PA28 pilot on a VFR flight briefly flew in IMC before obtaining an IFR clearance and returning to departure airport.

Narrative

I had planned a scenic flight with one passenger on board. I received a weather briefing online and could see that there were some rain showers forecast. Ceilings were consistently forecast no lower than 5000 FT. Visibility was hazy but we were able to continue VFR until about twenty miles from our destination. I received a weather recording from a nearby airport reporting broken layer at 2800 FT and at the same time conditions started to close in rapidly. I was already with approach control for VFR flight advisories. I promptly contacted approach; advised that I was unable to maintain VFR and I needed a pop-up IFR clearance. By this point I was already in the clouds. Approach very quickly issued me a clearance. The precipitation got heavier and I decided to return to my home airport and advised approach of my amended destination. Again; they promptly issued me a clearance back home. I am instrument rated and current; but at one point did get behind the airplane as I was trying to dial in a VOR and maintain altitude and attitude in the clouds. My main error was in waiting too long to make a decision. Either I should have maintained strict VFR and turned away from the deteriorating conditions much sooner or filed and opened an IFR flight plan and proceeded that way. I delayed making a proper decision because I knew my instrument rating would serve as on out. My thanks to the ATC controllers for their fast and efficient responses. Next time I'll plan better.