LibGuides: Self-Help: Divorce: Learn about Divorce

Brochures - General

Divorce in Philadelphia County Information on the types of simple, no-fault divorces, the definition of "marital property", forms of economic support, and more. Sponsored by the Philadelphia Bar Association Family Law Section (last updated Dec. 2021).
Divorce & Separation (PA) Information on divorce in PA, including marital settlement agreements, marital property, counseling, the final court order or decree, annulment, and more. Created by the Pennsylvania Bar Association (last updated Jan. 2013).
Instructions to Obtain Certified Copies of Divorce Decrees (Phila.) Information on where and how to obtain certified copies of divorce decrees for divorces filed in Philadelphia from 1885 - present, including fees. Created by the Office of Judicial Records (March 2019) .

Many of theses brochures can be found on the Philadelphia Courts Brochures & Manuals page, the Pennsylvania Bar Association website, and/or the Philadelphia Bar Association's Family Law Section Resources page.

Brochures - Marital Property & Equitable Distribution

This brochure, available in a few different languages, explains what Martial Property is and what Equitable Distribution is. It also explains what could potentially happen to property/assets and/or debts if you do not go through the Equitable Distribution process as a part of a divorce action. Created by Philadelphia Legal Assistance (2023).

ENGLISH: What is Equitable Distribution? Explains what Martial Property is, what Equitable Distribution is, and what could potentially happen to property/assets and/or debts if you do not go through the Equitable Distribution process as a part of a divorce action. Created by Philadelphia Legal Assistance (2023).
ARABIC: What is Equitable Distribution? Explains what Martial Property is, what Equitable Distribution is, and what could potentially happen to property/assets and/or debts if you do not go through the Equitable Distribution process as a part of a divorce action. Created by Philadelphia Legal Assistance (2023).
HATIAN CREOLE: What is Equitable Distribution? Explains what Martial Property is, what Equitable Distribution is, and what could potentially happen to property/assets and/or debts if you do not go through the Equitable Distribution process as a part of a divorce action. Created by Philadelphia Legal Assistance (2023).
MANDARIN: What is Equitable Distribution? Explains what Martial Property is, what Equitable Distribution is, and what could potentially happen to property/assets and/or debts if you do not go through the Equitable Distribution process as a part of a divorce action. Created by Philadelphia Legal Assistance (2023).
PORTUGUESE: What is Equitable Distribution? Explains what Martial Property is, what Equitable Distribution is, and what could potentially happen to property/assets and/or debts if you do not go through the Equitable Distribution process as a part of a divorce action. Created by Philadelphia Legal Assistance (2023).
SPANISH: What is Equitable Distribution? Explains what Martial Property is, what Equitable Distribution is, and what could potentially happen to property/assets and/or debts if you do not go through the Equitable Distribution process as a part of a divorce action. Created by Philadelphia Legal Assistance (2023).
VIETNAMESE: What is Equitable Distribution? Explains what Martial Property is, what Equitable Distribution is, and what could potentially happen to property/assets and/or debts if you do not go through the Equitable Distribution process as a part of a divorce action. Created by Philadelphia Legal Assistance (2023).

Websites

Divorce in Philadelphia County Philadelphia Legal Assistance

Pennsylvania Divorce WomensLaw.org

Divorce Law in Pennsylvania Neighborhood Legal Services (Pittsburgh, PA)

Marriage, Divorce, and Separation PALawHelp.org

Common Law Marriage by State National Conference of State Legislatures