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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 6, 2022 01:42 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Kristine C. Howard |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Streamlining Uncontested Divorces |
| Divorce in Pennsylvania is a lengthy and costly process. PA law requires a 90-day waiting period after filing, even for uncontested divorces, and year-plus waiting periods often result due to the overburdening of the courts. Furthermore, exorbitant fees make Pennsylvania one of the most expensive states for a divorce. For this reason, I am introducing legislation to remove the 90-day waiting period and permit Magisterial District Courts or Philadelphia Municipal Court to hear uncontested divorces. Removing the waiting period and transferring uncontested divorces to a court system with approximately 80 additional judges will expedite uncontested divorces. Additionally, a faster divorce process reduces the uncertainty and financial strain on those involved. There is no good reason to burden the parties with mandatory or de facto waiting periods for a matter that is uncontested in the first place. Please join me in ensuring that Pennsylvanians have access to a faster and more affordable uncontested divorce process. |
Introduced as HB2837
Memo Updated: April 6, 2022 01:43 PM