How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Philadelphia, PA (2025 Guide)

You can get divorced without a lawyer in Philadelphia—especially if your case is uncontested and you and your spouse agree on issues like property, custody, and support. Pennsylvania allows self-represented (pro se) divorces, and thousands of couples in Philadelphia County complete the divorce process each year without an attorney.

This guide explains exactly how to divorce without a lawyer in Philadelphia, including the forms you’ll need, how to file, how long it takes, and how to avoid costly mistakes.

Can You Get Divorced Without a Lawyer in Philadelphia?

Yes. You can represent yourself during the entire divorce process as long as you meet Pennsylvania’s requirements and both spouses agree on the terms.

A no-lawyer divorce works best when your case is uncontested, meaning:

• You both agree your marriage is irretrievably broken

• You agree on how to divide property and debts

• You have a parenting plan (if you have children)

• You agree on child support

• You agree on alimony (amount or waiver)

If disagreements arise, mediation can help you avoid hiring attorneys.

Types of No-Lawyer Divorces in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers two paths for uncontested divorce:

✔ Mutual Consent Divorce (§3301(c))

• Both spouses agree to divorce

• Both sign consent affidavits after a 90-day waiting period

• Fastest uncontested option

• Most Philadelphia couples choose this

✔ Irretrievable Breakdown Divorce with Separation (§3301(d))

• Requires 1 year of separation (living apart)

• Only one spouse needs to file

• No consent required from the other spouse

If your spouse does not cooperate, this path still allows a no-lawyer divorce.

How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Philadelphia: Step-by-Step

Below is the exact process used in Philadelphia County for completing an uncontested divorce without an attorney.

1. Confirm You Meet Pennsylvania’s Divorce Requirements

Residency Requirement

At least one spouse must have lived in Pennsylvania for six months or more.

Grounds for Divorce

Pennsylvania is effectively a no-fault state for uncontested cases. You only need:

• Mutual consent, or

• One-year separation

2. Prepare the Required Pennsylvania Divorce Forms

Forms vary by case type, but typically include:

• Notice to Defend and Claim Rights

• Complaint in Divorce

• Acceptance of Service or Affidavit of Service

• Affidavit of Consent (both spouses for §3301(c))

• Waiver of Notice

• Marital Settlement Agreement

• Proposed Divorce Decree

• Certificates of Compliance

• Praecipe to Transmit the Record

Philadelphia County has local forms and cover sheets that must be used.

Divorce.com™ automatically selects and prepares the correct Philadelphia forms for you.

3. File Your Packet With the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas

Divorces in Philadelphia are filed with the:

Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas – Family Division

You can file:

• In person (1501 Arch Street)

• Electronically via the state’s e-filing system

Philadelphia Divorce Filing Fees (2025):

• Initial Complaint: ~$333

• Additional motions or custody filings increase costs if needed

Fee waivers are available for those who qualify.

4. Serve Your Spouse (Unless They Accept Service)

You must legally notify your spouse unless they voluntarily sign an Acceptance of Service.

Service can be completed by:

• Sheriff or professional process server

• Certified mail (sometimes allowed)

• Acceptance of Service form (most efficient for uncontested cases)

An Affidavit of Service must be filed to prove proper service.

5. Complete the Mandatory 90-Day Waiting Period

For mutual-consent divorces (§3301(c)):

• You must wait 90 days from the date your spouse was served

• After 90 days, both spouses sign Affidavits of Consent

This is one of the fastest divorce paths in Pennsylvania.

6. Finalize Your Settlement Agreement

Before submitting your final paperwork, you must have a complete written agreement covering:

• Property division

• Vehicles and personal property

• Retirement accounts

• Debts

• Alimony

• Custody and child support

If you don’t have children or complex assets, agreements are typically straightforward.

7. Submit Final Documents and Request Your Divorce Decree

To finish the divorce, you’ll file:

• Affidavits of Consent (if applicable)

• Marital Settlement Agreement

• Proposed Final Decree

• Praecipe to Transmit

• Certificates of Service

• Local cover sheets

The judge will review your documents and issue your Final Divorce Decree.

How Long Does a DIY Divorce Take in Philadelphia?

Typical timelines:

• Mutual consent divorce: 3–4 months

• Irretrievable breakdown (1-year separation): 4–12 months

• Contested divorce: 12–24+ months

Uncontested divorces in Philadelphia are among the fastest in the state.

How Much Does It Cost to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Philadelphia?

DIY Divorce Costs

• Filing fee: ~$333

• Service: $40–$125

Online Divorce Services

• $499–$999, depending on support level

• Avoids attorney fees and reduces paperwork errors

Attorney-Led Divorce Costs

Philadelphia divorce attorneys typically charge:

• $300–$400+ per hour

• Uncontested cases: $4,000–$8,000+

• Contested cases: $10,000–$25,000+

DIY or online services are far more affordable for cooperative couples.

Benefits of Divorcing Without a Lawyer in Philadelphia

✔ Save thousands in attorney fees

✔ Faster than litigation

✔ Good for cooperative couples

✔ Forms are standardized and structured

✔ Online tools simplify the process

Common DIY Divorce Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing cover sheets required by Philadelphia courts

• Incorrect Affidavits of Consent

• Incomplete service of process

• Errors in the Marital Settlement Agreement

• Filing final paperwork before the 90-day waiting period

• Not including child support guidelines worksheets

Divorce.com™ helps prevent these issues through guided form preparation.

Get Help Completing Your Philadelphia Divorce Without a Lawyer

Divorce.com™ helps Philadelphia residents complete uncontested divorces quickly, accurately, and affordably.

Why Philadelphia couples choose Divorce.com™:

• 100% compliant PA + Philadelphia County forms

• Easy guided questionnaire

• Optional attorney review

• Step-by-step instructions

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Start your divorce today and avoid unnecessary legal fees and delays.