PAVictimsHelp.org
Click on a resource category listed below to see information related to that category.
Child Custody
Information from Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network on rights relating to custody and visitation of children.
Custody Resources from PASafeLaw.org
Resources from PASafeLaw.org intended to assist with understanding the process of obtaining and protecting your right to legal custody and/or physical custody of minor children.
Custody & Visitation of Children
information from MidPenn Legal Services on the law regarding custody and visitation of children.
Family Law Handbook
This handbook provides useful information about common Family Law issues. If you need Family Law help, this handbook has good suggestions about some of the most common areas of Family Law. This handbook also gives answers to commonly asked questions. (2021)
Tips and Techniques for Effective Co-Parenting (Video)
This video from the Pennsylvania Bar Association Family Law section is designed to to help parents and attorneys develop better outcomes for parents and their children as parents work through the process of learning how to share parenting responsibilities and decisions after separating. (2022)
Carbon Court Self-Service - Child Custody
Information and forms relating to child custody proceedings in Carbon County.
Crawford County - Court Forms and Information
Forms and explanatory information from the Crawford County Court of Common Pleas.
Custody Proceedings - Representing Yourself: Forms and Information from the Pennsylvania Courts
Free online information is available from the Pennsylvania Courts website to assist the growing number of Pennsylvanians who want to file their own family law cases in courts across the state. Standardized court forms for child custody proceedings may be obtained on this page of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania’s website. Included are forms for both parents and third parties, including grandparents.
Dauphin County Self Help Center
Information on the Dauphin County Pro Se Litigant Self Help Center where forms and instructions are available.
How to File a Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, provides an explanation of what In Forma Pauperis is (a request to file legal papers without having to pay the filing fee because you cannot afford to pay the fees) and line-by-line instructions on completing a petition to request permission to proceed without paying filing fees. (2020) Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
Indiana County: Forms and Documents
Forms and information regarding proceedings in the Indiana County Court of Common Pleas.
Lancaster County: Judge Henry S. Kenderdine Jr. Self Help Center
The Lancaster County Court Self Help Center opened in July, 2004. The main purpose of the Center is to provide one central location where self-represented litigants can obtain some of the information and forms that they may need to represent themselves in certain types of court actions.
McKean County: Family Law Forms
Listing of Family Law forms available from the Court.
Mifflin County: Prothonotary Forms
Custody, Divorce and Expungement forms from the Prothonotary and MidPenn Legal Services for use in Mifflin County may be viewed and downloaded.
Monroe County: Custody Department
The Custody Department manages custody operations within the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas. This department provides court forms and assistance to individuals seeking court involvement in a custody dispute.
Montgomery County: Custody Mediation Orientation Program
Information on the Montgomery County Custody Mediation Orientation Program. An orientation session is an initial meeting between parties, and a mediator to educate the parties concerning the mediation process so that an informed choice can be made about continued participation in that process.
Northumberland County Court Forms - Family, PFA, Custody
Court forms published on Northumberland County website.
Philadelphia County: Complaint for Custody
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Court Forms
Forms from the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia. Forms are available for the various divisions of the Court by clicking through the listings on the page.
Philadelphia County: Domestic Relations Information Sheet
Form from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia for use in domestic relations proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Exceptions to Recommendation of Custody Master
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. Custody Exceptions can be filed when you disagree with the Custody Master’s Proposed Order or you think that the Custody Master made an error. Exceptions MUST be filed by the date given on the Proposed Order.
Philadelphia County: Motion Cover Sheet
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia that may be used in family law proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. This is a cover sheet required by the Court when filing motions in court.
Philadelphia County: Motion for Home Investigation
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. A Motion for a Home Investigation can be filed if you believe the other party lives with or plans to live with the child(ren) in a place that is not safe. Examples of unsafe conditions include: 1) no heat; 2) holes in the floor; 3) no running water; 4) other hazardous conditions; 5) no beds or cribs for the child(ren).
Philadelphia County: Motion for Mental Health Assessment (MHA)
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Please of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Motion for Protracted Custody Hearing
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. A Motion for a Protracted Hearing must be filed if you think you will need more than 2 hours for your case. You should file this motion as soon as possible after you know your case is going to be heard by a judge. If a motion is not filed, the time you have for your case will be limited.
Philadelphia County: Petition for Contempt of Custody Order
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. Use this form if the other party violates an existing Custody Order. If you also want to change the Custody Order, you MUST also file a Petition to Modify Custody in addition to a Petition for Contempt.
