Divorce and Custody Division

The Divorce and Custody Division is an office under the Family Court Administrator and handles scheduling of the hearing officers, paperwork intake, and questions from the public and the legal bar regarding divorce court cases and custody court cases.

For information regarding matters before the Divorce Hearing Officer & Child Custody Conference Officers:
Washington County Family Division
29 West Cherry Avenue, Suite 310
Washington, PA 15301
724-229-5929
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4: 30 p.m.
 
The Family Court Judge for 2022 is the Honorable Jesse D. Pettit. His office may be reached at:
1 S. Main Street, Suite 2004
Washington, PA 15301
724-228-6823
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (closed 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.)
 
Motions and Standard Operating Procedures: Judge Pettit’s motion court schedule and Standard Operating Procedures can be found here.

Filing Divorce and/or Custody Paperwork

The filing office for filing Divorce and Custody Paperwork is the Washington County Prothonotary. Laura H. Hough is the elected Prothonotary of Washington County.

The mailing address of the Prothonotary is:
Laura Hough
1 S. Main Street
Suite 1001
Washington, PA 15301

The Prothonotary may be reached at 724-228-6770. The office is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
 
Filing Costs: Divorce Complaint (1 original and 3 copies) (Fees are by number of counts in the complaint)

One Count $211.75
Two Counts $271.25
Three Counts $331.75
Four Counts $391.25
Five Counts $451.75
Six Counts $511.25
Seven Counts $571.75
Add $8.00 for custody claim
 
Divorce Master Fees:
Quarter Day (additional) $108.75
Half Day (additional) $217.50
Full Day (initial filing) $435.00

Custody Complaint $325.25 (1 original and 3 copies)
Petition for Modification $185.00 (1 original and 3 copies)
Custody Complaint with Agreement $140.25