Pennsylvania DIY Divorce Checklist (2026) — Printable Step-by-Step
Use this checklist to track your progress through the Pennsylvania divorce process. Print it out and check off each item as you complete it. Nothing falls through the cracks.
Disclaimer: Requirements vary by county. Always confirm local requirements with your county Prothonotary.
Before You File
Confirm Eligibility
- At least one spouse has lived in Pennsylvania for the last 6 months
- Identified the county Court of Common Pleas where you will file (where either spouse lives)
- Confirmed your divorce is uncontested (mutual consent) OR you have been separated for 2+ years (two-year separation path)
- Located the Prothonotary's office in your filing county
Decide on Your Property Division Approach
- Understand that property division is a separate legal claim in Pennsylvania — do not skip this step
- Agreed with spouse on how to divide all marital property and debt
- Agreed on whether either spouse will receive alimony
- Drafted a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) — both spouses signed before a notary
- If children: agreed on legal custody and physical custody arrangement
- If children: agreed on visitation/parenting time schedule
- If children: calculated child support per Pennsylvania guidelines
- If children: agreed on health insurance for children
- Decided on name change (yes or no) for each spouse
Gather Financial Documents
- Recent mortgage statement (if applicable)
- Vehicle titles for all vehicles
- Bank account statements (last 3 months) for all accounts
- Retirement account statements (401k, 403b, IRA, pension) for all accounts
- Investment/brokerage account statements
- Recent pay stubs or proof of income for both spouses (last 3 months)
- List of all debts with current balances (credit cards, loans, medical bills)
- Most recent tax returns (last 2 years)
- Life insurance policy information with cash values
- Any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
- Marriage certificate
Get Your Forms
- Downloaded forms from pacourts.us/learn/representing-yourself
- Confirmed with county Prothonotary that you have the correct county-specific forms (if any)
- Read all instructions before filling anything out
Filing
Complete the Complaint in Divorce
- Filled out Complaint in Divorce (completely, no blanks)
- Listed equitable distribution claim if you want court to divide property (OR have MSA incorporated)
- If children: included custody and support claims or confirmed they are addressed in MSA
- Made at least 3 copies of all documents
- Confirmed current filing fee with Prothonotary ($250–$350 depending on county)
- Confirmed payment methods accepted (cash, card, money order)
File at the Courthouse
- Filed Complaint in Divorce with the Prothonotary
- Paid filing fee (or filed In Forma Pauperis petition if unable to afford)
- Received file-stamped copies with docket number
- Noted exact filing date
- Filed Marital Settlement Agreement with the Prothonotary (if ready)
Complete Income and Expense Statement
- Plaintiff completed Income and Expense Statement
- Defendant completed Income and Expense Statement
- Both Income and Expense Statements filed with Prothonotary and exchanged between parties
Serving Your Spouse
Agreed Divorce (Spouse Cooperating)
- Gave spouse copy of filed Complaint with docket number
- Spouse signed Acceptance of Service (confirming receipt, waiving formal service)
- Filed Acceptance of Service with Prothonotary
- Noted the date of service (this starts the 90-day clock)
If Formal Service Required
- Arranged service via sheriff, certified mail, or personal service by a competent adult
- Service completed — received Proof of Service / Return of Service
- Filed Proof of Service with Prothonotary
- Noted the date of service (this starts the 90-day clock)
During the 90-Day Waiting Period
- Confirmed 90-day waiting period end date (service date + 90 days)
- Marital Settlement Agreement finalized and signed by both parties before a notary
- MSA filed with Prothonotary (if not already filed)
- Income and Expense Statements completed and exchanged
- If children: custody, support, and insurance arrangements finalized in writing
- If children: Pennsylvania child support calculated using state guidelines
- If children with employer retirement plans: identified whether QDRO is needed
After the 90-Day Period — Consent Phase
- Confirmed 90 days have passed since service date
- Plaintiff completed and signed Affidavit of Consent (plaintiff's form)
- Defendant completed and signed Affidavit of Consent (defendant's form)
- Both Affidavits of Consent filed with Prothonotary
- Filed Praecipe to Transmit Record with Prothonotary
- Confirmed with Prothonotary whether a hearing is required in your county
Receiving the Final Decree
- Received Final Decree in Divorce from the court
- Confirmed all terms in the decree match your MSA
- Obtained at least 3–5 certified copies of the Final Decree from Prothonotary
After the Divorce Is Final
Property Transfers
- If one spouse keeping home: refinancing process started; timeline set in MSA
- Leaving spouse signed deed transferring home interest (recorded with county Recorder of Deeds)
- Vehicle titles transferred to correct spouse
- Bank accounts separated or closed as agreed
- Joint credit cards closed or transferred to individual accounts
- Retirement account division initiated (QDRO filed with plan administrator if applicable)
- Life insurance beneficiaries updated
- Investment accounts transferred as agreed
Name Change (If Applicable)
- Social Security card updated — visit local SSA office with certified decree
- Pennsylvania driver's license updated — visit PennDOT Driver License Center
- Passport updated (if needed)
- Bank accounts updated to new name
- Employer HR records updated (new W-4)
- Credit cards updated
- Utilities and subscriptions updated
Financial Housekeeping
- Updated beneficiaries on life insurance policies
- Updated beneficiaries on retirement accounts
- Updated or created a new will and estate plan
- Updated health insurance (remove ex-spouse from coverage; arrange children's coverage)
- Filed new W-4 with employer reflecting single status
- Set up individual health insurance if previously on spouse's plan
- Reviewed credit report for joint accounts needing closure
Quick Reference — Key Dates and Numbers
| Item | Your Info |
|---|---|
| Docket number | |
| Filing date | |
| Service date | |
| 90-day deadline (service date + 90 days) | |
| County Prothonotary phone | |
| Date both Affidavits of Consent filed | |
| Date Praecipe to Transmit Record filed | |
| Date Final Decree received |
Free Pennsylvania Divorce Resources
- pacourts.us/learn/representing-yourself — Official PA Courts self-help forms and guides
- PACFile — pacourts.us/pacfile — Pennsylvania e-filing portal
- palawhelp.org — Pennsylvania Legal Aid (free help if you qualify)
- PennDOT Driver's License — dmv.pa.gov
- Social Security Administration — ssa.gov
- Pennsylvania Child Support — humanservices.pa.gov
Last reviewed: March 2026 | Requirements vary by county. Always verify with your county Prothonotary.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.