Easiest States for Divorce (2026 Ranking)
How all 50 states + DC rank on divorce process ease in 2026 — residency requirements, waiting periods, no-fault availability, filing fees, and uncontested timelines. Every ranking links to that state's full divorce-law guide.
Top 5 easiest states for divorce
Nevada (6-week residency, shortest in US), Alaska (30 days), Washington (no residency requirement), South Dakota, and Wyoming.
Only 6 weeks residency (shortest in US), no waiting period, no-fault available, uncontested completes in 4–8 weeks.
30-day residency (also very short), no waiting period, no-fault available, uncontested completes in 30–60 days.
No residency requirement (just be domiciled in WA), 90-day waiting period, no-fault only. Fast joint petitions.
No fixed residency period (must be resident at filing), 60-day waiting period, no-fault available.
60-day residency, 20-day waiting period, no-fault available, low filing fees.
Nevada, Alaska, Washington, South Dakota, and Wyoming are the top 5 easiest US states for divorce in 2026. Nevada leads with the country's shortest residency requirement — just 6 weeks (42 days) — plus no waiting period and 4–8 week uncontested timelines. Alaska (30-day residency) and Washington (no fixed residency, just domicile) round out the fastest tier. On the opposite end, South Carolina stands out as one of the hardest — 1-year residency plus 1-year continuous physical separation required for no-fault divorce. Louisiana, Vermont, Maryland, and Virginia also impose 6-month-to-1-year separation requirements that make quick divorce impossible even with mutual agreement.
How we ranked
Composite ease score weights five factors:
- Residency requirement (25%): Shorter residency = easier. 6 weeks (Nevada) scores highest; 1+ year (South Carolina, several others) scores lowest.
- Waiting period (25%): Time from filing to earliest possible finalization. States without waiting periods score highest.
- No-fault availability (20%): States where no-fault (irreconcilable differences) is available without separation score highest. States requiring separation of any length score lower.
- Uncontested process complexity (20%): Streamlined joint petitions with minimal court appearances = higher score.
- Filing fee (10%): Lower fees = higher score. Range: $80 (DC, ND) to $435 (California).
Rankings measure process speed and complexity for uncontested divorce. Contested divorces are far more variable and depend on the specific disputes (custody, property, support). All 50 states + DC now have some form of no-fault divorce available.
Top 10 states in detail
Why each of the top 10 earned its ranking, with headline metrics linked to the full state guide.
Nevada has the shortest residency requirement in the country at 6 weeks (42 days). No mandatory waiting period after filing. No-fault (incompatibility) available. Uncontested divorce with joint petition can be finalized in as little as 4 weeks from filing. Nevada's speed is why it's historically been the destination for out-of-state "quickie divorces."
Alaska's 30-day residency is among the shortest in the US. No waiting period after filing. No-fault (incompatibility of temperament) is one of several available grounds. Uncontested divorce can complete in 30–60 days.
Washington has no strict residency requirement — the petitioner must simply be a Washington resident at filing. 90-day waiting period after filing before divorce is finalized. Washington is a no-fault-only state ("irretrievable breakdown"). Joint petitions can be finalized shortly after the 90 days.
South Dakota has no fixed residency period — you must be a South Dakota resident at filing. 60-day waiting period after filing. Irreconcilable differences (no-fault) available alongside fault grounds. Uncontested divorce typically completes in 60–90 days.
Wyoming's 60-day residency requirement is short by US standards. 20-day waiting period after filing. Irreconcilable differences available. Low filing fees (~$85) and typically 60–90 day timeline for uncontested divorces.
Idaho requires 6 weeks residency (42 days). 20-day waiting period from filing before final judgment. Irreconcilable differences (no-fault) available. Streamlined uncontested procedure typically completes in 60–90 days.
Considering divorce? Get a family lawyer's advice.
Even in easy states, divorce involves property, support, and custody decisions with long-term consequences. A brief consultation with a family lawyer clarifies your options.
