Pennsylvania's Residency Requirements

The petitioner must have been a Pennsylvania resident for 6 months prior to filing the divorce forms.

Pennsylvania's Grounds for Divorce

Pennsylvania residents may file for divorce under fault or no-fault grounds.

Pennsylvania's no-fault grounds is:

• irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, living separate and apart without cohabitation for 2 years or more

Pennsylvania's fault grounds include:

• adultery
• cruel and inhuman treatment
• imprisonment for 2 years or more
• willful desertion

Pennsylvania's Child Custody Guidelines

Divorcing parents are allowed to collaborate on a child custody arrangement. If the parents cannot reach a decision, a Pennsylvania court will make a ruling.

Pennsylvania courts consider factors such as:

• any evidence or history of abuse, violence, or harassment
• whether the parent will allow a meaningful relationship between the other parent and the child
• wishes of the child

Pennsylvania's Child Support Guidelines

If the parents cannot agree on the amount of child support and the paying parent, child support will be decided by state-specific calculations and guidelines.

Pennsylvania courts consider factors such as:

• any unusual needs of the child
• the parent's earning capacity, financial situation and resources

Pennsylvania's Spousal Support Guidelines

Spousal support can be paid in one lump sum, in installments, or periodically. The spouses may determine the spousal support type, or the courts may award spousal support.

Pennsylvania courts consider factors such as:

• the duration of the marriage
• the standard of living experienced at time of separation
• any marital fault

Pennsylvania's Property Division Guidelines

Pennsylvania has adopted equitable distribution guidelines, which means all property (including gifts and inheritances) will be divided as fairly and equally as possible. Spouses may collaborate on the property distribution, but if they are unable to agree the courts will make a ruling.

Pennsylvania courts consider factors such as:

• each spouse's income, marketable skills, and earning capacity
• duration of the marriage
• each spouse's contribution to the property, including acquisition and upkeep

Pennsylvania's Venue Guidelines

A petitioner may file the divorce forms in their Pennsylvania county of residence, or in the respondent's county of residence.