(a) If the Divorce Code provides for counseling, the parties shall be notified of the availability of counseling as prescribed in Pa.R.C.P. Nos. 1920.12(a)(8) and 1920.71.
Rule 1920.45.Counseling.
Adopted June 27, 1980 · Last amended October 19, 2021 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1920.45 has the parties notified of the availability of counseling where the Divorce Code provides for it.
Full Text of Rule 1920.45
(b) The court shall maintain in the prothonotary’s office a list of qualified professionals that provide counseling services, which shall be available to the parties upon request.
(c) If the ground for divorce is under:
(1) Section 3301(c) of the Divorce Code and the court orders counseling as requested by a party, the parties must complete counseling within 90 days of the divorce complaint’s filing; or
(2) Section 3301(d) of the Divorce Code and a court orders counseling, the parties must complete counseling within 120 days, unless the parties agree to a longer period.
(d) If the court has referred a divorce action to a hearing officer and a party requests counseling pursuant to the Divorce Code, without leave of court, the hearing officer may require counseling and continue the hearing pending the counselor’s report.
Plain-English Summary
The Divorce Code allows for counseling in some divorces, aimed at exploring reconciliation. This rule requires the parties to be notified of the availability of counseling where the Code provides for it, ensuring spouses know the option exists before the divorce is finalized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is counseling part of a Pennsylvania divorce?
Where the Divorce Code provides for it, the parties must be notified of the availability of counseling.
Official Note
Official Note: See Section 3302 of the Divorce Code for the divorce actions in which the parties may request counseling, but note the counseling exceptions in Section 3302(g).
Official Note: Section 3103 of the Divorce Code defines the term ‘‘qualified profession- als.’’
Official Note: See Section 3301(d)(2) of the Divorce Code providing for a period ‘‘not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days. . .’’
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 1920.45 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 March 30, 1994, effective July 1, 1994, 24 Pa.B. 1943; amended June 3, 2019, effective October 1, 2019, 49 Pa.B. 3059; amended October 19, 2021, effective January 1, 2022, 51 Pa.B. 6764. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (396999).
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 counselingreconciliation counselingcounseling notice divorce