How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Pittsburgh, PA (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)

Divorcing without a lawyer in Pittsburgh is absolutely possible — and for many Allegheny County couples, it’s the most affordable and efficient way to end a marriage. Pennsylvania allows individuals to represent themselves (“pro se”) in divorce cases, and the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas provides a defined process for completing an uncontested divorce without hiring an attorney.

This guide walks you through the step-by-step process, required forms, timelines, filing fees, and when legal help may still be necessary.

Can You Really Divorce Without a Lawyer in Pittsburgh, PA?

Yes. Many Pittsburgh residents complete their divorce without ever hiring a lawyer — especially when the case is uncontested.

A DIY divorce is a good fit if:

• You and your spouse agree on all major issues

• You want to avoid attorney fees that often exceed $10,000–$20,000+

• You’re comfortable filling out court-approved forms

• Your finances are simple

• Custody arrangements are low-conflict

You can always consult a lawyer if complications arise, but most straightforward divorces in Allegheny County are entirely manageable without one.

Two Ways to Complete a No-Lawyer Divorce in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers two forms of uncontested divorce:

1. Mutual Consent Divorce – 3301(c)(1) (Fastest Option)

This option is for couples who agree the marriage is irretrievably broken and want to move forward cooperatively.

Requirements:

• Mandatory 90-day waiting period after service

• Both spouses must sign Affidavits of Consent

• Both must sign a complete Property Settlement Agreement

This is the fastest DIY route in Pittsburgh.

2. One-Year Separation Divorce – 3301(d)

Used when:

• One spouse won’t sign consent forms

• But separation has lasted at least one full year

You can still complete this without a lawyer, but the timeline is longer.

Pennsylvania Requirements for Filing in Pittsburgh

1. Residency

You or your spouse must have lived in Pennsylvania for at least 6 months before filing.

2. Grounds for Divorce

Most DIY cases use no-fault grounds:

• Irretrievable breakdown (with consent), or

• One year of separation

How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Pittsburgh — Step by Step

1. Prepare and Sign a Marital Settlement Agreement

Before filing, you must agree on:

• Property division

• Debt allocation

• Child custody and parenting time

• Child support (must follow PA guidelines)

• Spousal support or alimony

• Insurance and future obligations

Allegheny County judges will not finalize your divorce without a clear, complete agreement.

Divorce.com makes this step simple and guided.

2. Complete Required Allegheny County Divorce Forms

Forms vary depending on your divorce type, but may include:

• Complaint in Divorce

• Notice to Defend and Claim Rights

• Acceptance/Proof of Service

• Affidavit of Consent (c)(1) OR Affidavit of Separation (d)

• Verification forms

• Vital Records Form

• Parenting Plan (if children)

• Praecipe to Transmit Record

• Proposed Final Decree of Divorce

Allegheny County Notes

You may also need:

• Local cover sheets

• Certified mail tracking

• Additional affidavits depending on case type

Divorce.com prepares all required PA + county-specific forms.

3. File Your Forms With the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas

Family Division – Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas
440 Ross Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Filing Fee

• Approximately $180–$200, depending on service and add-ons

Fees vary if:

• You add custody, support, or protection actions

• Service requires sheriff delivery

Fee waivers are available based on financial need.

4. Serve Your Spouse Properly

Service methods include:

• Personal service

• Sheriff service

• Certified mail with restricted delivery

• Acceptance of Service (signed and notarized)

Mutual-consent divorces typically use Acceptance of Service to keep costs low.

5. Complete the Waiting Period and Required Affidavits

For 3301(c)(1) Mutual Consent

• Wait 90 days after service

• Both spouses sign:

  • Affidavit of Consent

  • Waiver of Notice (optional)

For 3301(d) Separation Divorce

• Wait until you’ve been separated one full year

• Filing spouse signs Affidavit of Separation

• The other spouse may respond or ignore (still moves forward)

6. File Your Final Divorce Packet

When all documents are ready, you will file:

• Praecipe to Transmit Record

• Final Decree of Divorce

• Settlement Agreement

• All signed affidavits

The judge reviews your case and signs the decree if all paperwork is correct.

Most Pittsburgh uncontested cases do not require a hearing.

How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Pittsburgh?

Mutual Consent — Fastest:

• 90–120 days

One-Year Separation:

• 12–14 months

Delays occur when service is incomplete or paperwork contains errors.

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

Typical costs include:

• $180–$200 filing fee

• $0–$70 service of process

• $0 if preparing forms yourself

• $499–$1999 using Divorce.com to prepare all forms + settlement agreement

Hiring a Pittsburgh divorce attorney typically costs $10,000–$25,000+.

DIY divorce is far more affordable for uncontested cases.

When You Should Still Consider a Lawyer

Legal support may be needed if:

• There is domestic violence

• A spouse hides assets or income

• You own a business or significant investments

• High-conflict custody issues exist

• One spouse refuses to cooperate

For simple, uncontested cases, most Pittsburgh residents finalize their divorce without legal representation.

Why Pittsburgh Couples Choose Divorce.com

Divorce.com helps Pennsylvania families:

• Prepare all state + county-required forms

• Build a complete marital settlement agreement

• Avoid mistakes that delay the divorce

• Understand service, waiting periods, and affidavit rules

• Access optional legal help if needed

It’s the fastest, easiest, and most affordable way to complete a no-lawyer divorce in Pittsburgh.

Final Thoughts

Divorcing without a lawyer in Pittsburgh, PA is entirely achievable — especially when the case is uncontested and well-organized. With the right forms, a clear settlement agreement, and proper service, you can finalize your divorce smoothly and affordably through the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.

Divorce.com provides everything you need to file and complete your Pittsburgh divorce from start to finish.