Philadelphia Divorce Records
Philadelphia divorce records are filed at the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas. Philadelphia is a consolidated city-county and the largest city in Pennsylvania with about 1.6 million residents. All divorce cases for Philadelphia go through the Philadelphia Family Court. The Prothonotary keeps all divorce files and provides copies of judgments.
Philadelphia Quick Facts
Where to File for Divorce in Philadelphia
Philadelphia residents file for divorce at the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas, Family Division. The courthouse is located in Center City Philadelphia. This is where you file new cases and obtain copies of divorce records in Philadelphia. Because Philadelphia is a consolidated city-county, the court serves all residents within the city limits.
| Court | Philadelphia Family Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 1501 Arch Street Philadelphia, PA 19102 |
| Phone | (215) 686-4000 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | courts.phila.gov |
The courthouse is in Center City Philadelphia near City Hall. SEPTA subway, bus, and regional rail service provide convenient access by public transit. Paid parking is available at nearby garages and meters. Security screens all visitors at the entrance, so bring a valid photo ID and avoid large bags when going to get divorce records in Philadelphia.
How to Search Philadelphia Divorce Records
You can search for divorce records in Philadelphia online or in person at the courthouse. Online searches work well when you only need basic case information like dates and party names. In-person visits let you review the full case file and get certified copies the same day. Both methods give you access to divorce records going back many years in Philadelphia.
The Unified Judicial System (UJS) Portal covers all of Philadelphia County. You can search by party name or case number. The system provides access to party names, filing dates, and case status at no charge. For copies of actual documents, you need to contact the Prothonotary or visit the courthouse. Go to ujsportal.pacourts.us to begin your search for Philadelphia divorce records.
To search divorce records in Philadelphia, you need:
- Full name of at least one spouse
- Year the divorce was filed
- Case number if you know it
You can also visit the Prothonotary office in person to search divorce records in Philadelphia. Staff can look up cases by name or case number and make copies from the file. Certified copies cost more than plain ones. Call ahead at (215) 686-4000 to ask what you need to bring. Philadelphia residents can also use the UJS Portal at ujsportal.pacourts.us to look up case information online.
The Philadelphia City Departments directory connects residents with city offices that can assist during and after a divorce.
Many of these departments offer services relevant to people navigating a divorce, including housing, financial aid, and legal aid referrals.
Divorce Filing Process in Philadelphia
Philadelphia residents follow Pennsylvania state law when filing for divorce. The process is the same statewide, but you must file at the correct court. Since Philadelphia is a consolidated city-county, you file at the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas. Each step creates records that become part of your case file, and you can get copies of any document once it is filed in Philadelphia.
First, you must meet the residency requirement under 23 Pa.C.S. § 3104. At least one spouse must have been a Pennsylvania resident for at least six months before filing. If you live in Philadelphia now, you can file here even if you recently moved from another part of the state.
You file the complaint in divorce at the Prothonotary in Philadelphia. The filing fee is $335 for a standard divorce case. Next, you must serve your spouse with the papers. You can use the Philadelphia County Sheriff, a private process server, or other methods allowed by Pennsylvania law. Proof of service goes in the court file in Philadelphia.
Pennsylvania offers two no-fault paths to divorce. Under 23 Pa.C.S. § 3301, you can file based on mutual consent, which requires both spouses to sign affidavits of consent after a 90-day waiting period. Alternatively, you can file based on irretrievable breakdown of the marriage after a one-year separation. Fault grounds are also available under 23 Pa.C.S. § 3301. Philadelphia residents must meet one of these grounds before the court can finalize the divorce.
Once the required waiting period has passed, the case can proceed in Philadelphia. If both parties agree on all terms, you can submit a stipulated agreement for the judge to sign. The divorce decree dissolves the marriage and becomes a public record under the PA Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101).
Note: Property is divided through equitable distribution under 23 Pa.C.S. § 3502. Spousal support, alimony, and custody arrangements are all addressed within the same divorce case in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania courts handle these issues together rather than as separate claims.
Philadelphia Divorce Fees
Fees for divorce in Philadelphia follow the standard Pennsylvania fee schedule and apply at the Philadelphia County courthouse. The cost to start a new divorce case is $335. Fees can change, so call the Prothonotary at (215) 686-4000 to confirm current rates before you file in Philadelphia.
