Nov. 09, 2015

HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne), which would reduce the waiting time to obtain a no-fault divorce in Pennsylvania, today was overwhelmingly approved by the House of Representatives. House Bill 380 now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Toohil’s proposal would shorten the length of the separation period that is required prior to entering into a no-fault divorce based on irretrievable breakdown. Specifically, the bill changes the mandatory period of separation from two years to one year, after which the litigants are permitted to start the process of dividing assets and determining whether alimony is owed.

“Divorce is never easy and my primary concern is any children who may be caught in the middle,” said Toohil. “The two-year waiting period that is currently the law can be emotionally devastating for children. Even the best parents can forgot about the welfare of their children when going through a contentious divorce. Allowing the wound of divorce to fester longer than is absolutely necessary clearly results in greater emotional damage, especially to children.”

Toohil noted that the divorce waiting periods for surrounding states range from six months to one year.

“With a prolonged waiting period, the settlement of financial matters takes more time causing additional uncertainty and instability for the family,” Toohil said. “If the waiting period is shorter, the financial situation will be resolved more quickly and the parents can begin the process of creating a stable routine for their children.”

House Bill 380 is supported by the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

For more information on Toohil and her legislative priorities, please visit RepToohil.com or Facebook.com/RepToohil.

Representative Tarah Toohil
116th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Contact: Rep. Toohil’s Office
717.260.6136
RepToohil.com / Facebook.com/RepToohil
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