supreme Court of Ohio: jurisdiction and venue
Grounds & separation
Incompatibility is a ground unless denied; fault grounds also exist.One year living apart is another ground, not a separation requirement for every divorce. If incompatibility is denied, a different ground may need to be proved.Ohio Revised Code 3105.01
Timing: what starts the clock
Agreed dissolution usually has a joint appearance 30 to 90 days after filing.Conversion and completed collaborative-process exceptions exist. Divorce instead has service-based hearing rules, ordinarily at least 42 days after service. Neither timetable guarantees a final decree.Supreme Court of Ohio: divorce and dissolution timing
Property & debts
Equal division of marital property is the default unless inequitable.Separate property, tracing, debts, retirement plans, and financial misconduct can change the analysis. Gather ownership and account records before treating a proposed split as complete.Ohio Revised Code 3105.171
Spousal support
Spousal support uses statutory factors, not one statewide entitlement formula.Income, earning ability, age, health, marriage length, assets, liabilities, and other circumstances matter. Ask whether the proposed order preserves authority to modify support later.Ohio Revised Code 3105.18
Parenting & child support
Shared parenting needs a court-approved plan serving the child's best interests.Sharing parental responsibilities does not automatically mean equal time or no child support. Domestic violence, practical arrangements, and the proposed plan require review.Ohio Revised Code 3109.04
Agreed & simpler processes
Dissolution requires both signatures and a complete separation agreement.The agreement must address property, support, and applicable child-related issues. If consent or terms break down, the dissolution cannot simply continue unchanged; conversion to divorce may be needed.Ohio Revised Code 3105.63: dissolution petition
Help while a case is pending
Temporary orders can address support, parenting, and household expenses.Ask about the local motion procedure and immediate needs rather than treating the final hearing as the first chance for help. Safety protection may require a separate route.Supreme Court of Ohio: temporary orders
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
Either spouse ordinarily needs six months of Oklahoma residence immediately before filing.County venue is separate: the petitioner's county generally requires 30 days, or filing may be in the respondent's county. Ask counsel about military provisions, service, and child jurisdiction before filing.Oklahoma Statutes 43-102 and 43-103
Grounds & separation
Incompatibility is an available ground; other specified grounds also exist.A consultation can distinguish the ground from contested parenting and financial issues. Ask which evidence and required education apply rather than assuming a form package completes the case.Oklahoma Statutes 43-101
Timing: what starts the clock
Cases involving minor children ordinarily wait 90 days from filing; a good-cause waiver requires neither party's objection.Specified grounds and child-protection circumstances have exceptions. A waiver is a court decision, not an automatic benefit of agreement. Ask separately about the process without children, service deadlines, and local scheduling; this row is not a completion estimate.Oklahoma Statutes 43-107.1
Property & debts
Jointly acquired marital property is divided justly and reasonably, regardless of title.Ask for classification, debt, and transfer review before signing. An equal division of every asset is not the statutory formula.Oklahoma Statutes 43-121(B)
Spousal support
Either spouse may receive reasonable alimony as the court finds just and equitable, in a lump sum or installments.Ask counsel to assess support separately from the property settlement and explain duration and payment terms. Check whether your benefit covers negotiation or requires a paid representation agreement.Oklahoma Statutes 43-121(B)
Parenting & child support
Best interests govern custody; abuse, coercive control, stalking, or harassment findings create a protective rebuttable presumption.Joint-custody requests require a detailed plan, but the court can reject them. Explain safety concerns and actual care arrangements to counsel, and check support separately; joint custody is not a promise of equal time.Oklahoma Statutes 43-109
Agreed & simpler processes
Even an agreed divorce requires proof; agreement or admissions alone are not a complete court process.Have an independent lawyer review terms and ask who will present the necessary evidence and obtain the decree. Document preparation and court representation can be different prepaid benefits.Oklahoma Statutes 43-130
Help while a case is pending
After filing, temporary orders can address parenting, support, debts, possession of property, fees, and other relief.The request needs a verified factual basis and service of hearing notice. A separate automatic injunction has its own triggers and limits. Ask who will prepare and present a motion rather than assuming filing resolves urgent needs.Oklahoma Statutes 43-110
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
Ordinary dissolution requires one party's six months of residence or domicile.Marrying in Oregon does not remove this period for ordinary no-fault divorce. Narrow annulment-related routes differ. Ask about interstate money and parenting authority separately.Oregon ORS 107.075
Grounds & separation