The main fees for divorce in Philadelphia are:
- File a complaint in divorce: $335.00
- Response filing fee: varies
- Motion filing fee: varies
- Certified copy of decree: varies
If you have low income, you may apply for a fee waiver (in forma pauperis) in Philadelphia. You complete the appropriate petition form with the court. You must show proof that you cannot afford the fees, such as receiving public assistance or having income below the threshold set by the court. The court reviews your petition and decides if you qualify. Getting copies of existing divorce records in Philadelphia has its own fees. Plain copies cost less than certified ones. Call the Prothonotary to ask about current copy costs for divorce records in Philadelphia.
Legal Help for Divorce in Philadelphia
Several organizations offer help with divorce cases in Philadelphia. Some provide free legal representation to people with low income. Others offer initial consultations at a reduced rate. These resources can help you understand the law, complete court forms, or find a family law attorney in Philadelphia.
Pennsylvania Legal Aid has offices serving Philadelphia and all of Philadelphia County. They provide free legal help to people who qualify based on income. Visit their website at palegalaid.net for more information on services available in Philadelphia.
The Pennsylvania Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service at (800) 692-7375. The Philadelphia Bar Association also offers a lawyer referral service at (215) 238-6333 for residents who need a family law attorney in Philadelphia. The Pennsylvania court system at courts.phila.gov has step-by-step guides, court forms, and instructions for people handling their own divorce cases in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Community Resources
The City of Philadelphia and Philadelphia County offer resources that may help during a divorce. These are not legal services, but they can assist with related needs like child care, housing, and crisis support. Many people going through a divorce in Philadelphia face challenges beyond the court case itself. These city and county programs can help fill some of those gaps.
The Philadelphia City Records page provides access to public records, government documents, and related city resources.
This resource can help residents locate documents that intersect with divorce proceedings, including property records and vital records.
Philadelphia community resources include:
- Child care assistance programs
- Child protective services through Philadelphia DHS
- Child support enforcement through PACSES (Pennsylvania Child Support Enforcement System)
- Domestic violence legal advocacy
- Emergency shelters and transitional housing
- Crisis hotlines and counseling services
- Mental health and substance abuse services
Find more through the Philadelphia Department of Human Services. For domestic violence help, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 any time of day or night. Philadelphia offers legal advocacy and safety planning services for domestic violence survivors. For child support questions, contact PACSES (Pennsylvania Child Support Enforcement System) for assistance.
Filing Without a Lawyer in Philadelphia
Some Philadelphia residents file for divorce on their own without an attorney. This is called filing pro se. It works best when both spouses agree on the divorce and there are no complicated issues with property or children. The court does not provide legal advice, but several resources can help you handle your own divorce case in Philadelphia.
The Pennsylvania court system at courts.phila.gov has all the court forms you need to file for divorce in Philadelphia. The site has complaint forms, response forms, and all other required papers. Forms specific to family matters are grouped together for easy access. All forms are free to download and print.
The Philadelphia Family Court also has a Family Law Self-Help Center in Philadelphia that can assist with form selection and filing procedures. If children are part of your case, you may need additional forms including custody agreements and child support worksheets. The Prothonotary can tell you exactly what forms you need to file for divorce in Philadelphia.
Divorce Certificates in Philadelphia
After a divorce is final in Philadelphia, you may need a divorce certificate. This is not the same as the divorce decree. A certificate is a shorter document from the state health authority that confirms the divorce happened. A decree is the full court order. Most legal matters need the decree, but some only need a certificate.
The PA Department of Health, Division of Vital Records issues divorce certificates. You can order one by mailing a request to the Division of Vital Records, PO Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103. The fee is $20 per certified copy.
For the full divorce decree, you get that from the Prothonotary in Philadelphia. The decree shows the court order dissolving the marriage and all other terms. The certificate only shows basic facts: names, date, and county. Most people who need to prove their divorce in Philadelphia will want the decree since it contains more detail than a certificate.
Note: Divorce certificates from the Division of Vital Records are available for divorces from 1906 to the present day in Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia County Divorce Records
Philadelphia is a consolidated city-county, and all divorce filings go through the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas. The county court handles all cases within the city limits. For more on the county court system, full fee lists, related records, and other resources, visit the Philadelphia County divorce records page.
Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
Residents of nearby cities file for divorce at their own county courthouse. Pick a city below to learn about divorce records in that area.