Pro Se Custody Resource Guide
NOTICE
ALL PARTIES INVOLVED IN LITIGATION ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO SEEK
PROFESSIONAL LEGAL ADVICE FROM AN ATTORNEY. Court staff cannot offer any legal advice.
The information in this packet is not a substitute for professional legal advice. The Court assumes no
responsibility and accepts no liability for actions taken by users of these documents, including reliance on
their contents.
If you desire to speak with an attorney and do not know one, you should call the Bar Association’s
Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) at (724) 225-6710 to schedule a half-hour consultation with a licensed,
insured attorney who has experience in the area of law related to your legal matter. The initial half-hour
consultation with the attorney is $25; any fees beyond the first half-hour should be discussed and agreed
upon by you and the lawyer.
If you meet certain income and other qualifications, you may be able to secure an attorney through
Southwestern PA Legal Services, at (724) 225-6170.
If you have questions about domestic violence or believe that you may be the victim of domestic violence,
we strongly recommend that you contact the Washington County Women’s Shelter at (724) 223-8349.
If you suspect child abuse, please contact CHILDLINE at (800) 932-0313. You can report suspected child
abuse 24 hours per day and remain anonymous.
Filing for Custody? Which packet do you need?
Please review the table below to determine which packet you need, then click on the document icon to download the document(s).
|
| Name
| Intent
| Description
| Download
|
| A |
How to file for Custody |
Directions |
Basic information. |
PDF
|
| B |
Custody FAQs |
Questions & Answers |
Frequently Asked Questions and the Judge’s Standard Answer. |
PDF
|
| C |
Service |
Notice on Service |
How to notify the other party. |
PDF
DOC
|
| D |
Conference Room / Courtroom Conduct |
In the Courtroom |
Things to know before you come to Court, including the dress code. |
PDF
|
| E |
Definitions |
Legal terms |
Basic definitions of common legal terms. |
PDF
|
| F |
Legal Resources |
Library Hours and Web-sites |
How to research information to prepare for your case. |
PDF
|
Forms
|
| Name
| Intent
| Description
| Download
|
| 1 |
Complaint |
To file for custody |
This is the first form to file to initiate a custody action; this packet includes rules and notice on service. |
PDF
DOC
|
| 2 |
Agreement |
Parties have an agreement |
This form is filed with the complaint if the parties have an agreement for custody and do not need a custody conference. |
PDF
DOC
|
| 3 |
Modification |
To Change an existing custody order |
|
PDF
DOC
|
| 4 |
Contempt |
To compel other party to follow custody order. |
MUST GIVE THE OTHER PARTY AT LEAST 3 DAYS NOTICE BEFORE TAKING THIS TO COURT. |
PDF
DOC
|
| 5 |
Emergency Petition |
Immediate temporary custody due to threat of physical harm or that the other parent will take the child out of Washington County |
If there is no existing Court Order, you must file a complaint at the same time. If there is an existing order, you must file a Modification form at the same time. MUST GIVE THE OTHER PARTY AT LEAST 24 HOURS NOTICE BEFORE TAKING THIS TO COURT. |
PDF
DOC
|
| 6 |
Special Relief |
Any situation not covered by any other forms |
If there is no existing Court Order, you must file a complaint at the same time. MUST GIVE THE OTHER PARTY AT LEAST 3 DAYS NOTICE BEFORE TAKING THIS TO COURT. |
PDF
DOC
|
| 7 |
Trial De Novo |
To appeal the decision from the Conference Officer |
Be aware that this is "going to trial" and you really should hire an attorney. |
PDF
DOC
|
| 8 |
Withdraw |
To stop a custody action |
This cancels the custody action. If you change your mind later, you will need to start the process from the beginning. |
PDF
DOC
|
| 9 |
Continuance |
To postpone a hearing |
The amount of the fee depends on when you request the continuance. |
PDF
DOC
|
| 10 |
Relocation |
For the parent who has shared or primary custody and wants to move out of Washington County |
|
PDF
DOC
|
| 11 |
Answer to Relocation |
To stop the other parent from moving out of Washington County |
|
PDF
DOC
|
| 12 |
Notice of Presentation |
Notice for the other party or their lawyer saying you are going to present a motion |
MUST BE DONE FOR ALL MOTIONS EXCEPT COMPLAINT, RELOCATION AND TRIAL DE NOVO. |
PDF
DOC
|
| 13 |
Affidavit of Service |
Proving that you gave notice to the other party |
If this is not filed with the Prothonotary, the case may be dismissed |
PDF
DOC
|
| 14 |
Acceptance of Service |
Showing that the other party accepted the notice |
|
PDF
DOC
|
Also...
For a more comprehensive guide, download this document pack:
Comprehensive Pro Se Resource Guide