West Virginia § 48-5-105 - 48-5-105. Residency requirements for maintaining an action for divorce.

Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 48-5-105 — 48-5-105. Residency requirements for maintaining an action for divorce., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 48-5-105. 48-5-105. Residency requirements for maintaining an action for divorce.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this section:

(1) If the marriage was entered into within this state, an action for divorce is maintainable if one of the parties is an actual bona fide resident of this state at the time of commencement of the action, without regard to the length of time residency has continued; or

(2) If the marriage was not entered into within this state, an action for divorce is maintainable if:

(A) One of the parties was an actual bona fide resident of this state at the time the cause of action arose, or has become a resident since that time; and

(B) The residency has continued uninterrupted through the one-year period immediately preceding the filing of the action.

(b) An action for divorce cannot be maintained if the cause for divorce is adultery, whether the cause of action arose in or out of this state, unless one of the parties, at the commencement of the action, is a bona fide resident of this state. In such case, if the respondent is a nonresident of this state and cannot be personally served with process within this state, the action is not maintainable unless the petitioner has been an actual bona fide resident of this state for at least one year next preceding the commencement of the action; or

(c) When a divorce is granted in this state upon constructive service of process and personal jurisdiction is thereafter obtained of the respondent in the case, the court may order all or any portion of the relief that has been demanded in the pleadings.

Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 48-5-105

What does West Virginia Code § 48-5-105 cover?

Section 48-5-105 ("48-5-105. Residency requirements for maintaining an action for divorce.") is part of the West Virginia Code, the codified statutory law of West Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite West Virginia § 48-5-105?

A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 48-5-105" (West Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of West Virginia law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the West Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed West Virginia attorney.

How does West Virginia § 48-5-105 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in West Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in West Virginia.