Pennsylvania divorce forms are the official legal documents required to initiate and complete divorce proceedings in the Commonwealth, available through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System and individual county courts, including essential forms like the divorce complaint, notice to defend and claim rights, affidavits of consent for mutual consent divorce, counter-affidavits for contested cases, vital statistics forms, confidential information forms, and various additional documents needed depending on your specific situation including property settlement agreements, custody forms, and support-related pleadings. Whether you're pursuing a no-fault mutual consent divorce, filing based on irretrievable breakdown after one-year separation, or proceeding under fault grounds, understanding which Pennsylvania divorce forms you need, where to obtain them, how to complete them correctly, and what filing procedures to follow ensures your case proceeds smoothly through the court system from initial complaint through final decree.
Pennsylvania divorce forms are standardized legal documents created by the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System to facilitate divorce proceedings across all 67 counties while allowing for county-specific variations.
Statewide vs. County-Specific Forms
Statewide Forms
Created by the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System, these standardized forms are accepted in all Pennsylvania counties and cover the basic requirements for divorce proceedings.
County-Specific Forms
Individual counties may have local forms, additional requirements, or modified versions of statewide forms reflecting local court rules and procedures.
Always verify with your specific county court administration which forms are required and whether county-specific versions must be used.
Importance of Using Correct Forms
Using proper, current forms is essential because:
- Courts may reject outdated or incorrect forms
- Missing required forms delays proceedings
- Incomplete or improperly completed forms create complications
- Self-represented litigants are held to the same standards as attorneys
Essential Forms for All Pennsylvania Divorces
Certain core forms are required in virtually every Pennsylvania divorce regardless of grounds or circumstances.
Divorce Complaint
The divorce complaint initiates divorce proceedings and must include:
Required Information
- Names and current addresses of both spouses
- Date and place of marriage
- Names and birth dates of minor children (if any)
- Grounds for divorce (fault or no-fault)
- What relief you're seeking (divorce alone or also property division, alimony, custody, etc.)
- Verification statement signed under penalty of perjury
The complaint formally begins the legal process and establishes what issues the court will address.
Notice to Defend and Claim Rights
This form accompanies the divorce complaint and informs the defendant (spouse being served) of:
- Their right to respond to the complaint
- Time limits for filing responses (typically 20 days)
- Consequences of failing to respond
- Information about obtaining legal representation
- Economic claims that must be filed before divorce becomes final to preserve rights
This notice protects defendants' due process rights by ensuring they understand the proceedings and their options.
Cover Sheet
Most counties require cover sheets providing:
- Case type and category
- Party information
- Attorney information (if represented)
- Related cases
- Other administrative details helping courts manage cases
Confidential Information Form
This form contains information not part of the public record including:
- Full Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Confidential addresses (for domestic violence victims)
Courts keep this information confidential while using it for administrative purposes.
Vital Statistics Form
The Pennsylvania Department of Health requires demographic information for statistical purposes including:
- Birth dates and places of both spouses
- Race and ethnicity information
- Education levels
- Number of children from this marriage
- Other demographic data
This information supports vital statistics reporting but doesn't affect legal proceedings.
Forms for Mutual Consent Divorce
Mutual consent divorce, the most common type in Pennsylvania, requires specific forms beyond the basic complaint.
Affidavit of Consent
Both spouses must file affidavits of consent stating:
- They consent to the divorce
- The marriage is irretrievably broken
- They understand their rights
- They've had 90 days to consider since the complaint was filed
These affidavits demonstrate both parties agree to divorce and meet the mutual consent requirements.
Waiver of Notice of Intention to File Praecipe (Optional)
This form allows parties to waive the requirement that one party give the other 20 days notice before filing the praecipe to transmit the record to the court for final divorce decree.
Praecipe to Transmit Record
After affidavits of consent are filed and the 90-day waiting period expires, either party files this form requesting the court review the case and issue a divorce decree.
Forms for Irretrievable Breakdown After One-Year Separation
When pursuing divorce based on one-year separation without mutual consent, additional forms are required.
Affidavit Under Section 3301(c) or 3301(d)
The party seeking divorce files an affidavit stating:
- The parties have lived separate and apart for at least one year
- The marriage is irretrievably broken
- The other spouse's last known address
- Service information
This affidavit must be served on the other spouse, giving them opportunity to respond.
Counter-Affidavit (If Contesting)
If the defendant contests the divorce, they may file a counter-affidavit denying:
- The one-year separation claim
- That the marriage is irretrievably broken
- Other factual assertions
Filing a counter-affidavit triggers a hearing where the court determines whether divorce should be granted.
Forms for Economic Claims
If you're seeking property division, alimony, or other economic relief, additional forms are necessary.
