Pennsylvania Residency Requirements
The state of Pennsylvania has unique residency requirements for people who wish to terminate their marriage. You must meet these state-specific requirements prior to filing with your local county court. The Pennsylvania residency requirements are as follows:
Either spouse must be a resident of the state of Pennsylvania for at least six months prior to filing. A proceeding for divorce or annulment may be brought in the county: A. Where the defendant resides; B. If the defendant resides outside of this Commonwealth, where the plaintiff resides; C. Of matrimonial domicile, if the plaintiff has continuously resided in the county; D. Prior to six months after the date of final separation and with agreement of the defendant, where the plaintiff resides or, if neither party continues to reside in the county of matrimonial domicile, where either party resides; or E. After six months after the date of final separation, where either party resides. (Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes - Title 23 - Sections: 3104)
If you DO NOT meet at least one of the above residency requirements, you have the following options:
- Establish residency in Pennsylvania for the period time set forth above (this does not mean you have to wait to begin the process of getting your documents).
- Have your spouse do the filing if he or she meets the Pennsylvania residency requirements.
- Choose another state in which you or your spouse meet the requirements (all states are unique, so be sure to check the state in which you were married as an option).
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