How Long After Divorce Can You Remarry?

If you are in the process of a divorce, you may wish to remarry soon after the divorce is finalized. Until your divorce is actually and lawfully final, you are still married to someone else. Most states have varying legal rules and laws that deal with this scenario, so you must always ensure you follow them carefully. In the state of Arizona, however, it is legal to remarry the same day your divorce is finalized.

Can I Remarry Right After Getting Divorced?

Currently, there are nine states plus D.C. that have laws limiting your right to marry soon after a divorce. Let’s take a look at some of the waiting periods across the U.S.

30-90 Day Waiting Period

In Rhode Island, for example, a marriage entered into within three months following a divorce is void. However, if the subsequent marriage was entered in good faith with the new spouse not knowing the other spouse was still legally married, the new marriage will be considered valid once the 90-day period runs.

In Alabama, marriage to a third party is void if it takes place in the state within 60 days of a divorce, but it would be valid if the marriage takes place legally in a different state. There is no waiting period in Alabama if you choose to remarry your last spouse again.

Six Month Waiting Period

You must wait six months after your divorce to marry a third party unless your former spouse dies during that time period in the state of Nebraska. Wisconsin also features the same six-month waiting period after a divorce. “Void” means the subsequent marriage is invalid since the previous marriage has not legally ended.

Here is a quick look at how long you will have to wait to remarry after a divorce by state:

Alabama	60 days to third person; none if to same person
Arizona	None
California	None
Colorado	None
Connecticut	None
Florida	None
Georgia	None
Illinois	None
Maryland	None
Massachusetts	90 days
Michigan	None
Mississippi	None
Missouri	None
New York	None
North Carolina	None
Ohio	None
Oregon	None
Pennsylvania	None
South Carolina	None
South Dakota	None (adultery exception)
Texas	Marriage to third party within 30 days is voidable
Virginia	None
Washington	None
Wisconsin	Voidable if within 6 months

Alaska	None
Arkansas	None
Delaware	None
District of Columbia	Marriage void if within 30-day appeal period
Hawaii	None
Idaho	None
Indiana	None
Iowa	None
Kansas	30 days unless waived in Decree
Kentucky	None
Louisiana	None
Maine	None
Minnesota	None
Montana	None
Nebraska	6 months if to 3rd person; 30 days if same spouse
Nevada	None
New Hampshire	None
New Jersey	None
New Mexico	None
North Dakota	None as long as stated in Decree
Oklahoma	Marriage is voidable if within 6 months
Rhode Island	3 months
Tennessee	None
Utah	None
Vermont	None
West Virginia	None
Wyoming	None

What Is The Cooling Off Period In An Arizona Divorce?

In Arizona, there is a mandated rule to encourage couples to stop and think before hastily ending a marriage. For this reason, the Arizona legislature will impose a 60-day waiting period. This time ultimately begins on the date a divorce petition is filed legally.

During this time, you, your spouse, and divorce attorney can ensure that you’re making the best decision for your future.

Source:

1. Can I Get Married Right After Getting Divorced? Retrieved September 11, 2024, from https://www.divorcewriter.com/how-long-remarry-after-divorce