Lancaster Cnty. C.P. Rules of Orphans' Court Rule 15.1

A. These Rules are adopted under the option given by Rule 15.1 of the Pa.O.C.

Rules to adopt local rules. These Rules may be modified in a particular case by a

special order of the Court.

B. Petitions which require a hearing shall have a preliminary decree attached for

the purpose of setting a hearing date, specifying persons to whom and the manner in

which notice is to be given and, in the case of an adoption petition, indicating which

agency is to make the required investigation. Petitions shall be signed by the

petitioners and by counsel and shall be verified.

C. In every proceeding where the Pa. O.C. Rules or the Adoption Act require the

adoptee’s birth certificate to be exhibited to the Court, the birth certificate shall show the

names of the mother and father if that information is recorded. If the name of the father

is not recorded, but there is a claim of paternity under Section 8303 of the Adoption Act,

such information shall be provided to the Court.

D. In all proceedings under the Adoption Act, counsel for petitioners shall

present at the time of the hearing a proposed decree. In any proceeding for voluntary

relinquishment of parental rights, confirmation of consent or involuntary termination of

parental rights, at the time of the hearing, counsel shall present the notices to the birth

parents concerning their right to place information on file with the Court and with the

Department of Public Welfare or the Division of Vital Records, together with a stamped

envelope addressed to each birth parent.

E. At the time of the hearing the return of notice shall be by affidavit of the

person serving, mailing, publishing or delivering such notice.

F. In any proceeding for voluntary relinquishment of parental rights, confirmation

of consent, involuntary termination of parental rights or adoption in which a parent

whose parental rights are to be relinquished or terminated is a minor, is incarcerated or

is in military service, counsel for petitioner shall provide in the preliminary decree for the

appointment of counsel to represent such parent.

G. Special requests for scheduling shall be submitted to the Court.

H. If the person to be adopted is an adult, no investigation by an agency shall be

required. The preliminary decree shall provide for notice of the proposed adoption to

the biological parents unless the Court waives this requirement for good cause.