SIMPLIFYING YOUR DIVORCE
Pennsylvania Divorce Papers
If you're starting to look into divorce in Pennsylvania, the paperwork can feel like the most overwhelming part. The good news: once you understand which forms do what, the process becomes a series of clear, manageable steps. This guide walks through the divorce papers used in Pennsylvania, where to find them, and how the state's process generally works.
Pennsylvania publishes statewide standardized forms for the core divorce process through the Unified Judicial System, so most people start from the same set of documents no matter which county they're in. That said, some financial disclosure forms are defined by court rule rather than as a single statewide PDF, and individual counties may add their own cover sheets or local requirements.
Think of this page as a plain-language map, not legal advice. Every situation is different, and the forms you ultimately use depend on your circumstances, your county, and whether your divorce is uncontested or contested. For advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
Below, you'll find the main Pennsylvania divorce forms grouped by what they accomplish, where to get them, the typical process from start to decree, and the state-specific rules worth knowing before you begin.
Which Pennsylvania Divorce Forms Will You Need?
Pennsylvania uses statewide standardized forms for most of the divorce process, with a separate set of forms for custody matters. The exact documents you'll use depend on your grounds for divorce, whether both spouses agree, and whether children or significant property are involved. Here's what the main forms do, grouped by the role they play in a case.
Starting the Case
Notice to Defend and Divorce Complaint (Form 1)
This form initiates the divorce action and is used for both mutual-consent (Section 3301(c)) and separation-based (Section 3301(d)) divorces.
Self-Represented Party Entry of Appearance
This form notifies the court that a party is representing themselves; it is filed by the plaintiff at the outset and by the defendant when responding.
Praecipe to Reinstate the Complaint
This form is used to reinstate the divorce complaint if it has lapsed without being served.
Responding and Proof of Service
Certificate of Service / Affidavit of Service
This document provides proof that the complaint and other papers were properly served on the opposing party. It comes in several variants depending on the method used, including certified mail, commercial carrier, and personal service, with Form 3a used for acceptance of service.
Affidavit of Non-Military Service
This form certifies that the defendant is not on active military duty; it is required before default proceedings can move forward.
Counter-Affidavit of Consent — 3301(c)(1)
This form is filed by the defendant to also consent to a mutual-consent divorce, which allows the court to move toward entering the decree.
Forms for a Mutual-Consent Divorce
Affidavit of Consent (3301(c)(1))
This form is filed by the plaintiff at least 90 days after the commencement of the action, consenting to the no-fault mutual-consent divorce.
Waiver of Notice
This form allows a party to waive the required notice before the praecipe to transmit the record is filed.
Financial and Disclosure Forms
A quick note: in Pennsylvania, some financial disclosure forms are defined by court rule rather than published as a single downloadable statewide PDF, so many counties distribute their own versions. Child support, similarly, is calculated using the Pennsylvania Child Support Guidelines (an income-shares model under the Pa.R.C.P. 1910.16 series) and a guideline worksheet rather than a single numbered form.
Inventory and Appraisement (Pa.R.C.P. No. 1920.75)
This is a comprehensive sworn financial disclosure listing all marital and non-marital property, assets, and liabilities; it is required when equitable distribution is claimed.
Income and Expense Statement (Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.27(c)(1))
This form discloses each party's income, expenses, and financial obligations; it is used in support and alimony proceedings.
Forms for Divorces With Children
Custody forms in Pennsylvania are statewide, though counties may require additional local cover sheets or procedures. A custody matter may be filed separately or joined with the divorce action.
Complaint for Custody
This form initiates a custody proceeding and may be filed separately or joined with the divorce action.
Criminal Record/Abuse History Verification (Custody Form 3)
This form is a mandatory disclosure of any criminal record or abuse history by each party in a custody matter (updated July 1, 2025).
Petition for Modification of a Custody Order (Custody Form 4)
This form is used to seek modification of an existing custody order when circumstances have changed.
