What is the waiting period (iddah) for a woman who has sought khulʿ, menstruates, and has been away from her home for eight months, and is there any legitimate (sharʿī) procedure to expedite the khulʿ to avoid discord (fitnah)?

The waiting period (iddah) does not begin until the occurrence of divorce (talaq) or khul'. Divorce or khul' occurs either by the husband issuing it, or by the ruling of a Muslim judge. The judge's ruling is not considered final until it becomes irreversible and not subject to appeal. If the court delays in ruling on the khul' and the woman is harmed, she should refer the matter to the competent authorities; otherwise, she must be patient.