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 Iowa, the residency requirement for filing for divorce is that one of the spouses must have been a resident of the state for at least one year before filing. This requirement is in place to ensure that the court has jurisdiction over the divorce case. The divorce should be filed in the district court of the county where either spouse resides. If the spouses have minor children, additional considerations may apply, such as determining the appropriate venue for child custody proceedings. These requirements are outlined in Iowa's statutes, specifically within the Iowa Code, which contains provisions related to domestic relations and family law matters. It is important for individuals considering divorce in Iowa to consult with an attorney to understand all applicable laws and ensure proper filing procedures are followed.