The Grandparents’ Guide
to Custody & Visitation
in Pennsylvania
PA Institutional Law Project
1
The Grandparents’ Guide to Custody & Visitation in Pennsylvania
Updated July 2010
T
ABLE OF CONTENTS
Cover artwork by John Overmyer
Ch. I - About This Guide ..................................................................................3
Ch. II - What Visitation and Custody Mean ....................................................3
Ch. III - Differences Between Custody and Visitation...................................4
Ch. IV - When to Ask for Visitation or Custody.............................................5
Ch. V - If the Situation Is Urgent .....................................................................5
Ch. VI - Custody or Visitation May Be Modified or Changed .......................6
Ch. VII - Best Interests of the Children...........................................................7
Ch. VIII - Factors That the Court Will Weigh..................................................7
Ch. IX - Parental Rights....................................................................................8
Ch. X - How to Make a Custody Request .......................................................9
Ch. XI - Filing the Request...............................................................................9
Ch. XII - The Trip to Court................................................................................10
Ch. XIII - How To Prepare For Court ...............................................................11
Appendix A – Glossary....................................................................................13
Appendix B - Forms to File..............................................................................14
Appendix C - Excerpts of Statutes .................................................................22
Appendix D - Addresses of the Courts ..........................................................27
Appendix E - A Map for Decision-Making......................................................31
2
About the Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project
The Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project seeks to deliver civil legal services to the
institutional population of our Commonwealth. Difficulties with access and the unique
nature of institutional legal issues requires a specialized method of delivering such services.
The project was created and designed to meet the needs of low income residents of our
prisons, jails, state hospitals and state centers.
The goal of the institutional Law Project is to ensure equal access to justice for indigent
institutionalized persons. We are a non-profit organization administered by the PA Legal Aid
Network.
For additional copies of this free self-help guide for residents of Pennsylvania, please
contact:
Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project
The Cast Iron Building
718 Arch Street, Suite 304 South
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-925-2966 (phone)
215-925-5337 (fax)
www.pailp.org
3
I. ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Every family is unique, and every child is precious. No one knows that better than
grandparents who are actively present in their grandchildren’s lives. Some grandchildren may even
live with a grandparent for various reasons. For example, sometimes a grandparent takes over
when the child’s parent must be absent for a reason beyond their control, such as illness, military
deployment, incarceration, or death. In other families, a temporary babysitting arrangement may
have grown into full-time residence.
This manual is about the legal options for grandparents related to visitation and custody of
their grandchildren. This guide will outline legal options for grandparents and provide definitions of
concepts like “custody” and “parental rights.” This guide also describes legal procedures that may
be helpful. The Appendix has forms to file with the court and an analytical tool to guide choices.
Grandparents who is caring for grandchildren in their home, or have recently done so, may want to
know about certain options that are provided under Pennsylvania law. They may ask the court to
grant full legal custody, partial legal custody, or visitation rights.
REMEMBER:
Use this guide to size up the situation and plan ahead.
II. W
HAT VISITATION AND CUSTODY MEAN
Physical custody is “the actual physical possession and control of a child.”
1
Parents
generally have the right to custody of a child. The United States Supreme Court ruled in Troxel v.
Granville that parents have a constitutional and fundamental right to raise their children.
2
Therefore,
the courts must consider a parent’s rights to control a child’s upbringing.
3
Because families now have many different shapes and structures, some states like
Pennsylvania give visitation or custody rights to grandparents under certain circumstances. In
Pennsylvania, the statute that governs this area is the Custody and Grandparent’s Visitation Act
(GVA).
4
Visitation rights allow a person to visit with a child, but only under the supervision of the
legal custodian.
5
Partial custody allows a person to visit a child at certain times without the legal
guardian’s supervision.
6
Shared custody (sometimes called joint custody) is when both parents (or
caretakers) have shared legal or physical custody to assure that both have frequent and continuing
contact with the child.
7
A grandparent might have physical custody of a grandchild if the child lives with the
grandparent and the grandparent takes care of the child. However, a grandparent does not have
1
. 23 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5301; Pa. R.C.P. 1915.1(b).
2
530 U.S. 57 (2000).
3
Id.
4
23 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5311-13; see also Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5303. These statutes appear in the Appendix of this guide.
5
23 Pa. Cons. Stat. 5302; Pa. R.C.P. 1915.1(b).
6
Id.
7
Id.
4
legal custody unless a court has assigned it to her by issuing an order. Legal custody is “the legal
right to make major decisions affecting the best interest of a minor child, including, but not limited to,
medical, religious and educational decisions.”
8
For example, the parents of a new baby start out with legal custody of the baby. If the baby
lives with the parents, then the parents also have physical custody. If the parents then choose to
leave that child with the grandparents long-term, and give consent for the grandparents to handle
the routine, day-to-day decisions about the grandchild’s schedule, clothing, activities, and meals, the
grandparents have physical custody.
Even so, the parents still have legal custody, so they are the only ones who can make major
decisions for the child. Major decisions include those involving medical procedures, or the choice of
a school, or participation in religious activities of a particular faith or denomination. In order for a
grandparent to handle the major decisions for a grandchild, the grandparent must seek legal
custody from the court.
9
Someone who is not a blood relative may also be granted standing to seek custody if they
have assumed the duties of the parental relationship so that a court would consider them to be in
loco parentis to the child.
10
REMEMBER:
· A grandparent who is handling the major decisions for a grandchild may
want to ask the court for legal custody of the child.
III. D
IFFERENCES BETWEEN CUSTODY AND VISITATION
There is a difference between partial custody rights and visitation rights. Only someone with
custody can take the child on an outing or trip without asking permission. If a grandparent has only
visitation rights, then the child’s custodial care-giver will make the decisions about where visits can
occur.
With visitation rights, a grandparent does not automatically have the right to take the
grandchild on an outing away from home. This difference is important if the grandparent wishes to
take the child to visit an incarcerated or hospitalized parent if it is against the preference of the other
parent.
REMEMBER:
· Visitation rights allow a person to visit with a child, but only under the
supervision of the legal custodian. Custody rights allow a person to visit the
child without supervision of the legal guardian.
