Pennsylvania Divorce taking forever

[Neo]

I filed for divorce a year ago. My ex has refused to sign the papers. We have been separated for almost four years now. I finally had to pay to have her 'served'. How much longer do I have to wait?!! We have no property to divide and the child custody issues have already been addressed.

[Mr. Knowitall]

I would hope that, now that you have finally had your spouse heard, the court would be able to resolve a simple divorce within a few months. But I don't know the procedural history of your case, your failure to serve her at an earlier date may mean that certain waiting periods have only just started, cases where "everything is agreed" have been known to be suddenly complicated, and the speed at which a case is resolved can depend upon how busy the court happens to be.

[Neo]

I would hope that, now that you have finally had your spouse heard, the court would be able to resolve a simple divorce within a few months. But I don't know the procedural history of your case, your failure to serve her at an earlier date may mean that certain waiting periods have only just started, cases where "everything is agreed" have been known to be suddenly complicated, and the speed at which a case is resolved can depend upon how busy the court happens to be.

I filed with an attorney a year ago. She refused to sign. I finally had to have her served. We have been apart for 4 years. Are you telling me that this could continue on??? For how long do you estimate?

[Mr. Knowitall]

You quoted what I said:

• I don't know the procedural history of your case,
• your failure to serve her at an earlier date may mean that certain waiting periods have only just started,
• cases where "everything is agreed" have been known to be suddenly complicated, and
• the speed at which a case is resolved can depend upon how busy the court happens to be.

Without knowing more about your case I can't even begin to guess at it status or how long it will take to resolve. I suggest you consult a local lawyer.