(a) Service of original process and proof of service in an action pursuant to this chapter shall be in accordance with Rule 1930.4.
Rule 1920.4.Service.
Adopted June 27, 1980 · Last amended October 2, 1995 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1920.4 has original process in a divorce action served in accordance with the general family-law service rule.
Full Text of Rule 1920.4
(b) Service of the complaint in the manner provided by Rule 1930.4 shall constitute service of process with respect to any claim which may under the Divorce Code be joined with an action of divorce or for annulment.
(c) In an action under Section 3301(d) of the Divorce Code, if no appearance has been entered and plaintiff avers that defendant cannot be located after dili- gent search, the court may waive service of the affidavit.
(d) The defendant may accept service of the compliant as provided by Rule 1930.4. Acceptance of service shall not be deemed collusive.
Plain-English Summary
A divorce defendant must be properly notified. This rule routes service of original process and proof of service through the general service rule for family-law actions, which provides the methods for serving a spouse. Proper service gives the court authority to grant the divorce.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a divorce complaint served?
In accordance with the general family-law service rule for these actions.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 1920.4 adopted June 27, 1980, effective July 1,1980, 10 Pa.B. 2967; amended through June 20, 1985, effective January 1, 1986, 15 Pa.B. 2452; amended March 30, 1994, effective July 1, 1994, 24 Pa.B. 1943; amended October 2, 1995, effective January 1, 1996, 25 Pa.B. 4518. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (200375).
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 serviceserve divorce complaintservice of process divorce