A dissolution of marriage in Pennsylvania achieved through the voluntary agreement of both spouses, where both parties consent to ending the marriage and have reached an understanding regarding property division, spousal support (if applicable), and child custody and support (if applicable). This legal pathway streamlines the divorce process by eliminating the need to prove fault or grounds for the marriage breakdown. For example, a couple who both agree their marriage is irretrievably broken and have resolved all related financial and parental issues can pursue this method.
This amicable approach offers several advantages. It often reduces the emotional strain and conflict associated with adversarial divorce proceedings. Furthermore, it tends to be a more cost-effective and quicker resolution compared to litigated divorces. Historically, divorce laws often required proof of fault. This specific process represents a modern shift towards recognizing the mutual decision of parties to end a marriage, reflecting a change in societal perspectives on marital dissolution.