8
23 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5302; Pa. R.C.P. 1915.1(b).
9
Id.
10
Walkenstein v. Walkenstein, 663 A.2d 178 (Pa. Super. Ct. 1995).
5
IV. WHEN TO ASK FOR VISITATION OR CUSTODY
Grandparents can request visitation or legal custody only under certain conditions. A
grandparent cannot seek visitation or custody rights under if the parents are alive and live together,
and the children never resided with the grandparent.
11
A grandparent may seek partial custody or visitation if the grandchild’s parent has died,
12
if
the parents are divorced, or have been separated for six (6) months.
13
A grandparent may also seek partial custody or visitation if a child has lived with the
grandparent for 12 months or more, and then is removed from the grandparent’s home by the child’s
parents.
14
A grandparent may request physical and legal custody if she or he:
(1) has genuine care and concern of the grandchild; and
(2) began her or his relationship with the grandchild with the consent of one of the parents
of the child or because of an order of court.
AND
(3) she or he can say yes to one of the following:
(a) for at least 12 months in the past, she or he assumed the role and
responsibilities of the child's parent, providing for the physical, emotional and
social needs of the child;
(b) she or he is taking responsibility for a child who has been adjudicated to be
dependent through Child Protective Services;
(c) she or he believes the grandchild is substantially at risk due to parental abuse,
neglect, drug or alcohol abuse, or mental illness.
15
The grandparent’s request to the court should start out by showing she or he is permitted to
make the request.
REMEMBER:
· The court expects the request to state how the grandparent qualifies to file.
Specify exactly how the conditions listed in the statute are fulfilled.
V. IF THE SITUATION IS URGENT
There is an additional reason why a grandparent may wish to act promptly to request
visitation or custody rights from the court. If the grandchild’s mother or father has been absent for
six months, it is possible that court proceedings may begin proceedings for the termination of the
mother or father’s parental rights. Termination is not automatic, of course. Nevertheless, it is legally
permitted in certain circumstances, including if the parent has refused or failed to perform parental
11
Dietrich v. Dietrich, 17 Pa. D. & C.4th 270 (Berks 1992).
12
23 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5311.
13
23 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5312. The Superior Court of Pennsylvania held that a grandmother was entitled to seek custody rights
for the child of her son six months after he and the child’s mother parted ways, even though the couple had not been married.
See Stonerook v. King, 843 A.2d 1278 (Pa. Super. Ct. 2004).
14
23 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5313(a).
15
23 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5313(b). The full text of this statute is found in the Appendix to this guide.
6
duties for the six months prior to the proceedings.
16
For example, if the child’s parent has been
away involuntarily through illness, incarceration, or military deployment, then the absent parent must
still do whatever is possible to stay in touch with the child. Otherwise, their absence might look like
abandonment or neglect, which could lead to the loss of parental rights.
A grandparent can help to make sure that does not happen. Custodial grandparents have
the ability to support their son or daughter’s efforts to maintain contact with the grandchild by
facilitating phone calls, letters, and visits. To protect the parental rights of the parent during their
absence, grandparents can show that a stable, loving home is being provided until the parent is able
to return.
Sometimes a care-giving grandparent first learns from court papers that another individual is
seeking to change the existing arrangements. If a live-in grandchild’s other parent or grandparents
happen to file a complaint or petition to gain custody of the child, they might serve a “notice” to the
care-giving grandparent. The notice would tell the grandparent what to do if they wished to object to
the proposed action.
REMEMBER:
· With legal custody, a grandparent can help a child to stay in touch with their
parent.
· Watch out for a notice that the other parent or someone else wants to
change the arrangements.
VI. CUSTODY OR VISITATION MAY BE MODIFIED OR CHANGED
Unlike parental rights, custody is temporary. A custody order will remain legally enforceable
until the court issues a new order. The court has the ability to modify or change visitation or custody
orders, if a petition to modify the previous order is filed.
17
In future proceedings, family members are
able to present reasons for the court to alter the previous order, such as when the circumstances
have changed. For example, if the court gives a grandparent legal custody of the grandchildren
while their parent is incarcerated or hospitalized, then the court will likely restore custody to the
parent when they are released and can demonstrate the ability to provide a stable home again.
The law has further flexible features. A grandparent may seek partial custody or shared
custody with one of the grandchild’s parents, if appropriate.
A grandparent with shared or partial custody has the power to make important decisions for
the grandchildren if the need arises. In this case, the grandparent would consult with the custodial
parent when possible. In fact, a commitment to cooperate with both parents is one of the factors
that the court will consider in deciding whether to grant a grandparent’s request for custody.
REMEMBER:
· A grandparent can share custody of a grandchild with one or both parents.
· When the parent is again able to care for the child, the court can give
custody back to him or her.
· Try to maintain a good working relationship with the other parent.
16
See 23 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 2511-12.
17
See 23 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5310.
7
VII. BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD
The court will look at the situation with one main principle: the best interest of the child.
18
Therefore, a petition or a complaint filed with the court should state in detail all the reasons the
grandparent should have visitation or custody of their grandchild. That means the grandparent
should avoid blaming anyone or making judgments about what any adult in the situation might or
might not deserve.
Never forget: It’s all about the kids. The focus must be on the child’s welfare. Because the
court presumes that children generally are better off maintaining relationships with both of their
parents, grandparents should emphasize their willingness to promote contact with relatives on both
sides of the family when possible.
REMEMBER:
· The court will evaluate every case based on the best interest of the child.
· Keep a positive tone.
· State a commitment to harmony in the family.
VIII. FACTORS THE COURT WILL WEIGH
The court will closely examine the particular facts of the situation. The court will consider any
factor that affects the physical, emotional, intellectual, moral, or spiritual well-being of the grandchild.
For example, courts have found that it is generally in a child’s best interest to maintain relationships
with brothers, sisters, and other members of the family, as long as those relationships are not unduly
stressful for the child.
The preference of the child may be considered, too. Though it is not conclusive, the
grandchild’s wishes will be taken into consideration as appropriate, given their level of maturity and
understanding. If the child is old enough to express an opinion convincingly, the court will likely
listen.
