How Long Does a Divorce Take?

What to Expect When Getting a Divorce

When people think of divorce, they often think of a long drawn-out, bitter court battle. However, not all divorce cases in Philadelphia end up in court. Some cases are concluded within a few months while others can take more than a year to be resolved. The length of time it takes for your case to reach a conclusion will depend on various factors. Below, we discuss the typical divorce time frame and factors that affect this timeline.

Time Frame for Divorce Cases in Philadelphia

The time frame for finalizing a divorce in Philadelphia, or anywhere else, can vary significantly based on various factors, including the complexity of the case, whether it is contested or uncontested, and the local court's caseload. However, I can provide you with a general overview of the typical stages and timelines for divorce in Philadelphia:

1. Filing the Divorce Complaint (Plaintiff): The divorce process typically begins when one spouse (the plaintiff) files a divorce complaint with the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia. This is the formal initiation of the divorce proceedings. The plaintiff-spouse must meet Pennsylvania's residency requirements, which usually means one of the spouses must have lived in Pennsylvania for at least six months.
2. Service and Response (Defendant): After filing, the defendant-spouse must be served with the divorce complaint and a notice to respond. The defendant has 20 days to file a response. If the defendant fails to respond within this period, the divorce may proceed as an uncontested divorce, potentially expediting the process.
3. Discovery (if necessary): If there are contested issues, such as child custody, property division, or alimony, the discovery phase may take several months. During this phase, both parties gather and exchange relevant documents and information.
4. Negotiation and Settlement: Many divorces are settled through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative law, which can speed up the process. The time required for this stage depends on the complexity of the issues and the willingness of the parties to reach an agreement.
5. Court Hearings: If the divorce is contested, it may be necessary to attend multiple court hearings. The court's docket may have an impact on the scheduling of these hearings, which could cause delays.
6. Custody and Support Evaluation (if applicable): In cases involving child custody and child support, the court may order evaluations or assessments, adding time to the process.
7. Trial: In the event of unresolved issues, the case may go to trial, which can significantly extend the divorce timeline. The scheduling of the trial will depend on the court's availability.
8. Final Decree of Divorce: Once all issues are resolved, and the court is satisfied, a final decree of divorce is issued. The timeline for this step varies but may take a few months after the conclusion of court proceedings.
9. Post-Divorce Matters: After the divorce is finalized, there may be post-divorce matters to address, such as the enforcement of court orders, modification of custody or support arrangements, and property transfers.

It's important to note that the timeline for divorce can vary widely, from a few months for uncontested divorces to several years for highly contested cases that go through multiple rounds of litigation. To get a more accurate estimate for your specific case, it's advisable to consult with an attorney who can provide guidance based on your unique circumstances and local court practices.

Factors that Affect the Divorce Timeline in Philadelphia

The timeline for finalizing a divorce can be influenced by a variety of factors, including court availability, disputes between the parties, and state-specific laws. Let's explore how each of these factors can affect the divorce timeline:

Court Availability

Court Docket: The court's caseload and availability play a significant role in determining the timeline. Overcrowded court dockets can lead to delays in scheduling hearings and trials.

Geographic Location: The divorce timeline can vary depending on the specific courthouse or jurisdiction. Urban areas, like Philadelphia, often have busier courts with longer wait times.

Disputes and Complexity

Contested vs. Uncontested: Uncontested divorces, where both spouses agree on all issues, typically progress more quickly than contested divorces. In contested divorces, disputes over property division, child custody, alimony, and other matters can prolong the process.

Negotiation and Mediation: Parties who are willing to negotiate and use mediation to resolve their differences can expedite the process. Conversely, a lack of cooperation can lead to delays.

Discovery and Evidence: The extent of discovery (gathering of evidence) can impact the timeline. More complex financial situations, assets, or child custody disputes may require a longer discovery phase.

State Laws (Pennsylvania Specific)

Residency Requirements: In Pennsylvania, at least one spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months before filing for divorce. Meeting this requirement is essential to initiating the process.

Mandatory Waiting Period: Pennsylvania has a mandatory 90-day waiting period after the divorce complaint is served before a final divorce decree can be issued, even in uncontested cases.

Grounds for Divorce: Pennsylvania allows for both fault-based and no-fault divorces. If a divorce is based on fault (e.g., adultery or cruelty), proving the grounds may prolong the process as evidence and court hearings may be required.

Equitable Distribution: Pennsylvania follows the principle of equitable distribution for property division, which means that assets are divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Disputes over the division of property can add time to the divorce proceedings.

Child Custody Laws: Child custody laws in Pennsylvania focus on the best interests of the child. Custody disputes can result in lengthy court proceedings, evaluations, and assessments.

Attorneys and Legal Representation

The choice of attorneys and their strategies can impact the timeline. Skilled attorneys may help expedite the process through effective negotiation and case management.

Court Scheduling and Administrative Factors

Court schedules and administrative factors can cause delays. These include holidays, court closures, and administrative issues within the court system.

Unforeseen Events

External factors like the COVID-19 pandemic can disrupt court operations and lead to delays.

Work with an Experienced Attorney

If you want to avoid dragging out the divorce process but want to ensure that your rights and best interests are protected, you should contact van der Veen, Hatshorn and Levin. Our team is committed to securing the best possible outcome on behalf of our clients. Schedule your free initial consultation to learn more about what we can do for you.