What Is the Average Divorce Timeline in PA?
Making the decision to end your marriage is never easy, but when you know that your marriage has dissolved, you do have the option of having a divorce so that you can move on with your life.
There is much that goes into the divorce process in Pennsylvania, including determining what the grounds of your divorce will be and whether or not your divorce is going to be contested. Each of these aspects will be a significant factor in how long it will take for your Pennsylvania divorce to be finalized.
Filing for Divorce in PA
Before you file for divorce, you’ll need to decide what your grounds for divorce are. Are you filing a no-fault divorce, or will you be pursuing a fault divorce?
Many soon-to-be former couples will choose to file a no-fault divorce. This is when neither party blames the other for the dissolution of the marriage. Not only are no-fault divorces less expensive, but if both parties agree to a no-fault divorce, your divorce can be finalized in as few as ninety days, leaving you free to move forward with your life much more quickly than if you had filed a fault divorce.
In a fault divorce, one party is blaming the other for the cause of the marriage failing. This is usually due to adultery, domestic violence, one spouse entering into a bigamous relationship, or for some other reason in which one party has found that continuing in the marriage will be intolerable. These divorces are significantly more expensive and will take much longer to finalize.
Is Your Divorce Contested or Uncontested?
While no-fault divorces can be much speedier than fault divorces, this is only true if both parties agree to the divorce, meaning the divorce will be uncontested.
If either party objects to the divorce, the divorce will be considered contested, and the judge presiding over your case will need to step in and make important decisions regarding the division of your property and assets, the question of alimony, and any child custody or support disputes there may be.
Contested divorces will stall the finalization of your divorce, which is why a no-fault, uncontested divorce is your best option when it comes to a quick divorce timeline.
Work with a PA Divorce Lawyer
When you’re ready to file for divorce, you’ll need an experienced PA divorce lawyer at Lisa Marie Vari & Associates, P.C. by your side to ensure that you aren’t taken advantage of. You can complete the brief contact form we’ve provided below or give our office a call at 1-844-VARI-LAW (827-4529) to schedule your no-obligation consultation today.