A spouse generally may file for divorce in the state and county in which the spouse resides—or in which the other spouse resides. In many states the spouse must have lived in the state or county for a specified period of time before filing for divorce.
Laws regarding this residency requirement and where a lawsuit for divorce may be filed vary from state to state and with circumstances in which the spouses share minor children.
Laws regarding the requirements for filing for divorce are usually located in a state’s statutes—often in the family code or domestic relations code.
In Oregon, a spouse seeking to file for divorce must meet certain residency requirements. According to Oregon law, at least one spouse must have been a resident of the state for six months before filing for divorce. The divorce should be filed in the county where the filing spouse resides. If the other spouse resides in a different Oregon county, the divorce may also be filed in that county. When minor children are involved, additional considerations may apply, such as determining which court has jurisdiction over child custody matters. These requirements are outlined in Oregon's family law statutes, which can be found in the Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS), specifically under the sections dealing with domestic relations. It is advisable to consult with an attorney to understand the full scope of the law and how it applies to an individual's specific circumstances.