Divorce in District of Columbia: Laws, Requirements, and Process
A complete guide to getting a divorce in District of Columbia. Covers grounds, residency requirements, property division, alimony, child custody, and what to expect from the process.
Data last updated: Apr 16, 2026Key Takeaways
- Property division: Equitable distribution.
- Residency requirement: 6 months in the District.
- Waiting period: None if both parties consent and have lived apart for 6 months; otherwise 12 months of separation.
- Filing fee: $120 - $150.
Grounds for Divorce
District of Columbia allows no-fault divorce. The no-fault ground is: Mutual voluntary separation or living separate and apart for 6 months.
District of Columbia is a pure no-fault state. No fault-based grounds are available.
Residency Requirements
6 months in the District.
Property Division
District of Columbia is an equitable distribution state. The District of Columbia follows equitable distribution. Courts divide marital property fairly based on factors including the duration of the marriage, the age, health, and occupation of each party, contributions to the marriage, and each spouse's earning capacity.
Alimony / Spousal Support
DC courts may award alimony based on the ability of the requesting spouse to be self-supporting, the time and expense necessary for training or education, the standard of living during the marriage, the duration of the marriage, and the circumstances that contributed to the divorce.
Child Custody
DC courts determine custody based on the best interest of the child. Factors include the child's wishes, the wishes of the parents, the child's relationship with each parent, the child's adjustment to home and school, and the mental and physical health of all individuals.
Child Support
DC uses the income shares model. Child support guidelines consider both parents' gross incomes, the number of children, health insurance costs, childcare costs, and the percentage of time each parent has physical custody.
Filing Fee
The filing fee for divorce in District of Columbia is $120 - $150. Fee waivers may be available for those who cannot afford to pay.
District of Columbia court divorce resources
Related Resources
- Free legal aid in District of Columbia
- Find a family law attorney
- Small claims court in District of Columbia
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the grounds for divorce in the District of Columbia?
DC allows no-fault divorce. As of recent reforms, the sole ground is that the spouses have lived separate and apart. If both parties agree, a 6-month separation period is required. DC eliminated its fault-based grounds.
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How long do you have to live in DC to file for divorce?
At least one spouse must have been a resident of the District of Columbia for at least 6 months prior to filing the complaint for divorce.
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How is property divided in a DC divorce?
DC follows equitable distribution. Courts divide marital property fairly based on factors such as each spouse's contributions, the duration of the marriage, and the economic circumstances of each party. Separate property is not subject to division.
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How long does a divorce take in DC?
If both parties consent, a divorce can be granted after 6 months of living apart. Uncontested divorces with consent can take approximately 2 to 4 months after meeting the separation requirement. Contested cases take longer.