A request for a continuance of a Custody Conference or Hearing shall be on the Continuance Form established by the Court. The Continuance Form shall be filed in the Prothonotary's Office and immediately transmitted to the Custody Conciliation Office. Continuance forms are available from the Prothonotary or Court Administrator's Office.
The request shall include a statement of the reasons for the request, whether the request is opposed or unopposed, the number of times the case has been previously continued and a certification by counsel that his/her client has been informed about the request for continuance.
Counsel have an ongoing duty to consult their scheduling calendar immediately upon receipt of a notice scheduling a court proceeding. In the event a continuance is necessary because of a prior attachment or emergency situation, counsel shall promptly request a continuance, and failure to do so may subject counsel to the contempt powers of the Court. Continuance requests shall be made as the conflict is, or should be known, or within twenty-four (24) hours after discovery of emergency circumstances. Emergency circumstances must be explained in writing, and requests due to scheduling conflicts must include a copy of the conflict attachment notice.
The Custody Conciliation Officer shall have the authority to approve only one continuance request from each party. If the Custody Conciliation Officer denies the request for a continuance for any reason, the Officer shall state the reasons for the denial on the written request.
A party may appeal the denial of a request for continuance to the President Judge by submission of the denied continuance request to the President Judge. It is that party's responsibility to advise the Custody Conciliation Officer of the appeal and of the President Judge's decision.
Sch. Cnty. Pa. 1915.17