Six Month Requirement to Obtain a Divorce

Courts ordinarily will enter a judgment of dissolution of marriage six months after the date the Petitioner files for Divorce. This six month waiting period is rooted in the public policy to promote reconciliation once the parties have actually filed for a divorce. This is similar to a “cooling period” before the divorce is finalized. Although each case is different, unless the parties come to an agreement, it is rare to see a dissolution action finalized within these six months.