District of Columbia Divorce Guide
What you need to know to file for an uncontested divorce in District of Columbia.
Key facts for District of Columbia
Equitable distribution. 6-month separation required before filing. No waiting period once separation requirement met.
Step-by-step: filing in District of Columbia
- 1
Meet the District of Columbia residency requirement
You or your spouse must have lived in District of Columbia for at least 6 months before filing. Some counties may require you to file in the county where you reside.
- 2
Reach agreement on all terms
For an uncontested divorce, you and your spouse must agree on how to divide property and debts, any spousal support, and — if you have children — custody and child support arrangements. Getting this in writing before filing will speed up the process significantly.
- 3
Gather financial documents
Collect recent pay stubs, bank and investment account statements, mortgage or lease documents, retirement account statements, vehicle titles, and any business ownership records. You will likely be required to file a financial disclosure.
- 4
Complete the divorce petition and required forms
Download the District of Columbia divorce petition (and summons) from your county court website or the court self-help center. Fill out all required forms accurately. If you have a settlement agreement, prepare that document as well.
- 5
File with the District of Columbia court clerk
Take your completed forms to the county clerk's office and pay the $80 filing fee (approximately — fees vary by county). Keep copies of everything stamped by the clerk.
- 6
Serve your spouse
Your spouse must be formally served with the divorce papers. Options typically include sheriff service, a process server, or — if your spouse signs an Acceptance of Service — you may avoid formal service. Your spouse then has a set number of days to respond.
- 7
No mandatory waiting period in District of Columbia
District of Columbia does not impose a mandatory waiting period for uncontested divorces. Once your paperwork is filed and served, the court can move quickly to schedule your final hearing.
- 8
Attend the final hearing (or submit by default)
In uncontested cases, the final hearing is often brief — sometimes just a few minutes. A judge reviews your agreement and issues the final decree of divorce. Some counties allow a default judgment by written declaration, skipping the hearing entirely for uncontested cases. Once signed, your divorce is final.
Court self-help center
District of Columbia courts offer self-help centers where staff can answer procedural questions, provide forms, and review your paperwork for completeness — though they cannot give legal advice. Search “District of Columbia court self-help center” or check your county court's website for hours and location.