Pennsylvania Divorce Law

Important Pennsylvania Divorce Guidelines to File for a Divorce

Pennsylvania Residency Requirements For Divorce

Pennsylvania residency requirements state that one spouse must be a resident of Pennsylvania for at least six months before filing. For uncontested divorces it will usually take a waiting period of three months after the parents has been served with the divorce papers.

Grounds For Divorce In Pennsylvania

Common grounds for a no-fault divorce in Pennsylvania are:

• irretrievable breakdown of the marriage with spouses living separate and apart without cohabitation for two years;
• irretrievable breakdown of the marriage and the spouses have signed and filed affidavits stating that they consent to the divorce.

Common grounds for a fault divorce in Pennsylvania are:

• adultery;
• imprisonment for two or more years;
• willful desertion;
• cruel and inhuman treatment.

Pennsylvania Child Custody

Child custody shall be ruled upon with the best interests of the child in mind. The courts tend to favor joint custody which allows both parents to be involved in the important decisions of the child’s future. The court will usually approve an agreement made between the parents as long as it is ruled that it is in best interest of the child.

Pennsylvania Child Support Guidelines

To calculate potential support for a child in Pennsylvania the courts shale use the same rules in almost every case. The courts will take into account the gross income of both parents while factoring in certain child related expenses. It is commonly understood that child support will run until the child turns 18 but can be extended through his secondary education.

Venue

After filing Pennsylvania divorce forms, a divorce may be brought to the Pennsylvania county in which the defendant resides, if not then where the plaintiff resides if there is a difference in county.

Mediation

At any point during or before the divorce proceedings the couple may submit their issues to mediation. If at any point after filing Pennsylvania divorce forms are initiated and the couple goes to mediation and agrees on all contested issues, they may proceed with the divorce on an uncontested basis.