Your Divorce Agreement: How Rules Differ Across the U.S.

Divorce in the United States is governed primarily by state law, not federal law. That means the rules for filing, dividing assets, and even defining custody or spousal support can vary significantly depending on where you live. Whether you’re just starting to consider divorce or are already in the process, understanding these differences is key to preparing both legally and financially.

This article breaks down the core legal issues (marriage and divorce requirements, custody, property division, spousal support) alongside the financial realities (asset division, taxes, child support). We’ll start with broad categories, highlight key state variations, and then link you to our comprehensive 50-state reference guide.

Core Legal Principles That Differ by State

Grounds for Divorce

• Most states are no-fault: you only need to cite...