Philadelphia County: Petition for Emergency Relief - Custody
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. To file an Emergency custody petition, you must already have one of the following custody petitions pending: Complaint for Custody, Petition to Modify, or a Petition for Contempt. If you do not have one of these petitions pending you must file one of them at the same time that you file the Emergency Custody Petition. There may be additional fees for these filings.
Philadelphia County: Petition for Expedited Relief - Custody
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. A Petition for Expedited Relief can be filed in situations that are not emergencies but when you are in need of immediate review by the court. Expedited Relief provides a quick decision on a small part of the case. You may want to file for Expedited Relief if you are being denied access to the child(ren); there is a time sensitive situation such as medical or educational needs; or the other party has changed the custody arrangement and you are not in agreement.
Philadelphia County: Petition for Reconsideration of Custody Order
Form Petition for Reconsideration of Custody Order with Instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia. A Petition for Reconsideration may be filed within 30 days of the date of a custody order if you believe that an error was made or that something very important was not considered. In filing a Petition for Reconsideration you are asking the same judge who heard the case to review his/her decision. Your petition must state the reasons why you believe the Court should make a different decision.
Philadelphia County: Petition to Modify Custody
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Petition to Relocate With Child
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. If you wish to move with your children out of the Philadelphia area and the non-custodial parent does not agree, you must get permission from the court. This is a complicated matter and you should consult an attorney or go to 1501 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA to get help. Under Pennsylvania law, relocation is defined as "a change in a residence of the child which significantly impairs the ability of a nonrelocating party to exercise custodial rights."
Philadelphia County: Rule to Show Cause
Form from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Potter County: Court Related Information and Forms
Court-related information and forms from the Judges Chamber of the Potter County Court of Common Pleas.
Serving a Defendant (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, explains how to serve an opposing party (defendant) in a lawsuit with legal papers related to the lawsuit. Parties must be notified about court proceedings against them and provided with copies of legal papers filed in the proceedings. This video explains the proper and required legal way to notify them of the proceedings (2020). Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
Snyder County: Court Forms
Forms for use in the Court of Common Pleas in 17th Judicial District - Snyder County.
Union County: UC Court Forms
Forms for use in the Court of Common Pleas in Union County.
Warren - Forest Counties: Child Custody FAQs
Questions and answers regarding child custody proceedings in in the Court of Common Pleas serving Warren and Forest counties.
Washington County: Custody Resources
Information and forms on representing yourself in a custody action in Washington County.
York County: Court Forms
The Court Forms section of the York County Court of Common Pleas offers popular forms provided by various Court and Court-related departments.
Custody Proceedings - Representing Yourself: Forms and Information from the Pennsylvania Courts
Free online information is available from the Pennsylvania Courts website to assist the growing number of Pennsylvanians who want to file their own family law cases in courts across the state. Standardized court forms for child custody proceedings may be obtained on this page of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania’s website. Included are forms for both parents and third parties, including grandparents.
Filling out an Affidavit of Service (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, explains how to complete and file an Affidavit of Service in a custody proceeding after servicing legal papers on the opposing party in your case. The video covers situations where a person is personally served by giving them a copy of the papers and when the service is done by mail. (2020) Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
How to File a Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, provides an explanation of what In Forma Pauperis is (a request to file legal papers without having to pay the filing fee because you cannot afford to pay the fees) and line-by-line instructions on completing a petition to request permission to proceed without paying filing fees. (2020) Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
Serving a Defendant (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, explains how to serve an opposing party (defendant) in a lawsuit with legal papers related to the lawsuit. Parties must be notified about court proceedings against them and provided with copies of legal papers filed in the proceedings. This video explains the proper and required legal way to notify them of the proceedings (2020). Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
Child Custody
Information from Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network on rights relating to custody and visitation of children.
Custody & Visitation of Children
information from MidPenn Legal Services on the law regarding custody and visitation of children.
