Click your state on the map to see its residency rules, waiting periods and property laws, then scroll for the 7-step guide to the whole process.
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The 7-Step Guide to How Divorce Works in the United States
Divorce rules change from state to state, but almost every case follows the same road map. Here is the whole process in plain English, from deciding to file to the final decree.
Check your state’s residency rule
At least one spouse usually must have lived in the state, and sometimes the county, for a minimum time before filing. Nevada and Idaho ask for about six weeks, many states ask for six months, and a few ask for a year. Washington has no minimum. Click your state on the map for its rule.
Choose your grounds for divorce
Every state offers no-fault divorce, based on irreconcilable differences, an irretrievable breakdown or time living apart. Some states still allow fault grounds such as adultery or cruelty, but most people skip them because they add cost and conflict.
File the petition
One spouse files a petition or complaint for divorce (sometimes called dissolution) in the county court and pays a filing fee, often a few hundred dollars. Many courts offer fee waivers for people with low income and publish their own forms.
Serve your spouse
Your spouse must be formally notified, usually by a sheriff, a process server or a signed acknowledgment. They then have a set time to respond, commonly 20 to 30 days. A divorce can still move forward if your spouse ignores it or disagrees.
Handle temporary orders and financial disclosure
While the case is pending, a judge can set temporary custody, child support, spousal support and who stays in the home. Both spouses list income, assets and debts. Complete, honest disclosure matters because hidden assets can reopen a settled case.
Negotiate or mediate
Most cases settle without a trial. Spouses work out property, debts, support and parenting time through lawyers, mediation or direct talks. Many states require mediation for custody disputes, and some enforce a waiting period that ranges from a few weeks to a year of separation.
Get the final judgment
A judge approves your agreement, or decides the contested issues at trial, and signs the divorce decree. The marriage legally ends on the decree date. Afterward, update beneficiaries, titles, retirement accounts, insurance and, if you wish, your name.
How property, support and children are decided
Property and debt. Most states use equitable distribution, which means a fair split that is not always 50/50. The nine community property states generally treat what you earned during the marriage as owned equally. Property owned before the marriage, gifts and inheritances are usually kept separate in both systems.
Alimony. Spousal support is never automatic. Courts look at the length of the marriage, the income gap, ages and health, and each spouse’s ability to become self-supporting.
Children. Courts decide custody and parenting time based on the best interests of the child, and most states set child support with an income-based formula.
5 divorce myths that can cost you
RealityNo-fault divorce is available in every state.
RealityOne spouse can start and finish a divorce alone.
RealityOnly community property states lean that way, and even they allow exceptions.
RealityCourts decide based on the child’s best interests.
RealityLegal separation does not end the marriage.
Uncontested vs. contested divorce
In an uncontested divorce, spouses agree on everything and the court simply approves their paperwork. It is usually the fastest and cheapest route. In a contested divorce, spouses disagree on one or more issues, and the case can involve hearings, experts and a trial.
Divorce FAQ
How long does a divorce take?
An uncontested divorce can finish in a few weeks to a few months, depending on your state’s waiting period. A contested divorce often takes a year or more.
How much does a divorce cost?
Costs range from a few hundred dollars in filing fees for a simple, agreed case to tens of thousands of dollars for a heavily contested one. Mediation and settlement usually cost far less than trial.
Do I need a lawyer to get divorced?
The law does not require one, and some couples with simple, agreed cases file on their own. A lawyer is strongly worth considering if you have children, significant property, a business, retirement accounts or safety concerns.
Can I get divorced if my spouse will not sign?
Yes. Once your spouse is properly served, the case can proceed even if they refuse to cooperate or never respond.
What is a community property state?
It is a state where income and assets earned during the marriage are generally treated as owned equally by both spouses. Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin follow this approach.
Ready to take the next step?
Click your state on the map above for its divorce laws and a contact form, or complete the intake worksheet to organize your situation.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules, fees and timelines vary by state and county and change over time, so confirm details with your state court or a licensed attorney.