No-fault dissolution does not require the other spouse's permission.Irreconcilable differences can end the marriage, but unresolved parenting and money issues still need decisions. Legal separation is not the same as final divorce.Oregon Judicial Department: family-law FAQs
Timing: what starts the clock
Agreement can simplify the process, not guarantee a finish date.Service, complete papers, local steps, and court scheduling still matter. A judge's judgment ends the marriage, not purchase of a package. Ask the local court about the procedure rather than relying on advertised turnaround times.Oregon Judicial Department: dissolution process
Property & debts
Property division must be just and proper; equal contribution is rebuttable.The presumption covers acquisitions during marriage, including separately titled assets, with an exception for separately retained gifts. Full disclosure matters. Ask a lawyer to classify inherited assets before accepting a proposed split.Oregon ORS 107.105(1)(f)
Spousal support
Support has transitional, compensatory, and maintenance categories.Training needs, contributions to the other spouse's career, and continuing support serve different purposes. Ask which fits your circumstances before waiving support; no automatic amount follows from the label.Oregon Judicial Department: spousal support
Parenting & child support
Joint custody needs both parents' agreement and concerns major decisions.It can include a primary residence and does not itself decide child support. Do not confuse shared decision-making with an equal-time schedule. Ask for a workable parenting plan, including safety concerns.Oregon ORS 107.169
Agreed & simpler processes
Summary dissolution has strict eligibility limits and consequential waivers.Its limits include marriage length, children, real estate, and finances; the petitioner waives spousal support and most temporary orders. Ordinary agreed cases use other procedures. Cheap paperwork may not be the suitable route.Oregon ORS 107.485
Help while a case is pending
Temporary orders can address support, property use, and parenting.A status-quo order preserves routines but does not decide custody. Immediate-danger custody uses a distinct process. Ask which motion meets your need and whether hearings are separately charged.Oregon Judicial Department: temporary orders
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
At least one spouse must be a bona fide Pennsylvania resident for six months.This is the state residence condition before starting the action. County venue, proper service, and jurisdiction over financial or child-related issues still require their own checks.Pennsylvania Divorce Code 3104
Grounds & separation
No-fault routes include mutual consent and irretrievable breakdown after separation.The one-year separation route generally applies to separations beginning on or after December 5, 2016; older separations have a different period. Fault grounds and a limited presumed-consent provision also exist.Pennsylvania Divorce Code 3301
Timing: what starts the clock
For mutual consent, court instructions require 90 days after complaint service.Both spouses then file consent affidavits and complete the remaining notice and filing steps. Do not confuse this with the separate one-year separation route or a guaranteed 90-day finish.Pennsylvania Courts: consent-divorce steps (PDF)
Property & debts
Marital property is divided equitably, not automatically 50/50.Liabilities, contributions, economic circumstances, and the children's housing are among relevant factors. Property title alone does not settle classification; preserve financial claims before seeking a decree.Pennsylvania Divorce Code 3501-3502
Spousal support
Post-divorce alimony requires a finding that it is necessary.The court considers earnings, needs, marriage length, property, and other factors. Support while separated or during litigation is different from post-divorce alimony; one should not be assumed from the other.Pennsylvania Divorce Code 3701-3702
Parenting & child support
Custody centers on best interests with particular weight on safety.A proposed parenting arrangement needs review of abuse and safety factors, not just agreement on a calendar. Child support is a separate process, not a benefit supplied by a divorce-only forms packet.Pennsylvania custody law 5328
Agreed & simpler processes
State court forms cover specific no-fault routes, not every related claim.Read the full packet and county instructions. A simple divorce filing does not automatically preserve property or alimony rights or decide custody; ask about claims before obtaining the decree.Pennsylvania Courts: divorce proceedings and forms
Help while a case is pending
Interim spousal support, litigation support, and counsel fees may be available.Alimony pendente lite means support during the case, not a final alimony award. It must be requested and eligibility matters; do not assume attorney fees will be reimbursed.Pennsylvania Divorce Code 3702
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
The ordinary rule is one year of Rhode Island domicile and residence before filing.A qualifying resident defendant who is actually served can satisfy the requirement when the plaintiff does not. Military-related provisions also matter. Ask a lawyer to check residence, service, venue, and child jurisdiction separately.Rhode Island General Laws 15-5-12
Grounds & separation
Irreconcilable differences that irreparably break down the marriage are a no-fault ground.No-fault grounds do not make conduct irrelevant to every financial or parenting issue. Use a consultation to distinguish ending the marriage from negotiating its consequences.Rhode Island General Laws 15-5-3.1
