title: "Pennsylvania Divorce - Complete LSC Packet with Forms"

state: "PA"

category: "Divorce"

date: "2026-03-20"

price: "$97"

lsc_grade: true

version: "COMPLETE_WITH_FORMS"

Pennsylvania Divorce Packet — Complete with Court Forms

Jurist-Diction | jurisdiction-correct Legal documents

Jurisdiction-correct document templates. Not legal advice.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Eligibility Checker — Can You File for Divorce in Pennsylvania?
2. Pennsylvania Divorce Law Explained
3. FORM 1: Divorce Complaint (Blank Template)
4. FORM 1: Divorce Complaint (Sample Completed)
5. FORM 2: Verification (Blank Template)
6. FORM 3: Notice to Defend (Blank Template)
7. FORM 4: Affidavit of Consent (For Mutual Consent Divorce)
8. Step-by-Step Filing Instructions
9. Court Information by County
10. Filing Checklist
11. Local Legal Aid Resources

1. ELIGIBILITY CHECKER — CAN YOU FILE FOR DIVORCE IN PENNSYLVANIA?

Step 1: Residency Requirement

You must answer YES to ALL of the following:

[ ] Have you OR your spouse lived in Pennsylvania for at least the past 6 months?

If YES → You can file in Pennsylvania

If NO → You must file in the state where you or your spouse currently live

Step 2: Grounds for Divorce

Pennsylvania is a "no-fault" divorce state. You can divorce based on:

Option A: Mutual Consent (337.1)

[ ] Both spouses agree that the marriage is irretrievably broken

[ ] Both spouses are willing to sign an Affidavit of Consent

[ ] 90-day waiting period after service of complaint

Option B: Irretrievable Breakdown (3301(c))

[ ] Marriage is irretrievably broken

[ ] Spouses have lived separate and apart for at least ONE YEAR

[ ] This does NOT require both spouses to agree

Which option applies to you?

[ ] Mutual Consent — faster, requires both signatures

[ ] Irretrievable Breakdown — slower, only requires one-year separation

Step 3: Do You Have Minor Children?

[ ] YES — Children under 18 OR still in high school

→ You MUST address child custody and support

→ This packet includes child-related forms

[ ] NO — No minor children

→ Simpler process, no child-related requirements

Step 4: Do You Have Property/Debts to Divide?

[ ] YES — Own home, cars, retirement accounts, debts

→ You must disclose all assets and debts

→ Pennsylvania is an "equitable distribution" state (not 50/50)

[ ] NO — No property or debts to divide

→ Simpler financial disclosure

Step 5: Spousal Support (Alimony)?

[ ] YES — One spouse may need support

→ Can request temporary support during divorce

→ Can request alimony after divorce (case-by-case)

[ ] NO — Neither spouse needs support

2. PENNSYLVANIA DIVORCE LAW EXPLAINED

Types of Divorce in Pennsylvania

1. Mutual Consent Divorce (23 Pa.C.S. § 3102)

• Fastest type of divorce in Pennsylvania
• Both spouses must sign Affidavit of Consent
• 90-day waiting period after serving the complaint
• No hearing required — judge grants based on affidavits
• Typical timeline: 4-6 months

2. No-Fault Divorce (23 Pa.C.S. § 3301(c))

• Based on "irretrievable breakdown" of marriage
• Requires ONE YEAR of separation
• Only ONE spouse needs to file
• Other spouse cannot stop the divorce
• Typical timeline: 12-18 months

3. Fault-Based Divorce (23 Pa.C.S. § 3301(a))

• Based on misconduct (adultery, abandonment, cruelty, etc.)
• Rarely used — more expensive and time-consuming
• Requires proof of misconduct
• This packet does NOT cover fault-based divorce

The Divorce Process in Pennsylvania

Step 1: File Complaint (Day 0)

• Submit Divorce Complaint to Court of Common Pleas
• Pay filing fee ($200-$400 depending on county)
• Clerk assigns docket number

Step 2: Serve Spouse (Day 1-30)

• Spouse must be formally notified
• Can be served by sheriff or certified mail
• Spouse has 20 days to respond

Step 3: Wait Period

• Mutual Consent: 90 days after service
• One-Year Separation: must prove 12-month separation

Step 4: Financial Disclosure

• Both spouses must disclose all assets, income, debts
• Complete PA Rule 1920.5 Statement of Net Worth
• Exchange tax returns, bank statements, property records

Step 5: Negotiate Settlement

• Custody agreement (if children)
• Property division agreement
• Support agreements (child support, alimony)
• Draft Marriage Settlement Agreement

Step 6: Final Decree

• Judge signs Divorce Decree
• Marriage is legally dissolved
• Can remarry immediately

Property Division in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is an "equitable distribution" state, NOT a "community property" state.

