Quick answer: The District of Columbia requires that one spouse has been a bona fide resident for at least 6 months before an action for divorce or legal separation starts. A divorce may be granted on one or both spouses’ assertion that they no longer wish to remain married: the statute sets no separation period.
This District of Columbia divorce timeline calculator applies D.C. Code 16-902 and 16-904. Enter the date a spouse became a resident and your planned filing date: it shows the earliest legal filing date, nothing more. How long a real case takes depends on the court and on whether the spouses agree.
District of Columbia divorce timeline rules at a glance
| Rule | What the District of Columbia says |
|---|---|
| Residence | One party a bona fide resident of the District for at least 6 months next preceding the commencement of the action (D.C. Code 16-902(a)) |
| Military | A service member who resides in the District for a continuous 6 months during service is deemed a resident (16-902(e)) |
| Ground | A divorce may be granted upon the assertion by one or both parties that they no longer wish to remain married (16-904(a)) |
| Separation period | None in the statute |
| While the case is pending | Pendente lite alimony, child support and counsel fees can be ordered (16-911) |
| Legal separation | May be granted on at least one party’s assertion that they intend to pursue a separate life without a divorce (16-904(b)) |
How does the District of Columbia divorce timeline work?
- Residence and where to file. See District of Columbia divorce residency and where to file.
- Agreement or dispute. See uncontested versus contested divorce in the District of Columbia.
- Grounds. See the grounds for divorce in the District of Columbia.
What does this divorce timeline calculator check?
The calculator adds six months to the date a spouse became a bona fide resident and tells you whether your filing date is early. Because the statute sets no separation period and no waiting period after filing, it gives only the filing date; the rest depends on service, the other spouse’s response and the court’s calendar. Support and custody questions that arise during the case are covered by the District of Columbia alimony calculator and the District of Columbia parenting time calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How long must I live in the District of Columbia before filing for divorce?
One spouse must have been a bona fide resident for at least 6 months next preceding the start of the action.
Is there a waiting period for divorce in the District of Columbia?
The divorce statutes we read set no separation period or waiting period after filing; the residence period is the only fixed time.
Do I have to prove fault for a District of Columbia divorce?
No. A divorce may be granted on one or both spouses’ assertion that they no longer wish to remain married.
Does military service count for District of Columbia residence?
Yes. A service member who resides in the District for a continuous 6 months during service is deemed a resident.
Does the calculator tell me how long my District of Columbia divorce will take?
No. It shows only the earliest legal filing date; the rest depends on the court and on whether the spouses agree.
Official sources
- D.C. Code 16-902: residency requirements
- D.C. Code 16-904: grounds for divorce, legal separation and annulment
- D.C. Code 16-911: pendente lite relief
- D.C. Code 16-914: custody of children
- D.C. Code 16-910: assignment and equitable distribution of property
- D.C. Code 16-4602.01: initial child-custody jurisdiction