Management of the Divorce Filing Process

At Divorce Mediation Services Lehigh Valley, we guide the parties through the complete legal paperwork and courthouse filing process for a mutual, no-fault divorce (3301(c)) in Pennsylvania. Whether you are working with us through mediation or simply need assistance with the required divorce filings, our practice provides clear, stress-free support every step of the way.

Our services include:
-Gathering the parties' information
-Populating the court documents for the parties
-Reviewing the court documents and gathering signatures
-Filing the documents on behalf of the parties at the courthouse
-Monitoring the Waiting Period 
-Finalizing the Agreements and the parties' signatures
-Filing the petition to grant the final divorce with the county

Understanding a 3301(c) Divorce Filing Process in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s 3301(c) divorce filing is designed for couples who mutually agree to divorce and are willing to sign all required documents. Because mediation involves cooperation and mutual understanding, all divorces we file are mutual, no-fault divorces.

Why Choose Divorce Mediation Services Lehigh Valley?

Full guidance through every legal document required.
We offer filings services to couples going through mediation with us, or those in need of divorce filing assistance.
Clear communication and compassionate support.
Assistance provided with or without mediation, as long as both parties agree, and the divorce is mutual.
Efficient preparation and filing to keep the process moving smoothly.
Never have to step foot into the Courthouse, we personally handle all the filings for you with the courts.

Making Your Divorce Filing Process Clear and Simple

Understanding the Pennsylvania Divorce Timeline and the Process at Divorce Mediation Services Lehigh Valley

2018
Consultation & Intake Packet
Your process begins with a consultation and meeting with our Certified Divorce Mediator. During this stage, each spouse receives an intake packet designed to collect the personal information required under the Pennsylvania Divorce Code and for preparation of the appropriate courthouse legal documents.
2012
Document Preparation & Signing
After we receive the completed intake packets, our Legal Case Coordinator, will gather and prepare all the legal documents for the courthouse in your county, and reach out to schedule an in-office appointment to meet with each party for signing.
2010
Office Meeting to Review Legal Filings
Our Legal Case Coordinator reviews each legal document with both parties. Every required form is explained in detail, and signed.
Both spouses have the opportunity to review the documents and ask any questions they may have regarding the filing process.
2010
Courthouse Filing Begins
Divorce Complaint Filed – The divorce process begins when the Plaintiff’s Divorce Complaint is filed with the courthouse. Once submitted, the court assigns a Docket Case Number to the matter, and the official timeline for all subsequent divorce filings is formally established.
2010
Acceptance of Service
Typically one week after the Divorce Complaint is filed, our office submits the Defendant’s signed Acceptance of Service—which was served and completed in our office with our Certified Mediator as a witness—to the courthouse. Although the Plaintiff legally has 30 days to serve the Defendant, we file this acceptance promptly to keep the process moving efficiently and allow the divorce to proceed to the next step without delay. Each couple will then receive copies of the first round of filed paperwork, that they can each keep for their records. The date of this filing also begins the 90 day Mandatory waiting period required by Pennsylvania law.
2010
90-Day Mandatory Waiting Period & MOU Finalization
The 90-day waiting period is required by Pennsylvania law before final filings can be submitted. During this time, our Certified Divorce Mediator reviews the initial mediation agreements with both parties, makes any needed revisions, and schedules additional meetings if necessary. Once both parties approve the draft, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is finalized and both parties meet with our Legal Case Coordinator one last time to sign the MOU for inclusion in the final court filings. Please Note: A finalized, signed MOU is required for our office to complete the last set of filings. If the parties cannot reach a full agreement, the divorce is no longer considered mutual and legal counsel would be required. Although the 90 days is the minimum required waiting period by the courts filing requirements, couples may take longer to finalize their agreement, and our office fully supports taking the time needed to reach fair and confident decisions.
2010
Post-90 Days – Consent Forms & Final Filings
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed by both parties in our office, allowing us to proceed with the final set of filings. At this stage, the "Affidavit of Consent" and the "Waiver of Intention to File the Praecipe" signed by both parties, are submitted to confirm that the 90-day waiting period has passed and that both parties are prepared to move forward. These filings request that the case be forwarded to the Judge for review upon the last filing of the Praecipe and that both parties request the issuance of the Divorce Decree.
2010
Filing of the Praecipe to Transmit Record - The Final Filing
Typically one week after the Consents are filed, the final filing of the "Praecipe to Transmit Record" is submitted. This final filing completes the divorce submission process. The Praecipe to Transmit Record sends the entire case file to the judge for review and final consideration of the Divorce Decree. At this stage, the fully signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is attached, and upon issuance of the decree, the MOU becomes a legally binding, court-ordered document. Once the Praecipe is filed, both parties receive copies of the final filings for their records, along with a notice from our office confirming that all required documents have been submitted. From this point forward, the Divorce is in the Judge’s hands. Upon the Judge's approval of the Divorce, the court will mail out an official Divorce Decree directly to each party.
Please Note: The original Divorce Complaint includes a Count of Equitable Distribution, which grants the court jurisdiction over the filed MOU. This means that if either party fails to comply with the terms in the future, the other party may file a contempt action directly with the court. After the filing of the Praecipe, our services are complete. Any future modifications or concerns must be addressed directly through the court, as the agreement is now a formal court order. Once the Divorce Decree is issued, both parties are legally divorced in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Typical Total Completion Time:
Approximately 4–5 monthsFrom the initial filing of the Divorce Complaint to receiving the Divorce Decree, 
most of our 3301(c) cases conclude within this timeframe.

schedule a free consultation