Residency Requirements for a California Divorce

On Behalf of | Nov 27, 2021 | Divorce

Going through a divorce in any state can be stressful and confusing, and beginning the process in the right court will ensure that you don’t have to double up your efforts. To be divorced in the state of California, there are residency requirements you must meet to file and have the court process your divorce. If you do not meet the requirements, your case can be dismissed, and you will have to start over at a later date.

An experienced Murrieta divorce lawyer from Furubotten Law can assess your situation and advise whether you qualify to file a California divorce at this time.

There are In-State and County Residency Requirements to File for Divorce in California

When considering where to file your divorce, you must first consider your state of residency. If you want to file your divorce in California, you must have been a resident of the state for six months prior to the filing. To file for divorce in a particular California county, you must have lived in that county for three or more months.

If you do not meet these requirements, your option is to file a legal separation and then to amend that legal separation into a petition for divorce in the county in which you live once the residency requirements are met. Whether or not initiating a legal separation or simply waiting until you meet the requirement is best will depend on the unique facts and circumstances of your situation. Consulting with an experienced attorney to discuss options will help you determine what the best and most efficient path is to complete your California divorce.

Discuss Your Divorce with a Murrieta California Divorce Lawyer Now

Reach out to a Murrieta California divorce lawyer at Furubotten Law today to schedule a consultation to discuss your situation. We can help you with every step of your divorce.