Legal Definitions - mail-order divorce

Definition: Mail-order divorce is a term used to describe a divorce obtained by parties who are not physically present or domiciled in the jurisdiction purporting to grant the divorce. Such a divorce is not recognized in the United States because of the absence of the usual bases for jurisdiction.

Example: A couple from California decides to get a mail-order divorce from a company claiming to offer quick and easy divorces in Nevada. However, since they are not physically present or domiciled in Nevada, their divorce is not recognized in California or any other state in the United States.

Explanation: The example illustrates how mail-order divorce is not a valid way to obtain a divorce in the United States. The usual bases for jurisdiction, such as residency requirements, must be met for a divorce to be recognized. Mail-order divorce companies often make false claims and take advantage of people seeking a quick and easy divorce.