Before you can file for divorce in Pennsylvania, you need to make sure that you meet the residency requirements. Now you might be thinking, “Don’t I just have to live in Pennsylvania to file for divorce?†While this is certainly true, the details surrounding the residency requirements can be complex. Read on to find out if you meet the necessary requirements for pursuing divorce in PA.
How Long You Need to Be a PA Resident
It is not so much a question of living in Pennsylvania; that should be a given. However, you do need to reside in the state for a minimum amount of time before you are legally considered to be a resident. To be considered a resident, you must be living in PA and call it home. This is different from someone who has a home in PA but primarily resides in another state.
You will also need to have lived in the state for a minimum of six months before you can file your divorce complaint. Once you are considered a bona fide resident, you can officially move forward with your divorce in PA.
When Your Spouse Is in Another State
If you and your spouse have been living separate lives for a while now but it is time to file for divorce, you might be holding off on doing so because your spouse is living in another state.
Fortunately, you can still file your divorce complaint even if your spouse is living elsewhere, as long as you meet the bona fide residency requirements. The only time your spouse living in another state will be an issue is if you are seeking equitable distribution of your marital assets or if you are in need of spousal support.
Reach Out to a Pennsylvania Divorce Lawyer
When you have concerns regarding your residency status, or for assistance in filing your divorce complaint, reach out to a well-regarded Pennsylvania divorce lawyer at Lisa Marie Vari & Associates, P.C. You can do so by calling our office directly at 1-844-VARI-LAW (827-4529) or by completing the convenient contact form we have included on our website.