Pennsylvania Family Law Attorneys

At DearLegal, we connect you with experienced Pennsylvania family law attorneys who can navigate Pennsylvania’s no-fault divorce framework. Whether you’re in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, Reading, or anywhere in the Commonwealth, we’ll match you with the right attorney — at no cost to get started.

Mutual consent (§ 3301(c)) divorces require at least 90 days from service before the affidavits of consent can be filed and decree entered — typically 4–6 months total. Unilateral no-fault (§ 3301(d)) requires 1 year of separation — typically 12–18 months. Contested cases extend further.

Yes, through two paths: § 3301(c) mutual consent (after 90 days from service when both spouses agree) and § 3301(d) unilateral after 1 year of separation. Pennsylvania also retains 6 fault grounds: willful and malicious desertion for 1+ years, adultery, cruel and barbarous treatment, bigamy, conviction of a crime imprisoning for 2+ years, and indignities.

For mutual consent, no separation period — just 90 days from service. For unilateral no-fault, 1 year of separation is required (reduced from 2 years in 2016).

Pennsylvania is an equitable distribution state. Under 23 Pa. C.S. § 3502, the court divides marital property equitably (not necessarily equally) across 11 factors including length of marriage, prior marriages, age and health, sources of income, vocational skills, employability, estate, liabilities, contributions, standard of living, tax consequences, and economic circumstances. Separate property (premarital, gifts, inheritance) is exempt, but increase in value during marriage is marital.

Pennsylvania applies a best-interests standard under 23 Pa. C.S. § 5328 with 17 factors including which party is more likely to encourage continuing contact, present and past abuse, parental duties, child’s well-reasoned preference, attempts to turn the child against the other parent, and others. PA has no preference for joint custody — courts decide based on the factors.

Pennsylvania uses Income Shares under Pa. R.C.P. 1910.16-1 et seq. Both parents’ monthly net incomes are applied to the basic child support schedule with adjustments for shared physical custody (40%+ overnights triggers an adjustment), healthcare, childcare, and other expenses.

Yes. Custody can be modified on a change of circumstances. Child support requires substantial change (often 10%+ in guideline amount). Alimony modification depends on whether the decree provides — non-modifiable alimony is enforceable. Equitable distribution is final.

Why Do You Need a Family Law Attorney in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania allows two no-fault divorce paths: mutual consent under 23 Pa. C.S. § 3301(c) (after 90 days from service if both spouses consent), and unilateral no-fault under § 3301(d) (after 1 year of separation if one spouse contests). Pennsylvania also retains 6 fault grounds. Residency is 6 months in Pennsylvania before filing (23 Pa. C.S. § 3104). Pennsylvania is an equitable distribution state under 23 Pa. C.S. § 3502 — marital property is divided equitably based on 11 statutory factors. Custody is decided under 23 Pa. C.S. § 5328 with 17 best-interests factors. Pennsylvania uses Income Shares under Pa. R.C.P. 1910.16-1 et seq.

When Do You Need a Family Law Attorney in Pennsylvania?

Our network includes Pennsylvania family law attorneys who handle every kind of case, including:

Types of Family Law Cases in Pennsylvania

From the moment you connect with a Pennsylvania family law attorney, they go to work protecting your claim. The most common case types we handle:

Filing for unilateral no-fault before the 1-year separation is complete

Hiding assets — Pennsylvania equitable distribution disclosures impose harsh sanctions

Posting on social media — Pennsylvania courts admit it routinely

Communicating ex parte with the judge

Filing in Pennsylvania when the child’s home state under UCCJEA is elsewhere

Missing the 6-month residency requirement under 23 Pa. C.S. § 3104

Filing for unilateral no-fault before the 1-year separation is complete

Hiding assets — Pennsylvania equitable distribution disclosures impose harsh sanctions

Posting on social media — Pennsylvania courts admit it routinely

Communicating ex parte with the judge

Filing in Pennsylvania when the child’s home state under UCCJEA is elsewhere

Missing the 6-month residency requirement under 23 Pa. C.S. § 3104

Common Pennsylvania Family Law Mistakes

Even a small misstep can hurt your case. Here’s what to avoid:

How Much Do Pennsylvania Family Law Attorneys Cost?

Flat Fee

Most matters are billed as a flat fee per petition or filing — fee depends on case complexity.

Family law cases in Pennsylvania are not handled on contingency. Pennsylvania Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5(d)(1) — patterned on ABA Model Rule 1.5(d) — prohibits contingent fees in domestic relations matters where the fee is contingent on securing a divorce or on the amount of alimony, support, or property settlement. Pennsylvania family law attorneys charge hourly (billed against a retainer) or a flat fee for uncontested matters. Courts may award fees under 23 Pa. C.S. § 3702.

What Can Your Pennsylvania Family Law Compensation Include?

Property Division

Equitable distribution under 23 Pa. C.S. § 3502 — 11-factor analysis. Separate property exempt but increase in value during marriage is marital.

Alimony / Spousal Support / APL

APL and spousal support are formula-based (33% of payor net minus 40% of payee net, or similar). Post-divorce alimony is factor-based under 23 Pa. C.S. § 3701.

Child Support

Pa. R.C.P. 1910.16 Income Shares with shared custody adjustments at 40%+ overnights.

Custody and Parenting Time

Six types of custody under 23 Pa. C.S. § 5328’s 17 best-interests factors.

Attorney’s Fees

Pennsylvania courts award fees under 23 Pa. C.S. § 3702 based on the parties’ financial resources.

Protective Orders

PFA Orders under 23 Pa. C.S. § 6101 — emergency, ex parte, and 3-year PFAs (extendable).

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DearLegal is a legal referral service, not a law firm. We connect individuals with licensed attorneys who can evaluate their case. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice. Results vary based on individual circumstances.

Pennsylvania Family Law Attorneys

Why Do You Need a Family Law Attorney in Pennsylvania?

When Do You Need a Family Law Attorney in Pennsylvania?

Types of Family Law Cases in Pennsylvania

Common Pennsylvania Family Law Mistakes

How Much Do Pennsylvania Family Law Attorneys Cost?

What Can Your Pennsylvania Family Law Compensation Include?

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