What Are The Requirements For Divorce In Pennsylvania?

Divorce is a legal process that is generally controlled by state law. Getting divorced in Pennsylvania can be fairly straightforward, but you must follow certain procedures to finalize it in the way you want it as quickly as possible. Whether you are searching for answers about “pa divorce” or “divorce in pa,” understanding the foundational rules is the first step.

Here is a brief summary of divorce requirements in Pennsylvania:

• Residency requirements: To be granted divorce in Pennsylvania, you or your spouse must be a bona fide state resident for at least six months. This rule is consistent throughout the state, whether you are seeking a “divorce pittsburgh pa” or elsewhere in the Commonwealth.
• Grounds for divorce: Pennsylvania is a no-fault divorce state, which means you can state “irretrievable breakdown” as the grounds for divorce. This answers the common question “is pa a no fault state for divorce” and “is pennsylvania a no-fault state for divorce.” This removes the burden of proving that your spouse is at fault, but does have mandatory waiting periods which vary depending on the level of consent or cooperation of the parties. A key piece of information you will need is “what is a no fault divorce in pa,” which requires the parties to live separate and apart for a specified time before the court can finalize the divorce.
  • Other grounds for divorce include adultery, cruelty, violence, abandonment for at least a year, bigamy and conviction of a crime. While no-fault is most common, these are still valid reasons under “divorce law pennsylvania.” If a fault ground like “divorce laws in pa adultery” is pursued, it can potentially impact spousal support or property division, though Pennsylvania is an equitable distribution state.
• Defenses to divorce filing: For divorce filings on any grounds other than irretrievable breakdown, the spouse who did not file can use any defense available under Pennsylvania common law. When considering divorce, many people also ask “what is a wife entitled to in a divorce in pennsylvania,” and the answer often depends on factors like the length of the marriage and economic disparities between the parties.

Learn More About Divorce Law From Our Lawyer

Divorce laws are always subject to change. For more specific advice about how these requirements apply to you, please contact The Law Offices of Dawn K. Gull. We provide experienced and practical divorce for clients in the Wexford, Pennsylvania, area, including Allegheny and Butler counties. Call 412-440-5718 to schedule a case evaluation with attorney Dawn K. Gull. We are here to guide you through the complexities of “divorce pennsylvania” law.