Pennsylvania Divorce Cost, Filing Fees & Process
Researched by the LawLintel Data Team · Sources verified 2026-08-24
- Filing fee
- $200–$350county-set — e.g., Philadelphia $333.73
- Mutual consent timeline
- 90 days after servicebefore consent affidavits can be filed (§ 3301(c))
- Residency requirement
- 6 months in Pennsylvania
- Where to file
- Court of Common Pleas
Pennsylvania divorce complaints are filed with the county Prothonotary (or Office of Judicial Records in Philadelphia), and each county sets its own fee — typically $200–$350; Philadelphia currently charges $333.73. One spouse must have lived in Pennsylvania for the six months before filing.
Pennsylvania's no-fault system has two clocks. Under mutual consent (§ 3301(c)), both spouses file affidavits of consent no earlier than 90 days after service — making roughly four months the practical minimum. If one spouse won't consent, the filer must show the couple has been separated at least one year (§ 3301(d)) before the divorce can move forward.
Costs & fees
| Item | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce complaint filing feePhiladelphia: $333.73 | $200–$350 (by county) | Official fee |
| ServicePA allows service by certified mail; sheriff service costs more | $0–$75 | Estimate |
| Counseling (if requested/ordered) | varies | Estimate |
| Uncontested — document help | $300–$1,500 | Estimate |
| Contested — attorney representation | $5,000–$25,000+ | Estimate |
Fees are county-set; check your county Prothonotary's schedule. Estimates are market figures.
Requirements
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Residency | One spouse must have lived in Pennsylvania for the 6 months immediately before filing |
| No-fault routes | Mutual consent after 90 days (§ 3301(c)); or 1-year separation (§ 3301(d)) — 2 years if separation began before Dec 5, 2016 |
| Fee waiver | Petition to proceed In Forma Pauperis (IFP) |
The process, step by step
- File the divorce complaint. File with the county Prothonotary and pay the county fee (or petition to proceed IFP).
- Serve your spouse. Within 30 days (90 if out of state) — certified mail or personal service.
- Wait the 90 days (mutual consent). Both spouses then sign and file Affidavits of Consent (and Waiver of Notice forms in uncontested cases).
- Or establish 1-year separation. If consent is refused, file a § 3301(d) affidavit once the couple has lived separate for one year; the other side can contest the date.
- Praecipe and decree. File the praecipe to transmit the record; the court reviews and enters the divorce decree.
Forms & where to file
Court of Common Pleas — file with the Prothonotary of a county where either spouse lives (or by agreement).
- PA Courts — Divorce Proceedings (self-help forms, 3301(c) & 3301(d) packets)
- Philadelphia divorce brochure & local forms
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Pennsylvania?
Counties set their own fees — typically $200–$350. Philadelphia charges $333.73 to file a divorce complaint. Low-income filers can petition to proceed In Forma Pauperis and pay nothing.
How fast can a PA divorce be final?
With mutual consent, affidavits can be filed 90 days after service, so simple cases can finish in roughly 4–6 months. Without consent, you need one year of separation before the no-fault divorce can proceed.
Does Pennsylvania require separation before filing?
Not for a mutual-consent divorce — you can file any time and wait out the 90 days. The 1-year separation applies only when one spouse won't sign the consent affidavit.
Where do I file?
With the Prothonotary (civil clerk) of the Court of Common Pleas — in Philadelphia, the Office of Judicial Records.
Related information
Sources & verification
- First Judicial District (Philadelphia) — Divorce brochure & fees
- PA Courts — Divorce Proceedings (self-help)
Official fees and statutory rules above are traceable to the listed authorities; figures marked as estimates are LawLintel editorial estimates, not government fees. Laws and fees change — last verified 2026-08-24. See our methodology and legal disclaimer.
LawLintel provides general legal information, not legal advice. Laws, rules, procedures and fees change and can depend on your specific facts and county. Verify important information with the applicable court or a qualified attorney before acting.