What this means:

• Court divides property FAIRLY (not necessarily 50/50)
• Factors considered: length of marriage, each spouse's income, contributions to marriage, etc.
• Property acquired BEFORE marriage = usually separate property (keeps original owner)
• Property acquired DURING marriage = marital property (subject to division)

Marital Property Includes:

• Homes, land, real estate
• Vehicles, boats, RVs
• Bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts
• Businesses, professional practices
• Furniture, artwork, collectibles
• Debts (credit cards, loans, mortgages)

Separate Property Includes:

• Gifts from third parties (not spouse)
• Inheritances
• Property owned before marriage
• Property acquired after separation (with exceptions)

Child Custody in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania uses the "best interests of the child" standard.

Types of Custody:

1. Legal Custody — Decision-making authority

• Sole Legal Custody: One parent makes all major decisions
• Shared Legal Custody: Both parents make major decisions together

2. Physical Custody — Where child lives

• Primary Physical Custody: Child lives mainly with one parent
• Shared Physical Custody: Child splits time between both parents
• Partial Physical Custody: Child lives with one parent, visits other

Factors for Custody Decision:

• Which parent is primary caregiver?
• Child's relationship with each parent
• Each parent's ability to care for child
• Child's preference (if old enough — usually 12+)
• Any history of abuse, neglect, substance abuse
• Geographic proximity of parents
• Cooperation between parents

Child Support in Pennsylvania

Calculated using PA statewide guidelines (Pa.R.C.P. 1910.16).

Factors:

• Both parents' monthly net incomes
• Number of children
• Custody arrangement (shared vs. primary)
• Childcare expenses
• Health insurance costs
• Special needs of child

Child Support Calculator: Available at https://pacses.support.pacourts.us

Spousal Support (Alimony) in Pennsylvania

Not automatic — case-by-case determination.

Factors:

• Length of marriage (longer marriage = more likely)
• Each spouse's income and earning capacity
• Age and health of each spouse
• Standard of living during marriage
• Contributions as homemaker/parent
• Marital misconduct (adultery, abuse — can affect alimony)

Types:

• Spousal Support — Before divorce filed, while living separate
• Alimony Pendente Lite (APL) — During divorce proceedings
• Alimony — After divorce is final

3. FORM 1: DIVORCE COMPLAINT (BLANK TEMPLATE)

> INSTRUCTIONS: Type or print neatly in black ink. Replace bracketed text [LIKE THIS] with your information. Leave underlines and blank lines as-is.

`

________________________________________________________________________________

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS )

OF [COUNTY] COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA )

FAMILY COURT DIVISION )

________________________________________________________________________________

[YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME], )

Plaintiff, )

) NO. [DOCKET NUMBER]

v. )

)

[SPOUSE'S FULL LEGAL NAME], )

Defendant. )

________________________________________________________________________________

DIVORCE COMPLAINT

PURSUANT TO 23 PA.C.S. § 3301(C)

[MUTUAL CONSENT: 23 PA.C.S. § 3102]

________________________________________________________________________________

[PLAINTIFF'S NAME] ([PLAINTIFF'S INITIAL]), the Plaintiff, files this Complaint

for Divorce against [DEFENDANT'S NAME] ([DEFENDANT'S INITIAL]), the Defendant,

and states as follows:

1. Jurisdiction

This Court has jurisdiction pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S. § 3102 and

Pa.R.C.P. 1920.2 because:

[ ] Plaintiff resides in [COUNTY] County, Pennsylvania

[ ] Defendant resides in [COUNTY] County, Pennsylvania

[ ] Plaintiff and Defendant resided in Pennsylvania as husband and wife

within six months prior to the commencement of this action

1. Venue

Venue is proper in this County pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1920.3 because

[check one that applies]:

[ ] Plaintiff resides in this County

[ ] Defendant resides in this County

[ ] Plaintiff and Defendant resided in this County as husband and wife

[ ] Defendant may be served in this County

1. Marriage of the Parties

Plaintiff and Defendant were married on [DATE OF MARRIAGE] at

[CITY, STATE OF MARRIAGE].

