State Divorce Laws - What Are The Residency Requirements For Divorce

By Staff Writer

State divorce laws have residency requirements. That's why the number one state for divorce is Nevada, because Nevada has only a minimal residency requirement. Other states not only have a residency requirement, but they may require a legal separation of some months before you can even file for divorce.

State Divorce Laws' Requirements for Residency
A state like Michigan only requires residency of 180 days and has no separation requirement. However, in New York, the couple must be separated for one year and have a separation agreement that is signed and notarized, if they wish a no-fault divorce. In California, the residency requirement is only six months and there is no legal separation requirement as grounds for divorce.

Louisiana has taken a unique approach in their state divorce laws. The State of Louisiana has gotten so serious about trying to reduce the skyrocketing rate of divorce that they have implemented a new "covenant contract". Couples who get married and sign this new covenant contract are pledging to avoid divorce.

The only way a Louisiana couple can divorce, if they have signed a covenant contract, is if they can prove adultery, physical or sexual abuse, or abandonment for one year. The only other automatic ender to a marriage in Louisiana is if one of the spouses has been convicted of a felony and imprisoned. The couple must also go through a two year separation period mandated by the court.