Timing: what starts the clock
The ordinary final-judgment wait is three months after trial and decision, not three months from filing.Entry of the final judgment is another required step. A different rule applies to the three-year-separation ground. Ask a lawyer to confirm the applicable route and final entry before making remarriage plans.Rhode Island General Laws 15-5-23; separation exception in 15-5-3
Property & debts
Property assignment follows statutory fairness factors; premarital income and effort-related appreciation can still matter.Premarital property, inheritance, and third-party gifts have protections, but their treatment is not captured by the account's title alone. Bring ownership and value records for classification and settlement review.Rhode Island General Laws 15-5-16.1
Spousal support
Alimony generally supports a transition to self-sufficiency; an indefinite award is possible in appropriate circumstances.Need, ability to pay, care responsibilities, work history, and statutory factors matter. Ask a lawyer to assess your budget and confirm whether drafting, negotiation, or contested proceedings are included in your benefit.Rhode Island General Laws 15-5-16(b)-(c)
Parenting & child support
Custody and visitation involve the child's best interests; abuse can justify denying visitation.The ordinary visitation rule has exceptions, not a guaranteed schedule. Explain safety concerns and the child's actual needs to counsel, and get a separate support calculation rather than assuming a custody label determines payment.Rhode Island General Laws 15-5-16(d)-(e)
Agreed & simpler processes
A divorce cannot be granted solely from default or admissions; a court trial is still required.Even if terms are agreed, ask who will prepare the evidence, attend court, and obtain the final judgment. Document preparation alone is not the whole process, and contested issues may exceed a basic prepaid benefit.Rhode Island General Laws 15-5-22
Help while a case is pending
The Family Court has interim support, custody, and restraining-order powers under specified conditions.Ask promptly about a request for immediate support or protection and the required showing. Confirm whether a plan lawyer handles the application and appearance; ordinary plan enrollment is not an emergency response.Rhode Island General Laws 15-5-19
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
Usually one year's residence; both-resident cases allow three months for the plaintiff.A nonresident plaintiff can rely on the defendant's qualifying one year. Residence and county venue are different checks. A vacation or wedding here does not alone create divorce jurisdiction.South Carolina Code 20-3-30
Grounds & separation
The no-fault route needs one year apart without cohabitation.Specified fault grounds also exist. Irreconcilable differences alone is not this state's statutory ground. Ask about evidence and alternatives before choosing a document-only route.South Carolina Code 20-3-10
Timing: what starts the clock
The general three-month filing minimum has exceptions for separation and desertion.Those grounds can proceed after the response or default stage without that extra three-month minimum. Their own ground requirements remain. Neither a minimum period nor agreement guarantees a court date.South Carolina Code 20-3-80
Property & debts
Marital property is apportioned equitably, using multiple factors.Contributions, finances, and specified misconduct can matter. Title alone does not classify marital property. Bring asset records and the whole settlement to review, rather than assuming every item divides equally.South Carolina Code 20-3-620 and 20-3-630
Spousal support
Alimony type and conduct can materially affect eligibility.Adultery before the statutory settlement or order cutoff bars an award. Different support types have different consequences. Obtain advice before waiving support or relying on an informal promise.South Carolina Code 20-3-130
Parenting & child support
Best interests control; joint decisions and living arrangements are distinct.Custody orders can allocate major decisions and residential arrangements separately. Domestic violence, abuse, and coercive involvement of children matter. Agreement is not a reason to overlook safety or a child's practical needs.South Carolina Code 63-15-210 through 63-15-240
Agreed & simpler processes
The simple-divorce packet is for qualifying one-year-separation cases.Property and debts must be absent or agreed; child arrangements must also be agreed and support meet guidelines. Instructions call for separate dwellings. Ask a lawyer to review the agreement before filing; the packet is not for every contested case.South Carolina Judiciary: simple-divorce instructions (PDF)
Help while a case is pending
Temporary relief requires a specific motion and supporting evidence.Current Rule 21 governs pending-case hearings, notice, and affidavits. Emergency protection follows distinct requirements. Ask promptly about the correct procedure rather than waiting for plan eligibility or final divorce.South Carolina Family Court Rule 21: current procedure
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
The plaintiff must be a resident or stationed in South Dakota when the case starts.There is no fixed six-month residence requirement in this section. A visit is not residence; ask a lawyer about venue and authority over children or out-of-state assets.South Dakota Codified Laws 25-4-30