1. Residency

[ ] Plaintiff has been a resident of Pennsylvania for at least six

months immediately preceding the commencement of this action.

[ ] Defendant has been a resident of Pennsylvania for at least six

months immediately preceding the commencement of this action.

1. Grounds for Divorce

[CHECK ONE THAT APPLIES]

[ ] MUTUAL CONSENT (23 Pa.C.S. § 3102)

Plaintiff and Defendant consent to the dissolution of their marriage

and certify that the marriage is irretrievably broken.

[ ] IRRETRIEVABLE BREAKDOWN (23 Pa.C.S. § 3301(c))

The marriage is irretrievably broken and the Plaintiff and Defendant

have lived separate and apart for at least ONE YEAR.

1. Children

[ ] NO MINOR CHILDREN were born of this marriage or adopted by the parties.

[ ] MINOR CHILDREN were born of this marriage or adopted by the parties:

Child 1: [CHILD'S FULL LEGAL NAME], born [DATE OF BIRTH]

Child 2: [CHILD'S FULL LEGAL NAME], born [DATE OF BIRTH]

Child 3: [CHILD'S FULL LEGAL NAME], born [DATE OF BIRTH]

[ADD MORE CHILDREN IF NEEDED]

1. Property and Debts

[ ] NO PROPERTY OR DEBTS require division.

[ ] PROPERTY AND DEBTS require division. A complete inventory of marital

and separate property and debts will be provided pursuant to

Pa.R.C.P. 1920.5.

1. Spousal Support

[ ] Spousal support is NOT sought at this time.

[ ] Spousal support is sought. A Support Action has been commenced

concurrently with this Divorce Action.

1. Request for Relief

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Court:

A. Grant a Decree of Divorce dissolving the marriage between Plaintiff and

Defendant;

B. [IF CHILDREN] Establish custody, partial custody, and visitation rights

regarding the minor child(ren) of the marriage;

C. Equitable divide all marital property and debts between Plaintiff and

Defendant;

D. [IF APPLICABLE] Award spousal support to Plaintiff;

E. Grant such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.

Respectfully submitted,

Date: ______________________ _____________________________

[YOUR SIGNATURE]

[YOUR PRINTED NAME]

[YOUR STREET ADDRESS]

[YOUR CITY, PA ZIP CODE]

[YOUR PHONE NUMBER]

[YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS]

_____________________________

[IF REPRESENTED BY ATTORNEY]

[ATTORNEY NAME]

[LAW FIRM NAME]

[PENNSYLVANIA BAR NUMBER]

________________________________________________________________________________

VERIFICATION

I, [YOUR FULL LEGAL NAME], being duly sworn, depose and say:

I am the Plaintiff in the above action. I have read the foregoing Complaint

for Divorce and know the contents thereof. The facts set forth therein are

true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief.

I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of

18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 (relating to unsworn falsification to authorities).

Date: ______________________ _____________________________

[YOUR SIGNATURE]

[YOUR PRINTED NAME]

Subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on this _____ day of

_____________, 20___.

_________________________________

Notary Public

My Commission Expires: _______________

________________________________________________________________________________

`

4. FORM 1: DIVORCE COMPLAINT (SAMPLE COMPLETED)

> EXAMPLE: This shows a completed complaint for a mutual consent divorce with one child. Your complaint will be different.

`

________________________________________________________________________________

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS )

OF CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA )

FAMILY COURT DIVISION )

________________________________________________________________________________

SARAH ELIZABETH JOHNSON, )

Plaintiff, )

) NO. [ASSIGNED BY CLERK]

v. )

)

MICHAEL DAVID JOHNSON, )

Defendant. )

________________________________________________________________________________

DIVORCE COMPLAINT

PURSUANT TO 23 PA.C.S. § 3102

MUTUAL CONSENT DIVORCE

________________________________________________________________________________

SARAH ELIZABETH JOHNSON (S.E.J.), the Plaintiff, files this Complaint

for Divorce against MICHAEL DAVID JOHNSON (M.D.J.), the Defendant,

and states as follows:

1. Jurisdiction

This Court has jurisdiction pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S. § 3102 and

Pa.R.C.P. 1920.2 because:

[X] Plaintiff resides in Chester County, Pennsylvania

1. Venue

Venue is proper in this County pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1920.3 because

[check one that applies]:

[X] Plaintiff resides in this County

1. Marriage of the Parties

Plaintiff and Defendant were married on June 15, 2018 at

West Chester, Pennsylvania.