Settlement or Separation Agreement
Separation / Marital Settlement Agreement
This is a written agreement between spouses resolving property division, support, and (if applicable) custody. Pennsylvania has no single statewide form for it; it is privately drafted by the parties or their attorneys and filed with the court.
Finalizing Your Case
Notice of Intention to File Praecipe to Transmit Record
This is the required notice to the other party before the record is transmitted to the court for entry of the divorce decree.
Final Praecipe to Transmit Record
This form requests the court to accept the record and enter the divorce decree; it is the final procedural step before the decree.
Divorce Decree
This is the court's final order dissolving the marriage.
Notice of Intention to Resume Prior Surname
This form is filed by a party who wishes to legally resume a former surname as part of the divorce.
Where to Get Pennsylvania Divorce Forms
There are several places to find Pennsylvania divorce papers, depending on how much support you want along the way.
Official Pennsylvania Courts Site
The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System publishes the statewide divorce and custody forms, along with self-represented party resources, at its official site: pacourts.us. This is the authoritative source for the core standardized forms.
County Court / Prothonotary's Office
Divorce papers are filed with the county where the case is brought, and the local court office (the prothonotary) can point you to any county-specific cover sheets or local procedures. This is also where filing fees, which vary by county (roughly $135 to $388), are paid.
Legal Aid and Self-Help Resources
Local legal aid organizations and court self-help centers can provide guidance for people representing themselves, and may have plain-language instructions for completing the statewide forms.
Online Divorce Services
Services like Divorce.com help you prepare the right Pennsylvania forms for your situation by walking you through guided questions, so you don't have to figure out which documents apply on your own. This can be a helpful middle path between doing everything yourself and hiring a full-service attorney.
Hire an Attorney
For contested cases, complex assets, or situations involving custody disputes, working with a Pennsylvania family law attorney can help ensure the paperwork and strategy fit your circumstances.
The Pennsylvania Divorce Process
While every case is different, most Pennsylvania divorces follow a general sequence.
1. Confirm Residency
At least one spouse must have been a bona fide resident of Pennsylvania for at least six months immediately before the divorce complaint is filed (23 Pa.C.S. § 3104(b)). Venue is generally the county where the defendant resides; if the defendant lives out of state, the plaintiff may file in their own county.
2. File the Complaint
The case begins when the Notice to Defend and Divorce Complaint (Form 1) is filed with the county court, along with the Self-Represented Party Entry of Appearance if a party is representing themselves.
3. Serve the Other Spouse
The complaint must be properly served on the other spouse, and a Certificate of Service or Affidavit of Service documents how and when that happened.
4. Complete Financial Disclosures
When equitable distribution is claimed, the Inventory and Appraisement is used to disclose marital and non-marital property, and the Income and Expense Statement is used in support and alimony matters. Counties may use their own versions of these rule-based forms.
5. Observe the Waiting or Separation Period
The path here depends on the grounds. In a mutual-consent divorce under Section 3301(c)(1), there is a 90-day waiting period from the commencement of the action before either party may file the Affidavit of Consent. In a separation-based divorce under Section 3301(d), the spouses must have lived separate and apart for at least one year (for separations beginning on or after December 5, 2016).
6. Transmit the Record and Enter the Decree
Before the record goes to the court, the Notice of Intention to File Praecipe to Transmit Record is provided to the other party. The Final Praecipe to Transmit Record then asks the court to enter the Divorce Decree, the order that dissolves the marriage. A Report of Divorce is filed with the county court at finalization for vital statistics reporting, and certified copies of the decree can typically be requested from the court afterward.
Pennsylvania-Specific Requirements You Should Know
Residency. At least one spouse must have lived in Pennsylvania for at least six months before filing (23 Pa.C.S. § 3104(b)).
