What is a “DO” v. a “DM”?

When you file for divorce, you must indicate whether you are petitioning the Court for a divorce with or without minor children. If you are petitioning the Court for a divorce with minor children, the Court will assign your case as a “DM” and if you are petitioning the Court for a divorce without minor children, the Court will assign your case as a “DO.”

The designation of your case as a “DO” versus a “DM” is important to determining the mandatory minimum waiting period until your divorce can be finalized. If your case is assigned as a “DO”, a divorce without minor children, then you will be required to wait a minimum of sixty (60) days before your case can be finalized and your Judgment of Divorce entered. If, however, your case is assigned as a “DM”, a divorce with minor children, then you will be required to wait a minimum of six (6) months before your action may be finalized and your Judgment of Divorce entered.

Should you have any additional questions or concerns as to whether your case qualifies as a “DO” versus a “DM” or what these statutory mandatory waiting periods entail, then you should consult with an attorney to further discuss.