Relationships 101: How do I get a divorce in DC?

July 16, 8:29 PMDC Marriage Advice ExaminerTonya Foust Mead, PhD, MBA, MA

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Do you want to legally end your marriage in the District of Columbia? Here are some possible exceptions found in other states but not applicable here. For instance.

Possible exceptions:

1. No, you do not need to be legally separated first to file for divorce in DC.
2. Yes, you and/or your spouse may return to your maiden name prior to your marriage providing that the name change will not be used to avoid debts.

1. Residency- either you or your soon-to-be ex-spouse must have lived in the District continuously for at least six months upon filing for the 'Complaint for Absolute Divorce.'
2. Grounds- you must prove that you and your spouse have been separated for either six months (mutual and voluntary separation) or one year (may or may not be a mutually agreed upon separation). Should you share the same house or apartment, you must show that the two of you resided in separate bedrooms, that you no longer share meals, pay bills or file taxes jointly or otherwise keep the appearances that you are married.
3. Proof of age- to obtain a divorce, you must first show that you are indeed legally married to your spouse. Therefore, you must bring an official copy of the marriage certificate to the proceedings.

For more information:
DC Law Help
Free Divorce Clinic
DC Bar Pro Bono Program
202-737-4700 ext. 424
Free Mediation Program for contested cases, The Family Court Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division
202-879-1549