Property division. Pennsylvania is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided in a way the court considers fair, which is not necessarily an equal 50/50 split. Fault may be considered as one factor but does not bar equitable distribution, and alimony is discretionary.
Grounds for divorce. Pennsylvania offers two no-fault paths and several fault grounds. The no-fault options are: mutual consent, where both parties affirm the marriage is irretrievably broken and file affidavits of consent after a 90-day waiting period from the commencement of the action (§ 3301(c)(1)); separation, where the parties have lived apart for at least one year, or two years for separations before December 5, 2016 (§ 3301(d)); and institutionalization involving an 18-month-plus confinement for a mental disorder (§ 3301(b)). Fault grounds under § 3301(a) include willful and malicious desertion for one or more years, adultery, cruel and barbarous treatment endangering life or health, bigamy, imprisonment for two or more years upon conviction, and indignities. Fault grounds are rarely litigated because the no-fault paths are available.
Two no-fault procedural paths. The mutual-consent route (3301(c)(1)) tends to be faster when the divorce is uncontested, with both spouses agreeing after the 90-day wait from the date the action was commenced. The separation route (3301(d)) allows one spouse to proceed even if the other objects, once the one-year separation requirement is met. The December 5, 2016 amendment reduced that separation period from two years to one, but cases with a pre-2016 separation date still require two years.
Other notes. Pennsylvania has no covenant marriage and no statewide mandatory parenting class, though some counties require one locally. In contested economic cases, the court may appoint a divorce master (a hearing officer) to help resolve the financial claims.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming one set of forms fits every county
The core forms are statewide, but counties may add local cover sheets, use their own versions of the rule-based financial forms, or follow specific local procedures.
Misjudging the separation date
For separation-based divorces, the date the parties began living separate and apart matters. Separations beginning before December 5, 2016 require a two-year period rather than one year.
Overlooking the financial disclosures
The Inventory and Appraisement and Income and Expense Statement are tied to equitable distribution, support, and alimony claims, and incomplete disclosure can stall a case.
Skipping proof of service
Without a properly completed Certificate or Affidavit of Service, the court generally cannot move the case forward.
Forgetting the final procedural steps
A divorce is not final until the record is transmitted and the Divorce Decree is entered. The notice and praecipe steps are easy to miss but necessary to reach the decree.
How Divorce.com Can Help
Sorting out which Pennsylvania forms apply, in what order, and for which path can be the hardest part of an otherwise straightforward divorce. Divorce.com is built to take that guesswork off your plate by guiding you through your situation step by step and helping you prepare the right documents.
Guided questions that help identify the forms relevant to your situation
Plain-language explanations so you understand what each document does
Completed paperwork prepared and ready for filing with your county court
A clear, step-by-step path from start to decree
An affordable middle ground between full DIY and hiring an attorney
Which Pennsylvania Divorce Forms Will You Need?
Pennsylvania uses statewide standardized forms for most of the divorce process, with a separate set of forms for custody matters. The exact documents you'll use depend on your grounds for divorce, whether both spouses agree, and whether children or significant property are involved. Here's what the main forms do, grouped by the role they play in a case.
Starting the Case
Notice to Defend and Divorce Complaint (Form 1)
This form initiates the divorce action and is used for both mutual-consent (Section 3301(c)) and separation-based (Section 3301(d)) divorces.
Self-Represented Party Entry of Appearance
This form notifies the court that a party is representing themselves; it is filed by the plaintiff at the outset and by the defendant when responding.
Praecipe to Reinstate the Complaint
This form is used to reinstate the divorce complaint if it has lapsed without being served.
Responding and Proof of Service
Certificate of Service / Affidavit of Service
This document provides proof that the complaint and other papers were properly served on the opposing party. It comes in several variants depending on the method used, including certified mail, commercial carrier, and personal service, with Form 3a used for acceptance of service.
Affidavit of Non-Military Service
This form certifies that the defendant is not on active military duty; it is required before default proceedings can move forward.