Full comparison table
Click any column header to sort. Search by state name. Click a state to open its full guide.
| # | State | Residency | Waiting Period | No-Fault | Filing Fee | Uncontested Timeline | Ease Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nevada | 6 weeks (shortest) | None | Yes (available) | $300 | 4–8 weeks | 96 |
| 2 | Alaska | 30 days | None | Yes (available) | $250 | 30–60 days | 94 |
| 3 | Washington | None (domiciled) | 90 days | No-fault only | $314 | 90–120 days | 92 |
| 4 | South Dakota | Resident at filing | 60 days | Yes (available) | $95 | 60–90 days | 90 |
| 5 | Wyoming | 60 days | 20 days | Yes (available) | $85 | 60–90 days | 88 |
| 6 | Idaho | 6 weeks | 20 days | Yes (available) | $207 | 60–90 days | 85 |
| 7 | Montana | 90 days | 20 days | No-fault only | $170 | 90–120 days | 82 |
| 8 | Missouri | 90 days | 30 days | Yes (irretrievable) | $150 | 90–120 days | 80 |
| 9 | Oklahoma | 6 months | 10 days (no kids) | Yes (available) | $183 | 45–90 days | 79 |
| 10 | Oregon | 6 months (if minor kids) | 90 days | No-fault only | $301 | 90–120 days | 78 |
| 11 | Iowa | 1 year | 90 days | No-fault only | $185 | 120–180 days | 74 |
| 12 | Indiana | 6 months | 60 days | Yes (irretrievable) | $156 | 60–120 days | 73 |
| 13 | Kansas | 60 days | 60 days | Yes (incompat.) | $195 | 90–120 days | 73 |
| 14 | Colorado | 91 days | 91 days | No-fault only | $230 | 90–120 days | 72 |
| 15 | Minnesota | 180 days | None mandatory | No-fault only | $400 | 60–120 days | 72 |
| 16 | Arizona | 90 days | 60 days | Yes (irretrievable) | $338 | 90–120 days | 71 |
| 17 | Florida | 6 months | 20 days | No-fault only | $408 | 60–120 days | 70 |
| 18 | Georgia | 6 months | 30 days after service | Yes (irretrievable) | $220 | 30–60 days | 68 |
| 19 | Nebraska | 1 year | 60 days | No-fault only | $158 | 60–120 days | 68 |
| 20 | Texas | 6 mo state + 90d county | 60 days | Yes (insupport.) | $300 | 60–90 days | 68 |
| 21 | North Carolina | 6 months | 1 year separation req. | 1-year separation | $225 | 30–60 days (after sep.) | 66 |
| 22 | Alabama | 6 months | 30 days | Yes (incompat.) | $300 | 60 days | 65 |
| 23 | Mississippi | 6 months | 60 days | Yes (irrec. diff.) | $188 | 60–90 days | 63 |
| 24 | Arkansas | 60 days | 30 days + 18-month separation for no-fault | 18-month separation | $165 | 30–60 days | 62 |
| 25 | Kentucky | 180 days | 60 days | No-fault only | $150 | 60–90 days | 62 |
| 26 | Tennessee | 6 months | 60 days (no kids) / 90 days (with) | Yes (irrec. diff.) | $200 | 60–90 days | 62 |
| 27 | Utah | 3 months | 30 days | Yes (irrec. diff.) | $318 | 30–90 days | 62 |
| 28 | Michigan | 180 days | 60 days (no kids) / 180 (with) | No-fault only | $175 | 60–180 days | 60 |
| 29 | Ohio | 6 months | 42 days (dissolution) | Yes (incompat.) | $300 | 60–90 days (dissolution) | 60 |
| 30 | Illinois | 90 days | 6-month separation waived if joint | No-fault only (2016) | $334 | 60–120 days | 58 |
| 31 | Wisconsin | 6 months state + 30 days county | 120 days | No-fault only | $184 | 120–180 days | 58 |
| 32 | Pennsylvania | 6 months | 90 days (mutual) / 1 year (unilateral) | Yes (available) | $350 | 90–180 days | 56 |
| 33 | New Hampshire | 1 year | None mandatory | Yes (irrec. diff.) | $252 | 60–90 days | 55 |
| 34 | New Mexico | 6 months | 30 days after service | Yes (incompat.) | $137 | 30–60 days | 55 |
| 35 | Delaware | 6 months | 6 months separation req. | Separation req. | $155 | 30–60 days (post-sep.) | 54 |
| 36 | North Dakota | 6 months | None mandatory | Yes (irrec. diff.) | $80 | 30–60 days | 54 |
| 37 | West Virginia | 1 year (if grounds abroad) | None mandatory | 1-year separation OR incompat. | $135 | 90–120 days | 53 |
| 38 | California | 6 mo + 3 mo county | 6 months (mandatory) | No-fault only | $435 | 6 months minimum | 52 |
| 39 | Hawaii | 6 months state + 3 months island | None mandatory | Yes (irretrievable) | $225 | 60–90 days | 50 |
| 40 | Vermont | 6 months state + 1 year for judgment | 6 months (nominal) | 6-month separation | $295 | 6+ months | 50 |
| 41 | Connecticut | 1 year | 90 days after service | Yes (irretrievable) | $360 | 90–120 days | 48 |
| 42 | New Jersey | 1 year | None mandatory | Yes (irrec. diff.) | $300 | 60–120 days | 48 |
