Online Divorce by State: Complete Guide to Filing for Divorce Online

Get Your Divorce Documents Prepared Online - Fast, Affordable, and Court-Approved

Filing for divorce doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. With online divorce services, you can prepare all your divorce paperwork from the comfort of your home, without hiring an expensive attorney. Our state-specific guides help you navigate the divorce process in your state with accurate, court-approved forms and step-by-step instructions.

Why Choose Online Divorce?

• Save Money: Online divorce costs a fraction of what you'd pay an attorney - typically $499-$1999 for document preparation versus $3,000-$15,000+ for legal representation.

• Save Time: Complete your divorce paperwork in as little as 20 minutes from any device. No office visits required.

• State-Specific Forms: Get accurate, court-approved divorce forms customized for your state's specific requirements.

• Expert Support: Access to divorce specialists who can answer your questions throughout the process.

• 100% Court-Approved: All forms are guaranteed to meet your state court's requirements.

How Online Divorce Works

1. Answer Simple Questions

Complete our easy online questionnaire about your marriage, assets, children, and desired terms. The process takes about 20 minutes.

2. We Prepare Your Documents

Our system generates all the necessary divorce forms specific to your state's requirements, filled out with your information.

3. Review & Download

Review your completed divorce packet for accuracy. Download and print your documents with detailed filing instructions.

4. File With Your Court

Follow our step-by-step instructions to file your documents with your local court. Many states now offer electronic filing for added convenience.

Understanding State Divorce Requirements

Residency Requirements

Every state requires at least one spouse to be a resident before filing for divorce. Requirements range from no specific period (Alaska for residents, Washington) to 1 year (Connecticut, Iowa, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, West Virginia). Most states require 6 months of residency.

Waiting Periods

Most states have mandatory waiting periods between filing and finalizing a divorce, ranging from no wait (Nevada, Florida) to 120 days (Wisconsin). This cooling-off period ensures both parties have time to consider the decision.

Grounds for Divorce

All 50 states now allow no-fault divorce, meaning you don't need to prove wrongdoing. Common no-fault grounds include:

• Irreconcilable differences

• Irretrievable breakdown of marriage

• Incompatibility

• Living separate and apart

Some states still allow fault-based grounds like adultery, abandonment, or cruelty, though these are less common.

Community Property vs. Equitable Distribution

Community Property States (AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI): Marital property is divided 50/50 or equitably.

Equitable Distribution States (all others): Property is divided fairly based on various factors, not necessarily equally.

Is Online Divorce Right for You?

Online divorce works best when:

• ✓ Both spouses agree on major issues (uncontested divorce)

• ✓ You have a relatively straightforward financial situation

• ✓ You're comfortable completing paperwork yourself

• ✓ You want to save money on legal fees

• ✓ You don't have complex custody disputes

Note: Online divorce services provide document preparation, not legal advice. If you have a contested divorce, complex assets, or significant disagreements, you may need an attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Divorce

How much does online divorce cost?

Online divorce document preparation typically costs $499 - $1999. Court filing fees vary by state and county, ranging from $70-$400. Total costs are significantly less than hiring an attorney ($3,000-$15,000+).

How long does online divorce take?

Document preparation takes about 20 minutes. The total divorce timeline depends on your state's waiting period and how quickly you file. Uncontested divorces typically finalize in 2-6 months.

Are online divorce forms legitimate?

Yes. Our forms are the same official court forms you'd get from the courthouse or that an attorney would use. They're guaranteed to meet your state's requirements.

Can I file for divorce online if my spouse doesn't agree?

You can prepare documents online even if your spouse doesn't initially agree. However, if they contest the divorce or disagree on terms, you may need mediation or an attorney.

Do I need to go to court?

Requirements vary by state. Some states allow uncontested divorces to be finalized without a hearing, while others require at least one brief court appearance.

What if I have children?

Online divorce can work with children if you and your spouse agree on custody, visitation, and support. Many states require parenting classes before finalizing a divorce with minor children.

Can I get an online divorce if my spouse lives in another state?

Yes, as long as you meet your state's residency requirements. You'll need to properly serve your spouse according to your state's rules.

How do I know which state to file in?

Generally, you file in the state where you currently reside. If both spouses live in different states, you typically file where you meet residency requirements.

What's Included in Your Online Divorce Package

When you use our online divorce service, you receive:

Complete Document Preparation

• All required divorce forms for your state

• Customized to your specific situation

• Filled out with your information

• Court-approved and up-to-date

Filing Instructions

• Step-by-step guide for your state

• Instructions for serving your spouse

• Tips for court appearance (if required)

• Timeline and checklist

Customer Support

• Access to divorce specialists

• Email and phone support

• Answers to your questions

• Help with the process

Money-Back Guarantee

• 100% satisfaction guaranteed

• Full refund if not satisfied

• No hidden fees

• Transparent pricing

Special Considerations by State

Fastest Divorce States

• Nevada: 6-week residency, no waiting period

• Idaho: 6-week residency, 20-day waiting period

• Wyoming: 60-day residency, 20-day waiting period

• Alaska: No residency requirement for residents

• South Dakota: No minimum residency period

States with Longer Processes

• Wisconsin: 120-day waiting period

• Nebraska: 1-year residency, 60-day waiting

• Rhode Island: 1-year residency

• Connecticut: 1-year residency

• Iowa: 1-year residency, 90-day waiting

Separation Requirements

Some states require physical separation before filing:

• North Carolina: 1 year separation

• South Carolina: 1 year separation

• Louisiana: 180 days or 1 year depending on children

• Virginia: 6 months or 1 year depending on circumstances

• Maryland: Optional 6-month or 1-year separation, or mutual consent

States with Mutual Consent Options

These states offer faster divorce when both parties agree:

• Maryland: Mutual consent with agreement

• Pennsylvania: Mutual consent after 90 days

• Washington DC: Mutual consent, no waiting period

• New Jersey: Mutual consent option available

Online Divorce vs. Traditional Attorney Divorce

Getting Started with Online Divorce

Ready to begin your divorce? Follow these simple steps:

1. Select Your State: Click on your state link above to view specific requirements

2. Review Requirements: Ensure you meet residency and other eligibility requirements

3. Start Your Online Application: Complete our simple questionnaire

4. Review Your Documents: Check your completed divorce packet for accuracy

5. File With Your Court: Follow our instructions to file and serve papers

6. Finalize Your Divorce: Complete any required steps and receive your decree

Why Choose Divorce.com

✓ Trusted by Thousands: Over 500,000 divorces filed using our service

✓ State-Specific Expertise: Accurate forms for all 50 states + DC

✓ Money-Back Guarantee: 100% satisfaction or your money back

✓ Affordable Pricing: Save thousands compared to attorney fees

✓ Easy Process: Complete in as little as 20 minutes

✓ Expert Support: Help available when you need it

✓ Secure & Confidential: Your information is protected

✓ Up-to-Date Forms: Always current with state requirements

Ready to Start Your Online Divorce?

Don't let the divorce process overwhelm you. Our online divorce service makes it simple, affordable, and stress-free. Select your state above to get started today, or contact our support team if you have questions.

Get started now and take the first step toward your new beginning.

Select Your State for Divorce Information

Choose your state below to learn about specific divorce requirements, costs, timelines, and procedures. Each state guide includes:

• ✓ Residency requirements

• ✓ Waiting periods and timelines

• ✓ Filing fees and costs

• ✓ Grounds for divorce

• ✓ Property division rules

• ✓ Child custody guidelines

• ✓ Step-by-step filing instructions

• ✓ County-specific information