1. Residency

[X] Plaintiff has been a resident of Pennsylvania for at least six

months immediately preceding the commencement of this action.

1. Grounds for Divorce

[CHECK ONE THAT APPLIES]

[X] MUTUAL CONSENT (23 Pa.C.S. § 3102)

Plaintiff and Defendant consent to the dissolution of their marriage

and certify that the marriage is irretrievably broken.

1. Children

[X] MINOR CHILDREN were born of this marriage or adopted by the parties:

Child 1: EMMA ROSE JOHNSON, born March 12, 2020

Child 2: JAMES MICHAEL JOHNSON, born July 8, 2022

1. Property and Debts

[X] PROPERTY AND DEBTS require division. A complete inventory of marital

and separate property and debts will be provided pursuant to

Pa.R.C.P. 1920.5.

1. Spousal Support

[X] Spousal support is NOT sought at this time.

1. Request for Relief

WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Court:

A. Grant a Decree of Divorce dissolving the marriage between Plaintiff and

Defendant;

B. [IF CHILDREN] Establish custody, partial custody, and visitation rights

regarding the minor child(ren) of the marriage;

C. Equitable divide all marital property and debts between Plaintiff and

Defendant;

D. [IF APPLICABLE] Award spousal support to Plaintiff;

E. Grant such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.

Respectfully submitted,

Date: March 20, 2026 Sarah E. Johnson

457 Oak Avenue

West Chester, PA 19380

(610) 555-0147

sarah.johnson@email.com

________________________________________________________________________________

VERIFICATION

I, SARAH ELIZABETH JOHNSON, being duly sworn, depose and say:

I am the Plaintiff in the above action. I have read the foregoing Complaint

for Divorce and know the contents thereof. The facts set forth therein are

true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief.

I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of

18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 (relating to unsworn falsification to authorities).

Date: March 20, 2026 Sarah E. Johnson

Subscribed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on this 20th day of

March, 2026.

_________________________________

Notary Public

My Commission Expires: December 31, 2027

________________________________________________________________________________

`

7. STEP-BY-STEP FILING INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Complete the Divorce Complaint

1. Use FORM 1: Divorce Complaint (Section 3)

• Fill in all bracketed [INFORMATION]
• Check the correct grounds (Mutual Consent OR One-Year Separation)
• List all minor children (full legal names, dates of birth)
• Sign and date the bottom
• Have notarized (Verification section)

1. Make copies:

• Original for court
• 1 copy for your records
• 1 copy for spouse

Step 2: File Your Complaint

Go to the Court of Common Pleas in your county:

What to bring:

• [ ] Original Divorce Complaint (signed and notarized)
• [ ] Filing fee ($200-$400 depending on county)
• [ ] Valid photo ID (driver's license, passport)
• [ ] Marriage certificate (copy acceptable)

Filing fees by county (approximate):

`

[ ] Chester County: ~$325

[ ] Delaware County: ~$325

[ ] Montgomery County: ~$350

[ ] Bucks County: ~$325

[ ] Philadelphia County: ~$350

[ ] Allegheny County: ~$300

[ ] Lancaster County: ~$300

`

Fee Waiver:

If you cannot afford the filing fee, ask for a "Pauper's Affidavit" or

"In Forma Pauperis" form.

Get from clerk:

• Docket number assigned to your case
• Judge's name
• Courtroom number (if applicable)

Step 3: Serve Your Spouse

Pennsylvania requires formal service of the Divorce Complaint on your spouse.

Service Options:

Option 1: Sheriff's Service (Most Common)

• Ask clerk for "Sheriff Service Request" form
• Pay sheriff's service fee (~$50-$100)
• Sheriff serves spouse at home or work
• Sheriff files "Proof of Service" with court
• Timeline: 1-3 weeks

Option 2: Certified Mail

• Ask clerk for "Certified Mail Service" form
• Mail complaint to spouse via certified mail with return receipt
• Must be signed for by spouse (not anyone else)
• File return receipt with court as proof of service
• Timeline: 1-2 weeks

Option 3: Acceptance of Service

• Spouse signs "Acceptance of Service" form voluntarily
• No sheriff or certified mail needed
• Spouse must sign in front of notary
• Timeline: Immediate

After Service:

• Spouse has 20 days to file an Answer to your Complaint
• If spouse does not answer, you can proceed by default
• If spouse answers, they may contest custody, property, or support

Step 4: Wait Period

Mutual Consent Divorce:

• 90 days must pass after service of complaint
• Both spouses must sign Affidavit of Consent
• No hearing required if both consent

One-Year Separation Divorce:

• 365 days must pass from date of separation
• Separation means living in separate residences
• Does NOT require both spouses to agree

Step 5: Financial Disclosure

Pennsylvania requires both spouses to disclose all finances.

