Adm. Cnty. Pa. 1915.1

As amended through August 12, 2024
Rule 1915.1 - Actions in Child Custody. Scope. Definitions
(a)General. These rules shall govern all actions for child custody, including custody complaints, petitions to modify custody, petitions for contempt and petitions to intervene in child custody matters filed in the Adams County Court of Common Pleas. The rules shall be interpreted as supplementing the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure governing custody actions. See Pa. R.C.P. No. 1915.1 et seq.
(b)Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context of a rule indicates otherwise, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

"conciliator" shall be an active-status attorney duly licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and appointed by the court. In accordance with Pa. R.C.P. No. 1915.4-3(a), the conciliator shall not be engaged in the practice of family law before a conference officer, hearing officer, permanent or standing master, or judge of the same judicial district.

"conciliation conference" shall be a prehearing, non-record proceeding conducted under the auspices of the court by the conciliator and in accordance with Pa. R.C.P. 1915.4-3.

"custody presentation" shall be a brief appearance before the presiding judge to ascertain the status of the dispute and determine the status quo custody schedule, if any, enter an interim order as appropriate, and refer the matter to a conciliation conference as appropriate.

"presiding judge" shall be the judge to whom the case is assigned.

(c)General flow of a custody case. Upon the filing of a complaint or petition, the pleading shall be scheduled for a presentation before the court on a custody presentation day designated on the official court calendar.

If an agreement is not able to be reached at custody presentation, the presiding judge will enter an interim order and directive for the parties to participate in a custody conciliation conference to attempt to resolve the matter.

If the parties are not able to reach an agreement at the conciliation conference, the presiding judge will list the matter for a pre-trial conference upon receiving the report of the conciliator.

After the pre-trial conference is held, the presiding judge will schedule a trial and an in camera interview of the child, as appropriate.

Adm. Cnty. Pa. 1915.1

Amended effective 7/10/2023; amended effective 12/23/2023.