Be aware that the court does not give much weight to any assertion that the grandparent
might have more money and could give the child material or cultural advantages. Keep in mind as
well that a custody or visitation request is not the place for a grandparent to assign blame or
criticism to anyone. Instead, grandparents should explain how they plan to facilitate peaceful
contacts with every person who rightfully should have a role in their grandchildren’s lives.
The court has discretion to look at all the details of a family’s situation when it decides on the
custody and visitation arrangements for a child. By law, the court must put major emphasis on the
best interest of the child. That means that the interests and wishes of the adults come in second
behind that primary concern. Following is a list of factors that courts have considered when deciding
whether to grant requests for custody and requests for visitation rights. This list shows the sort of
details that grandparents should mention in a custody complaint or petition.
19
• The quality of the relationship between the child and each parent,
grandparent, or person seeking custody;
18
See 23 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5311, 5312, 5313.
19
The list is adapted from 2 PENNSYLVANIA LEGAL SERVICES PRACTICE MANUAL V.C.1.
8
• The present relationship of the parents or grandparents with their own
families, and the child’s relationship with those relatives;
• The educational and employment backgrounds of the grandparents
and parents;
• The parents’ history as a couple and the reasons why they separated;
• The role each parent and grandparent played in raising the child while
the parents lived together and the role each plays now that they are
separated;
• The mental, emotional, and physical health of each parent and
grandparent and any treatment rendered to them by professional
health care providers;
• The religious training and practices of each parent and grandparent,
and their views of the same with respect to the child;
• Each parent and grandparent’s personal relationships with other
significant adults, the stability of those relationships, and how those
persons relate to the child;
• The stability and quality of the existing or proposed living
arrangements, neighborhood, and schooling;
• The child’s school performance history;
• The child’s relationships with other siblings or step-siblings;
• The child’s extracurricular activities;
• The child’s present friendships or the potential for developing
friendships in a new environment;
• The child’s present physical, emotional, and mental health and any
treatment rendered to the child;
• The expressed preference of the age-appropriate child.
REMEMBER:
· Details help. Be ready to describe the grandchild’s school life, friendships,
sports activities, and other interests while in the grandparent’s care.
· The child’s preference will be considered if they are old enough to explain.
IX. P
ARENTAL RIGHTS
It is important to understand that having visitation or legal custody of a grandchild does not
take parental rights away from the child’s parents. Two entirely different legal concepts are at work
here. Only a court can take away parental rights, and only for very serious reasons. Parental
rights may include entitlement to control the child’s upbringing, to discipline the child, and to take
charge of the child’s earnings, while parental duties may include providing support, control,
9
subsistence, and love.
20
Parents continue to have rights and duties even after a grandparent is
awarded legal custody of a grandchild.
This manual is for acquiring legal custody, not parental rights. Legal custody does not
displace the parents or cut off their parental rights.
21
REMEMBER:
· Asking for custody does not terminate parental rights.
· If a grandparent gets legal custody, the parent(s) may still have parental
rights and duties.
X. HOW TO MAKE A CUSTODY REQUEST
A care-giving grandparent can use one of two methods to ask the court for legal custody of
her or his grandchild. The method a grandparent should use will depend on the circumstances. If
there is already an existing custody order in effect, then the grandparent should file a petition to the
court to change that order. This could be the case if the parents of the children divorced and a
custody order was issued at the same time as their divorce decree.
On the other hand, if there is no custody order in place yet, then a grandparent should file a
complaint to request custody. In effect, this is a lawsuit for custody. Both methods are explained
further below. Use either method, as appropriate, to request either full or partial legal custody of the
grandchild.
REMEMBER:
· File a complaint for custody if no custody order has yet been issued.
· File a petition to change an existing order.
· Which form to file depends on whether or not there is a previous custody
order in effect.
XI. FILING THE REQUEST
A custody complaint or petition should be filed in the Court of Common Pleas of the county
where the child resides.
22
Child support can be requested from the responsible parent at the same.
Each county decides whether to use a formal or an informal intake process leading up to a hearing
or a trial of the request. Often, custody arrangements can be worked out with the assistance of a
20
The list of parental rights and duties is partly set by custom and partly developed in decisions of the courts over the years.
See 15 SUMM. PA. JUR. 2d Family Law §8:33.
21
In contrast, adoption does cut off the parental rights.
22
Pa. R.C.P. 1915.2 gives options for choosing the county in which to file in the Court of Common Pleas. Ordinarily that is
the home county of the child at the time of filing. If the child lived in a different county during the prior six months and one of
the parents still lives there, then it is permitted to file in that county. Under some conditions, filing may be done in a county
where the family has significant connections. If in doubt, a grandparent should contact the Court Administrator in their home
county. Addresses and phone numbers of the courts are listed in the Appendix. Once the complaint or petition has been filed,
the court may decide to transfer the action to another court, depending on the circumstances. See Pa. R.C.P. 1915.2 (a)-(c).
10
court hearing officer or mediator, without having to go to trial. Grandparents should consult the
Court Administrator in their county to find out what forms the local court requires. The basic forms
are provided in the Appendix to this manual.
Some counties require attendance at a mandatory seminar on custody. Grandparents will be
asked to pay a fee to file the complaint or petition. There may be another fee for the custody
training session, if one is required. If the fees pose a financial burden, ask the Court Administrator
how to request to have them waived.
When filing a custody complaint or petition with the court, a grandparent must also serve
copies to the parents of the grandchild if they currently have legal custody, and to anyone else who
might have a custody claim. The person who files the complaint is the “plaintiff” (in this case, the
grandparent), which means they are asking the court to do something: i.e., award legal custody of
the grandchild. The people who are being sued are the “defendants” (in this case, the parents or
other custodians), which means that they might oppose the action.
On the other hand, with a petition, the person who files the petition is designated the
“petitioner.” The other party is the “respondent” to the proposal to change an existing custody
order.
Giving a copy of the complaint or petition to the other interested parties is called “service.”
After they are served, the parents and other interested parties may decide to oppose the
grandparent’s action. If they do so, they should serve the grandparent with a copy of their response,
informing the grandparent and the court of the reasons why they object to the request.
The same forms can be used when filing for visitation or custody. The same criteria apply.
