No judgment may be entered by default or on the pleadings.
Rule 1920.41.No Default Judgment.
Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1920.41 bars entering a divorce judgment by default or on the pleadings.
Full Text of Rule 1920.41
Plain-English Summary
A divorce is not granted merely because a spouse fails to respond. This rule bars any judgment by default or on the pleadings in a divorce action, so the court grants a divorce only on the required proof of grounds, even where the defendant does not contest it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a divorce be granted by default?
No. No divorce judgment may be entered by default or on the pleadings; the grounds must be established.
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: no default divorcedivorce default judgment barreddivorce proof of grounds