Divorce Residency Essentials to Get Divorce in Pennsylvania

If you choose to file for divorce without a lawyer in Pennsylvania, at least one of the spouses must have been a resident of the state for at least six months prior to filing. If it proves to be an uncontested divorce, the court will grant the divorce three months after the responding spouse is served.

Reasons for Divorce in Pennsylvania

As a no-fault divorce option, Pennsylvania recognizes an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage if the spouses live separately for at least two years. If both parties sign and file affidavits stating that they consent to a divorce, that would be considered a ground for no-fault divorce as well.

Fault-based grounds for divorce in Pennsylvania include, but are not limited to, adultery, imprisonment for two or more years, willful desertion, and cruelty.

Custody of the Children in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania awards both joint and sole custody, always working to preserve the best interests of the child. Joint custody allows both parents to be involved in making important decisions about the child’s development and well-being. However, joint custody does not mean that both parents will get to spend equal time with the child. When the best interests of the child are preserved, the court will typically go along with any plan the parents may agree upon in their uncontested divorce.

Pennsylvania Child Support Guidelines

Pennsylvania has standard child support guidelines that will apply in almost every case, barring unique circumstances. The gross income of both parents and child-related expenses are taken into account when calculating child support payments. Child support continues until the child reaches the age of 18, but under some circumstances it may be extended further.

Venue

Divorces in the State of Pennsylvania are normally initiated in the county where the defendant lives. If the defendant does not currently live in Pennsylvania, it should be filed where the plaintiff lives.

Divorce Mediation

Anytime before or after a divorce is filed, either party may choose to submit disputed issues for mediation. If agreements are reached in mediation, the parties can file for an uncontested divorce. Having an uncontested divorce opens up the option to take advantage of a quick, easy divorce with OnlineDivorceSolutions.com.

Filing fees

Pennsylvania court filing fees are in addition to the cost of using OnlineDivorceSolutions.com. The filing fees may vary from county to county. Please check with your local courthouse to learn the exact amount.