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Is It Legal to Remarry Your Ex in Pennsylvania?

By Sheryl Rentz on July 21, 2025

Many couples separate, reflect, and later find their way back to each other. There are no laws against marrying your ex-spouse in Pennsylvania. But before you walk down the aisle again, you’ll want to have a full understanding of the legal landscape and practical considerations of remarrying the same spouse.

Is Remarrying Your Ex-Spouse Legal in Pennsylvania?

Yes, it is absolutely legal to remarry your former spouse in Pennsylvania. There are no state laws that prevent divorced couples from reconciling and choosing to legally marry each other again. But the decision to remarry comes with legal, emotional, and financial implications that should not be taken lightly.

Couples considering reconciliation and remarriage must ensure that their divorce is finalized before they remarry. Attempting to remarry before a divorce decree has been legally entered can result in serious legal complications, including charges of bigamy.

What Legal Procedures Are Involved in Remarrying the Same Spouse?

The legal process of remarrying the same person in Pennsylvania is the same as marrying anyone else. Once your divorce has been finalized—meaning the court has issued a divorce decree—you’re free to apply for a new marriage license and proceed with the ceremony.

Here’s what you’ll need to do:

Finalize Your Previous Divorce

Before anything else, you must have a final divorce decree. In Pennsylvania, you can obtain a no-fault divorce by mutual consent after a 90-day waiting period or through a one-year separation period. Once finalized, the court will issue a decree that legally dissolves the marriage.

Apply for a Marriage License

If you decide to remarry your ex-spouse, you’ll need to apply for a new marriage license at the county Register of Wills. There is typically a mandatory waiting period of three days between application and issuance. Fees and identification requirements vary by county.

Have a New Ceremony

Pennsylvania law requires a marriage ceremony to formalize the marriage. You cannot reinstate your prior marriage or “reverse” the divorce decree. A brand-new marriage must be created, which includes a new license and a new ceremony.

Things to Consider When Remarrying a Former Spouse

Here are a few factors to weigh when deciding if remarriage is the right choice for you:

Addressing Past Issues

It’s critical to identify and address the problems that led to your original split. Have you both worked on your communication, trust, or financial compatibility? Counseling, therapy, or simply spending more time understanding one another’s needs can be crucial steps before walking down the aisle again.

Children and Family Considerations

If you share children, remarrying might bring a sense of stability—but only if both parents are committed to a healthy and respectful relationship. It’s also important to consider the emotional impact on your children and how reconciliation will affect existing custody or support arrangements.

Financial and Legal Planning

Divorce often results in changes to property ownership, retirement accounts, or estate plans. Before remarrying, consult with a Montgomery County family law attorney to review:

• Whether to execute a prenuptial agreement.
• How remarriage could affect existing alimony or support orders.
• How property and assets will be treated in the new marriage.
• Whether beneficiary designations, wills, or powers of attorney need updates.

Reconciliation During or After Divorce Proceedings

Pennsylvania courts recognize that couples may reconcile at any point during the divorce process. If you reconcile before the divorce is finalized, you may be able to withdraw your divorce petition. The legal procedure typically involves:

• Filing a motion to discontinue the divorce case.
• Notifying the court that the parties have resumed cohabitation or decided to work on the marriage.

Once a divorce is finalized, however, reconciliation does not undo the divorce. The only legal path forward is to marry again.

Potential Legal Implications to Consider

Alimony Termination

In Pennsylvania, alimony obligations typically end upon remarriage. If one spouse had been receiving alimony, and the couple remarries, those payments will likely cease.

If you’re considering remarrying your ex, who pays or receives alimony, it’s essential to speak with a qualified attorney to understand how your decision affects current support agreements.

Inheritance and Estate Rights

Once a divorce is finalized, former spouses are no longer entitled to automatic inheritance unless explicitly named in a will or trust. If you remarry, your spouse regains certain inheritance rights under Pennsylvania law. Updating your estate plan is essential to ensure your wishes are honored.

Tax Consequences

Your marital status at the end of the year will affect your filing status. Married couples can file jointly, which may be beneficial depending on your income levels. Be sure to consult with a financial advisor or accountant to evaluate the tax implications of remarrying.

Emotional Maturity and Timing

While the legal procedures may be relatively straightforward, the emotional complexities involved when you remarry a former spouse.

Some key questions to ask yourselves include:

• Have both of you genuinely changed or grown since the divorce?
• Do you share the same vision for the future?
• Are you seeking remarriage because of mutual desire or out of guilt, convenience, or pressure?

When approached thoughtfully, remarrying your ex can offer a second chance at happiness. But both parties should be committed to building a bright future together.

A Personal Decision With Legal Weight

At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C., we’ve guided numerous clients through complex family law issues, including divorce, reconciliation, and remarriage.

Remarrying the same spouse can lead to a more stable and fulfilling relationship. But it’s a step that demands careful reflection, open communication, and proper legal planning.

With over 30 years of experience and a deep understanding of Pennsylvania family law, Sheryl R. Rentz can help you evaluate your situation from both a legal and personal perspective.

Speak With a Trusted Montgomery County Family Law Attorney Today

If you’re contemplating a reconciliation and possible remarriage with your former spouse, you don’t have to navigate the legal implications alone. At the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C., we provide compassionate and strategic legal guidance tailored to your circumstances.

Sheryl was recognized as a Top Attorney by Suburban Life Magazine, and she has a Superb rating from Avvo. Let us help you protect your future—whatever path you choose. Call (610) 645-0100 to schedule your free consultation.