Grounds & separation
Irreconcilable differences usually require both parties' consent if both appear.The statute makes an exception when a party has not made a general appearance; other grounds exist. Ask for advice if your spouse contests the ground rather than assuming a no-fault form resolves that dispute.South Dakota Codified Laws 25-4-2 and 25-4-17.2
Timing: what starts the clock
The 60-day minimum runs from completed service of the summons and complaint.It is not a promise of a decree on day 60. Keep proof of service and ask which deadlines need attention while the case is pending.South Dakota Codified Laws 25-4-34
Property & debts
Property belonging to either or both spouses can be divided equitably.Sole title is not a complete answer. Bring acquisition records, balances, and proposed debt payments to a consultation before accepting an equal-split worksheet.South Dakota Codified Laws 25-4-44
Spousal support
Support may be awarded for life or a shorter period, with court modification available.Ask how a proposed support term fits your monthly budget and the property agreement. Confirm whether settlement review is included and ongoing negotiations cost extra.South Dakota Codified Laws 25-4-41
Parenting & child support
Custody decisions turn on the child's best interests.Do not reduce the discussion to a custody label. Ask about a workable parenting schedule, safety, and a separate child-support calculation.South Dakota Codified Laws 25-4-45
Agreed & simpler processes
With consent to irreconcilable differences, affidavits may replace personal appearance.The court still decides whether the required grounds and jurisdiction are established. Ask for independent review of financial terms before signing; an affidavit is not itself the divorce decree.South Dakota Codified Laws 25-4-17.3
Help while a case is pending
Temporary support and litigation money can be requested while the case is pending.Describe immediate housing, childcare, and bill-payment needs to a lawyer. Ask whether the benefit includes preparing a motion and appearing at a hearing, rather than only advice.South Dakota Codified Laws 25-4-38
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
Six months is a residence route, not the entire jurisdiction rule.Where acts occurred while the filing spouse was a bona fide Tennessee resident, a different statutory route can apply. For specified out-of-state acts, either spouse's six months before filing matters. Ask a local lawyer which route your facts support.Tennessee Court of Appeals: T.C.A. 36-4-104
Grounds & separation
Irreconcilable differences is an agreed route; other grounds exist.Calling a case no-fault does not replace the needed agreement and court findings. If one spouse will not agree, ask about another legally available ground rather than assuming an online forms package resolves the dispute.Tennessee Court of Appeals: irreconcilable-differences requirements
Timing: what starts the clock
Divorce petitions have a 60- or 90-day filing minimum before hearing.The minimum is 60 days without an unmarried child under 18, or 90 days with one, measured from filing. For irreconcilable differences, later amendment to add that ground does not restart the clock. These are hearing minimums, not separation requirements or guaranteed completion dates.Tennessee Code 36-4-103(c)(1): current timing text checked October 16, 2026
Property & debts
Marital property is divided equitably, not necessarily equally.Classification, marriage length, contributions, needs, and other factors matter. Separate property and marital contributions require analysis. Keep asset and debt records so a proposed settlement can be reviewed as a whole.Tennessee Court of Appeals: T.C.A. 36-4-121
Spousal support
Alimony can address rehabilitation, transition, or continuing need.The form depends on need, ability to pay, and statutory factors. Partial rehabilitation does not necessarily remove longer-term need. A waiver can have lasting consequences; do not assume every award follows one fixed duration.Tennessee Court of Appeals: T.C.A. 36-5-121
Parenting & child support
The child's best interests control, not a tally of which parent wins more factors.Maximum parental participation is limited by best interests, stability, and safety; it is not an automatic equal-time rule. Parenting arrangements and child-support calculations are distinct. Raise intimidation or abuse before treating negotiation as the default.Tennessee Judicial Conference: custody principles
Agreed & simpler processes
An agreed divorce needs written arrangements and affirmative court findings.The court must find sufficient provision for children's custody and maintenance and an equitable property settlement. Being willing to divorce is not the same as agreeing on those terms. Ask whether covered advice includes review before signatures, not just preparing a form.Tennessee Court of Appeals: T.C.A. 36-4-103(b)
Help while a case is pending
Divorce papers include important temporary restrictions on assets and conduct.Read the injunction notice before moving money, changing insurance, or making extraordinary expenditures. Ask when filing and service make restrictions effective and what further order is needed for immediate support, housing, or protection.Tennessee Court of Appeals: temporary injunctions under 36-4-106
Reviewed October 10, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
Ordinary filing rule: 6 months domiciled in Texas and 90 days in the county.Either spouse can meet the rule. Separate provisions address a nonresident filing against a Texas spouse and military/service residence. Residence is not the only jurisdiction question.Texas Family Code 6.301-6.304
