Pennsylvania State Laws
Updated for 2026
Pennsylvania Divorce Laws
Your complete guide to divorce in Pennsylvania. Features 16 statutory custody factors.
Understanding Pennsylvania Divorce Law
Property Division
Pennsylvania follows Equitable Distribution.
Fair DivisionGrounds for Divorce
No-Fault: Mutual consent (90 days) or separation (1 year)
Fault or No-FaultChild Custody
Courts consider 16 statutory best interests factors.
16 Statutory FactorsChild Support
Uses the Income Shares Model.
Income Shares Model16 Custody Factors
1
Which party is more likely to encourage contact
2
Present and past abuse
3
Parental duties performed by each party
4
Need for stability and continuity
5
Availability of extended family
6
Siblings relationships
7
Well-reasoned preference of child
8
Any attempts to turn child against other parent
9
Which party is more likely to maintain loving relationship
10
Which party is more likely to attend to daily needs
11
Proximity of residences
12
Each partys availability
13
Mental and physical condition
14
Any other relevant factor
Spousal Support (Alimony)
Alimony Pendente Lite
During proceedings
Rehabilitative Alimony
For education or training
Reimbursement Alimony
For career contributions
Permanent Alimony
Long-term support
Key Statutes
23 Pa.C.S. 3301
Grounds for Divorce
Irretrievable breakdown
23 Pa.C.S. 3502
Property Division
Equitable distribution
23 Pa.C.S. 5328
Child Custody
Best interests factors
Recent Changes
2024
Custody Factor Updates
Pennsylvania updated statutory custody factors.
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