United States · State guide
Divorce inDistrict of Columbia.
Family law is state law. Here is how it works in District of Columbia: the property rules, support, how to file, what it costs, who enforces it, and every FairWell guide and tool set up for District of Columbia.
Official source: www.dccourts.gov
Property division
Equitable distribution state: marital property is divided fairly, which usually means roughly equally but the court can adjust based on statutory factors; separate property stays with the owner.
Residency and waiting period
Court: Superior Court (Family Court)One party must have been a bona fide resident for 6 months before filing (D.C. Code 16-902). Since January 26, 2024, no separation period is required: a divorce may be granted on the assertion by one or both parties that they no longer wish to remain married (D.C. Code 16-904).
Child support
Guideline based on combined income.
Retirement accounts
Workplace retirement plans are divided by a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) prepared after the decree; IRAs are divided by the decree itself. A former spouse married ten years or more may claim Social Security on the ex's record.
Enforcement
Child support is enforced by DC Child Support Services Division under the federal Title IV-D program: income withholding, tax refund intercepts, license suspension and passport denial for arrears.
Health insurance
Divorce ends a former spouse's eligibility on an employer plan. COBRA continuation is available for up to 36 months at full cost; the ACA marketplace opens a special enrollment period.
Official guidelines and tools
The government and court sources for child support, spousal support, the family law statute and self-help. Use these to check any estimate, including ours.
Common questions
How is property divided in a District of Columbia divorce?
Equitable distribution state: marital property is divided fairly, which usually means roughly equally but the court can adjust based on statutory factors; separate property stays with the owner.
How do I file for divorce in District of Columbia?
One party must have been a bona fide resident for 6 months before filing (D.C. Code 16-902). Since January 26, 2024, no separation period is required: a divorce may be granted on the assertion by one or both parties that they no longer wish to remain married (D.C. Code 16-904). File in the Superior Court (Family Court).
When does child support end in District of Columbia?
In the District of Columbia, child support usually lasts until the child turns 21. Support can continue beyond that for a child with a mental or physical disability.
What happens to property when unmarried couples separate in District of Columbia?
The District of Columbia recognizes common-law marriage where a couple agreed in the present tense to be married and then lived together, so they are treated as married and divide property under divorce rules. Partners who do not qualify are treated as unmarried: property generally belongs to whoever holds title, subject to any written agreement between you.
How long do you need to live in District of Columbia to file for divorce?
You or your spouse must have been a DC resident for six months before filing. Divorce is handled by the Family Court of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
Official help: DC Superior Court Family Court: Divorce. Rules change, so confirm with a family lawyer in District of Columbia before you rely on them.
Read next
Guides for District of Columbia
Filing for an uncontested divorce in the US
GuideWhat divorce costs in the US
GuideQDROs and retirement accounts
GuideDivorce and US taxes
GuideHealth insurance after divorce
GuideRelocation with children
GuideThe complete parenting plan guide
GuideYour separation date controls everything
GuideHidden assets: warning signs
GuideJoint debt at separation
GuideWhen your ex won't pay
GuideSeparating when there is abuse
Professionals
Family lawyers, mediators and coaches in District of Columbia
Family lawyers
Listings marked Verified have been checked against the state bar directory. Each lawyer sets their own fees.
DirectoryMediators
Family mediators for parenting and financial issues. Listings marked Verified have been checked against their association.
DirectoryDivorce coaches and counselors
Decision support, communication and co-parenting help. What a coach does.
Are you a professional in District of Columbia? List your practice.
District of Columbia
Get organized in District of Columbia
Guided questions for separation agreements, parenting plans and financial disclosure, linked to the official sources on this page and organized into a plain-language summary for a local family lawyer, who prepares the agreement and advises you.
Sources and further reading
This page is legal information, not legal advice. It summarizes how the process works in District of Columbia so you can plan; the official sources above are where current fees, forms and deadlines live, and they are the final word if anything here differs. When you're ready, the assessment and FairWell's guided questions link to the rules for District of Columbia; a local lawyer prepares any agreement and advises you before you sign.