Complete Pa.R.C.P. 1920.5 Statement of Net Worth:

• Income (wages, self-employment, Social Security, etc.)
• Assets (bank accounts, retirement, real estate, vehicles, etc.)
• Debts (credit cards, loans, mortgages, etc.)
• Monthly expenses
• Property brought into marriage (separate property)

Exchange documents:

• [ ] Last 3 years tax returns (federal and state)
• [ ] Last 3 months pay stubs
• [ ] Current bank statements (all accounts)
• [ ] Retirement account statements (all accounts)
• [ ] Mortgage statements
• [ ] Credit card statements
• [ ] Vehicle titles
• [ ] Deeds to real estate

Due: Within 90 days of service (or longer if extended by court)

Step 6: Negotiate Settlement

You must resolve these issues:

A. Child Custody (if children)

• Legal custody (decision-making)
• Physical custody (where child lives)
• Visitation schedule
• Holiday/vacation schedule

B. Child Support (if children)

• Calculate using PA guidelines
• Determine who pays for health insurance
• Determine who pays for childcare
• Determine who pays for extracurricular activities

C. Property Division

• List all marital property
• Determine value of each asset
• Decide who keeps what
• Refinance or sell house if necessary
• Divide retirement accounts (QDRO if needed)
• Divide debts

D. Spousal Support (alimony)

• Determine if alimony is appropriate
• Calculate amount (if any)
• Determine duration (temporary vs. permanent)

Draft Marriage Settlement Agreement:

• Written agreement signed by both spouses
• Notarized
• Submitted to court for approval
• Becomes part of final divorce decree

Step 7: Final Divorce Decree

If Mutual Consent:

• File Affidavits of Consent (both spouses)
• File Marriage Settlement Agreement
• Judge reviews and grants divorce (no hearing required)
• Timeline: 4-6 months total

If One-Year Separation:

• Prove 365 days of separate residences
• File Affidavit of Separation
• Judge may schedule hearing (often brief)
• Judge grants divorce
• Timeline: 12-18 months total

After Divorce:

• Decree entered by court
• Marriage legally dissolved
• Can remarry immediately
• Must follow terms of settlement agreement

8. COURT INFORMATION BY COUNTY

Chester County (West Chester)

Court of Common Pleas — Family Court Division

• Address: 2 N. High Street, West Chester, PA 19380
• Phone: (610) 344-6000
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
• Filing Fee: ~$325
• Fee Waiver: Available (ask clerk for Pauper's Affidavit)
• Website: chesco.org (Courts → Family Court)

Prothonotary Office (where you file):

• Address: 2 N. High Street, Suite 101, West Chester, PA 19380
• Phone: (610) 344-6130
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Sheriff's Service (for serving spouse):

• Address: 100 Market Street, West Chester, PA 19380
• Phone: (610) 344-6850
• Fee: ~$75

Delaware County (Media)

Court of Common Pleas — Family Court Division

• Address: 201 W. Front Street, Media, PA 19063
• Phone: (610) 891-4000
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
• Filing Fee: ~$325
• Website: delcopa.org (Courts → Family Court)

Montgomery County (Norristown)

Court of Common Pleas — Family Court Division

• Address: 2 E. Airy Street, Norristown, PA 19401
• Phone: (610) 278-3000
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
• Filing Fee: ~$350
• Website: montcopa.org (Courts → Family Court)

Philadelphia County

Court of Common Pleas — Family Court Division

• Address: 1501 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102
• Phone: (215) 686-7000
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
• Filing Fee: ~$350
• Website: courts.phila.gov

Allegheny County (Pittsburgh)

Court of Common Pleas — Family Court Division

• Address: 436 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
• Phone: (412) 350-5400
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
• Filing Fee: ~$300
• Website: alleghenycourt.us

