A spouse may delay a divorce for any number of reasons, and it can be a frustrating and costly process for everyone involved. The length of time for which a spouse can delay a divorce can vary but, in Pennsylvania, the parties must have been separated for at least one year before they can to move the divorce case before the Court to determine the distribution of assets and alimony. This does not mean that the divorce is final after one year, only that you may begin the process of going through Court to finalize the divorce. The process of proceeding through Court can take many months.