(a) The plaintiff may state in the complaint one or more grounds for divorce and may join in the alternative a cause of action for annulment.
Rule 1920.13.Pleading More Than One Cause of Action. Alternative Pleading.
Last amended July 30, 2018 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1920.13 lets a divorce plaintiff plead more than one ground for divorce and join an annulment claim in the alternative.
Full Text of Rule 1920.13
(b) Except as otherwise provided in these rules, the plaintiff may:
(1) join as separate counts in the complaint the ancillary claims that may be joined with an action of divorce or for annulment under the Divorce Code;
(2) amend the complaint to include the ancillary claims;
(3) file to the same term and number a separate supplemental complaint or complaints limited to the ancillary claims; or
(4) file to the same term and number a subsequent petition raising the ancillary claims.
(c) The court may order reasonable counsel fees and costs and expenses pending final disposition of any claim.
Plain-English Summary
A spouse may have more than one basis to end the marriage. This rule lets the plaintiff state one or more grounds for divorce in the complaint and join, in the alternative, a claim for annulment. Pleading alternatives lets the court grant relief on whichever basis the evidence supports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a divorce complaint plead more than one ground?
Yes, and it may also join an annulment claim in the alternative.
Official Note
Official Note: See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.1(b). This rule may require attorneys or unrepre- sented parties to file confidential documents and documents containing confidential information that are subject to the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania. See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1920.31(a)(2) as to raising claims for child support, spousal support, and alimony pendente lite. See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.26(b) for interim or special relief for support and alimony pendente lite actions proceeding through the domestic relations section.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 1920.13 amended January 5, 2018, effective January 6, 2018, 48 Pa.B. 477; amended June 1, 2018, effective July 1, 2018, 48 Pa.B. 3520; amended July 30, 2018, effective January 1, 2019, 48 Pa.B. 4960. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (392645).
Source & verification. Rule text, the Official Note, and the amendment
history are reproduced verbatim from the Pennsylvania Code, Title 231, the official compilation
of rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Last verified June 30, 2026. ·
Official text
Also known as: multiple divorce groundsalternative pleading divorcedivorce or annulment