Counter-Affidavit of Consent — 3301(c)(1)
This form is filed by the defendant to also consent to a mutual-consent divorce, which allows the court to move toward entering the decree.
Forms for a Mutual-Consent Divorce
Affidavit of Consent (3301(c)(1))
This form is filed by the plaintiff at least 90 days after the commencement of the action, consenting to the no-fault mutual-consent divorce.
Waiver of Notice
This form allows a party to waive the required notice before the praecipe to transmit the record is filed.
Financial and Disclosure Forms
A quick note: in Pennsylvania, some financial disclosure forms are defined by court rule rather than published as a single downloadable statewide PDF, so many counties distribute their own versions. Child support, similarly, is calculated using the Pennsylvania Child Support Guidelines (an income-shares model under the Pa.R.C.P. 1910.16 series) and a guideline worksheet rather than a single numbered form.
Inventory and Appraisement (Pa.R.C.P. No. 1920.75)
This is a comprehensive sworn financial disclosure listing all marital and non-marital property, assets, and liabilities; it is required when equitable distribution is claimed.
Income and Expense Statement (Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.27(c)(1))
This form discloses each party's income, expenses, and financial obligations; it is used in support and alimony proceedings.
Forms for Divorces With Children
Custody forms in Pennsylvania are statewide, though counties may require additional local cover sheets or procedures. A custody matter may be filed separately or joined with the divorce action.
Complaint for Custody
This form initiates a custody proceeding and may be filed separately or joined with the divorce action.
Criminal Record/Abuse History Verification (Custody Form 3)
This form is a mandatory disclosure of any criminal record or abuse history by each party in a custody matter (updated July 1, 2025).
Petition for Modification of a Custody Order (Custody Form 4)
This form is used to seek modification of an existing custody order when circumstances have changed.
Settlement or Separation Agreement
Separation / Marital Settlement Agreement
This is a written agreement between spouses resolving property division, support, and (if applicable) custody. Pennsylvania has no single statewide form for it; it is privately drafted by the parties or their attorneys and filed with the court.
Finalizing Your Case
Notice of Intention to File Praecipe to Transmit Record
This is the required notice to the other party before the record is transmitted to the court for entry of the divorce decree.
Final Praecipe to Transmit Record
This form requests the court to accept the record and enter the divorce decree; it is the final procedural step before the decree.
Divorce Decree
This is the court's final order dissolving the marriage.
Notice of Intention to Resume Prior Surname
This form is filed by a party who wishes to legally resume a former surname as part of the divorce.
Where to Get Pennsylvania Divorce Forms
There are several places to find Pennsylvania divorce papers, depending on how much support you want along the way.
Official Pennsylvania Courts Site
The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System publishes the statewide divorce and custody forms, along with self-represented party resources, at its official site: pacourts.us. This is the authoritative source for the core standardized forms.
County Court / Prothonotary's Office
Divorce papers are filed with the county where the case is brought, and the local court office (the prothonotary) can point you to any county-specific cover sheets or local procedures. This is also where filing fees, which vary by county (roughly $135 to $388), are paid.
Legal Aid and Self-Help Resources
Local legal aid organizations and court self-help centers can provide guidance for people representing themselves, and may have plain-language instructions for completing the statewide forms.
Online Divorce Services
Services like Divorce.com help you prepare the right Pennsylvania forms for your situation by walking you through guided questions, so you don't have to figure out which documents apply on your own. This can be a helpful middle path between doing everything yourself and hiring a full-service attorney.
Hire an Attorney
For contested cases, complex assets, or situations involving custody disputes, working with a Pennsylvania family law attorney can help ensure the paperwork and strategy fit your circumstances.
The Pennsylvania Divorce Process
While every case is different, most Pennsylvania divorces follow a general sequence.
