For couples in Pennsylvania who find that their marriage has reached its end, a divorce may be the only real, valid option to consider. However difficult and stressful it may be, sometimes realizing that the time has come to move on. And when that occurs, getting through the process as quickly as possible is often a main focus of both parties involved.

Under Pennsylvania law at the moment, there remains a waiting period for no-fault divorce cases. These no fault cases refer to divorces that occurring not because one of the two parties involved acted in a seriously negative manner – no one spouse is at fault, but instead the split is amicable.

Right now, the waiting period for these no-fault divorce situations is 2 years. Couples must be separated for this length of time first before they can finalize their divorce and move on with their lives. However, recent bills have been introduced that may reduce this time to one year. Couples still need to remain separated, but it’s now possible to end a marriage much more quickly.

But what about ‘fault’ divorce cases? In these scenarios, one of the two spouses has done something to directly, seriously impact the marriage and lead to its breakdown. Examples include things like:

• Abandonment without reason
• Adultery
• Bigamy
• Domestic violence
• Imprisonment

In short, any action that has negative influences on the marriage could be considered ‘fault’. Thin these situations, divorce waiting periods aren’t a factor and you may be able to get a divorce immediately.

In order to speed up the process of a divorce, finding an attorney in Pennsylvania who handles divorce is well worth doing. They can generally take steps needed to show that you are in a scenario that involves fault if that’s the case. If not, they can still directly impact your divorce by helping expedite the process. The waiting period may still apply, but your attorney can help ensure that once you reach the minimum waiting period that your divorce proceeds quickly thereafter.

People grow apart. Hearts change. But currently, those changing emotions still require that you wait two years before you finally call it quits on a chapter of your life. Your divorce lawyer can help you take the right steps, get the right results, and move on with your life with dignity.