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Divorce Residency Requirements in Utah

In Utah, a spouse must have lived in the filing county for at least 90 days before filing, and irreconcilable differences is a no-fault ground.

Last checked . General information, not legal advice.

Utah at a glance

State residency
90 days (in the filing county)
Also met by 90 days stationed in Utah on military orders, or by both spouses consenting to jurisdiction.
County residency
90 days in the filing county
No-fault ground
Irreconcilable differences

Sources

Last checked

The rules in Utah

How long must you live in Utah before filing for divorce?

State residency in Utah: 90 days (in the filing county). Also met by 90 days stationed in Utah on military orders, or by both spouses consenting to jurisdiction.

Is there a county residency requirement for divorce in Utah?

County residency in Utah: 90 days in the filing county.

What is the no-fault ground for divorce in Utah?

No-fault ground in Utah: Irreconcilable differences.

Where do the Utah divorce residency requirements come from?

The rules above come from Utah Code 81-4-402 and Utah Code 81-4-405. Each source is linked on this page. We last checked them in October 2026.

Good to know

Utah recodified its divorce statutes into Title 81, effective September 1, 2024; the residency rule is now Utah Code 81-4-402.

What this means in practice

Residency is about where a spouse actually lives and intends to stay, not just a mailing address. Courts may look at a driver's license, voter registration, a lease or deed, tax filings and employment records. Keeping copies of these documents can help if residency is questioned.

Meeting the residency requirement is separate from any waiting period after filing. Some states also require a period of separation before a no-fault divorce, or a cooling-off period before the final decree. Checking all of these timelines together gives a more realistic picture of when a divorce can be finalized.

Military members and their spouses often have special residency rules based on where they are stationed. If the spouses live in different states, more than one court may be able to hear the divorce, and the choice can affect issues like property division and support. A local family law attorney can confirm where to file.

General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.