1. Confirm Residency
At least one spouse must have been a bona fide resident of Pennsylvania for at least six months immediately before the divorce complaint is filed (23 Pa.C.S. § 3104(b)). Venue is generally the county where the defendant resides; if the defendant lives out of state, the plaintiff may file in their own county.
2. File the Complaint
The case begins when the Notice to Defend and Divorce Complaint (Form 1) is filed with the county court, along with the Self-Represented Party Entry of Appearance if a party is representing themselves.
3. Serve the Other Spouse
The complaint must be properly served on the other spouse, and a Certificate of Service or Affidavit of Service documents how and when that happened.
4. Complete Financial Disclosures
When equitable distribution is claimed, the Inventory and Appraisement is used to disclose marital and non-marital property, and the Income and Expense Statement is used in support and alimony matters. Counties may use their own versions of these rule-based forms.
5. Observe the Waiting or Separation Period
The path here depends on the grounds. In a mutual-consent divorce under Section 3301(c)(1), there is a 90-day waiting period from the commencement of the action before either party may file the Affidavit of Consent. In a separation-based divorce under Section 3301(d), the spouses must have lived separate and apart for at least one year (for separations beginning on or after December 5, 2016).
6. Transmit the Record and Enter the Decree
Before the record goes to the court, the Notice of Intention to File Praecipe to Transmit Record is provided to the other party. The Final Praecipe to Transmit Record then asks the court to enter the Divorce Decree, the order that dissolves the marriage. A Report of Divorce is filed with the county court at finalization for vital statistics reporting, and certified copies of the decree can typically be requested from the court afterward.
Pennsylvania-Specific Requirements You Should Know
Residency. At least one spouse must have lived in Pennsylvania for at least six months before filing (23 Pa.C.S. § 3104(b)).
Property division. Pennsylvania is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided in a way the court considers fair, which is not necessarily an equal 50/50 split. Fault may be considered as one factor but does not bar equitable distribution, and alimony is discretionary.
Grounds for divorce. Pennsylvania offers two no-fault paths and several fault grounds. The no-fault options are: mutual consent, where both parties affirm the marriage is irretrievably broken and file affidavits of consent after a 90-day waiting period from the commencement of the action (§ 3301(c)(1)); separation, where the parties have lived apart for at least one year, or two years for separations before December 5, 2016 (§ 3301(d)); and institutionalization involving an 18-month-plus confinement for a mental disorder (§ 3301(b)). Fault grounds under § 3301(a) include willful and malicious desertion for one or more years, adultery, cruel and barbarous treatment endangering life or health, bigamy, imprisonment for two or more years upon conviction, and indignities. Fault grounds are rarely litigated because the no-fault paths are available.
Two no-fault procedural paths. The mutual-consent route (3301(c)(1)) tends to be faster when the divorce is uncontested, with both spouses agreeing after the 90-day wait from the date the action was commenced. The separation route (3301(d)) allows one spouse to proceed even if the other objects, once the one-year separation requirement is met. The December 5, 2016 amendment reduced that separation period from two years to one, but cases with a pre-2016 separation date still require two years.
Other notes. Pennsylvania has no covenant marriage and no statewide mandatory parenting class, though some counties require one locally. In contested economic cases, the court may appoint a divorce master (a hearing officer) to help resolve the financial claims.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming one set of forms fits every county
The core forms are statewide, but counties may add local cover sheets, use their own versions of the rule-based financial forms, or follow specific local procedures.
Misjudging the separation date
For separation-based divorces, the date the parties began living separate and apart matters. Separations beginning before December 5, 2016 require a two-year period rather than one year.
Overlooking the financial disclosures
The Inventory and Appraisement and Income and Expense Statement are tied to equitable distribution, support, and alimony claims, and incomplete disclosure can stall a case.
Skipping proof of service
Without a properly completed Certificate or Affidavit of Service, the court generally cannot move the case forward.
Forgetting the final procedural steps
A divorce is not final until the record is transmitted and the Divorce Decree is entered. The notice and praecipe steps are easy to miss but necessary to reach the decree.
