Timeline for a mediation divorce
In a divorce mediation case, spouses may:
- discuss and decide divorce topics within days,
- sign legal documents within weeks, and
- get a Pennsylvania divorce decree within months.
Or couples may choose a slower pace.
Husbands and wives are the decision makers in divorce mediation. Together, they choose how quickly or how slowly to proceed.
Schedule a free consultation about divorce mediation
Steps in a Pennsylvania mediation divorce
Budget Form (opens PDF in new window)
Timeline to discuss and decide matters
Within days after a free consultation about divorce mediation, spouses can discuss and decide the terms of their divorce with help from a mediator. No need to wait months, or even years, for a divorce court to decide issues like:
- distribution of marital property
- spousal support and alimony
- child support
- child custody
Then, within a matter of weeks, spouses may sign documents that make the terms decided in mediation legally binding. In Pennsylvania, those legal documents take effect as soon as they are signed.
If divorcing spouses choose to go slower, that is okay too. In a mediation divorce, spouses may take as much time as they need to decide matters and sign legal documents.
Timeline to get a Pennsylvania divorce decree
A divorce decree is a court order that changes the marital status of spouses. Pennsylvania law sets time limits on how quickly divorcing husbands and wives may get a decree.
The shortest time to get a Pennsylvania divorce decree is:
- 90 days after filing and delivery of divorce paperwork, or
- 20 days after filing and delivery of divorce paperwork (if spouses lived separate and apart for at least one year).
Add an extra 3 to 6 weeks (varies by Pennsylvania county) for filing and delivery of the paperwork, and for processing the decree.
An entire mediation divorce that includes discussing and deciding topics, signing Pennsylvania legal documents, and getting a Pennsylvania divorce decree can be completed in my office.
Dann Johns, Divorce Mediator & Attorney
If divorcing couples choose to take more time before getting a decree, that is okay. Some husbands and wives choose to stay legally married beyond the waiting periods listed above to continue marital health insurance benefits, to file taxes jointly, or for personal reasons.
Divorce mediation can begin when both spouses are willing
Divorce mediation can begin as soon as both spouses are willing to meet with a mediator. The first step is a free consultation about divorce mediation.
In my office, a free consultation can happen within days of a request. Because my law practice is limited to mediation divorce, I am focused and efficient. I take pride in attending to all matters promptly.
Tips for a more peaceful divorce mediation
Cost of divorce mediation in Pennsylvania
Divorce mediation for you and your spouse
Consider sharing this website with your spouse. If both of you are interested in a mediation divorce, the next step is to schedule a free consultation about divorce mediation.
To learn more about divorce mediation, visit the site map (helpful summary of each page of this website) or search by topic using the navigation menu.
I wish you and your spouse much peace and well-being!
Dann JohnsDivorce Mediator & Attorney