Adopted June 27, 1980 · Last amended February 7, 1989 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1920.2 fixes venue for a divorce action, except a custody claim, mainly in the county where the plaintiff or defendant resides or as the parties agree.
(a)The action, except a claim for custody, may be brought only in the county
(1)in which the plaintiff or the defendant resides, or
(2)upon which the parties have agreed
(i)in a writing which shall be attached to the complaint, or
(ii)by participating in the proceeding.
(b)The record shall establish compliance with the venue requirement of sub- division (a) prior to the entry of the decree.
(c)Notwithstanding any agreement of the parties, if neither the plaintiff nor the defendant has resided in the county at any time during the pendency of the action, the court, upon its own motion and for its own convenience, may transfer the action to the appropriate court of any other county where the action originally could have been brought.
Plain-English Summary
Divorce venue follows the spouses. This rule has the action — except a custody claim — brought only in a county where the plaintiff or defendant resides, or on a basis the parties agree to. Tying venue to residence keeps the case near the parties and their records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is a divorce filed?
Mainly in the county where the plaintiff or defendant resides, or as the parties agree.
Official Note
Official Note: Rule 1920.2 governs the venue of related claims, except a claim for custody, when joined with an action of divorce or for annulment. Venue in an action for custody is gov- erned by Rule 1915.2. See Rule 1006(d) for the transfer of an action for the convenience of parties and witnesses. Under subdivision (a)(2), the agreement of the parties is an independent basis for venue and is not a waiver of improper venue.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 1920.2 adopted June 27, 1980, effective July 1, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 2967; amended January 28, 1983, effective July 1, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 677; amended February 7, 1989, effective July 1, 1989, 19 Pa.B. 764. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (99926).
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:divorce venuewhere to file divorcecounty for divorce