| 43 | Massachusetts | 1 year (or grounds in-state) | 120 days (nisi period) | Yes (irretrievable) | $200 | 4–6 months | 45 |
| 44 | New York | 1–2 years (depending on facts) | None mandatory (after 2010 no-fault) | Yes (2010) | $335 | 3–6 months | 45 |
| 45 | Maryland | 6 months | 6-month separation (2023 reform) | 6-mo separation | $165 | 6+ months | 44 |
| 46 | District of Columbia | 6 months | 6 months separation OR mutual | Separation req. | $80 | 6+ months | 42 |
| 47 | Virginia | 6 months | 6 months (no kids/agree) / 1 year | Yes (separation) | $86 | 6+ months separation | 40 |
| 48 | Louisiana | None specified (in state) | 180 days (no kids) / 365 days (with) | 180/365-day separation | $375 | 180+ days | 38 |
| 49 | Rhode Island | 1 year | 3-month cooling off + 3-month nisi | Yes (irrec. diff.) | $120 | 6+ months | 36 |
| 50 | Maine | 6 months (or married in ME) | 60 days after service | Yes (irrec. diff.) | $120 | 3–4 months | 35 |
| 51 | South Carolina | 1 year | 1-year separation for no-fault | 1-yr separation | $150 | 12+ months | 25 |
Key trends & takeaways
No-fault divorce is now universal — but "no-fault" varies
All 50 states + DC now have some form of no-fault divorce available. But the meaning varies substantially. In Nevada or Alaska, no-fault (incompatibility) can be pled at filing with no separation requirement. In South Carolina, no-fault requires 1 continuous year of physical separation. In North Carolina, no-fault requires 1 year of separation. In Louisiana, 180 days (no kids) or 365 days (with kids). These separation requirements can effectively double or triple the total divorce timeline.
Fast states vs slow states — the gap keeps growing
The practical gap between the fastest states (Nevada, Alaska, Washington) and the slowest (South Carolina, Louisiana, Vermont, Maryland) is substantial. A Nevada uncontested divorce can complete in 4–8 weeks. A South Carolina divorce requires a minimum of 12+ months. This gap has led to a small but consistent flow of "divorce tourism" — spouses establishing residency in a faster-divorce state before filing.
Filing fees are modest across the board
Filing fees range from $80 (DC, North Dakota) to $435 (California), with most states in the $150–$350 range. Filing fees are rarely a meaningful barrier — attorney fees dwarf filing fees in contested cases, and most states offer fee waivers for low-income petitioners.
California's 6-month wait is unique
California uniquely requires a 6-month mandatory waiting period from date of service before divorce can be finalized — regardless of whether it's uncontested or the parties fully agree. This is the longest mandatory wait in the country. Most states with waiting periods have 60–120 day waits; California's 180 days is designed as a "cooling-off" measure.
What to watch in 2026
- Maryland 2023 reform: Maryland's 2023 shift to a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce (from previously requiring 12 months) has moved MD up in ease.
- Ongoing state legislation: Several states continue to consider streamlined joint-petition dissolution processes.
- Uniform divorce jurisdiction: UCCJEA (custody) and UIFSA (support) continue to create consistency in cross-state cases.
Considering divorce? Get a family lawyer's advice.
Even in easy states, divorce involves property, support, and custody decisions with long-term consequences. A brief consultation with a family lawyer clarifies your options.
FAQs about this ranking
Primary sources
- American Bar Association — Family Law Section. State-by-state divorce law summaries. https://www.americanbar.org/groups/family_law/
- National Center for State Courts — Family Law Statistics. Court data on divorce timelines and processes. https://www.ncsc.org/
- Individual state family code / domestic relations statutes. Primary source for residency requirements and waiting periods. https://www.usa.gov/state-court
- Individual state divorce laws — full details. Cited on each state's dedicated divorce-law page. https://statelawhandbook.com/topic/divorce-laws/
Related rankings & state guides
Other rankings
Related process guides
Top-ranked states — full guides
State law rankings updated quarterly
Get State Law Weekly — every Tuesday, the state law updates that affect rankings like this one.