Grounds & separation
No-fault insupportability is available; fault grounds also exist.Living apart for three years is an alternative statutory ground, not a required separation period for every no-fault divorce.Texas Family Code 6.001-6.007
Timing: what starts the clock
Generally no divorce before the 60th day after the petition is filed.Certain family-violence exceptions involve a qualifying conviction/deferred adjudication or an active protective/emergency order. They are not a general waiver for every allegation. The case can take longer.Texas Family Code 6.702
Property & debts
Community property does not mean a mandatory 50/50 division.The court divides the marital estate in a just-and-right manner. Separate property is treated differently. Identify debts and ownership carefully before signing an agreement.Texas Family Code 7.001
Spousal support
Court-ordered maintenance has specific eligibility requirements.Insufficient property to meet minimum reasonable needs must be paired with a qualifying path, such as certain family-violence offenses, disability, care of a disabled child, or a marriage of at least ten years with insufficient earning ability. Ten years alone does not qualify someone.Texas Family Code 8.051-8.055
Parenting & child support
Custody is called conservatorship; possession schedules and support are separate issues.The child's best interests guide decisions. A divorce involving children includes custody, visitation, child support, and medical-support orders; sharing decision-making does not itself promise equal time.Texas Law Help: conservatorship
Agreed & simpler processes
Agreed divorce forms can help when their scope fits your circumstances.Use the correct packet for children and existing orders. A packet is not suitable for every property, maintenance, or jurisdiction issue, and agreement does not remove the required court steps.Texas Law Help: agreed divorce with children
Help while a case is pending
Temporary orders can address children and property while the case is pending.Temporary restraining orders and family-violence protective orders are different tools. Ask about the correct procedure, hearing, and safety protections before using forms.Texas Law Help: temporary orders
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
The ordinary filing rule requires either spouse's 90 days of residence in the filing county.Military and specified consent-to-jurisdiction routes also exist. Ask a lawyer to check the applicable route, service, and separate child-custody jurisdiction; a wedding location alone is not enough.Utah Code 81-4-402(1)
Grounds & separation
Irreconcilable differences are an available ground for divorce.Ending the marriage and resolving disputed parenting or money are different questions. A prepaid consultation can help identify the issues that need individual review before using court forms.Utah courts: grounds for divorce
Timing: what starts the clock
The ordinary minimum is 30 days after filing; the court can make an exception for extraordinary circumstances.A waiver is not automatic just because the spouses agree. Required filings, courses, unresolved issues, and court scheduling can make the case take longer. Ask who will handle a waiver request if needed.Utah courts: waiting-period waiver
Property & debts
Marital property is divided equitably, meaning fairly rather than necessarily equally.Premarital, gifted, or inherited property is usually separate, but mixing or using it can change its treatment. Ask a lawyer to review tracing, debts, and retirement transfers before signing a settlement.Utah courts: property division
Spousal support
Alimony depends on need, earning capacity, ability to pay, marriage length, and other factors; qualifying fault can matter.Ordinarily its duration cannot exceed the marriage's length without special reasons; temporary payments count toward duration. Bring a budget and work history, and check coverage for negotiation rather than assuming a fixed award.Utah courts: alimony
Parenting & child support
The joint-legal-custody assumption is not an assumption of joint physical custody or equal time.Best interests and exceptions, including abuse, govern. Ask about decision-making, the actual schedule, a parenting plan, and separate child-support calculations; safety concerns need individual help.Utah courts: custody and parent-time
Agreed & simpler processes
An agreed case still needs final papers and the judge's signed decree.Court document tools may not generate everything required. Have a lawyer review the stipulation and the applicable children or no-children checklist; an agreement does not automatically waive the waiting period.Utah courts: stipulations and final documents
Help while a case is pending
Temporary orders can address parenting, support, use of the home or car, and attorney fees while the case proceeds.A motion needs supporting papers; required parenting courses can affect when it is heard, with exceptions. Ask a lawyer about urgent relief and whether motions and appearances cost extra beyond consultation.Utah courts: temporary orders
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
Ordinarily six months' residence permits filing; one year is required before the final hearing.A narrow nonresident Vermont-marriage exception has separate conditions. Ask about your residence history and child-custody jurisdiction before treating a Vermont wedding as a filing shortcut.Vermont Statutes 15 V.S.A. 592
