The time-frame for a final decree for Pennsylvania couples wanting to end their marriages varies based on a number of factors. It can take as long as six months from the date of the filing for the judge to rule the marriage terminated. One woman is seeking an emergency, or bifurcated, divorce from her husband, a notorious businessman in the city in which they live.
The two have been married for 44 years but have been living apart for the past 14. The husband is in the news nearly every day as reporters give updates on his conviction of criminal threat and the federal case against him for alleged bankruptcy fraud and money laundering. Her request for the emergency divorce comes as she is attempting to distance herself from the emotional toil she is experiencing being matrimonially linked to him. She is concerned for her physical safety, as he has threatened her through her 88-year-old mother. She also worries about the negative impact their current relationship will have on her future business ventures.
Should a judge determine an emergency to exist, the laws of the state in which they live will allow for a bifurcated divorce. Once the divorce is granted, a trial set for a later date would resolve any issues on property and asset division. The documented total of the couple’s assets are valued at over $21 million, but actions to be taken by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court may greatly reduce that amount.
While some couples want to end their marriage as quickly as possible, an emergency divorce is not the norm. There are some states that do not allow it. A Pennsylvania attorney will be able to advise a client on the state’s specific laws on a bifurcated divorce should that be the client’s preference.
Source: cjonline.com, “Vikki Lindemuth seeks emergency divorce from developer husband“, Steve Fry, May 31, 2017