Grandparents are entitled to visitation rights for the same reasons and on the same basis as custody
rights.
REMEMBER:
· Check with the local Court Administrator for any special requirements.
· Fees can be waived if you cannot afford them.
Use the same forms when filing for visitation rights or custody.
XII. THE TRIP TO COURT
After the grandparent files the papers, the court will call her or him in for an initial conference
or hearing of some kind. Each county has a different procedure, so check with the local Court
Administrator for details. Procedures may be different, depending on whether the grandparent is
seeking visitation, partial legal custody, or full legal custody. The procedure may also vary
depending on whether she or he is seeking to modify an existing custody order or to get an initial
custody order.
The Pennsylvania Rules of Court govern the legal processes that grandparents may use
to seek legal custody of their grandchildren. The relevant provisions are in Rules 1915.1
through 1915.18. The original versions of the forms have been adapted for this manual.
The Rules provide two alternative ways for the court to handle the initial stages of a
grandparent’s request. Most counties schedule an informal office conference, according to Rule
1915.4-3. Trial follows only if details cannot be worked out in conference.
11
Some counties will call the grandparent in for a more formal conference with an officer
appointed by the court, to be followed by a hearing, before the matter goes to trial if necessary.
The counties that follow this more formal procedure, which is described in Rule 1915.4-2, are
the following: Allegheny, Bradford, Cambria, Carbon, Delaware, Fayette, Forest, Greene,
Lackawanna, Lehigh, Luzerne, Philadelphia, Pike, Schuylkill, Tioga, Warren, and Wayne.
An additional complication that may be encountered is that some counties may require
the grandparent to sign up for a workshop or information session at the same time that the
custody request is filed. It is always best to check with the county’s Court Administrator to make
sure that all the required steps of the process have been fulfilled.
REMEMBER:
· Check with the local Court Administrator to learn what process your local
county uses for visitation and custody cases.
XIII. HOW TO PREPARE FOR COURT
When called to attend a hearing or conference, prepare in advance by reading over the
papers that have been filed with the court. Especially in custody cases, take along records such as
rent receipts, receipts for utility bills, pay stubs, and receipts for food, clothing, transportation,
medical and dental care, and anything else provided for the grandchild. The court will be interested
to see the grandchild’s report cards and any other records that can help to show how the child has
been getting along in the grandparent’s home.
The grandparent should document the fact that they are providing for all the child’s needs:
physical, emotional, moral, social, intellectual, and spiritual. The court will be focused on the best
interests of the grandchild. Go to the hearing or conference equipped with any and all information
that will help the court to arrive at an accurate picture of the situation.
The grandchild need not appear at the conference. It is best to leave young children at
home. If the child attends, there may be contact with the opposing parties. The child will experience
whatever interactions the grandparent has with the hearing officer or judge and with the other
parties. Check with the Court Administrator to see whether local rules apply.
REMEMBER:
· After filing, the court calls the grandparent in for a conference.
· Prepare for the conference by gathering records of the care regularly
provided for the grandchild.
· Weigh carefully the pros and cons of taking the grandchild along to the
hearing.
12
APPENDICES
13
APPENDIX A
Glossary
Adoption - The creation of a parent–child relationship by judicial order between two parties who
usually are unrelated. Parental rights and duties are reassigned. Adoption terminates
existing parental rights, as well as the standing of grandparents to seek custody.
Custody - The legal right to keep, control, guard, care for and preserve a child and includes the
terms “legal custody,” “physical custody,” and “shared custody.”
Complaint for Custody - An action at law to obtain full or partial custody of a child when the
child is not covered by any existing custody order.
Defendant - The person or party who is being sued in a lawsuit.
Grandparent - A parent’s parent. Pennsylvania law does not recognize step-grandparents.
However, adoptive parents have the same status as natural parents. Great-grandparents,
that is, grandparents of parents, have the same standing as grandparents.
Legal custody - The legal right to make major decisions affecting the best interest of a minor
child, including, but not limited to, medical, religious, and educational decisions.
Partial custody - The right to take possession of a child away from the custodial parent for a
certain period of time.
Petition for custody or partial custody - A request for the court to modify the terms and
conditions of an existing custody order.
Petitioner - The person or party who brings a petition before the court.
Physical custody - The actual physical possession and control of a child.
Plaintiff - The person or party bringing a lawsuit.
Respondent - The person or party who is being sued in a petition.
Shared custody - An order awarding shared legal or shared physical custody, or both, of a child
in such a way as to assure the child frequent and continuing contact with both parents.
Visitation - The right to visit a child. The term does not include the right to remove a child from
the custodial parent’s control.
14
APPENDIX B
Forms to File
1. Use a Complaint or Petition
Grandparents who wish to seek partial or full legal custody of their grandchildren may
use the following forms to present their request to the court. Use the “complaint” if there
has not yet been a custody order with regard to the child. Use the “petition” if there is an
existing custody order, and be sure to attach a copy of the existing order to the petition.
2. Use the Same Forms For Visitation or Custody
A grandparent seeking only visitation may use the same forms.
3. The Complaint or Petition Must Be Signed
Note that both forms must be “verified.” That means that the grandparent must place her
or his signature under the affirmation at the end as her or his guarantee that the
information entered is accurate. The forms have alternative terms in parentheses in many
places. Cross out any word that does not describe the situation. You do not need the
complaint or petition to be notarized.
4. Attach a Proposed Order
In many counties, the court will require the grandparent to attach a proposed “order” to
the complaint or the petition. The judge uses this blank form to record the decision.
5. Great-Grandparents are the Same as Grandparents Under the Law
Great-grandparents have the same standing as grandparents under Pennsylvania law to
request custody or visitation. A care-giving great-grandparent may simply make the
appropriate changes in the form as they fill it out.
6. Sample Forms are Included Here
The three forms that follow have been adapted from the Pennsylvania Rules of Court,
Rule 1915.15. The adaptations have been made with grandparents in mind.
These forms may be used for one plaintiff and one defendant and one child.
Where there are multiple parties, the complaint should be appropriately changed to add
them. Where the custody of more than one child is sought, the complaint should contain
a separate paragraph for each child.
