Pennsylvania Divorce Forms & Papers

Divorce Papers > Pennsylvania Divorce Forms & Papers

Divorce laws and procedures differ from state to state. Although there is not much different between the laws defined for each state when filing a divorce, one should be aware of the right procedures for a hassle free and quick divorce. Divorce laws and procedures are chalked for Pennsylvania and the person opting for divorce in Pennsylvania should complete all the legal requirements in order to be eligible to file a divorce in the state. Pennsylvania divorce forms and papers can also be obtained on line. One should make sure that the website you are referring to, to download the form is authentic. You should also consult with a good lawyer in order to know about divorce laws and how to go about filing a divorce.

Residential requirements for the state of Pennsylvania:

Either spouse must have been a resident of Pennsylvania for at least six months before filing. The divorce may be filed for in a county where 1) the defendant resides; 2) the plaintiff resides, if the defendant does not live in Pennsylvania; 3) where the marriage home was, if the plaintiff continuously resided in the same county; 4) prior to six months after separation, and if the defendant agrees, where the plaintiff resides; 5) prior to six months after separation, and if neither spouse lives in the county of the marriage home, where either spouse lives; and 6) after six months after separation, where either spouse lives. [Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Annotated, Title 23, Section 3104].

Grounds for divorce in the state of Pennsylvania:

The grounds for no-fault divorce in Pennsylvania are: 1) irretrievable breakdown of the marriage with the spouses living separate and apart without cohabitation for two or more years; or 2) irretrievable breakdown of the marriage and the spouses have both filed affidavits that they consent to the divorce. In the case of no-fault ground #2, 90 days must elapse after the filing for divorce before the court will grant a divorce. [Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Annotated, Title 23, Section 3301].

The grounds for divorce are irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. If both spouses consent to the divorce, the procedure can be more quick. There are official sample forms for filing a complaint for divorce on the grounds of irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. There are also official forms available for filing the required affidavit of consent. There are also other sample divorce proceeding forms available in Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, Actions of Divorce of Annulment Section, Rule 1920.01+. In addition, separation agreements are expressly authorized. [Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Annotated, Title 23, Section 3301; and Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules 1920.01+]

If you are opting a Do It Yourself divorce you may either go for an agreed divorce or a default divorce. Most couples opt for an agreed divorce because it is been agreed by both the parties and thus more convenient to handle. In an agreed divorce, both parties sign the document and agree upon terms such as child custody, property distribution and parental responsibilities.

A default divorce on the other hand is not signed by both the parties. The divorce is carried by one of the spouses whereas the other spouse, defaults on the case. In the default divorce, the spouse filing for it usually get whatever is mentioned in the divorce documents.

Procedure to file a divorce in Pennsylvania:

Pennsylvania divorce procedure can sum up in three simple procedures. This includes:

Filing the divorce (you need to make sure that you fulfill all the state requirements before filing for divorce)
notifying spouse about you filing it
attending the court hearings

USE THESE WORDS IN THE COURT DOCUMENTS FOR PENNSYLVANIA

Use these exact words, all in capital letters: COURT OF COMMON PLEAS, COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Use these exact words, all in capital letters: COMPLAINT FOR DIVORCE
Use the word "Plaintiff". Be sure the "P" is capitalized.
Use the word "Defendant". Be sure the "D" is capitalized.
Use these exact words: DECREE OF DIVORCE. Be sure to use capital letters only when placed as the title of your final document.
Use the word "County" here.

For detailed divorce laws in Pennsylvania state, please see Pennsylvania Divorce Laws page.

Free Pennsylvania Divorce Forms for Download

Following divorce forms are free for download. Most of the forms are provided with instructions on how to fill the form. To download any of these divorce papers and forms just right click on the link and select "Save As...".

Pennsylvania Divorce Instructions

Pennsylvania Divorce Forms that both parties must sign

Forms & Documents

Pennsylvania Divorce Court Forms