How Divorce.com Can Help
Sorting out which Pennsylvania forms apply, in what order, and for which path can be the hardest part of an otherwise straightforward divorce. Divorce.com is built to take that guesswork off your plate by guiding you through your situation step by step and helping you prepare the right documents.
Guided questions that help identify the forms relevant to your situation
Plain-language explanations so you understand what each document does
Completed paperwork prepared and ready for filing with your county court
A clear, step-by-step path from start to decree
An affordable middle ground between full DIY and hiring an attorney
Which Pennsylvania Divorce Forms Will You Need?
Pennsylvania uses statewide standardized forms for most of the divorce process, with a separate set of forms for custody matters. The exact documents you'll use depend on your grounds for divorce, whether both spouses agree, and whether children or significant property are involved. Here's what the main forms do, grouped by the role they play in a case.
Starting the Case
Notice to Defend and Divorce Complaint (Form 1)
This form initiates the divorce action and is used for both mutual-consent (Section 3301(c)) and separation-based (Section 3301(d)) divorces.
Self-Represented Party Entry of Appearance
This form notifies the court that a party is representing themselves; it is filed by the plaintiff at the outset and by the defendant when responding.
Praecipe to Reinstate the Complaint
This form is used to reinstate the divorce complaint if it has lapsed without being served.
Responding and Proof of Service
Certificate of Service / Affidavit of Service
This document provides proof that the complaint and other papers were properly served on the opposing party. It comes in several variants depending on the method used, including certified mail, commercial carrier, and personal service, with Form 3a used for acceptance of service.
Affidavit of Non-Military Service
This form certifies that the defendant is not on active military duty; it is required before default proceedings can move forward.
Counter-Affidavit of Consent — 3301(c)(1)
This form is filed by the defendant to also consent to a mutual-consent divorce, which allows the court to move toward entering the decree.
Forms for a Mutual-Consent Divorce
Affidavit of Consent (3301(c)(1))
This form is filed by the plaintiff at least 90 days after the commencement of the action, consenting to the no-fault mutual-consent divorce.
Waiver of Notice
This form allows a party to waive the required notice before the praecipe to transmit the record is filed.
Financial and Disclosure Forms
A quick note: in Pennsylvania, some financial disclosure forms are defined by court rule rather than published as a single downloadable statewide PDF, so many counties distribute their own versions. Child support, similarly, is calculated using the Pennsylvania Child Support Guidelines (an income-shares model under the Pa.R.C.P. 1910.16 series) and a guideline worksheet rather than a single numbered form.
Inventory and Appraisement (Pa.R.C.P. No. 1920.75)
This is a comprehensive sworn financial disclosure listing all marital and non-marital property, assets, and liabilities; it is required when equitable distribution is claimed.
Income and Expense Statement (Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.27(c)(1))
This form discloses each party's income, expenses, and financial obligations; it is used in support and alimony proceedings.
Forms for Divorces With Children
Custody forms in Pennsylvania are statewide, though counties may require additional local cover sheets or procedures. A custody matter may be filed separately or joined with the divorce action.
Complaint for Custody
This form initiates a custody proceeding and may be filed separately or joined with the divorce action.
Criminal Record/Abuse History Verification (Custody Form 3)
This form is a mandatory disclosure of any criminal record or abuse history by each party in a custody matter (updated July 1, 2025).
Petition for Modification of a Custody Order (Custody Form 4)
This form is used to seek modification of an existing custody order when circumstances have changed.
Settlement or Separation Agreement
Separation / Marital Settlement Agreement
This is a written agreement between spouses resolving property division, support, and (if applicable) custody. Pennsylvania has no single statewide form for it; it is privately drafted by the parties or their attorneys and filed with the court.
Finalizing Your Case
Notice of Intention to File Praecipe to Transmit Record
This is the required notice to the other party before the record is transmitted to the court for entry of the divorce decree.
