This article originally appeared on Philly.com on July 22nd, 2016. 

Trim waiting period

A Philadelphia lawyer took the position in a commentary that the Pennsylvania legislature should not reduce the waiting period for a no-fault divorce from two years to one (“Don’t shorten waiting time for Pa. divorce,” July 13). As leaders of the state chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, we support the reduction, which would benefit all involved, including financially dependent spouses.

The two-year waiting period is harmful to children and divorcing spouses. Enacting a one-year waiting period would result in custody and financial issues being resolved one year sooner.

The divorce code has strong provisions related to asset division and postdivorce alimony, protecting dependent spouses and reducing legal fees.

We believe in preserving marriage and families. When marriage fails, though, divorcing parties need to be allowed to look forward. State House Bill 380 accomplishes this goal. The Senate should vote to approve the bill to help ease the pain of protracted divorce for families.

|Lori K. Shemtob, president; Charles J. Meyer, immediate past president; and Steven S. Hurvitz, past president; American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Pennsylvania, Blue Bell