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Easiest States for Divorce (2026 Ranking)
How all 50 states + DC rank on divorce process ease in 2026 — residency requirements, waiting periods, no-fault availability, filing fees, and uncontested timelines. Every ranking links to that state's full divorce-law guide.
Top 5 easiest states for divorce
Nevada (6-week residency, shortest in US), Alaska (30 days), Washington (no residency requirement), South Dakota, and Wyoming.
Only 6 weeks residency (shortest in US), no waiting period, no-fault available, uncontested completes in 4–8 weeks.
30-day residency (also very short), no waiting period, no-fault available, uncontested completes in 30–60 days.
No residency requirement (just be domiciled in WA), 90-day waiting period, no-fault only. Fast joint petitions.
No fixed residency period (must be resident at filing), 60-day waiting period, no-fault available.
60-day residency, 20-day waiting period, no-fault available, low filing fees.
Nevada, Alaska, Washington, South Dakota, and Wyoming are the top 5 easiest US states for divorce in 2026. Nevada leads with the country's shortest residency requirement — just 6 weeks (42 days) — plus no waiting period and 4–8 week uncontested timelines. Alaska (30-day residency) and Washington (no fixed residency, just domicile) round out the fastest tier. On the opposite end, South Carolina stands out as one of the hardest — 1-year residency plus 1-year continuous physical separation required for no-fault divorce. Louisiana, Vermont, Maryland, and Virginia also impose 6-month-to-1-year separation requirements that make quick divorce impossible even with mutual agreement.
How we ranked
Composite ease score weights five factors:
- Residency requirement (25%): Shorter residency = easier. 6 weeks (Nevada) scores highest; 1+ year (South Carolina, several others) scores lowest.
- Waiting period (25%): Time from filing to earliest possible finalization. States without waiting periods score highest.
- No-fault availability (20%): States where no-fault (irreconcilable differences) is available without separation score highest. States requiring separation of any length score lower.
- Uncontested process complexity (20%): Streamlined joint petitions with minimal court appearances = higher score.
- Filing fee (10%): Lower fees = higher score. Range: $80 (DC, ND) to $435 (California).
Rankings measure process speed and complexity for uncontested divorce. Contested divorces are far more variable and depend on the specific disputes (custody, property, support). All 50 states + DC now have some form of no-fault divorce available.
Top 10 states in detail
Why each of the top 10 earned its ranking, with headline metrics linked to the full state guide.
Nevada has the shortest residency requirement in the country at 6 weeks (42 days). No mandatory waiting period after filing. No-fault (incompatibility) available. Uncontested divorce with joint petition can be finalized in as little as 4 weeks from filing. Nevada's speed is why it's historically been the destination for out-of-state "quickie divorces."
Alaska's 30-day residency is among the shortest in the US. No waiting period after filing. No-fault (incompatibility of temperament) is one of several available grounds. Uncontested divorce can complete in 30–60 days.
Washington has no strict residency requirement — the petitioner must simply be a Washington resident at filing. 90-day waiting period after filing before divorce is finalized. Washington is a no-fault-only state ("irretrievable breakdown"). Joint petitions can be finalized shortly after the 90 days.
South Dakota has no fixed residency period — you must be a South Dakota resident at filing. 60-day waiting period after filing. Irreconcilable differences (no-fault) available alongside fault grounds. Uncontested divorce typically completes in 60–90 days.
Wyoming's 60-day residency requirement is short by US standards. 20-day waiting period after filing. Irreconcilable differences available. Low filing fees (~$85) and typically 60–90 day timeline for uncontested divorces.
Idaho requires 6 weeks residency (42 days). 20-day waiting period from filing before final judgment. Irreconcilable differences (no-fault) available. Streamlined uncontested procedure typically completes in 60–90 days.
Considering divorce? Get a family lawyer's advice.
Even in easy states, divorce involves property, support, and custody decisions with long-term consequences. A brief consultation with a family lawyer clarifies your options.
