Divorce Lawyer in Washington, DC — Your Complete 2025 Guide

Choosing the right divorce lawyer in Washington, DC is one of the most important steps toward protecting your financial future, parenting rights, and emotional well-being. Whether your case involves disputed custody, complex assets, or a straightforward uncontested divorce, this guide explains everything you need to know about divorcing in the District — including local court procedures, attorney fees, residency rules, and more affordable alternatives to traditional law firms.

Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer in Washington, DC?

You may need a DC divorce lawyer if your case includes:

• Custody, visitation, or major decision-making disputes

• A spouse who refuses to communicate or negotiate

• Real estate, retirement accounts, stock compensation, or major investments

• Business ownership, federal employment benefits, or complex income

• Disagreements over alimony

• Domestic violence or need for a Civil Protection Order (CPO)

• Suspected hidden money, crypto assets, or unreported income

• A case expected to move into mediation, hearings, or trial

However, you may NOT need a lawyer if your divorce is uncontested, meaning both spouses agree on:

• Parenting schedules & custody

• Child support & alimony

• Division of all property & debt

• Retirement & pension distribution

• How the marital home will be handled

For uncontested divorces, Divorce.com can prepare or file your Washington, DC divorce documents for a fraction of the cost of attorney representation.

Where to File for Divorce in Washington, DC

Divorces are filed with the Superior Court of the District of Columbia — Domestic Relations Branch.

Primary Filing Location

D.C. Superior Court — Moultrie Courthouse
500 Indiana Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 879-0157

The Domestic Relations Branch handles:

• Divorce & legal separation

• Custody & visitation

• Child support & spousal support

• Civil Protection Orders (CPOs)

• Mediation & case evaluation

• Hearings & trials

DC supports electronic filing (CaseFileXpress) for most divorce filings.

Washington, DC Residency Requirements for Divorce

To file for divorce in DC:

• One spouse must have lived in the District for at least 6 months before filing.

DC is a no-fault divorce jurisdiction, allowing divorce based on:

• Mutual separation for 6 months, OR

• Unilateral separation for 1 year

How Divorce Works in Washington, DC

Here is what the divorce process typically looks like:

1. File the Complaint for Absolute Divorce

This begins the case.

2. Serve Your Spouse

Service may be completed by:

• Personal service by an authorized adult

• Sheriff

• Private process server

• Certified mail (if permitted)

3. Financial Disclosure Requirements

Both spouses must exchange:

• Income documentation

• Bank statements

• Retirement & investment information

• Real estate valuations

• Debt disclosures

• Tax returns

DC is an equitable distribution jurisdiction — marital property is divided fairly, not automatically 50/50.

4. Parenting Requirements (If Children Are Involved)

The DC court may require:

• Mediation through the Multi-Door Dispute Resolution Division

• A detailed parenting plan

• Guardian ad litem (GAL) in contested cases

• Drug testing or psychological evaluations when warranted

5. Mediation, Settlement, or Trial

Uncontested divorces finalize quickly.
Contested cases may involve:

• Temporary hearings

• Discovery

• Depositions

• Custody evaluations

• Settlement conferences

• Trial

6. Final Divorce Order

A judge signs the Final Divorce Decree.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Washington, DC?

Attorney fees in DC tend to be among the highest in the nation due to high cost of living and federal-related employment considerations.

Typical costs:

• Hourly rate: $350–$600

• Uncontested divorce with attorney: $3,500–$9,000

• Contested divorce: $15,000–$50,000+

• High-asset or complex cases: $50,000–$150,000+

Custody battles, security clearance considerations, and federal benefit division significantly increase costs.

Local Divorce Lawyers in Washington, DC

Here are respected DC divorce lawyers from your directory:

1. Capital Family & Divorce Law Group

https://www.capitalfamilylawgroup.com

2. The Brown Law Firm, PLLC

https://www.brownfirmpllc.com

3. Livesay & Myers, P.C. — DC Area Office

https://www.livesaymyers.com

These firms are known for handling contested custody, high-asset divorce, federal employee benefits, and litigation.

More Affordable Alternatives to Hiring a Lawyer

If your Washington, DC divorce is uncontested, you may not need a law firm.

Divorce.com offers three flat-fee solutions:

Paperwork Only — $499

We prepare all DC divorce documents.

We File for You — $999

We prepare and file your documents with the DC Superior Court.

Fully Guided Divorce — $1999

A dedicated specialist supports your entire case.

These services offer a faster, easier, and far more affordable option than attorney-led divorce.

When You Should Choose a Lawyer Instead

Hire a DC divorce lawyer if:

• Custody is contested

• Domestic violence or safety concerns exist

• Your spouse refuses to negotiate

• You own a business or substantial assets

• You suspect hidden money

• The case is expected to go to trial

Why Divorce.com Is a Smart Choice for Washington, DC Couples

• DC-specific divorce forms

• Transparent flat-fee pricing

• Filing services available

• Experienced divorce specialists

• Faster & more affordable than attorney-led processes

• Ideal for uncontested cases

Divorce.com helps DC families complete their divorce with clarity and confidence.

Start Your Washington, DC Divorce Today

Beginning the process is the hardest part. Whether you choose a divorce lawyer or an online service, Divorce.com offers a faster, more affordable path for DC couples seeking clarity and peace of mind.