Pennsylvania Divorce Filing Fees by County (2026) — What It Costs to File
One of the first practical questions when considering a DIY divorce is: how much does it actually cost to file? In Pennsylvania, you file with the Prothonotary at your county's Court of Common Pleas, and fees vary by county.
This page covers current filing fees for major Pennsylvania counties, plus everything else you might need to budget for.
Note: Court fees change periodically. Always verify the current fee with your county Prothonotary before you go. Phone numbers and websites are listed below.
Pennsylvania Divorce Filing Fees by County
Southeast Pennsylvania
| County | Estimated Filing Fee | Prothonotary Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia County | $350–$400 | courts.phila.gov/courts/civil — (215) 686-6652 |
| Montgomery County | $300–$350 | montcopa.org/prothonotary — (610) 278-3360 |
| Bucks County | $300–$350 | buckscounty.gov/prothonotary — (215) 348-6191 |
| Delaware County | $275–$325 | co.delaware.pa.us — (610) 891-4370 |
| Chester County | $275–$325 | chesco.org/prothonotary — (610) 344-6300 |
Southwest Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh Area)
| County | Estimated Filing Fee | Prothonotary Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Allegheny County | $325–$375 | county.allegheny.pa.us — (412) 350-5300 |
| Westmoreland County | $275–$325 | co.westmoreland.pa.us — (724) 830-3511 |
| Washington County | $250–$300 | co.washington.pa.us — (724) 228-6770 |
| Butler County | $250–$300 | co.butler.pa.us — (724) 284-5234 |
South Central Pennsylvania
| County | Estimated Filing Fee | Prothonotary Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Dauphin County (Harrisburg) | $275–$325 | dauphincounty.gov — (717) 780-6520 |
| Lancaster County | $275–$325 | co.lancaster.pa.us — (717) 299-8282 |
| York County | $250–$300 | yorkcountypa.gov — (717) 771-9611 |
| Cumberland County | $250–$300 | ccpa.net — (717) 240-6195 |
| Berks County (Reading) | $250–$300 | co.berks.pa.us — (610) 478-6970 |
| Lebanon County | $250–$275 | lebcounty.org — (717) 228-4420 |
Northeast Pennsylvania
| County | Estimated Filing Fee | Prothonotary Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Luzerne County (Wilkes-Barre) | $250–$300 | luzernecounty.org — (570) 825-1502 |
| Lackawanna County (Scranton) | $250–$300 | lackawannacounty.org — (570) 963-6723 |
| Monroe County | $250–$300 | monroecountypa.gov — (570) 517-3360 |
| Northampton County (Easton) | $250–$300 | northamptoncounty.org — (610) 559-3000 |
| Lehigh County (Allentown) | $275–$325 | lehighcounty.org — (610) 782-3148 |
Central and North Central Pennsylvania
| County | Estimated Filing Fee | Prothonotary Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Centre County (State College) | $250–$275 | centrecountypa.gov — (814) 355-6703 |
| Lycoming County (Williamsport) | $225–$275 | lyco.org — (570) 327-2244 |
| Blair County (Altoona) | $225–$275 | blairco.org — (814) 693-3090 |
| Erie County | $250–$300 | eriecountypa.gov — (814) 451-6000 |
What the Filing Fee Covers
Your filing fee opens your divorce case with the Prothonotary. It covers:
- Assigning your case a docket number
- Filing and storing your Complaint in Divorce
- Basic administrative processing of the case
It does not cover:
- Serving your spouse (if formal service is needed)
- Additional filings (Affidavits of Consent, Praecipe, etc.) — some counties charge small per-document fees
- Certified copies of your Final Decree
- Any Motion or Petition filed later in the case
Other Costs to Budget For
Service of Process
If your spouse won't sign an Acceptance of Service voluntarily, you need to formally serve them.
| Method | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Acceptance of Service (spouse cooperates) | Free |
| Certified mail (return receipt requested) | $10–$20 |
| Sheriff service | $50–$100 |
| Private process server | $75–$150 |
Certified Copies of the Final Decree
You'll need certified copies to update your name and records after the divorce. Pennsylvania courts typically charge per page.
Budget $25–$75 for 3–5 certified copies. A Final Decree with an incorporated MSA can be 15–40 pages. Get extras while you're there — returning to the courthouse later costs time and money.
Marital Settlement Agreement Preparation (Optional)
If you use an online service to draft your MSA, budget $150–$500 depending on complexity and which service you choose.
Attorney Review of MSA (Optional but Recommended)
Even in a DIY divorce, having a Pennsylvania family law attorney review your MSA before you sign is worth the cost. Most offer flat-fee document review for $200–$500. This is especially important if you have a home, retirement accounts, or business interests.
QDRO (If Retirement Accounts Need to Be Divided)
If any employer-sponsored retirement plans (401k, 403b, pension) earned during the marriage need to be divided, you need a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). QDRO preparation by a specialist typically costs $500–$1,500. This is a one-time professional cost that protects both parties' retirement assets.
Can I Get the Filing Fee Waived?
Yes. If you cannot afford the filing fee, Pennsylvania allows you to file an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) petition. If approved by the court, filing fees and some other court costs may be waived.
Ask the Prothonotary for the In Forma Pauperis petition when you arrive. Eligibility is generally based on your income level and whether you receive public benefits.
Total Cost Comparison
| Scenario | Estimated Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Agreed DIY, no children, minimal property | $300–$500 |
| Agreed DIY, no children, with home or retirement accounts | $400–$900 |
| Agreed DIY, with children | $400–$800 |
| DIY using online document service | $550–$1,200 |
| Simple uncontested divorce with attorney | $2,500–$5,000 |
| Contested divorce with attorney | $10,000–$50,000+ |
The savings from a DIY approach on a simple uncontested divorce are real — typically $2,000–$4,000 compared to hiring an attorney.
How to Pay
Payment methods vary by county. Most Prothonotary offices accept:
- Credit or debit card
- Cash
- Money order or certified check
Personal checks are accepted in some counties but not all. Call ahead or check the county website before you go.
If you're e-filing through PACFile, you pay online by card at the time of submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my filing fee back if I change my mind? No. Filing fees are non-refundable once your Complaint has been filed.
Are there additional fees when I file the Affidavits of Consent and Praecipe? Some counties charge small processing fees for individual documents beyond the initial complaint filing. Check with your county Prothonotary for their specific fee schedule.
Is the filing fee different for a two-year separation divorce vs. mutual consent? Generally no — the initial filing fee is the same. Your overall costs may differ based on whether you need formal service, hearings, or contested proceedings.
What if I filed in the wrong county? Your case will be dismissed and you'll need to refile in the correct county, paying the filing fee again. Confirm residency requirements before filing.
Do I pay again when the Final Decree is issued? The initial filing fee covers the case through the Final Decree. You should not need to pay again to receive the decree itself, though you will pay for certified copies.
Last reviewed: March 2026 | Filing fees change periodically. Always verify the current fee directly with your county Prothonotary before filing.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.