Full comparison table
Click any column header to sort. Search by state name. Click a state to open its full guide.
| # | State | Residency | Waiting Period | No-Fault | Filing Fee | Uncontested Timeline | Ease Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nevada | 6 weeks (shortest) | None | Yes (available) | $300 | 4–8 weeks | 96 |
| 2 | Alaska | 30 days | None | Yes (available) | $250 | 30–60 days | 94 |
| 3 | Washington | None (domiciled) | 90 days | No-fault only | $314 | 90–120 days | 92 |
| 4 | South Dakota | Resident at filing | 60 days | Yes (available) | $95 | 60–90 days | 90 |
| 5 | Wyoming | 60 days | 20 days | Yes (available) | $85 | 60–90 days | 88 |
| 6 | Idaho | 6 weeks | 20 days | Yes (available) | $207 | 60–90 days | 85 |
| 7 | Montana | 90 days | 20 days | No-fault only | $170 | 90–120 days | 82 |
| 8 | Missouri | 90 days | 30 days | Yes (irretrievable) | $150 | 90–120 days | 80 |
| 9 | Oklahoma | 6 months | 10 days (no kids) | Yes (available) | $183 | 45–90 days | 79 |
| 10 | Oregon | 6 months (if minor kids) | 90 days | No-fault only | $301 | 90–120 days | 78 |
| 11 | Iowa | 1 year | 90 days | No-fault only | $185 | 120–180 days | 74 |
| 12 | Indiana | 6 months | 60 days | Yes (irretrievable) | $156 | 60–120 days | 73 |
| 13 | Kansas | 60 days | 60 days | Yes (incompat.) | $195 | 90–120 days | 73 |
| 14 | Colorado | 91 days | 91 days | No-fault only | $230 | 90–120 days | 72 |
| 15 | Minnesota | 180 days | None mandatory | No-fault only | $400 | 60–120 days | 72 |
| 16 | Arizona | 90 days | 60 days | Yes (irretrievable) | $338 | 90–120 days | 71 |
| 17 | Florida | 6 months | 20 days | No-fault only | $408 | 60–120 days | 70 |
| 18 | Georgia | 6 months | 30 days after service | Yes (irretrievable) | $220 | 30–60 days | 68 |
| 19 | Nebraska | 1 year | 60 days | No-fault only | $158 | 60–120 days | 68 |
| 20 | Texas | 6 mo state + 90d county | 60 days | Yes (insupport.) | $300 | 60–90 days | 68 |
| 21 | North Carolina | 6 months | 1 year separation req. | 1-year separation | $225 | 30–60 days (after sep.) | 66 |
| 22 | Alabama | 6 months | 30 days | Yes (incompat.) | $300 | 60 days | 65 |
| 23 | Mississippi | 6 months | 60 days | Yes (irrec. diff.) | $188 | 60–90 days | 63 |
| 24 | Arkansas | 60 days | 30 days + 18-month separation for no-fault | 18-month separation | $165 | 30–60 days | 62 |
| 25 | Kentucky | 180 days | 60 days | No-fault only | $150 | 60–90 days | 62 |
| 26 | Tennessee | 6 months | 60 days (no kids) / 90 days (with) | Yes (irrec. diff.) | $200 | 60–90 days | 62 |
| 27 | Utah | 3 months | 30 days | Yes (irrec. diff.) | $318 | 30–90 days | 62 |
| 28 | Michigan | 180 days | 60 days (no kids) / 180 (with) | No-fault only | $175 | 60–180 days | 60 |
| 29 | Ohio | 6 months | 42 days (dissolution) | Yes (incompat.) | $300 | 60–90 days (dissolution) | 60 |
| 30 | Illinois | 90 days | 6-month separation waived if joint | No-fault only (2016) | $334 | 60–120 days | 58 |
| 31 | Wisconsin | 6 months state + 30 days county | 120 days | No-fault only | $184 | 120–180 days | 58 |
| 32 | Pennsylvania | 6 months | 90 days (mutual) / 1 year (unilateral) | Yes (available) | $350 | 90–180 days | 56 |
| 33 | New Hampshire | 1 year | None mandatory | Yes (irrec. diff.) | $252 | 60–90 days | 55 |
| 34 | New Mexico | 6 months | 30 days after service | Yes (incompat.) | $137 | 30–60 days | 55 |
| 35 | Delaware | 6 months | 6 months separation req. | Separation req. | $155 | 30–60 days (post-sep.) | 54 |
| 36 | North Dakota | 6 months | None mandatory | Yes (irrec. diff.) | $80 | 30–60 days | 54 |
| 37 | West Virginia | 1 year (if grounds abroad) | None mandatory | 1-year separation OR incompat. | $135 | 90–120 days | 53 |
| 38 | California | 6 mo + 3 mo county | 6 months (mandatory) | No-fault only | $435 | 6 months minimum | 52 |
| 39 | Hawaii | 6 months state + 3 months island | None mandatory | Yes (irretrievable) | $225 | 60–90 days | 50 |
| 40 | Vermont | 6 months state + 1 year for judgment | 6 months (nominal) | 6-month separation | $295 | 6+ months | 50 |
| 41 | Connecticut | 1 year | 90 days after service | Yes (irretrievable) | $360 | 90–120 days | 48 |
| 42 | New Jersey | 1 year | None mandatory | Yes (irrec. diff.) | $300 | 60–120 days | 48 |