Final Praecipe to Transmit Record
This form requests the court to accept the record and enter the divorce decree; it is the final procedural step before the decree.
Divorce Decree
This is the court's final order dissolving the marriage.
Notice of Intention to Resume Prior Surname
This form is filed by a party who wishes to legally resume a former surname as part of the divorce.
Where to Get Pennsylvania Divorce Forms
There are several places to find Pennsylvania divorce papers, depending on how much support you want along the way.
Official Pennsylvania Courts Site
The Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System publishes the statewide divorce and custody forms, along with self-represented party resources, at its official site: pacourts.us. This is the authoritative source for the core standardized forms.
County Court / Prothonotary's Office
Divorce papers are filed with the county where the case is brought, and the local court office (the prothonotary) can point you to any county-specific cover sheets or local procedures. This is also where filing fees, which vary by county (roughly $135 to $388), are paid.
Legal Aid and Self-Help Resources
Local legal aid organizations and court self-help centers can provide guidance for people representing themselves, and may have plain-language instructions for completing the statewide forms.
Online Divorce Services
Services like Divorce.com help you prepare the right Pennsylvania forms for your situation by walking you through guided questions, so you don't have to figure out which documents apply on your own. This can be a helpful middle path between doing everything yourself and hiring a full-service attorney.
Hire an Attorney
For contested cases, complex assets, or situations involving custody disputes, working with a Pennsylvania family law attorney can help ensure the paperwork and strategy fit your circumstances.
The Pennsylvania Divorce Process
While every case is different, most Pennsylvania divorces follow a general sequence.
1. Confirm Residency
At least one spouse must have been a bona fide resident of Pennsylvania for at least six months immediately before the divorce complaint is filed (23 Pa.C.S. § 3104(b)). Venue is generally the county where the defendant resides; if the defendant lives out of state, the plaintiff may file in their own county.
2. File the Complaint
The case begins when the Notice to Defend and Divorce Complaint (Form 1) is filed with the county court, along with the Self-Represented Party Entry of Appearance if a party is representing themselves.
3. Serve the Other Spouse
The complaint must be properly served on the other spouse, and a Certificate of Service or Affidavit of Service documents how and when that happened.
4. Complete Financial Disclosures
When equitable distribution is claimed, the Inventory and Appraisement is used to disclose marital and non-marital property, and the Income and Expense Statement is used in support and alimony matters. Counties may use their own versions of these rule-based forms.
5. Observe the Waiting or Separation Period
The path here depends on the grounds. In a mutual-consent divorce under Section 3301(c)(1), there is a 90-day waiting period from the commencement of the action before either party may file the Affidavit of Consent. In a separation-based divorce under Section 3301(d), the spouses must have lived separate and apart for at least one year (for separations beginning on or after December 5, 2016).
6. Transmit the Record and Enter the Decree
Before the record goes to the court, the Notice of Intention to File Praecipe to Transmit Record is provided to the other party. The Final Praecipe to Transmit Record then asks the court to enter the Divorce Decree, the order that dissolves the marriage. A Report of Divorce is filed with the county court at finalization for vital statistics reporting, and certified copies of the decree can typically be requested from the court afterward.
Pennsylvania-Specific Requirements You Should Know
Residency. At least one spouse must have lived in Pennsylvania for at least six months before filing (23 Pa.C.S. § 3104(b)).
Property division. Pennsylvania is an equitable distribution state. Marital property is divided in a way the court considers fair, which is not necessarily an equal 50/50 split. Fault may be considered as one factor but does not bar equitable distribution, and alimony is discretionary.
