Pennsylvania Divorce Laws

Grounds for Divorce in Pennsylvania

No-Fault Grounds

Pennsylvania recognizes no-fault divorce based on:

• Irretrievable breakdown (mutual consent)
• Separation (1-2 years)

Fault-Based Grounds

Pennsylvania also allows divorce based on fault, including:

• Adultery
• Desertion (1 year)
• Cruel treatment
• Bigamy
• Imprisonment (2+ years)
• Personal indignities

Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Pennsylvania, you must meet the following residency requirements:

You must be able to prove residency at the time of filing. Proof typically includes driver's license, voter registration, utility bills, or other official documents showing your address.

Property Division

Pennsylvania follows the Equitable Distribution method for dividing marital property.

Under equitable distribution, the court divides marital property fairly, but not necessarily equally. The court considers various factors including:

• Length of the marriage
• Each spouse's income and earning potential
• Each spouse's contribution to marital property
• Age and health of each spouse
• Custody arrangements for children

Child Custody

Pennsylvania courts determine custody based on the Best interests of the child standard.

Courts consider multiple factors including:

• The child's relationship with each parent
• Each parent's ability to provide care
• The child's adjustment to home, school, and community
• Mental and physical health of all parties
• Any history of domestic violence
• The child's preferences (depending on age)

Alimony/Spousal Support

When determining alimony in Pennsylvania, courts typically consider:

• Relative earnings
• Duration of marriage
• Age and health
• Sources of income
• Contributions as homemaker
• Education and training
• Earning capacity
• Marital misconduct

Important Notes

Filing for Divorce in Pennsylvania

1. Meet Residency Requirements

   Ensure you meet Pennsylvania's residency requirement of 6 months.

2. Gather Documents

   Collect financial records, property documents, and information about debts, assets, and children.

3. File Petition

   File a divorce petition with the appropriate court. Filing fees are typically $350-$400.

4. Serve Your Spouse

   Your spouse must be officially served with the divorce papers according to state law.

5. Waiting Period

   Pennsylvania has a waiting period of 90 days (mutual consent) or 1-2 years.

6. Negotiate or Litigate

   Work toward a settlement agreement or proceed to court if issues cannot be resolved.

7. Final Decree

   Once all issues are resolved, the court will issue a final divorce decree.

Official Resources

For official forms and additional information, visit the Pennsylvania court website: