Washington DC Divorce Forms and Papers

Either spouse must have lived in the District for at least six months before filing. Military personnel are eligible to file if they have been stationed in the District of Columbia for six months.

Grounds for Divorce In Washington DC

The only grounds for divorce in District of Columbia are:

• mutual voluntary separation without cohabitation for six months
• living separate and apart without cohabitation for one year

Washington DC Child Custody

The parties may agree to child custody arrangements which are best for their children. In a contested situation the court may award joint or sole custody according to the best interests of the child. There shall be a rebuttable presumption that joint custody is in the childs best interest.

Child Support

The District of Columbia has adopted child support guidelines which apply in virtually every case, unless special circumstances are present. The child support calculation takes into consideration the gross income of both parties, and certain child related expenses. Child support will continue until the child reaches the age of majority, and may be extended through his or her secondary education.

Mediation

Either party may file a motion requesting mediation of their disputed issues, if a divorce is pending. Prior to the initiation of divorce proceedings, the parties may choose to submit any or all of their issues to mediation so that they may proceed in court on an uncontested basis.

If you meet the Washington DC State requirements for Divorce please proceed to order your divorce documents.