A legal restriction dictating the period within which a divorce or related action must be initiated. These regulations, enacted at the state level, determine the timeframe for bringing specific claims, such as property division or alimony, after the grounds for divorce have occurred. For example, a jurisdiction might specify a maximum period after separation during which a claim for spousal support can be filed.
These temporal limitations serve several key purposes. They promote fairness by preventing the resurrection of stale claims where evidence may be lost or memories faded. They also encourage timely resolution of marital disputes, contributing to stability and legal certainty for all parties involved. Historically, such limitations have evolved alongside changes in family law, reflecting societal shifts in attitudes toward marriage and divorce.