Dauphin Cnty. C.P. Rule 1915.3 - Custody Actions

RULE 1915.3 CUSTODY ACTIONS

(a) Commencement of Custody Actions

1. A custody action shall be commenced by the filing of an original

and one copy of either a Custody Complaint or a Divorce

Complaint or Counterclaim that contains a custody count with the

Prothonotary in accordance with Pa.R.C.P. 1915.3.

2. In addition to the filing fees assessed for the filing of complaints,

an additional administrative fee in the amount of $150.00 shall be

paid to the Prothonotary simultaneously with the filing of the

Custody action.

(b) A Custody Action shall include the following attachments:

1. A Criminal or Abuse History Verification in accordance with Pa.R.C.P.

1915.3-2. This form is available at the Dauphin County Website on the

Self-Help Center page.

2. Self-Represented Party Entry of Appearance, if not represented by legal

counsel, in accordance with Local Rule 1930.8. This form is available at

at the Dauphin County Website on the Self-Help Center page.

3. The Confidential Information Form.

(c) The Prothonotary shall promptly forward the original Custody Complaint with the

attachments listed above to the Court Administrator’s Office for assignment to a

Custody Conference Officer.

(d) If the parties do not reach an agreement at the Custody Conference (see Local

Rule 1915.4-2), the Conference Officer may recommend an Interim Order and

the case will be assigned to a Family Court Judge.

(e) As a general rule, if a Judge has handled a contested family law case for that

family, the matter will be assigned to that Judge.

1-18-23