Washington Lawmakers Consider Extending Divorce Waiting Period - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

OLYMPIA, Wash. - State Lawmakers are considering a bill that would make people filing for divorce in Washington state wait a year before it becomes finalized.

Right now, divorcing couples have to wait 90 days, but supporters say the lengthened time would give couples more time to reconcile, hopefully resulting in fewer divorces.

Opponents however, say the bill is over paternalistic. They also say the exceptions victims of domestic violence victims are insufficient.  

The bill would also alter the court-issued handbook given to divorcing couples, to make it include the benefits of getting back together, and make it required reading for both parties.

Waiting periods for divorces to become final vary state to state. While most states have no waiting periods, three have mandatory waits of one year or more.