How Do I File for Child Custody in Pennsylvania?

If you are going through a divorce or separation involving children, child custody arrangements are crucial. Filing for child custody in Pennsylvania is challenging. The most important step is to seek professional legal counsel early. Our experienced State College child custody attorneys at Topinka Law can help.

Retain Legal Guidance

You’re always better off working closely with a trusted child custody lawyer from the start. This is in contrast to seeking legal representation after the fact to obtain terms that better reflect your rights. Your seasoned child custody attorney will leave no stone unturned in their focused efforts to guide your case toward a favorable resolution that works well for you and your children.

Understand the Filing Process

File your Complaint for Custody at the Centre County Prothonotary’s Office in the Centre County Courthouse.

Completing the Required Paperwork

The paperwork you need to file includes all the following:

• Complaint for Custody, which outlines your requests for both legal and physical custody
• Criminal Record/Abuse History Verification, which discloses any criminal history or history of abuse that applies to you or to anyone in your household
• Confidential Information Forms, which prevent private details from becoming accessible to the public

The court will issue a Scheduling Order to set future court dates.

Having Your Children’s Other Parent Served

You must serve your children’s other parent with the papers you’ve filed. In State College, you usually do this by sending them through Certified Mail Restricted Delivery. This ensures delivery to the named recipient or their authorized agent.

Alternatively, the Centre County Sheriff can serve the papers. You cannot hand them to your ex personally; legal service in Pennsylvania requires a neutral third party.

Attend a Conciliation Conference

After you file your complaint, the court will schedule a Custody Conciliation Conference. You and your children’s other parent will meet with a court-appointed conference officer. The goal is to negotiate acceptable terms outside of court.

This can lead to further negotiations, including mediation. Only if you and your ex are unable to reach terms that you’re both willing to sign off on, after your ability to negotiate has been exhausted, will your case proceed to court.  

Our Experienced State College Child Custody Lawyers Are on Your Side

Contact Topinka Law online or call 814-954-7280 today to discuss your custody matter. We’re ready to help you protect your parental rights.