15
In the Court of Common Pleas of __________________ County -- Civil Action -- Law
:
________________________________ :
(name of grandparent seeking custody) :
:
Plaintiff :
: No. ____________________
v. : (number to be assigned by the court)
:
________________________________ :
(name of parent with legal custody) :
:
Defendant :
:
COMPLAINT FOR (CUSTODY)
(PARTIAL CUSTODY) (VISITATION)
1. The plaintiff is
_____________________________________________________________________________,
residing at _________________________________________________________________.
(Street) (City) (Zip Code) (County)
2. The defendant is
_____________________________________________________________________________,
residing at _________________________________________________________________.
(Street) (City) (Zip Code) (County)
3. Plaintiff seeks (custody)(partial custody)(visitation) of the following child(ren):
Name Present Residence Age
_______________________________ _______________________________ ____________
_______________________________ _______________________________ ____________
_______________________________ _______________________________ ____________
The child (was)(was not) born out of wedlock.
The child is presently in the custody of __________________________, (Name) who resides at
_____________________________________________________________________________
(Street) (City) (State)
16
During the past five years, the child has resided with the following persons and at the following
addresses:
(List All Persons) (List All Addresses) (Dates)
_______________________________ _______________________________ ____________
_______________________________ _______________________________ ____________
_______________________________ _______________________________ ____________
The mother of the child is __________________, currently residing at ____________________.
She is (married)(divorced)(single).
The father of the child is ___________________, currently residing at ____________________.
He is (married)(divorced)(single).
4. The relationship of plaintiff to the child is that of grandparent.
The plaintiff currently resides with the following persons:
Name Relationship
______________________________________ ______________________________________
______________________________________ ______________________________________
5. The relationship of defendant to the child is that of ______________________.
The defendant currently resides with the following persons:
Name Relationship
______________________________________ ______________________________________
______________________________________ ______________________________________
6. Plaintiff (has) (has not) participated as a party or witness, or in another capacity, in other
litigation concerning the custody of the child in this or another court. The court, term and
number, and its relationship to this action is:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
17
Plaintiff (has) (has no) information of a custody proceeding concerning the child pending in a
court of this Commonwealth or any other state. The court, term and number, and its relationship
to this action is: _______________________________________________________________
Plaintiff (knows) (does not know) of a person not a party to the proceedings who has physical
custody of the child or claims to have custody or visitation rights with respect to the child. The
name and address of such person is: ______________________________________________
7. The best interest and permanent welfare of the child will be served by granting the relief
requested because (set forth facts showing that the granting of the relief requested will be in the
best interest and permanent welfare of the child; if several children are involved and their
circumstances are different, use separate paragraphs for each):
The plaintiff grandparent has shown genuine care and concern for the child/ren in the
following ways:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
The relationship of the plaintiff grandparent with the child/ren (began with the consent of
a parent) (began pursuant to an order of the court) in the following circumstances:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
The grounds for this (custody) (visitation) request are (check one or all that apply):
□ (The plaintiff grandparent has for 12 months assumed the role and
responsibilities of the child’s /children’s parent, providing for the physical,
emotional, and social needs of the child.)
□ (The plaintiff grandparent is assuming the responsibility for a child who has
been determined to be a dependent child pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 63 [relating to
juvenile matters].)
□ (The plaintiff grandparent assumes or deems it necessary to assume
responsibility for a child who is substantially at risk due to parental abuse,
neglect, drug or alcohol abuse or mental illness.)
18
The following are further reasons for this custody request:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
8. Each parent whose parental rights to the child have not been terminated and the person who
has physical custody of the child have been named as parties to this action. All other persons,
named below, who are known to have or claim a right to custody or visitation of the child will be
given notice of the pendency of this action and the right to intervene:
Name Address Basis of Claim
_________________________ _________________________ _________________________
_________________________ _________________________ _________________________
_________________________ _________________________ _________________________
WHEREFORE, plaintiff requests the court to grant (custody)(partial custody) of the child.
____________________________________
Plaintiff
I verify that the statements made in this Complaint are true and correct. I understand that false
statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 relating to unsworn
falsification to authorities.
______________________________________
Plaintiff
19
In the Court of Common Pleas of _______________ County -- Civil Action -- Law
:
________________________________ :
(name of grandparent seeking custody) :
:
Petitioner :
: No. __________________________
v. : (number to be assigned by the court)
:
________________________________ :
(name of parent with legal custody) :
:
Respondent :
PETITION FOR MODIFICATION
OF A PARTIAL CUSTODY OR VISITATION ORDER
1. The petition of __________________________ respectfully represents that on
_______________, ______ an Order of Court was entered for (PARTIAL CUSTODY)
(VISITATION), a true and correct copy of which is attached.
2. This Order should be modified because: ___________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
.
WHEREFORE, Petitioner requests that the Court modify the existing Order for (PARTIAL
CUSTODY) (VISITATION) because it will be in the best interest of the child(ren).
___________________________________
Petitioner
I verify that the statements made in this complaint are true and correct. I understand that false
statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 relating to unsworn
falsification to authorities.
______________________________________ ______________________________________
Date Petitioner
20
In the Court of Common Pleas of _______________ County -- Civil Action -- Law
:
________________________________ :
(name of grandparent seeking custody) :
:
(Plaintiff)(Petitioner) :
:
v. :
:
________________________________ :
(name of parent with legal custody) :
:
(Defendant)(Respondent) :
:
ORDER OF COURT
You, ____________________, (defendant) (respondent), have been sued in court to
(OBTAIN)(MODIFY) custody, partial custody, or visitation of the following child(ren):
______________________________________________________________________________
___.
You are ordered to appear in person at
____________________________________________(Address),
on _____________________________(Day and Date), at ______(Time), ____.M., for
[ ] a conciliation or mediation conference.
[ ] a pretrial conference.
[ ] a hearing before the court.
If you fail to appear as provided by this order, an order for custody, partial custody or visitation
may be entered against you or the court may issue a warrant for your arrest.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT
HAVE A LAWYER, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS
OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF
YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO
PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL
SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.
