Toohil’s No-Fault Divorce Bill Signed into Law
Legislation’s aim is to lessen emotional impact of divorce on children
HARRISBURG – Legislation that reduces the waiting time to obtain a no-fault divorce in Pennsylvania, sponsored by Rep. Tarah Toohil (R-Luzerne), was signed into law on Tuesday by Gov. Tom Wolf as Act 102 of 2016. The new law takes effect in 60 days.
Act 102 shortens the length of the separation period that is required prior to entering into a no-fault divorce. Specifically, it changes the mandatory period of separation from two years to one year, after which the couple is permitted to start the process of dividing assets and determining whether alimony is owed.
“Divorce is always difficult, especially for the children who may be involved,” said Toohil. “By reducing the waiting period to one year, the emotional trauma is far less for children whose family situation is being decided more quickly. In addition, the shorter waiting period allows the couple’s financial situation to be resolved more quickly and at less expense, so they can tend to their children’s well-being.”
The new law was supported by the Pennsylvania Bar Association.
“Divorce law should be a tool for the orderly and just dissolution of a marriage,” said PBA President Sara Austin. “The PBA Family Law Section worked closely with Representative Toohil to advance legislation that would mitigate the effects of stress on the parties involved and the children of the divorce, thereby allowing the family to begin the healing process sooner.”
Act 102 brings Pennsylvania in line with its neighboring states, which have waiting periods of six months to one year.
Representative Tarah Toohil
116th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Contact: Rep. Toohil’s Office
717.260.6136
RepToohil.com /
Facebook.com/RepToohil