Family Law Handbook
This handbook provides useful information about common Family Law issues. If you need Family Law help, this handbook has good suggestions about some of the most common areas of Family Law. This handbook also gives answers to commonly asked questions. (2021)
Filling out an Affidavit of Service (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, explains how to complete and file an Affidavit of Service in a custody proceeding after servicing legal papers on the opposing party in your case. The video covers situations where a person is personally served by giving them a copy of the papers and when the service is done by mail. (2020) Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
How to File a Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, provides an explanation of what In Forma Pauperis is (a request to file legal papers without having to pay the filing fee because you cannot afford to pay the fees) and line-by-line instructions on completing a petition to request permission to proceed without paying filing fees. (2020) Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
Serving a Defendant (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, explains how to serve an opposing party (defendant) in a lawsuit with legal papers related to the lawsuit. Parties must be notified about court proceedings against them and provided with copies of legal papers filed in the proceedings. This video explains the proper and required legal way to notify them of the proceedings (2020). Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
Young Adult Resource Guide - Youth Law Project
Guide to services available to Youth in Philadelphia including: Child Care & Early Learning • Domestic Violence • Drop-In Centers • Drug & Alcohol Treatment • Education/ Career • Family Planning/Reproductive Health • Food Resources • General Health Services • Housing/ Shelter • Legal Services • Mental Health Services • Parenting Education • Teen Parent Resources • Other Resources (January 2021)
Tips and Techniques for Effective Co-Parenting (Video)
This video from the Pennsylvania Bar Association Family Law section is designed to to help parents and attorneys develop better outcomes for parents and their children as parents work through the process of learning how to share parenting responsibilities and decisions after separating. (2022)
Custody Proceedings - Representing Yourself: Forms and Information from the Pennsylvania Courts
Free online information is available from the Pennsylvania Courts website to assist the growing number of Pennsylvanians who want to file their own family law cases in courts across the state. Standardized court forms for child custody proceedings may be obtained on this page of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania’s website. Included are forms for both parents and third parties, including grandparents.
Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis
The cost to record, or “file” documents such as the complaint, vary from the type of document, or pleading, to the county in which you begin your case. Some court filing costs may be in the hundreds of dollars. If you cannot afford to pay these fees to the court, you will need to complete this form, In Forma Pauperis, a Latin term, referring to someone who cannot pay.
Custody Resources from PASafeLaw.org
Resources from PASafeLaw.org intended to assist with understanding the process of obtaining and protecting your right to legal custody and/or physical custody of minor children.
Adams County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Adams County.
Allegheny County Court Family Division - Frequently Asked Questions
The Family Division of the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas offers answers to many Frequently Asked Questions in the area of Custody; Dependency & Related Services; Divorce; Juvenile Delinquency and Probation; Paternity; Protection From Abuse (PFA); and Support.
Armstrong County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Armstrong County.
Beaver County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Beaver County.
Bedford County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Bedford County.
Berks County: Domestic Relations Section of the Berks County Court of Common Pleas
Domestic Relations is a part of the Berks County Court of Common Pleas. It helps the Court establish and enforce Court Orders for child support and spousal support.
Blair County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Blair County.
Bradford County Domestic Relations Office
Information on domestic relations procedures in Bradford County.
Bucks County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Bucks County.
Butler County Family Court: Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Butler County.
Cambria County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Cambria County.
Carbon County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Carbon County.
Carbon Court Self-Service - Child Custody
Information and forms relating to child custody proceedings in Carbon County.
Centre County: Domestic Relations Section
The Domestic Relations Section is a Court-appointed office of Centre County Government under the Centre County Court of Common Pleas. The office serves as the Court's child support enforcement agency.
Chester County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Chester County.
Clearfield County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Clearfield County.
Clinton County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Clinton County.
Crawford County - Court Forms and Information
Forms and explanatory information from the Crawford County Court of Common Pleas.
Crawford County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Crawford County.
Cumberland County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Cumberland County.
Dauphin County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Dauphin County.
Dauphin County Self Help Center
Information on the Dauphin County Pro Se Litigant Self Help Center where forms and instructions are available.
Delaware County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Delaware County.
Fayette County Domestic Relations
Information on support porcedures in Fayette County.
Franklin County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Franklin County.
Serving a Defendant (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, explains how to serve an opposing party (defendant) in a lawsuit with legal papers related to the lawsuit. Parties must be notified about court proceedings against them and provided with copies of legal papers filed in the proceedings. This video explains the proper and required legal way to notify them of the proceedings (2020). Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
Warren - Forest Counties: Child Custody FAQs
Questions and answers regarding child custody proceedings in in the Court of Common Pleas serving Warren and Forest counties.
Greene County Domestic Relations
Information on support/domestic relations procedures in Greene County.
Indiana County: Forms and Documents
Forms and information regarding proceedings in the Indiana County Court of Common Pleas.
Juniata County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Juniata County.