21
_____________________________
(Name)
_____________________________
(Address)
_____________________________
(Telephone)
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990
The Court of Common Pleas of _______________ County is required by law to comply with the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For information about accessible facilities and
reasonable accommodations available to disabled individuals having business before the court,
please contact our office. All arrangements must be made at least 72 hours prior to any hearing
or business before the court. You must attend the scheduled conference or hearing.
BY THE COURT:
Date:
______________________________________
______________________________________
J.
22
APPENDIX C
Excerpts of Statutes
This manual has the text of the relevant statutes (laws) and some brief explanations of
them. This is background information. The court does not expect grandparents to know all of
the technical legal details, and someone can certainly file a custody complaint or petition without
reading any further. But for those who are interested, the information below indicates the
sources of the recommendations in this manual.
1. Statutes (Laws) That Relate To Grandparent Visitation And Custody
Title 23 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, Sections 5311-5313, give
grandparents the “standing” needed in order to go into court and present their request for
custody.
Section 5311 gives a grandparent standing to request visitation or custody of their
grandchild after his or her parent dies, when the dead parent was the son or daughter of the
grandparent filing, even if the grandchild’s other parent is still living.
23 Pa. C.S. § 5311. When parent deceased
If a parent of an unmarried child is deceased, the parents or
grandparents of the deceased parent may be granted
reasonable partial custody or visitation rights, or both, to the
unmarried child by the court upon a finding that partial custody
or visitation rights, or both, would be in the best interest of the
child and would not interfere with the parent-child relationship.
The court shall consider the amount of personal contact
between the parents or grandparents of the deceased parent
and the child prior to the application.
Section 5312 allows a grandparent to request visitation or partial legal custody of a
child whose parents have been separated for at least six months. This law was clarified and
authoritatively interpreted in a recent case, Malone v. Stonerook, 843 A.2d 1278 (Pa. Super.
2004). The court held that a grandparent had standing to request custody even though her
son was not married to the baby’s mother. In other words, the grandparent may file for
custody six months after the grandchild’s parents have separated, whether or not they were
married.
23 Pa. C.S. § 5312. When parents' marriage is dissolved
or parents are separated
In all proceedings for dissolution, subsequent to the
commencement of the proceeding and continuing thereafter or
23
when parents have been separated for six months or more, the
court may, upon application of the parent or grandparent of a
party, grant reasonable partial custody or visitation rights, or
both, to the unmarried child if it finds that visitation rights or
partial custody, or both, would be in the best interest of the
child and would not interfere with the parent-child relationship.
The court shall consider the amount of personal contact
between the parents or grandparents of the party and the child
prior to the application.
Section 5313, gives grandparents the standing in other situations. A grandparent may
file a request with the court if she or he meets the requirements for Subsection (a) or
Subsection (b). This is reflected in the form for making a Complaint for Custody or Partial
Custody.
23 Pa. C.S. § 5313. When grandparents may petition
(a) Partial custody and visitation.--If an unmarried child has
resided with his grandparents or great-grandparents for a
period of 12 months or more and is subsequently removed from
the home by his parents, the grandparents or great-
grandparents may petition the court for an order granting them
reasonable partial custody or visitation rights, or both, to the
child. The court shall grant the petition if it finds that visitation
rights would be in the best interest of the child and would not
interfere with the parent-child relationship.
(b) Physical and legal custody.--A grandparent has standing
to bring a petition for physical and legal custody of a
grandchild. If it is in the best interest of the child not to be in
the custody of either parent and if it is in the best interest of
the child to be in the custody of the grandparent, the court may
award physical and legal custody to the grandparent. This
subsection applies to a grandparent:
(1) who has genuine care and concern for the child;
(2) whose relationship with the child began with the
consent of a parent of the child or pursuant to an order of
court; and
(3) who for 12 months has assumed the role and
responsibilities of the child's parent, providing for the
physical, emotional and social needs of the child, or who
assumes the responsibility for a child who has been
determined to be a dependent child pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S.
Ch. 63 (relating to juvenile matters) or who assumes or
deems it necessary to assume responsibility for a child who
is substantially at risk due to parental abuse, neglect, drug
or alcohol abuse or mental illness. The court may issue a
temporary order pursuant to this section.
24
2. Standards That A Court Uses To Evaluate A Visitation Or Custody Request
Section 5303 is the core of Pennsylvania’s child custody statute. The overriding concern
of the court is to ensure the well-being of the child. For this reason, the court inquires into past
criminal history if it could indicate any possible risk of future danger to the child. However,
custody is possible for parents who have felony convictions. Subsection (c) of the statute makes
provisions for counseling in order to balance the interests of parent and child in that situation.
23 Pa. C.S. § 5303. Award of custody, partial custody or
visitation
(a) General rule.--
(1) In making an order for custody or partial custody,
the court shall consider the preference of the child as well
as any other factor which legitimately impacts the child's
physical, intellectual and emotional well-being.
(2) In making an order for custody, partial custody or
visitation to either parent, the court shall consider, among
other factors, which parent is more likely to encourage,
permit and allow frequent and continuing contact and
physical access between the noncustodial parent and the
child.
(3) The court shall consider each parent and adult
household member's present and past violent or abusive
conduct which may include, but is not limited to, abusive
conduct as defined under the act of October 7, 1976 (P.L.
1090, No. 218), known as the Protection From Abuse Act.
(b) Consideration of criminal conviction.--If a parent has
been convicted of or has pleaded guilty or no contest to an
offense as set forth below, the court shall consider such
criminal conduct and shall determine that the parent does not
pose a threat of harm to the child before making an order of
custody, partial custody or visitation to that parent:
(1) 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 25 (relating to criminal homicide);
(2) 18 Pa.C.S. § 2901 (relating to kidnapping);
(3) 18 Pa.C.S. § 2902 (relating to unlawful restraint);
(4) 18 Pa.C.S. § 3121 (relating to rape);
(5) 18 Pa.C.S. § 3122.1 (relating to statutory sexual
assault);
(6) 18 Pa.C.S. § 3123 (relating to involuntary deviate
sexual intercourse);
(7) 18 Pa.C.S. § 3124.1 (relating to sexual assault);
(8) 18 Pa.C.S. § 3125 (relating to aggravated indecent
assault);
(9) 18 Pa.C.S. § 3126 (relating to indecent assault);
(10) 18 Pa.C.S. § 3127 (relating to indecent exposure);
25
(11) 18 Pa.C.S. § 4302 (relating to incest);
(12) 18 Pa.C.S. § 4304 (relating to endangering welfare
of children);
(13) 18 Pa.C.S. § 5902(b) (relating to prostitution and
related offenses); or
(14) 18 Pa.C.S. § 6312 (relating to sexual abuse of
children).
