Pennsylvania · Court of Common Pleas — Family Division
Pennsylvania family court, without the confusion.
Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas handles divorce, custody, child support, and protection from abuse (PFA) orders.
We walk you through exactly what to fill out, in plain English, and produce the forms ready to sign and file.
Where do you need help?
Coming soon
Divorce / Dissolution of Marriage
Start or respond to a divorce case. Covers petition, financial disclosure, and the complete filing packet.
Coming soon
Child Custody / Parenting Time
Establish custody and parenting time when you were never married or as part of a divorce.
Coming soon
Modify Custody or Parenting Time
Change an existing custody or parenting time order when circumstances have significantly changed.
Coming soon
Child Support
Establish or modify a child support order.
Coming soon
Establish Paternity
Legally establish parentage when the parents were not married.
Coming soon
Protective Order
Get an emergency order to protect yourself or your children from domestic violence or harassment.
Coming soon
Relocation (Moving with Children)
Request court approval to move with your children, or oppose a move.
Coming soon
Enforce a Court Order
Bring the other party back to court when they are violating an existing order.
Coming soon
Name Change
Change your name or your child's name through the court.
Coming soon
Spousal Support / Alimony
Request or respond to a request for spousal support or alimony.
What Pennsylvania requires — before you file
1
6-month residency. You or your spouse must have lived in Pennsylvania for at least 6 months before filing for divorce.
2
90-day waiting period OR 2-year separation. Pennsylvania offers two no-fault paths: mutual consent after 90 days, or after 2 years of separation if one party objects.
3
Financial disclosure required. Both parties must exchange income and expense statements and inventory of assets and debts.
4
PFA is separate from divorce. A Protection from Abuse (PFA) order is a separate proceeding and can be obtained same-day in emergency situations.
Pennsylvania uses 'legal custody' and 'physical custody.' PFA orders are one of Pennsylvania's strongest domestic violence tools — they can be obtained quickly and without an attorney.
All 15 Pennsylvania Counties
Pennsylvania family law forms are filed in the county Court of Common Pleas where you or the defendant lives.
Philadelphia
Allegheny
Montgomery
Bucks
Delaware
Lancaster
Chester
York
Berks
Westmoreland
Northampton
Lehigh
Dauphin
Erie
Luzerne