| 43 | Massachusetts | 1 year (or grounds in-state) | 120 days (nisi period) | Yes (irretrievable) | $200 | 4–6 months | 45 |
| 44 | New York | 1–2 years (depending on facts) | None mandatory (after 2010 no-fault) | Yes (2010) | $335 | 3–6 months | 45 |
| 45 | Maryland | 6 months | 6-month separation (2023 reform) | 6-mo separation | $165 | 6+ months | 44 |
| 46 | District of Columbia | 6 months | 6 months separation OR mutual | Separation req. | $80 | 6+ months | 42 |
| 47 | Virginia | 6 months | 6 months (no kids/agree) / 1 year | Yes (separation) | $86 | 6+ months separation | 40 |
| 48 | Louisiana | None specified (in state) | 180 days (no kids) / 365 days (with) | 180/365-day separation | $375 | 180+ days | 38 |
| 49 | Rhode Island | 1 year | 3-month cooling off + 3-month nisi | Yes (irrec. diff.) | $120 | 6+ months | 36 |
| 50 | Maine | 6 months (or married in ME) | 60 days after service | Yes (irrec. diff.) | $120 | 3–4 months | 35 |
| 51 | South Carolina | 1 year | 1-year separation for no-fault | 1-yr separation | $150 | 12+ months | 25 |
Key trends & takeaways
No-fault divorce is now universal — but "no-fault" varies
All 50 states + DC now have some form of no-fault divorce available. But the meaning varies substantially. In Nevada or Alaska, no-fault (incompatibility) can be pled at filing with no separation requirement. In South Carolina, no-fault requires 1 continuous year of physical separation. In North Carolina, no-fault requires 1 year of separation. In Louisiana, 180 days (no kids) or 365 days (with kids). These separation requirements can effectively double or triple the total divorce timeline.
Fast states vs slow states — the gap keeps growing
The practical gap between the fastest states (Nevada, Alaska, Washington) and the slowest (South Carolina, Louisiana, Vermont, Maryland) is substantial. A Nevada uncontested divorce can complete in 4–8 weeks. A South Carolina divorce requires a minimum of 12+ months. This gap has led to a small but consistent flow of "divorce tourism" — spouses establishing residency in a faster-divorce state before filing.
Filing fees are modest across the board
Filing fees range from $80 (DC, North Dakota) to $435 (California), with most states in the $150–$350 range. Filing fees are rarely a meaningful barrier — attorney fees dwarf filing fees in contested cases, and most states offer fee waivers for low-income petitioners.
California's 6-month wait is unique
California uniquely requires a 6-month mandatory waiting period from date of service before divorce can be finalized — regardless of whether it's uncontested or the parties fully agree. This is the longest mandatory wait in the country. Most states with waiting periods have 60–120 day waits; California's 180 days is designed as a "cooling-off" measure.
What to watch in 2026
- Maryland 2023 reform: Maryland's 2023 shift to a 6-month separation for no-fault divorce (from previously requiring 12 months) has moved MD up in ease.
- Ongoing state legislation: Several states continue to consider streamlined joint-petition dissolution processes.
- Uniform divorce jurisdiction: UCCJEA (custody) and UIFSA (support) continue to create consistency in cross-state cases.
Considering divorce? Get a family lawyer's advice.
Even in easy states, divorce involves property, support, and custody decisions with long-term consequences. A brief consultation with a family lawyer clarifies your options.
FAQs about this ranking
Primary sources
- American Bar Association — Family Law Section. State-by-state divorce law summaries. https://www.americanbar.org/groups/family_law/
- National Center for State Courts — Family Law Statistics. Court data on divorce timelines and processes. https://www.ncsc.org/
- Individual state family code / domestic relations statutes. Primary source for residency requirements and waiting periods. https://www.usa.gov/state-court
- Individual state divorce laws — full details. Cited on each state's dedicated divorce-law page. https://statelawhandbook.com/topic/divorce-laws/
Related rankings & state guides
Other rankings
Related process guides
Top-ranked states — full guides
State law rankings updated quarterly
Get State Law Weekly — every Tuesday, the state law updates that affect rankings like this one.
Join 5,000+ readers. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.