(b.1) Consideration of criminal charge.--
(1) A parent who has obtained information under 42
Pa.C.S. § 1904 (relating to availability of criminal charge
information in child custody proceedings) of the charge filed
against the other parent for an offense listed in paragraph
(2) may move for a temporary custody order or to modify
an existing custody, partial custody or visitation order. The
temporary custody or modification hearing shall be
scheduled expeditiously.
(2) In evaluating any request for temporary custody or
modification of a custody, partial custody or visitation order,
the court shall consider whether the parent who is or has
been charged with an offense listed below poses a risk of
harm to the child:
(i) 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 25;
(ii) 18 Pa.C.S. § 2702 (relating to aggravated
assault);
(iii) 18 Pa.C.S. § 2706 (relating to terroristic
threats);
(iv) 18 Pa.C.S. § 2709.1 (relating to stalking);
(v) 18 Pa.C.S. § 2901;
(vi) 18 Pa.C.S. § 2902;
(vii) 18 Pa.C.S. § 2903 (relating to false
imprisonment);
(viii) 18 Pa.C.S. § 3121;
(ix) 18 Pa.C.S. § 3122.1;
(x) 18 Pa.C.S. § 3123;
(xi) 18 Pa.C.S. § 3124.1;
(xii) 18 Pa.C.S. § 3125;
(xiii) 18 Pa.C.S. § 3126;
(xiv) 18 Pa.C.S. § 3127;
(xv) 18 Pa.C.S. § 3301 (relating to arson and related
offenses);
(xvi) 18 Pa.C.S. § 4302;
(xvii) 18 Pa.C.S. § 4304;
(xviii) 18 Pa.C.S. § 6312; and
(xix) 23 Pa.C.S. § 6114 (relating to contempt for
violation of order or agreement).
(3) Failure to apply for information under 42 Pa.C.S. §
1904 or to act under this subsection shall not prejudice any
parent in a custody or visitation proceeding.
26
(b.2) Parent convicted of murder.--No court shall award
custody, partial custody or visitation to a parent who has been
convicted of murder under 18 Pa.C.S. § 2502(a) (relating to
murder of the first degree) of the other parent of the child who
is the subject of the order, unless the child is of suitable age
and consents to the order.
(c) Counseling.--In making a determination to award
custody, partial custody or visitation pursuant to subsection
(b), the court shall appoint a qualified professional to provide
counseling to an offending parent described in subsection (b)
and shall take testimony from that professional regarding the
provision of such counseling prior to issuing any order of
custody, partial custody or visitation. Counseling, required in
accordance with this subsection, shall include a program of
treatment or individual therapy designed to rehabilitate a
parent which addresses, but is not limited to, issues regarding
physical and sexual abuse, domestic violence, the psychology
of the offender and the effects of abuse on the victim. If the
court awards custody, partial custody or visitation to an
offending parent described in subsection (b), the court may
require subsequent periodic counseling and reports on the
rehabilitation of the offending parent and the well-being of the
child following an order relating to custody, partial custody or
visitation. If, upon review of a subsequent report or reports, the
court determines that the offending parent poses a threat of
harm to the child, the court may schedule a hearing and modify
the order of custody or visitation to protect the well-being of
the child.
(d) Sole custody.--The court shall award sole custody when
it is in the best interest of the child.
27
APPENDIX D
Addresses of the Courts
Custody complaints and petitions are filed with the Clerk of the Court in the Court of
Common Pleas. Before filing, contact the Court Administrator to find out about any particular
local requirements.
Ordinarily the Clerk and the Administrator are located near each other in the county
courthouse. Below is direct contact information for the Court Administrators. This list is current
as of July 2010, but locations and phone numbers of the courts can change without notice.
Further helpful information is available online at http://www.aopc.org/T/CommonPleas/
.
District Court Administrator of Adams County
Adams County Courthouse
111-117 Baltimore Street
Gettysburg, PA 17325
717-337-9846
District Court Administrator of Allegheny County
300 Frick Building
437 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-350-6939
District Court Administrator of Armstrong County
Second Floor
Armstrong County Courthouse
500 East Market Street
Kittanning, PA 16201
724-548-3284
District Court Administrator of Beaver County
Beaver County Courthouse
810 Third Street
Beaver, PA 15009
724-728-5700
District Court Administrator of Bedford County
Bedford County Courthouse
200 South Juliana Street
Bedford, PA 15522
814-624-2634
District Court Administrator of Berks County
Berks County Courthouse
633 Court Street, Seventh Floor
Reading, PA 19601
610-478-6208
District Court Administrator of Blair County
Blair County Courthouse
423 Allegheny Street, Suite 239
Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
814-693-3050
District Court Administrator of Bradford County
Bradford County Courthouse
301 Main Street
Towanda, PA 18848
570-265-1707
District Court Administrator of Bucks County
Bucks County Courthouse
55 East Court Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-348-6700
District Court Administrator of Butler County
Butler County Government Center
P.O. Box 1208
Butler, PA 16003
724-284-5200
District Court Administrator of Cambria County
Cambria County Courthouse
200 South Center Street
Ebensburg, PA 15931
814-472-1552
District Court Administrator of Carbon County
Carbon County Courthouse
4 Broadway
P.O. Box 131
Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
570-325-8556
28
District Court Administrator of Centre County
Centre County Courthouse, Room 208
Bellefonte, PA 16823
814-355-6727
District Court Administrator of Chester County
Chester County Justice Center
201 West Market Street, Suite 4100
P.O. Box 2746
West Chester, PA 19380-0989
610-344-6173
District Court Administrator of Clarion County
Clarion County Courthouse
421 Main Street
Clarion, PA 16214
814-226-9351
District Court Administrator of Clearfield County
Clearfield County Courthouse
