Filing for divorce in Pennsylvania without an attorney costs $300-$400 in court fees. You must meet the residency requirement of 6 months in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is a equitable distribution state with a 90 days (mutual consent) / 1-2 years (no consent) waiting period. An uncontested divorce typically takes 4-6 months. Victoria AI guides you through every step with Pennsylvania-specific instructions.
Last updated: February 1, 2026 • Reviewed by Divorce.law Legal Team
| Filing Fee | $300-$400 (Filing fees vary by county: Philadelphia ~$335, Pittsburgh (Allegheny) ~$290, Montgomery ~$350. Contact your county for exact fees.) |
| Residency Requirement | 6 months in Pennsylvania |
| Waiting Period | 90 days (mutual consent) / 1-2 years (no consent) |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (fair, not equal) |
| Grounds for Divorce | Irretrievable breakdown - mutual consent (no-fault), Irretrievable breakdown - 1 year separation, Adultery, Desertion for 1+ year, Cruel treatment, Bigamy, Imprisonment for 2+ years, Indignities |
| No-Fault Only? | No (fault grounds available) |
| Uncontested Timeline | 4-6 months |
| Contested Timeline | 1-3 years |
| Fee Waiver Available? | Yes |
To file for divorce in Pennsylvania, you must meet the following residency requirement: 6 months in Pennsylvania.
At least one spouse must have been a bona fide resident of Pennsylvania for at least 6 months before filing. You file in the county where either spouse resides.
Tip: Victoria AI can help you determine if you meet Pennsylvania's residency requirements and guide you through the documentation needed to prove residency.
Follow these steps to file for divorce in Pennsylvania without an attorney. Victoria AI guides you through each step with state-specific instructions.
At least one spouse must have been a bona fide resident of Pennsylvania for at least 6 months before filing. You file in the county where either spouse resides.
Download the official Pennsylvania divorce forms: Complaint in Divorce, Notice to Defend and Claim Rights, Affidavit of Consent. All forms are available from the Pennsylvania courts website.
Fill out the divorce petition (Varies by county) with your information, grounds for divorce, and what you're requesting (property division, custody, support).
File your completed petition with the Pennsylvania court and pay the filing fee of $300-$400. Fee waivers are available if you qualify financially.
Properly serve your spouse with the divorce papers according to Pennsylvania rules. Options typically include sheriff service, process server, or certified mail with acknowledgment.
Exchange mandatory financial disclosure documents as required by Pennsylvania law. This typically includes income verification, tax returns, bank statements, and a sworn financial affidavit.
With mutual consent, there's a 90-day waiting period after filing. Without mutual consent, you must be separated for at least 1 year (or 2 years in fault cases) before the divorce can be granted.
Submit your final judgment to the court. For uncontested divorces in Pennsylvania, this typically takes 4-6 months. The court will issue your final divorce decree.
These are the primary forms you'll need to file for divorce in Pennsylvania. Victoria AI guides you through completing each form correctly.
Initiates the divorce case
Notifies spouse of rights
Both spouses sign to proceed
For state records
Finalizes the divorce
The filing fee to start a divorce in Pennsylvania is $300-$400. Filing fees vary by county: Philadelphia ~$335, Pittsburgh (Allegheny) ~$290, Montgomery ~$350. Contact your county for exact fees.
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $300-$400 |
| Service of Process | $50-$100 (varies by method) |
| Certified Copies | $5-$25 per copy |
| Total DIY Uncontested | $500-$2,000 (uncontested DIY) |
If you cannot afford the filing fee, Pennsylvania offers fee waivers for qualifying individuals. You'll need to complete a fee waiver application demonstrating financial hardship. This typically requires showing income below a certain threshold (often 125-200% of federal poverty guidelines) or receiving public assistance benefits.
Victoria can help: Our AI guides you through the fee waiver application process and helps you gather the required documentation.
After filing your divorce petition in Pennsylvania, you must legally "serve" your spouse with the divorce papers. This ensures they receive official notice of the divorce and have an opportunity to respond.
A sheriff, constable, or private process server personally delivers the papers to your spouse. Most reliable method.
Papers sent via certified mail with return receipt requested. Your spouse must sign to acknowledge receipt.
Your spouse voluntarily signs an acknowledgment that they received the papers. Fastest and cheapest option if cooperative.
If your spouse cannot be located, you may be able to publish notice in a newspaper. Requires court approval.
You must file proof of service with the court showing your spouse was properly served. Without valid proof of service, your divorce cannot proceed. Pennsylvania courts are strict about service requirements.
Pennsylvania is a equitable distribution state.
Pennsylvania is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided fairly based on many factors including marriage duration, each spouse's income and contribution, and the economic circumstances of each party.
Victoria's Financial Tools: Our AI-powered financial tools help you identify, categorize, and value marital assets. Victoria can help you understand how Pennsylvania law applies to your specific property.
Pennsylvania uses the Income shares model.
Pennsylvania uses the income shares model. Child support is based on both parents' net incomes and follows the state guidelines. The number of children and custody arrangement affect the calculation.
Understanding the timeline helps you plan and set realistic expectations for your Pennsylvania divorce.
When both spouses agree on all terms including property division, custody, and support. This is the fastest and least expensive option.
When spouses cannot agree and need court intervention to resolve disputes. Involves hearings, discovery, and potentially trial.
File Petition
Day 1 - Submit your divorce paperwork and pay the $300-$400 filing fee
Serve Your Spouse
Within 30 days - Ensure proper legal service of divorce papers
Response Period
20-30 days - Your spouse has time to file a response
Waiting Period
90 days (mutual consent) / 1-2 years (no consent) - With mutual consent, there's a 90-day waiting period after filing. Without mutual consent, you must be separated for at least 1 year (or 2 years in fault cases) before the divorce can be granted.
Final Judgment
Court issues your final divorce decree
Speed up your divorce: Victoria AI helps you complete forms correctly the first time, avoiding delays from rejected paperwork. Our checklists ensure you don't miss any steps or deadlines.
Mutual consent divorce available after 90 days
1-year separation required without consent
Both fault and no-fault grounds available
Three types of support: spousal support, APL, alimony
County-specific forms and procedures
Master hearings common in contested cases
Common questions about filing for divorce in Pennsylvania without an attorney.
Get 24/7 guidance specific to Pennsylvania's forms, procedures, and requirements.
Pennsylvania-specific forms
Guidance through every required form
Financial disclosure wizard
Complete your financial affidavit step-by-step
Child support calculator
Using Pennsylvania's exact guidelines
AI document drafting
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Victoria provides legal information, not legal advice. For advice specific to your case, consult an attorney.
All Pennsylvania divorce information verified from official state court sources.
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