Grounds for divorce. Pennsylvania offers two no-fault paths and several fault grounds. The no-fault options are: mutual consent, where both parties affirm the marriage is irretrievably broken and file affidavits of consent after a 90-day waiting period from the commencement of the action (§ 3301(c)(1)); separation, where the parties have lived apart for at least one year, or two years for separations before December 5, 2016 (§ 3301(d)); and institutionalization involving an 18-month-plus confinement for a mental disorder (§ 3301(b)). Fault grounds under § 3301(a) include willful and malicious desertion for one or more years, adultery, cruel and barbarous treatment endangering life or health, bigamy, imprisonment for two or more years upon conviction, and indignities. Fault grounds are rarely litigated because the no-fault paths are available.
Two no-fault procedural paths. The mutual-consent route (3301(c)(1)) tends to be faster when the divorce is uncontested, with both spouses agreeing after the 90-day wait from the date the action was commenced. The separation route (3301(d)) allows one spouse to proceed even if the other objects, once the one-year separation requirement is met. The December 5, 2016 amendment reduced that separation period from two years to one, but cases with a pre-2016 separation date still require two years.
Other notes. Pennsylvania has no covenant marriage and no statewide mandatory parenting class, though some counties require one locally. In contested economic cases, the court may appoint a divorce master (a hearing officer) to help resolve the financial claims.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming one set of forms fits every county
The core forms are statewide, but counties may add local cover sheets, use their own versions of the rule-based financial forms, or follow specific local procedures.
Misjudging the separation date
For separation-based divorces, the date the parties began living separate and apart matters. Separations beginning before December 5, 2016 require a two-year period rather than one year.
Overlooking the financial disclosures
The Inventory and Appraisement and Income and Expense Statement are tied to equitable distribution, support, and alimony claims, and incomplete disclosure can stall a case.
Skipping proof of service
Without a properly completed Certificate or Affidavit of Service, the court generally cannot move the case forward.
Forgetting the final procedural steps
A divorce is not final until the record is transmitted and the Divorce Decree is entered. The notice and praecipe steps are easy to miss but necessary to reach the decree.
How Divorce.com Can Help
Sorting out which Pennsylvania forms apply, in what order, and for which path can be the hardest part of an otherwise straightforward divorce. Divorce.com is built to take that guesswork off your plate by guiding you through your situation step by step and helping you prepare the right documents.
Guided questions that help identify the forms relevant to your situation
Plain-language explanations so you understand what each document does
Completed paperwork prepared and ready for filing with your county court
A clear, step-by-step path from start to decree
An affordable middle ground between full DIY and hiring an attorney
If you're starting to look into divorce in Pennsylvania, the paperwork can feel like the most overwhelming part. The good news: once you understand which forms do what, the process becomes a series of clear, manageable steps. This guide walks through the divorce papers used in Pennsylvania, where to find them, and how the state's process generally works.
Pennsylvania publishes statewide standardized forms for the core divorce process through the Unified Judicial System, so most people start from the same set of documents no matter which county they're in. That said, some financial disclosure forms are defined by court rule rather than as a single statewide PDF, and individual counties may add their own cover sheets or local requirements.
Think of this page as a plain-language map, not legal advice. Every situation is different, and the forms you ultimately use depend on your circumstances, your county, and whether your divorce is uncontested or contested. For advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
Below, you'll find the main Pennsylvania divorce forms grouped by what they accomplish, where to get them, the typical process from start to decree, and the state-specific rules worth knowing before you begin.
The Bottom Line
Pennsylvania makes a standardized set of divorce forms available statewide, with two distinct no-fault paths: mutual consent with a 90-day waiting period from commencement of the action, and separation-based divorce after a one-year separation. The exact forms you'll use depend on your grounds, your county, and whether children or significant property are involved, so it's worth understanding what each document does before you begin. Filing fees vary by county, roughly $135 to $388, whether you're in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, or anywhere else in the state.
You can download the official statewide forms directly from the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System at pacourts.us. If you'd rather be guided through the process and have your paperwork prepared for you, Divorce.com can help you get started.
This page is informational and not a substitute for legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
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