Grounds & separation
The usual no-fault route requires six consecutive months living apart and no reasonably probable reconciliation.That separation can begin before filing. Ask what counts as living apart in your circumstances rather than assuming different mailing addresses answer the question.Vermont Statutes 15 V.S.A. 551(7)
Timing: what starts the clock
The decree normally becomes final 90 days after entry; the court can shorten that period.This is a post-decree nisi period, not 90 days from filing. Residence, separation, and finality are different clocks; confirm the actual final date before remarrying.Vermont Statutes 15 V.S.A. 554
Property & debts
Equitable division can reach property owned by either spouse, whenever acquired.Premarital ownership is not an automatic exclusion. Ask for a review of acquisition records, liabilities, and your proposed settlement before relying on who holds title.Vermont Statutes 15 V.S.A. 751
Spousal support
Maintenance requires statutory eligibility; amount and duration involve multiple factors and guidelines.An income difference alone is not the whole analysis. Ask a plan lawyer to review reasonable needs, available property, and the proposed support term together.Vermont Statutes 15 V.S.A. 752
Parenting & child support
Shared parental responsibilities require agreement; without it the court awards responsibilities primarily or solely to one parent.Best interests and safety govern. Ask about the actual decision-making and contact terms, plus child support, rather than treating shared responsibilities as an automatic equal-time rule.Vermont Statutes 15 V.S.A. 665
Agreed & simpler processes
Full agreement at initial filing can qualify for a reduced-fee stipulated case.Later agreement is still useful, but does not earn the initial reduced fee. The court recommends legal advice before signing, especially under pressure; ask if your plan includes independent agreement review.Vermont Judiciary: stipulated divorce
Help while a case is pending
Temporary relief can be requested after separation coinciding with or following filing.Ask a lawyer how to address urgent support, housing, and parenting needs. Confirm whether motion preparation and a hearing are covered rather than assuming a consultation handles the court process.Vermont Statutes 15 V.S.A. 594a
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
Generally one spouse needs six months of genuine Virginia residence and domicile before filing.Military and specified overseas-service situations have statutory provisions. Ask which applies and whether the court can decide financial or parenting issues involving another state.Virginia Code 20-97
Grounds & separation
No-fault divorce generally requires a year apart; six months applies only with an agreement and no qualifying minor children.Fault grounds are separate routes. Do not assume any signed agreement shortens a divorce involving shared minor children, or that a separation agreement itself ends the marriage.Virginia Code 20-91(A)(9)
Timing: what starts the clock
The no-fault separation clock concerns continuous separation, not six or twelve months after every filing.The statute requires separation without cohabitation or interruption. Ask how your actual living circumstances establish the date and what evidence is needed before relying on the shorter route.Virginia Code 20-91: separation periods
Property & debts
Property and debts require classification; an asset can be partly marital and partly separate.Mixed contributions and appreciation can matter. Bring acquisition and ownership records, not just today's balances, and ask whether your plan covers tracing or valuation work.Virginia Code 20-107.3
Spousal support
Support depends on statutory factors; certain fault grounds can bar permanent support unless an exception applies.The statute includes a manifest-injustice exception with its own proof standard. Ask about eligibility, reserving future support, and waiver consequences before using a simple income-based estimate.Virginia Code 20-107.1
Parenting & child support
Best-interest factors govern custody and visitation, including family relationships and the child's needs.A parenting label does not explain school, travel, daily care, or safety. Ask a lawyer to review the actual schedule and support obligations rather than assuming a standard plan fits every family.Virginia Code 20-124.3
Agreed & simpler processes
A valid separation agreement can be incorporated into a decree and enforced as a court term.That makes its wording consequential. Ask for independent review of the whole financial agreement, including support and retirement provisions, before exchanging signatures or relying on informal promises.Virginia Code 20-109.1
Help while a case is pending
Pending-case orders can address support, debts, home use, children, and preservation of assets.Temporary support rules differ from final support. Tell a lawyer what cannot wait, and confirm whether the prepaid benefit includes motion preparation and representation at the hearing.Virginia Code 20-103
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
State residence or a qualifying military connection can support filing.The statute does not impose a general six-month residence period. One qualifying spouse may suffice, but county venue and authority over money or children are separate questions; a wedding visit alone is not enough.Washington RCW 26.09.030
Grounds & separation
