Real numbers for Pennsylvania — filing fees, attorney rates, contested vs. uncontested costs, county breakdowns, and what you can do to reduce your total.
✓ Filing fee and waiting period verified against current state statutes · Updated August 2026
Forms and local rules differ, but the path through a Pennsylvania divorce is fairly consistent:
Consider this a general orientation rather than Pennsylvania-specific legal advice — your county self-help center or a licensed local attorney can confirm the current procedure for your situation.
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Calculate My Pennsylvania Divorce Cost →The cost of divorce in Pennsylvania ranges from roughly $3,300 for a simple uncontested case to $35,200 or more for a contested divorce that goes to trial. The single biggest factor is not the state — it is how much you and your spouse disagree.
Pennsylvania has a 90-day waiting period for no-fault divorce if both parties consent; 2 years separation if one party does not consent.
| Divorce Type | Low Estimate | Typical | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested, no children | $200 | $1,025 | $5,500 |
| Uncontested with children | $3,300 | $5,500 | $8,250 |
| Contested, no trial | $12,100 | $22,000 | $35,200 |
| Contested, goes to trial | $35,200 | $41,800 | $50,000+ |
| Savings going uncontested | Up to $16,500 per spouse | ||
The court filing fee in Pennsylvania is paid when you submit your divorce petition to the court. This is a fixed, unavoidable cost regardless of whether your divorce is contested or uncontested.
Filing fee note: $135–$388 depending on county
| Philadelphia County | $350 |
| Allegheny (Pittsburgh) | $275 |
| Montgomery | $230 |
| Bucks | $230 |
| Delaware | $230 |
| Chester | $230 |
Divorce attorney hourly rates in Pennsylvania average $280 per hour.
A Philadelphia couple using the mutual consent route would spend $300 in filing fees and $3,000–$6,000 in attorney costs — total around $3,500–$6,500 for an uncontested divorce. A contested custody case in Montgomery or Bucks County involving significant home equity can cost $30,000–$70,000+ per party.
How much does a divorce cost in Pennsylvania?
An uncontested divorce in Pennsylvania typically costs $5,500–$8,250 including a $135–$388 filing fee that varies by county. A contested divorce averages $22,000–$35,200 per spouse depending on attorney hours and complexity.
What is the difference between mutual consent and separation divorce in Pennsylvania?
Mutual consent divorce requires both spouses to sign a consent affidavit — there is no waiting period. The separation route allows one spouse to file after 1 year of living apart without the other's cooperation.
How is property divided in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania uses equitable distribution. Courts consider 11 statutory factors including the length of marriage, each spouse's income, and contributions to the marriage.
What is a custody conciliation conference in Pennsylvania?
A mandatory step in contested custody cases where a conference officer meets with both parties to attempt to reach agreement before a judge hears the case.
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Open Pennsylvania Calculator →Filing fees based on Pennsylvania court records as of July 2026. This is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.