married in another country

Jurisdiction: 

Area of Law: 

Question: 

I was married in another country. Can I get a divorce through the same channels as couples married in California or are there other steps that need to be followed?

Selected Answer: 

As long as you or your

As long as you or your spouse meet California’s residency requirements, you may file for divorce in the state. To qualify for divorce in California, you or your spouse must live in California for at least six months prior to filing. In addition, one of you must live in the county where you plan on filing for divorce for at least three months. If you both live in different counties, filing in either county is allowed. If you do not meet the residency requirements, you are still eligible to file for legal separation. For more information about filing for divorce in California, see http://www.courts.ca.gov/1229.htm. Read http://www.freelegalaid.com/nav/california/divorce/article/grounds-divorce-california to learn more about the grounds for divorce in California.

All Comments

As long as you or your

As long as you or your spouse meet California’s residency requirements, you may file for divorce in the state. To qualify for divorce in California, you or your spouse must live in California for at least six months prior to filing. In addition, one of you must live in the county where you plan on filing for divorce for at least three months. If you both live in different counties, filing in either county is allowed. If you do not meet the residency requirements, you are still eligible to file for legal separation. For more information about filing for divorce in California, see http://www.courts.ca.gov/1229.htm. Read http://www.freelegalaid.com/nav/california/divorce/article/grounds-divorce-california to learn more about the grounds for divorce in California.