Lancaster County: Judge Henry S. Kenderdine Jr. Self Help Center
The Lancaster County Court Self Help Center opened in July, 2004. The main purpose of the Center is to provide one central location where self-represented litigants can obtain some of the information and forms that they may need to represent themselves in certain types of court actions.
Lebanon County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Lebanon County.
Lehigh County Domestic Relations Section
Information on the services provided by the Domestic Relations Section.
Luzerne County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Luzerne County.
Lycoming County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations/support procedures in Lycoming County.
McKean County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations/support procedures in McKean County.
McKean County: Family Law Forms
Listing of Family Law forms available from the Court.
Mercer County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations/support procedures in Mercer County.
Mifflin County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Mifflin County.
Mifflin County: Prothonotary Forms
Custody, Divorce and Expungement forms from the Prothonotary and MidPenn Legal Services for use in Mifflin County may be viewed and downloaded.
Monroe County: Custody Department
The Custody Department manages custody operations within the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas. This department provides court forms and assistance to individuals seeking court involvement in a custody dispute.
Monroe County: Domestic Relations
The Domestic Relations Section (DRS) is a court office that helps parents apply for child support services, establish paternity and support orders, and enforce support orders. Child support is money a noncustodial parent pays to a custodial parent to help provide food, clothing and other necessary items for their child. Child support may include medical support, payment of uncovered medical bills and contributions to child care costs. The DRS can also help if the noncustodial parent lives in another Pennsylvania county, a different state, or another country.
Montgomery County: Custody Mediation Orientation Program
Information on the Montgomery County Custody Mediation Orientation Program. An orientation session is an initial meeting between parties, and a mediator to educate the parties concerning the mediation process so that an informed choice can be made about continued participation in that process.
Montgomery County Domestic Relations
The Montgomery County Domestic Relations Office establishes paternity and determines and enforces child and spousal support orders in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, statutes, and rules of civil procedure.
Northampton County Domestic Relations
The Domestic Relations Section is responsible for the establishment of Support Orders on behalf of children and spouses, establishment of paternity, location of absent obligors, and the enforcement of monetary Orders for Support and medical support. The Domestic Relations Section also establishes and enforces Orders for Alimony Pendente Lite and enforces alimony Orders.
Northumberland County Court Forms - Family, PFA, Custody
Court forms published on Northumberland County website.
Serving a Defendant (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, explains how to serve an opposing party (defendant) in a lawsuit with legal papers related to the lawsuit. Parties must be notified about court proceedings against them and provided with copies of legal papers filed in the proceedings. This video explains the proper and required legal way to notify them of the proceedings (2020). Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
Perry County: Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Perry County.
Philadelphia County: Complaint for Custody
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Court Forms
Forms from the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia. Forms are available for the various divisions of the Court by clicking through the listings on the page.
Philadelphia County: Domestic Relations Information Sheet
Form from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia for use in domestic relations proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Exceptions to Recommendation of Custody Master
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. Custody Exceptions can be filed when you disagree with the Custody Master’s Proposed Order or you think that the Custody Master made an error. Exceptions MUST be filed by the date given on the Proposed Order.
Philadelphia County: Motion Cover Sheet
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia that may be used in family law proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. This is a cover sheet required by the Court when filing motions in court.
Philadelphia County: Motion for Home Investigation
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. A Motion for a Home Investigation can be filed if you believe the other party lives with or plans to live with the child(ren) in a place that is not safe. Examples of unsafe conditions include: 1) no heat; 2) holes in the floor; 3) no running water; 4) other hazardous conditions; 5) no beds or cribs for the child(ren).
Philadelphia County: Motion for Mental Health Assessment (MHA)
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Please of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Motion for Protracted Custody Hearing
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. A Motion for a Protracted Hearing must be filed if you think you will need more than 2 hours for your case. You should file this motion as soon as possible after you know your case is going to be heard by a judge. If a motion is not filed, the time you have for your case will be limited.
Philadelphia County: Petition for Contempt of Custody Order
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. Use this form if the other party violates an existing Custody Order. If you also want to change the Custody Order, you MUST also file a Petition to Modify Custody in addition to a Petition for Contempt.
Philadelphia County: Petition for Emergency Relief - Custody
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. To file an Emergency custody petition, you must already have one of the following custody petitions pending: Complaint for Custody, Petition to Modify, or a Petition for Contempt. If you do not have one of these petitions pending you must file one of them at the same time that you file the Emergency Custody Petition. There may be additional fees for these filings.