Claim for Relief
This form or section of the complaint identifies what economic relief you're requesting:
- Equitable distribution of marital property
- Alimony
- Contribution to attorneys' fees
- Other financial matters
Inventory and Appraisement of Property
Both parties may need to complete detailed inventories listing:
- All marital and non-marital property
- Current values and valuations
- Debts and liabilities
- Income sources
This information forms the basis for property division.
Income and Expense Statement
Financial affidavits detailing:
- All income sources and amounts
- Monthly expenses by category
- Assets and liabilities
- Other financial information
These statements support alimony and support determinations.
Forms for Child Custody and Support
When divorcing couples have minor children, additional forms address custody and support.
Custody Complaint or Count
If seeking custody determination as part of divorce, you must file:
- Custody complaint (if filed separately)
- Custody count in divorce complaint
- Affidavit under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act
Child Support Forms
Support-related documents may include:
- Income statements
- Expense reports
- Child support guidelines calculations
- Healthcare coverage information
These forms establish support obligations based on Pennsylvania guidelines.
Where to Obtain Pennsylvania Divorce Forms
Multiple sources provide access to Pennsylvania divorce forms, each with advantages and limitations.
Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System Website
The official UJS website (www.pacourts.us) provides:
- Statewide standardized forms
- Comprehensive instructions
- Divorce procedure guides
- Links to applicable rules
Advantages:
- Free access
- Official, current forms
- Detailed instructions included
- Available 24/7
Limitations:
- May not include county-specific forms
- Requires printing and completion by hand or computer
County Court Websites
Individual county court websites offer:
- County-specific forms and packets
- Local instructions and procedures
- Contact information for court offices
- Filing fee schedules
Major counties like Philadelphia, Allegheny, Montgomery, Delaware, and others maintain comprehensive divorce form libraries.
County Courthouses In Person
Visiting courthouse Prothonotary offices provides:
- Paper copies of forms
- In-person guidance on which forms to use (not legal advice)
- Immediate access without internet requirements
Court staff cannot provide legal advice or help complete forms, but can answer procedural questions about filing requirements.
Legal Aid Organizations
Organizations like PA Safe Law and neighborhood legal services provide:
- Packaged form sets with instructions
- Forms organized by divorce type
- Step-by-step guidance
- Assistance for qualifying low-income individuals
Online Document Services
Various third-party websites offer:
- Downloadable or fillable forms
- Automated document preparation
- Varying costs and quality
Caution: Verify forms are current and Pennsylvania-compliant. The official UJS website provides the most reliable source.
Filing Pennsylvania Divorce Forms
Once forms are completed, proper filing procedures must be followed.
Where to File
File divorce forms at the Prothonotary's Office (or Office of Judicial Records) in:
- The county where either spouse resides, OR
- Any county if both parties agree in writing
Filing Fees
Costs vary by county and document type, typically ranging from several hundred dollars for complete divorce filings.
Fee Components:
- Complaint filing fee
- Service fees
- Copy certification fees
- Additional pleading fees
Contact your county Prothonotary for current fee schedules.
In Forma Pauperis (Fee Waiver)
If you cannot afford filing fees, request a waiver by:
- Completing the In Forma Pauperis petition form
- Providing detailed income and expense information
- Filing with the Prothonotary
- Attending a hearing if required
Judges review financial information and grant or deny fee waivers based on demonstrated need.
Filing Process
- Prepare all required documents with copies for service and your records
- Take documents to Prothonotary's Office during business hours
- Pay filing fees or file IFP petition
- Receive stamped copies with case number assigned
- Arrange service on your spouse using approved methods
Service of Process Requirements
After filing, you must properly serve your spouse with divorce papers.
Acceptable Service Methods
- Sheriff's service: County sheriff delivers documents
- Certified mail: Return receipt requested
- Private process server: Professional delivery service
- Acceptance of service: Spouse voluntarily signs acknowledgment
Proper service is legally required—failure to correctly serve delays or invalidates proceedings.
Important Warnings for Self-Represented Litigants
Pennsylvania courts provide critical warnings for individuals representing themselves:
Held to Same Standards as Attorneys
Self-represented litigants must:
- Understand and follow all Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure
- Comply with statewide and local court rules
- Meet all deadlines and filing requirements
- Follow proper courtroom procedures
Representing yourself does not excuse you from these standards.
Verify Current Requirements
Always verify you've met up-to-date requirements by contacting county court administration, as rules and forms change periodically.
Public Access Policy Compliance
You must follow rules regarding confidential information in documents and filings. Review the Public Access Policy at the UJS website before filing.
Pennsylvania divorce forms available through the Unified Judicial System website and individual county courts include essential documents like divorce complaints, notices to defend, affidavits of consent for mutual consent divorce requiring 90-day waiting periods, counter-affidavits for contested cases, vital statistics forms, confidential information forms, and additional specialized forms depending on whether you're seeking property division, alimony, child custody, or child support as part of your divorce proceedings.