Periods range from none to a year and may run from filing, service, or separation. Some states impose longer periods where minor children are involved.
The period does not prevent temporary orders.
Alternative Names:
Cooling-Off Period|Statutory Waiting Period
Why it Matters?
The period runs regardless of agreement, which means a fully settled case still cannot be finalized before it expires and parties planning around a remarriage date or tax year should calculate from the correct trigger. Temporary orders operate throughout, so the delay does not leave parties without support or custody arrangements. Some states permit waiver in limited circumstances.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
Can the period be avoided by agreement?
Are parties unprotected during the period?