Philadelphia County: Petition for Expedited Relief - Custody
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. A Petition for Expedited Relief can be filed in situations that are not emergencies but when you are in need of immediate review by the court. Expedited Relief provides a quick decision on a small part of the case. You may want to file for Expedited Relief if you are being denied access to the child(ren); there is a time sensitive situation such as medical or educational needs; or the other party has changed the custody arrangement and you are not in agreement.
Philadelphia County: Petition for Reconsideration of Custody Order
Form Petition for Reconsideration of Custody Order with Instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia. A Petition for Reconsideration may be filed within 30 days of the date of a custody order if you believe that an error was made or that something very important was not considered. In filing a Petition for Reconsideration you are asking the same judge who heard the case to review his/her decision. Your petition must state the reasons why you believe the Court should make a different decision.
Philadelphia County: Petition to Modify Custody
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Philadelphia County: Petition to Relocate With Child
Form with instructions from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts. If you wish to move with your children out of the Philadelphia area and the non-custodial parent does not agree, you must get permission from the court. This is a complicated matter and you should consult an attorney or go to 1501 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA to get help. Under Pennsylvania law, relocation is defined as "a change in a residence of the child which significantly impairs the ability of a nonrelocating party to exercise custodial rights."
Philadelphia County: Rule to Show Cause
Form from the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia that may be used in custody proceedings taking place in Philadelphia courts.
Potter County: Court Related Information and Forms
Court-related information and forms from the Judges Chamber of the Potter County Court of Common Pleas.
Schuylkill County: Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Schuylkill county.
Serving a Defendant (Video)
This video from Summit Legal Aid, formerly Laurel Legal Services, explains how to serve an opposing party (defendant) in a lawsuit with legal papers related to the lawsuit. Parties must be notified about court proceedings against them and provided with copies of legal papers filed in the proceedings. This video explains the proper and required legal way to notify them of the proceedings (2020). Summit Legal Aid was formed when Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid and Laurel Legal Services merged into a single legal aid program on July 1, 2023.
Snyder County: Court Forms
Forms for use in the Court of Common Pleas in 17th Judicial District - Snyder County.
Somerset County Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Somerset County.
Sullivan County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Sullivan County.
Susquehanna County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Susquehanna County.
Tioga County Domestic Relations
The Domestic Relations Section is a Court-appointed office of the Tioga County Court of Common Pleas. The office is responsible for preparing Complaints and Petitions for the establishment and enforcement of child support, spousal support and/or alimony pendente lite orders for the Court. Domestic Relations will also establish paternity when necessary, locate missing parents and resolve medical insurance and expense issues between separated parents.
Union County - Domestic Relations Department
The Union County Domestic Relations Section is a division of the Union County Court of Common Pleas of the 17th Judicial District that is responsible for the establishment and enforcement of financial and medical support of spouses and/or children. Domestic Relations also assists in the establishment of paternity for children born outside of marriage. This office does NOT handle issues involving custody, partial custody or visitation. In addition, DRS employees are not permitted to provide the general public or clients with any information that might be construed as legal advice. If you have legal questions regarding paternity or support matters, you should contact an attorney.
Union County: UC Court Forms
Forms for use in the Court of Common Pleas in Union County.
Venango County Domestic Relations
Information on domestic relations procedures in Venango County. The Domestic Relations Section is the agency in Venango County responsible for all matters involving the financial and medical support of children and / or spouses. It is a branch of the Venango County Court of Common Pleas. This office does not handle issues involving custody or visitation.
Warren County: Domestic Relations
Information on support procedures in Warren County. The Domestic Relations Office handles matters pertaining to child and spousal support.
Warren - Forest Counties: Child Custody FAQs
Questions and answers regarding child custody proceedings in in the Court of Common Pleas serving Warren and Forest counties.
Washington County: Custody Resources
Information and forms on representing yourself in a custody action in Washington County.
Washington County: Domestic Relations Section of the Court of Common Pleas of Washington County
Information on the Domestic Relations Section of the Court of Common Pleas of Washington County. The Domestic Relations Section of the Court of Common Pleas of Washington County, Pennsylvania is the County IV-D Agency responsible for the establishment, collection, and enforcement of child and spousal support obligations. The Domestic Relations Section does not deal with divorce, custody, visitation, or any other family law-related matter.
York County: Court Forms
The Court Forms section of the York County Court of Common Pleas offers popular forms provided by various Court and Court-related departments.