Residency rules determine whether a court can hear the divorce. Before preparing forms, self-represented filers should confirm the correct state and county filing location.
Quick takeaways
State residency asks whether the court system can hear the divorce at all. County venue asks which local court within the state is the proper place to file.
Courts may not always ask for proof at the first filing, but you should be ready to support the residency statement if questioned.
Residency gets more complicated when spouses recently moved, live in different states, own property elsewhere, or have children who recently moved across state lines.
Practical workflow
Use this sequence as a planning aid. Your state, county, judge, and case facts can change the details.
Identify where each spouse lives
Check state minimum residence rule
Check county venue rule
Gather proof if needed
Choose supported state path
File only when eligibility is clear
Next reading
Compare state rules, forms, fees, waiting periods, and local filing paths.
Read guideLearn how e-filing divorce papers works for self-represented filers, including portals, PDFs, signatures, fees, rejected filings, and DivorceReady document preparation.
Read guideA complete divorce filing checklist for self-represented filers, including documents, signatures, service, filing fees, waiting periods, and final decree steps.
Read guideState-specific next step
Texas
District Court guide
Florida
Circuit Court of Florida guide
California
Superior Court of California guide
New York
Supreme Court of New York guide
Michigan
Circuit Court of Michigan guide
Ohio
Court of Common Pleas guide
Pennsylvania
Court of Common Pleas guide
Virginia
Circuit Court of Virginia guide
Tennessee
Circuit or Chancery Court of Tennessee guide
Missouri
Circuit Court of Missouri guide
Minnesota
District Court of Minnesota guide
Wisconsin
Circuit Court of Wisconsin guide
Illinois
Circuit Court of Illinois guide
Colorado
District Court of Colorado guide
Georgia
Superior Court of Georgia guide
North Carolina
District Court of North Carolina guide
New Jersey
Superior Court of New Jersey guide
Maryland
Circuit Court of Maryland guide
Arizona
Superior Court of Arizona guide
Nevada
District Court of Nevada guide
Washington
Superior Court of Washington guide
Louisiana
District Court of Louisiana guide
Kentucky
Circuit Court of Kentucky guide
Indiana
Circuit or Superior Court of Indiana guide
Oregon
Circuit Court of Oregon guide
FAQ
Maybe not. Many states require a minimum residency period before filing. Check the state requirement before submitting divorce documents.
In many situations, yes, but the proper filing location depends on state and county rules. If more than one state could apply, consider legal advice.
No. DivorceReady can help route you by selected state, but it does not give legal advice about domicile, venue, or jurisdiction.