Starting Divorce in Bucks County

The start of the divorce process in Bucks County begins when one of the spouses files a legal document known as “Complaint in Divorce” at the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas. If the spouses reside in different counties, the divorce complaint can be filed in either county but the spouse filing the complaint must state the reason for that county to handle the divorce case.  Information such as the following is provided in the complaint:  both spouses names and addresses and the type of divorce sought (fault or no fault).  The complaint must state the date and place of the marriage. The person initiating the divorce is called the “plaintiff” and he/she may state requests for items such as alimony, custody of children and support. 

Receiving the Complaint

The spouse receiving the complaint is called the “Defendant” and has 30 days to respond to the complaint if he/she lives in Pennsylvania, 60 days if the defendant spouse resides outside of the state but within the United States, and 90 days if residing outside the U.S.  A complaint is delivered by certified mail or by the sheriff’s office.