Irretrievable breakdown is the no-fault ground.There is no general requirement to live apart for a year before filing. A dispute about whether the marriage is broken can involve further court findings; legal separation is a different outcome.Washington RCW 26.09.030: dissolution grounds
Timing: what starts the clock
At least 90 days must pass after both filing and service have occurred.The later event controls the ordinary minimum. The statute also addresses first publication of summons. Agreement does not erase the waiting period or replace the necessary final orders.Washington RCW 26.09.030: timing
Property & debts
Community-property classification does not guarantee equal division.The court makes a just and equitable disposition of both community and separate property and liabilities. Marriage length and each spouse's economic position can matter; do not assume separate property is outside the court's reach.Washington RCW 26.09.080
Spousal support
Maintenance depends on resources, needs, and ability to pay.Education or training needs, marriage duration, standard of living, age, and health are relevant. The statute does not promise a fixed percentage or one automatic duration.Washington RCW 26.09.090
Parenting & child support
Parenting plans distinguish residential time, decisions, and dispute resolution.The child's relationships and needs matter, and abuse can require restrictions. A parenting schedule is not a child-support calculation; obtain both sets of orders when applicable.Washington RCW 26.09.187: parenting-plan criteria
Agreed & simpler processes
A written separation contract can settle issues, but not bypass court review.Property and maintenance terms are reviewed for fairness; parenting and child-support terms have separate scrutiny. A signature is not a final dissolution decree.Washington RCW 26.09.070
Help while a case is pending
Temporary orders can organize bills, property use, parenting, and support.The courts provide a dedicated temporary-family-law-order packet. Ask what your county requires and whether urgent protection needs a different application; the 90-day divorce wait need not postpone all help.Washington Courts: temporary family-law orders
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
Residence requirements differ depending on whether the marriage took place in West Virginia.For a West Virginia marriage, one party's bona fide residence when filing generally suffices. For an out-of-state marriage, the ordinary rule requires one year of continuous residence by a qualifying party. Grounds and service can create exceptions; have a lawyer check jurisdiction before filing.West Virginia Code 48-5-105
Grounds & separation
The irreconcilable-differences route requires the other spouse to admit that ground in an answer.Silence or disagreement is not the same as consent to this route. Ask a lawyer about another legally available ground if the spouse will not answer or agree; a prepaid document benefit alone does not resolve that problem.West Virginia Code 48-5-201
Timing: what starts the clock
A final hearing normally waits until the answer period expires; an earlier hearing requires recorded good cause.This is not an immediate-divorce promise or a fixed completion date. Service, evidence, unresolved issues, and court scheduling matter. Ask your lawyer to explain the applicable response deadline and hearing steps.West Virginia Family Court Rule 21(c)
Property & debts
Without a valid agreement, equal division of marital property is the starting presumption, subject to statutory factors.Financial and homemaking contributions and economic misconduct can matter. Ask a plan lawyer to review asset classification, debts, and proposed transfers before treating an equal split as the final answer.West Virginia Code 48-7-103
Spousal support
Support amount and duration depend on a detailed assessment of finances, earning ability, care responsibilities, and other factors.There is no universal payment or term in this comparison. Bring income, expenses, and employment history, and ask whether your plan covers negotiation and hearings or only advice and review.West Virginia Code 48-6-301
Parenting & child support
Equal custodial time is a rebuttable presumption, with exceptions and protective limits for harm or abuse.An agreement, the child's needs, practical circumstances, and statutory restrictions can change the result. Do not interpret the presumption as an entitlement despite safety concerns; discuss safe arrangements and separate child-support obligations with counsel.West Virginia Code 48-9-206 and 48-9-209
Agreed & simpler processes
A written settlement must satisfy the court's fairness, voluntariness, and enforceability review.Agreement does not remove court oversight. Have an independent lawyer review terms before signing, particularly limits on later support changes; child support remains subject to modification.West Virginia Code 48-6-201
Help while a case is pending
Temporary relief can be requested after filing through a motion, notice, and hearing.Interim support, parenting arrangements, and litigation costs have additional rules. Explain urgent needs promptly and ask who will prepare the request and attend the hearing; do not assume enrollment itself produces an order.West Virginia Code 48-5-501 through 48-5-504
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
Divorce requires at least one spouse's six months of state residence and 30 days of residence in the filing county.Ask a lawyer to verify residence and venue before filing. These divorce requirements differ from some annulment and legal-separation rules, and do not decide child-custody jurisdiction.Wisconsin Statutes 767.301