230 East Market Street, Suite 228
Clearfield, PA 16830
814-765-2641
District Court Administrator of Clinton County
Clinton County Courthouse
230 East Water Street
Lock Haven, PA 17745
570-893-4016
District Court Administrator of Columbia & Montour
Counties
Columbia County Courthouse
P.O. Box 380
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
570-389-5667
District Court Administrator of Crawford County
Crawford County Courthouse
903 Diamond Park
Meadville, PA 16335
814-333-7498
District Court Administrator of Cumberland County
Cumberland County Courthouse
One Courthouse Square
Carlisle, PA 17013
717-240-6203
District Court Administrator of Dauphin County
Dauphin County Courthouse
Court Administrators Office
101 Market Street, Suite 300
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717-780-6624
District Court Administrator of Delaware County
Delaware County Courthouse
201 West Front Street
Media, PA 19063
610-891-4557
District Court Administrator of Elk & Cameron
Counties
Elk County Courthouse
P.O. Box 416
Ridgway, PA 15853
814-776-5375
District Court Administrator of Erie County
Erie County Courthouse
140 West Sixth Street, Room 210
Erie, PA 16501
814-451-6295
District Court Administrator of Fayette County
Fayette County Courthouse
61 East Main Street
Uniontown, PA 15401
724-430-1230
District Court Administrator of Franklin & Fulton
Counties
Franklin County Courthouse
157 Lincoln Way East
Chambersburg, PA 17201
717-261-3848
District Court Administrator of Greene County
Greene County Courthouse
10 East High Street
Waynesburg, PA 15370
724-852-5237
District Court Administrator of Huntingdon County
Huntingdon County Courthouse
223 Penn Street
Huntingdon, PA 16652
814-643-5078
District Court Administrator of Indiana County
Indiana County Courthouse, Fourth Floor
825 Philadelphia Street
Indiana, PA 15701
724-465-3955
District Court Administrator of Jefferson County
Jefferson County Courthouse
200 Main Street
Brookville, PA 15825
814-849-1631
29
District Court Administrator of Lackawanna County
Lackawanna County Courthouse
200 North Washington Avenue
Scranton, PA 18503
570-963-6773
District Court Administrator of Lancaster County
Lancaster County Courthouse
50 North Duke Street
P.O. Box 83480
Lancaster, PA 17608
717-299-8041
District Court Administrator of Lawrence County
Lawrence County Government Center
430 Court Street
New Castle, PA 16101
724-656-1930
District Court Administrator of Lebanon County
Lebanon County Courthouse
400 South Eighth Street, Rm. 311
Lebanon, PA 17042
717-274-2801
District Court Administrator of Lehigh County
Lehigh County Courthouse
455 West Hamilton Street
Allentown, PA 18101
610-782-3998
Acting District Court Administrator of Luzerne County
Luzerne County Courthouse
200 North River Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
570-825-1595
District Court Administrator of Lycoming County
Lycoming County Courthouse
48 West Third Street
Williamsport, PA 17701
570-327-2330
District Court Administrator of McKean County
McKean County Courthouse
500 West Main Street
Smethport, PA 16749
814-887-5571
District Court Administrator of Mercer County
205 Mercer County Courthouse
103 North Diamond Street
Mercer, PA 16137
724-662-3800
District Court Administrator of Mifflin County
Mifflin County Courthouse
20 North Wayne Street
Lewistown, PA 17044
717-242-5453
District Court Administrator of Monroe County
Monroe County Courthouse
610 Monroe Street
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
570-420-3645
District Court Administrator of Montgomery County
Montgomery County Courthouse
P.O. Box 311
Norristown, PA 19404
610-278-3224
District Court Administrator of Northampton County
Northampton County Government Center
669 Washington Street
Easton, PA 18042
610-559-6701
District Court Administrator of Northumberland County
Northumberland County Courthouse
201 Market Street
Sunbury, PA 17801
570-988-4169
District Court Administrator of Perry & Juniata
Counties
Perry County Courthouse
P.O. Box 668
New Bloomfield, PA 17068
717-582-5143
District Court Administrator of Philadelphia County
Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County
336 City Hall
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-686-2547
District Court Administrator of Pike County
Pike County Courthouse Annex
410 Broad Street
Milford, PA 18337
570-296-3556
District Court Administrator of Potter County
Potter County Courthouse
One East Second Street, Room 30
Coudersport, PA 16915
814-274-9720
30
District Court Administrator of Schuylkill County
Schuylkill County Courthouse
401 North Second Street
Pottsville, PA 17901
570-628-1333
District Court Administrator of Snyder & Union
Counties
Snyder County Courthouse
P.O. Box 217
Middleburg, PA 17842
570-837-4344
District Court Administrator of Somerset County
Somerset County Courthouse
111 East Union Street, Suite 200
Somerset, PA 15501
814-445-1473
District Court Admin. of Susquehanna County
Susquehanna County Courthouse
P.O. Box 218
Montrose, PA 18801
570-278-4600
District Court Administrator of Tioga County
Tioga County Courthouse
118 Main Street
Wellsboro, PA 16901
570-724-9380
District Court Administrator of Venango County
Venango County Courthouse
1168 Liberty Street
P.O. Box 831
Franklin, PA 16323
814-432-9606
District Court Administrator of Warren & Forest
Counties
Warren County Courthouse
204 Fourth Avenue
Warren, PA 16365
814-728-3531
District Court Administrator of Washington County
Washington County Courthouse
1 South Main Street, Suite 2004
Washington, PA 15301
724-228-6797
District Court Administrator of Wayne County
Wayne County Courthouse
925 Court Street
Honesdale, PA 18431
570-253-0101
District Court Administrator of Westmoreland County
Westmoreland County Courthouse
2 North Main Street
Greensburg, PA 15601
724-830-3828
District Court Administrator of Wyoming & Sullivan
Counties
Wyoming County Courthouse
One Courthouse Square
Tunkhannock, PA 18657
570-836-3151
District Court Administrator of York County
York County Judicial Center
45 North George Street
York, PA 17401
717-771-9234
31
APPENDIX E: A Map for Decision-Making
32
