Pennsylvania Divorce & Family Law Guide
Clear, Accurate Information for Navigating Divorce and Family Law in Pennsylvania
Divorce and family law matters can feel overwhelming, especially when legal rules, court procedures, and financial consequences intersect. Our goal is to provide clear, reliable, and easy-to-understand information about Pennsylvania divorce law so individuals and families can make informed decisions with confidence.
Whether you are researching divorce records, learning how Pennsylvania courts divide property, exploring options for business owners or high net worth individuals, or understanding how military or LGBTQ divorces work, this site serves as a comprehensive legal resource focused exclusively on Pennsylvania divorce and family law.
What We Cover
We provide in-depth, plain-language explanations of key divorce and family law topics in Pennsylvania, including:
Pennsylvania Divorce Law
Learn how divorce works under Pennsylvania law, including no-fault and fault-based grounds, residency requirements, waiting periods, and court procedures.
Filing for Divorce
Step-by-step guidance on how to file for divorce in Pennsylvania, including required forms, filing locations, service rules, and timelines.
Divorce Records & Certificates
Understand what Pennsylvania divorce records are, whether they are public, how to obtain certified copies, and which courts maintain them.
Property Division & Financial Issues
Explore how Pennsylvania’s equitable distribution system works and how courts divide marital property, businesses, retirement accounts, debts, and complex assets.
Business Owner & High Net Worth Divorce
Detailed information for business owners and high-asset individuals facing divorce, including asset valuation, business protection strategies, trusts, investments, and tax considerations.
Military Divorce
Guidance on Pennsylvania military divorces, including jurisdiction, deployment issues, military pension division, and federal laws that affect service members and spouses.
LGBTQ Divorce
Clear explanations of how Pennsylvania handles same-sex divorce, parental rights, custody issues, and asset division for LGBTQ couples.
Divorce Rates, Demographics & Trends
Up-to-date insights into Pennsylvania divorce statistics, demographic trends, and factors that influence divorce outcomes across the state.
Who This Site Is For
This resource is designed for:
- Individuals considering divorce in Pennsylvania
- People currently involved in divorce or custody proceedings
- Business owners and high net worth individuals
- Military families and veterans
- LGBTQ couples seeking clarity on divorce rights
- Researchers, students, and those seeking public divorce records
Is Pennsylvania a no-fault divorce state?
Yes. Pennsylvania allows no-fault divorce based on mutual consent or irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. Fault-based divorce is also permitted but not required.
Are Pennsylvania divorce records public?
Most Pennsylvania divorce records are public. Basic docket information and divorce decrees are generally accessible, though some personal details may be restricted or sealed by court order.
How long do divorce records stay on file in Pennsylvania?
Divorce records are kept permanently. County courts maintain these records in paper and electronic formats, allowing access long after the divorce is finalized.
Pennsylvania Divorce Process
Step 1:
Prepare the Summons, Complaint, and Confidential Information Form.
Step 2:
Serve your spouse. The divorce starts when service is completed.
Step 3:
Your spouse has 21 days to respond and financial information is exchanged if contested.
Step 4:
The court finalizes the divorce by agreement, trial, or default judgment.