A Look at Some of the Most Unusual Divorce Laws Nationwide

As you may know, divorce law can vary from state to state. While the general processes mostly remain the same, some of the intricacies can differ depending on where you live.

There are some states that have some particularly unusual or surprising divorce laws. Here are just a few examples:

• Alabama: In Alabama, a divorced wife may, in some cases, be prohibited from using the last name of a divorced husband.
• Arkansas: The state has two classifications of marriages: covenant and non-covenant. Covenant marriages have stricter rules, and a divorce will only be granted after a certain period of marital counseling and separation. For a non-covenant marriage, one only must prove a 60-day minimum residence in the state before filing for divorce.
• Colorado: In some Colorado divorces, children must attend an educational program that briefs them on divorce. This occurs when the “parental education” option is enforced by the court.
• Kentucky: The state of Kentucky requires filers to have a divorce education certificate from the state before finalizing a divorce. Divorce education programs come in varying lengths and costs, but all focus on topics like reducing the anxiety and behavioral problems in children after a divorce, effective post-divorce communication and having an effective co-parenting relationship.
• Mississippi: There are 12 grounds for divorce in Mississippi, most of which are pretty standard, but one of which is “idiocy.”
• South Dakota: In this state, spouses can serve divorce summons via newspaper if the other party cannot be located after reasonable efforts.

Fortunately, the state of New York’s divorce laws are fairly standard. If you need legal assistance as you approach this process, consult a knowledgeable Long Island divorce lawyer at Bryan L. Salamone & Associates.