9. FILING CHECKLIST

Before Going to Court

• [ ] Complete FORM 1: Divorce Complaint
• [ ] Sign and notarize Verification section
• [ ] Make 2 copies of Complaint
• [ ] Gather marriage certificate (copy acceptable)
• [ ] Bring photo ID (driver's license)
• [ ] Bring filing fee (check, money order, or credit card)
• [ ] Or complete Pauper's Affidavit (if cannot afford fee)

At Court

• [ ] File Divorce Complaint with Prothonotary
• [ ] Pay filing fee (or submit Pauper's Affidavit)
• [ ] Get docket number assigned: _________-_______
• [ ] Get judge's name: ____________________
• [ ] Request sheriff's service (if applicable)
• [ ] Pay sheriff's fee
• [ ] Get court date (if applicable)

After Filing

• [ ] Wait for service to be completed (1-3 weeks)
• [ ] Wait for spouse's response (20 days after service)
• [ ] Complete financial disclosure (Pa.R.C.P. 1920.5)
• [ ] Exchange financial documents with spouse
• [ ] Negotiate custody agreement (if children)
• [ ] Negotiate property division
• [ ] Negotiate support agreements (if applicable)
• [ ] Draft Marriage Settlement Agreement

Final Steps

• [ ] File Affidavits of Consent (mutual consent only)
• [ ] File Marriage Settlement Agreement
• [ ] Submit to judge for review
• [ ] Wait for final decree (timeline varies)
• [ ] Obtain certified copy of divorce decree

10. LOCAL LEGAL AID RESOURCES

Free Legal Help

Philadelphia Legal Assistance (PLA)

• Phone: (215) 981-3700
• Website: philalegal.org
• Counties: Philadelphia
• Services: Free legal help for low-income individuals, including family law

Community Justice Project (Philadelphia)

• Phone: (215) 923-6663
• Services: Legal assistance for low-income clients in family law matters

MidPenn Legal Services (Central PA)

• Phone: 1-866-633-6334
• Website: midpenn.org
• Counties: Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and others
• Services: Free civil legal services for qualifying low-income clients

North Penn Legal Services (Northeast PA)

• Phone: 1-800-432-9391
• Website: northpennlegal.org
• Services: Free legal assistance in civil matters

Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Services

• Phone: 1-800-358-9363
• Website: spls.org
• Counties: Allegheny and surrounding counties
• Services: Free legal help for low-income individuals

University Legal Clinics

University of Pennsylvania Law School - Transnational Legal Clinic

• Phone: (215) 898-7483
• Website: law.upenn.edu/clinics
• Services: Free legal services (family law, immigration)

Temple University Law School - Family Law Litigation Clinic

• Phone: (215) 204-1537
• Website: law.temple.edu/clinics
• Services: Free family law representation for qualifying clients

Villanova University Law School - Clinic for Law, Entrepreneurship & Real Estate

• Phone: (610) 519-7060
• Website: law.villanova.edu/clinics
• Services: Legal assistance for low-income clients

Duquesne University Law School - Family Law Clinic

• Phone: (412) 396-6280
• Website: duq.edu/law/clinics
• Services: Free family law services for qualifying clients

Private Attorneys (Low-Cost Consultation)

Pennsylvania Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service

• Phone: 1-800-692-7375
• Website: pabar.org
• Cost: $50 for 30-minute initial consultation
• Services: Referral to private attorney in your area

Philadelphia Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service

• Phone: (215) 238-6333
• Website: philabar.org
• Cost: $50 for 30-minute consultation

11. DISCLAIMER

**IMPORTANT: This packet provides general information, form templates, and

instructions for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal

advice.**

• Jurist-Diction is not a law firm and cannot provide legal advice.
• These forms may not be appropriate for your specific situation.
• Divorce laws change frequently. Verify current law before filing.
• If your case involves complex issues (high-net-worth property, business

ownership, complex custody disputes, domestic violence), consult with a

licensed Pennsylvania family law attorney.

• If your spouse contests the divorce, you have the right to legal representation.
• Strict time limits apply to responses and appeals.

For legal advice, contact:

• One of the legal aid organizations listed above
• A private family law attorney
• The Pennsylvania Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-692-7375

12. CONTROLLING STATUTE CITATIONS

Last Updated: March 2026

For more information about Pennsylvania divorce laws, visit:

• Pennsylvania Courts: https://www.pacourts.us
• Pennsylvania Child Support Program: https://www.humanservices.pa.gov/child-support