Can I file a divorce in a state different that the one in which I am living?
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Can I file a divorce in a state different that the one in which I am living?
I’m active duty military and am currently stationed and living in CA. My permanent home of residence is set in OH, however. Am I able to file from out of state? My wife and I both need this to be over soon because I am deploying overseas soon, and the environment is awful between us to the point of her now having a domestic violence charge.
Asked on October 12, 2018 under Family Law, California
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
Typically, a spouse can file for divorce in either the state in which they or their spouse lega lly resides. However, as to active military, to ensure that the court you choose has jurisdiction over a military retirement plan, you must file for divorce in a state:where the military spouse is domicile, where the military spouse is a resident, or where both spouse both agree to. Wherever you file, the laws of that state will govern the divorce. If you’re a service member, domicile is defined as your permanent home, sometimes also called the “state of legal residence.” Some states let service members file for divorce if they are stationed and reside there, even if the service member doesn’t intend to make it their permanent home. However, there’s a possibility that another state might refuse to recognize a divorce that’s based on this “faux residency”. Accordingly, it’s better to file where you are legally domiciled. At this point, you really should consult directly with a local attorney who can best advise s to all of this.
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