Separation and Divorce
PA Divorce Law and Resources
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court provides information to help you file an uncomplicated divorce (pro se), including forms that can be used statewide. The forms are found here. Note: Be sure to find the pull-down menu and select your county to learn more. Counties may have additional requirements not included in the statewide forms.
- Find your PA county court here.
- PA Law Help
- PA Legal Aid Network will help you find legal aid in every county
Philadelphia Area Resources
- Divorce in Philadelphia County
- Philadelphia Self-Help Divorce
- For Legal Services, you may go to the Help Center at Philadelphia Family Court https://www.courts.phila.gov/pdf/forms/domestic-relations/Family-Court-Help-Center.pdf
- You may also find help from Philadelphia Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
Allegheny County Resources
- Information on Separation and Divorce
- Separation and Divorce Court Filing Forms
- For legal services, visit Neighborhood Legal Services or the Allegheny County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service.
If you live in any other county, you may find information and assistance here:
Note on Common Law Marriage and Divorce:
Until 2005, PA was one of only a few of states still recognizing common law marriage. It is no longer possible to become married by common law in PA, but those who satisfied the requirements before the law changed were “grandfathered in;” in other words, they remain married. To be common law married in PA, a couple must 1) hold themselves out as married AND 2) must have, at some point in time, said to each other that they are married. Some important things about common law marriage:
- Lesbian and gay couples can be married by common law in PA. This is a new development. Check with a family law attorney to learn more.
- When a common law marriage ends, the couple may disagree about whether there was a marriage. This disagreement may lead to questions regarding the division of property, access to pensions and alimony, etc. In such a situation, we recommend that a caller seek legal advice before proceeding with any steps towards obtaining a divorce.
- To end a common law marriage, you MUST get a divorce.
