How Long Does a Divorce Take to Finalize?
Deciding to end your marriage is a difficult decision, but when you do, you’re often ready to move forward as quickly as possible. How long it takes for a divorce to finalize in Harrisburg – generally through the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas – depends on the unique facts and circumstances of your case.
Parties who hire reputable Harrisburg divorce lawyers, such as the family law attorneys at Purdy Law Office, LLC, can generally finalize their divorce more quickly. Discuss the specific facts of your case with our experienced domestic relations professionals today.
Pennsylvania’s 90-Day Waiting Rule
Regardless of whether you file for a contested or uncontested divorce, Pennsylvania requires couples seeking divorce to wait at least 90 days after filing the divorce petition to request an absolute divorce order. This is the minimum amount of time it takes for a divorce to be finalized in Harrisburg, but it could take much longer.
If you’re looking to finalize your divorce within this shorter time period, both parties must mutually consent to the divorce (no-fault divorce based on mutual consent) and any associated divorce order – such as asset distribution. Couples seeking a no-fault divorce on irretrievable breakdown grounds can obtain a finalized divorce order after 90 days only if they have been living separately and apart for one year. Couples with shared children cannot generally take advantage of this accelerated divorce timeline, and spouses who cannot agree on the terms or nature of the divorce should consider hiring legal counsel.
Litigating Contested Divorce Claims in Harrisburg
If you file for a contested (fault-based) divorce on the following grounds, it could take years to finalize your divorce:
- Abandonment without cause for at least one year
- Adultery
- Abuse, threats, and cruelty
- Bigamy
- Imprisonment of more than 2 years
- Hostile home
- Institutionalization
It’s understandable that you want to quickly end an intolerable marriage, but filing for a fault-based divorce may be necessary to protect your future. Do not forgo your rights simply because you want to finalize your divorce quickly. Consult with a family law attorney in Harrisburg to discuss the dissolution timelines applicable in your case.
Factors Delaying Pennsylvania Divorce Proceedings
Whether you file for a no-fault or fault-based divorce, certain factors might still delay your divorce finalization timeline in Harrisburg. Couples with substantial mixed and marital assets often need additional time to negotiate or litigate property disputes. Issues related to spousal support (alimony) might also push your divorce timeline.
Importantly, couples with shared children must generally obtain child custody and support orders before the divorce is finalized. Even if you agree on custody, courts must still review these recommendations to ensure they’re in the best interest of your children. An experienced divorce lawyer in Harrisburg might help prepare the paperwork and begin asset and custody negotiations while proceedings are pending.
Accelerate Your Divorce Timeline: Retain an Experienced Harrisburg Divorce Attorney
Obtaining legal counsel from Purdy Law Office, LLC is often the best way to ensure your divorce is finalized as quickly as possible. Our experienced family lawyers can file the correct paperwork in accordance with local court rules, help you negotiate custody and property settlements under the law, and petition the court to finalize your divorce.
Discuss the timeline for your Harrisburg divorce case with our dedicated divorce attorneys today by calling 717-674-2885 or contact us online.