{"id":375986,"date":"2018-04-16T13:30:29","date_gmt":"2018-04-16T18:30:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/pennsylvania-divorce-process.html"},"modified":"2024-11-01T13:56:50","modified_gmt":"2024-11-01T18:56:50","slug":"pennsylvania-divorce-process","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/pennsylvania-law\/pennsylvania-divorce-process.html","title":{"rendered":"Pennsylvania Divorce Process"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Pennsylvania Divorce Process<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

There are different ways to end a marriage. An annulment declares your marriage void. Legal separation doesn’t end your marriage. It only temporarily severs the marital bonds. A definite way of ending your marriage is divorce.<\/p>\r\n

The divorce process<\/a> varies by state. Your divorce case can be complex or relatively easy, depending on the circumstances. You must follow specific court rules and procedures even in the most amicable divorces.<\/p>\r\n

The Pennsylvania divorce process is like most other states. If you’re considering divorce, you should familiarize yourself with the steps to get a divorce.<\/p>\r\n

Below is a step-by-step guide for no-fault divorce<\/a> and contested divorce. Regardless of the type of divorce you file, this guide should help you navigate the divorce process in Pennsylvania.<\/p>\r\n

Pennsylvania Offers No-Fault Divorce and Fault-Based Divorce<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Pennsylvania used to be a fault-based divorce state. Today, the courts don’t require you to prove marital misconduct to file for divorce. You still have that option, but most people prefer a no-fault divorce. These divorces take less time and can be less expensive.<\/p>\r\n

There are two ways to qualify for a no-fault divorce in Pennsylvania:<\/p>\r\n