You likely didn’t marry your spouse to get divorced. However, if you find you’re your marriage no longer serves you, you may decide to initiate a divorce. If this happens, you wonder what to do or where to start. Understanding how to begin a divorce in Pennsylvania is crucial, as you likely want to move through it as smoothly as possible so you can focus on entering the next chapter of your life.
Below are a few steps to take to initiate a divorce in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:
Beginning the process
Starting a divorce involves several key steps. Below is a structured approach for how to begin:
- Determining eligibility: Ensure you or your spouse meet Pennsylvania’s residency requirements for at least six months before filing.
- Selecting the appropriate type of divorce: Decide whether you wish to initiate a no-fault divorce, where both parties agree to the divorce, or a fault-based divorce, which requires proving grounds such as adultery or abandonment.
- Filing with the court: The divorce process begins with filing a divorce complaint in the Court of Common Pleas. You typically do this in the county where you and your spouse reside. The divorce complaint document outlines your reasons for divorce and what you seek regarding property division, child custody, child support and spousal support.
- Serve the complaint: After filing, you must notify your spouse about the divorce by serving a complaint. You can do this through a personal service or by mail, as long as you follow specific legal guidelines.
Your spouse has a set period to respond to the complaint. If they agree, the process moves forward; if not, it may involve additional legal proceedings.
While these steps provide a basic framework, each divorce is unique, and additional legal considerations may arise. Understanding Pennsylvania’s divorce laws and procedures is vital. A certified family law professional can provide the knowledge and resources you need to proceed.
It can feel daunting to make the first move.
You can begin the process more clearly by following these steps and accessing reliable resources. And with careful planning and a thorough understanding of the legal process, you can feel confident in your efforts to initiate your divorce.