The period of required physical separation before initiating dissolution of marriage proceedings varies considerably by jurisdiction. This waiting period, mandated by law, necessitates living apart for a specified duration before a divorce petition can be submitted to the court. For example, some states may require a separation of six months, while others demand a year or even longer, especially if fault-based grounds for divorce are not alleged.
Establishing the necessary separation time is a critical component of the divorce process, ensuring ample opportunity for reconciliation or clear demonstration that the marital relationship is irretrievably broken. This requirement is designed to prevent impulsive divorce filings and to provide both parties with adequate time to consider the long-term implications of ending the marriage. The duration of this waiting period can significantly affect the timeline for completing divorce proceedings.