Grounds & separation
The divorce ground is irretrievable breakdown; a year apart is not required for every couple.If only one spouse asserts breakdown and there has not been a year apart, the court examines reconciliation. A consultation can separate that question from parenting, money, and safety needs.Wisconsin Statutes 767.315
Timing: what starts the clock
The ordinary minimum is 120 days after service, or after filing a joint petition.An emergency court order is a separate route, not an automatic waiver for an agreed case. Ask which clock applies and what required steps remain after it ends.Wisconsin Statutes 767.335
Property & debts
Equal division is presumed for divisible property; qualifying gifts and inheritances are generally excluded, subject to hardship.Premarital ownership is not a blanket exemption. Review valuation, tracing, and debts; a judgment does not necessarily change creditor rights, beneficiary instructions, or complete asset transfers.Wisconsin Statutes 767.61
Spousal support
Maintenance can be limited or indefinite, based on marriage length, finances, earning capacity, and other factors.Ask for a realistic budget and proposed-term review rather than assuming a fixed share of income. Confirm whether your plan includes advice, negotiation, or a separate representation quote.Wisconsin Statutes 767.56
Parenting & child support
Joint legal custody and the physical-placement schedule are separate; abuse findings change the custody presumptions.The child's best interests govern. A pattern or serious incident of domestic abuse can trigger a rebuttable presumption against custody for the abusive party. Discuss safety, decision-making, daily care, and support separately.Wisconsin Statutes 767.41(2), (4)
Agreed & simpler processes
A qualifying agreed case may receive judgment by affidavit without an in-person hearing.Both spouses need counsel or the specified registered lawyer-mediator route, court-approved terms, and required filings and disclosures. Ask whether your prepaid benefit covers that work; agreement alone does not qualify or erase the wait.Wisconsin Statutes 767.235(1)(b)
Help while a case is pending
Temporary orders can address parenting, support, debts, assets, and litigation expenses.Requests have affidavit and notice requirements; abuse restraining orders have their own process. Tell a lawyer about urgent needs and ask whether motions and appearances require additional payment.Wisconsin Statutes 767.225
Reviewed October 11, 2026. Eight sourced topics; exceptions still matter.
Where you can file
Usually one spouse must have lived in Wyoming for 60 days before filing.Another route requires a Wyoming marriage and continuous Wyoming residence by one spouse since marriage. Ask about jurisdiction before moving or buying paperwork.Wyoming Statutes 20-2-107
Grounds & separation
Irreconcilable differences provide the ordinary no-fault ground.You do not need to prove marital wrongdoing to use that ground. Safety and financial concerns still belong in your conversation with a lawyer.Wyoming Judicial Branch: grounds for divorce
Timing: what starts the clock
The decree cannot be entered less than 20 days after the complaint is filed.That minimum is different from the deadline to answer papers after service. Ask a lawyer to identify both clocks and what remains before the judge can finish the case.Wyoming Statutes 20-2-108
Property & debts
Division is equitable, with acquisition and the spouses' post-divorce circumstances considered.Do not assume every account must be split in half. Ask whether review includes valuation and the practical steps needed for a home transfer or retirement division.Wyoming Statutes 20-2-114
Spousal support
The court can award reasonable alimony, considering ability to pay.Ask a plan lawyer to evaluate the proposed payment alongside the asset settlement and your living costs. Advice is not a prediction of an award.Wyoming Statutes 20-2-114 and 20-2-116
Parenting & child support
Custody follows best interests; no custody form is automatically favored.Discuss daily care, travel, school, safety, and support rather than just joint or sole custody. Ask whether the benefit covers reviewing a parenting plan.Wyoming Statutes 20-2-201
Agreed & simpler processes
Court self-help packets are most useful when the parties agree on the terms.The court recommends reading the instructions and considering lawyer review. Ask whether your prepaid benefit includes checking the agreement and completed forms; contested representation is a separate question.Wyoming Judicial Branch: agreements, forms, and lawyer review
Help while a case is pending
Temporary or emergency orders require a request to the court; granting relief is the judge's decision.Explain urgent needs promptly. Confirm whether motion preparation and a hearing are included, and do not postpone safety help while waiting for plan eligibility.Wyoming Judicial Branch: temporary and emergency orders
Bring your residence history, existing orders, and three immediate concerns to a court self-help appointment, legal-aid call, or family-law consultation. Ask which court can decide each issue and what help is available before a final judgment.
The comparison currently covers 50 states. Rules have exceptions and can change. Source links are provided for each topic; statutory text takes priority over older summaries. We do not calculate a likely award, advise relocating, or rank states by divorce outcomes. Report a correction.
