By: Rich & Karen Reynolds | 10/10/2016
For years the law in Pennsylvania has been that a divorce action may proceed when one of two requirements have been met: (1) both parties agree to the divorce and ninety (90) days have passed since the divorce action commenced; or (2) when either of the parties can show that they have been separated for two years.
Last week that changed. On October 5, 2016, Governor Tom Wolf signed legislation reducing the mandatory separation period from two years to one year. The law will take effect in sixty (60) days.
The effect of the new law will vary by county because of differing local rules and requirements. However, as the Pennsylvania Bar Association has commented, the change in the law is significant for litigants throughout Eastern Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia suburbs, including the residents of Chester, Montgomery and Delaware Counties. Specifically, because of the shortened waiting period, no-fault divorce proceedings should be less expensive and shorter in duration for litigants.
If you have a question about this change in the law, or are in need of an experienced, compassionate family law attorney, please contact us at Reynolds Family Law, LLC. We are here to guide you during this difficult time and will provide you with personal, practical advice that will enable you to navigate the Courts and the divorce process, and move forward with your life as quickly and efficiently as possible.