If you are preparing to undergo divorce proceedings, one of your main concerns may be how long it is going to take. There is no fixed timeframe for divorce proceedings, as each couple has a unique set of circumstances that cause this to vary. For one, the timeframe for a mediated divorce is different than that of a litigated divorce. Follow along to find out how long the mediated divorce process is and how a proficient York County, PA divorce mediation attorney at Ilkhanoff & Silverstein can help to expedite this process.
How long is the mediated divorce process?
On average, litigated divorces take about a year to finalize. However, the average timeframe for mediated divorces is slightly shorter, at more or less eight months. The reason why mediated divorces are finalized quicker is because couples do not require a trial to settle their divorce terms (i.e., child custody, child support, parenting time, spousal support, property division, etc). Rather, when they can negotiate amicably, they, in turn, can reach agreements rather quickly.
What’s more, if the couple already has an established prenuptial agreement or postnuptial agreement before entering their mediation proceedings. Such a document will allow the couple to reference agreements already in place, and this will inevitably move things along even more quickly.
Will Pennsylvania’s residency requirement prolong my mediated divorce?
Usually, state residency requirements extend the timeframe for divorce, as the couple must wait until they fulfill such prerequisites before filing.
However, this should not pose such a major problem if you and your spouse are filing for divorce in the state of Pennsylvania. This is because, unique to most states, Pennsylvania has a relatively flexible residency requirement law. Put simply, you or your spouse only must have lived in the state for at least 6 months before filing.
However, it is important to keep in mind that you must file the divorce papers in the county where your spouse lives. If their county differs from yours, then you have the following options:
- You can file in the county where you and your spouse lived while you were married, so long as you have continuously lived in this county since separating from your spouse.
- You can file in the county where you live, so long as your spouse agrees.
- You can file in the county where you live if your spouse moved out of state.
- You can file in the county where either you or your spouse currently live if neither still lives in the same county as when you were married.
For further guidance, consult with a talented York County, PA divorce attorney today.
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