Pennsylvania Divorce Cost

How much does divorce cost in Pennsylvania? Detailed breakdown of filing fees, attorney costs, mediation, and hidden expenses — plus how to save up to 90%. Updated for 2026.

Pennsylvania Divorce Cost Comparison

MethodCost Range
Divorce.ai$299 + $300 filing fee
DIY (Pro Se)$300 filing fee only
Mediation$3,000-$8,000(~$300/session)
Uncontested + Attorney$500-$3,000
Contested + Attorney$10,000-$30,000+

Pennsylvania Divorce Fee Breakdown

Court Filing Fee$300
Process Server$70
Certified Copy$6
Parenting Course$75
Minimum Total (DIY)$376

County Fee Variations

Philadelphia$340
Allegheny$192
Montgomery$285
Bucks$388
Delaware$291

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Attorney Costs in Pennsylvania

Divorce attorneys in Pennsylvania typically charge between $250 and $450 per hour. Total costs depend on how many hours your case requires.

Simple Uncontested

$1,500-$3,000

5-15 hours

Moderate Complexity

$5,000-$15,000

20-60 hours

Highly Contested

$10,000+

60+ hours

Hidden Costs to Watch For

$

QDRO (Retirement Division)

If dividing retirement accounts, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order costs $500-$1,500 to prepare.

$

Real Estate Appraisals

Professional home appraisals run $300-$600 each and may be needed for property division.

$

Business Valuations

If either spouse owns a business, a formal valuation can cost $5,000-$25,000.

$

Custody Evaluations

Court-ordered custody evaluations cost $3,000-$10,000 in contested custody cases.

Fee Waiver Information

Pennsylvania offers filing fee waivers for individuals who cannot afford to pay.

Use Form 2 (Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis). Pennsylvania does not set a fixed income cutoff; the standard is qualitative ('without financial resources to pay the costs of litigation'). Recipients of public assistance (TANF, SSI, etc.) generally qualify automatically. A judge reviews the petition and may hold a hearing. Must disclose income, assets, debts, monthly expenses, and public benefits.

Income threshold: No fixed threshold; qualitative standard of inability to pay litigation costs. Public assistance recipients (TANF, SSI) generally qualify automatically.

Required form: Form 2 - Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a divorce cost in Pennsylvania?
An uncontested divorce in Pennsylvania typically costs $500-$3,000, while a contested divorce ranges from $10,000-$30,000. The court filing fee alone is $300.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Pennsylvania?
Divorce attorneys in Pennsylvania typically charge $250-$450 per hour. A full representation in an uncontested case might cost $1,500-$5,000, while contested cases can exceed $15,000.
Can I get a fee waiver for divorce in Pennsylvania?
Yes, Pennsylvania offers fee waivers for those who cannot afford the filing fee. Use Form 2 (Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis). Pennsylvania does not set a fixed income cutoff; the standard is qualitative ('without financial resources to pay the costs of litigation'). Recipients of public assistance (TANF, SSI, etc.) generally qualify automatically. A judge reviews the petition and may hold a hearing. Must disclose income, assets, debts, monthly expenses, and public benefits. You will need to complete form Form 2 - Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis.
What is the cheapest way to get divorced in Pennsylvania?
The cheapest option is an uncontested divorce using an online service like Divorce.ai (starting at $299) plus the $300 filing fee. This avoids expensive attorney fees while ensuring your forms are prepared correctly.

Related Pennsylvania Guides

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