Rule 17CV1915.3 - Custody Petitions and ProcedureA. All counts in a divorce complaint and all petitions relating to custody, partial custody, or visitation, of minor children shall be processed in accordance with 17CV1915.3, et seq.
B. Where a party files a Divorce action with a Count for Custody, the two matters will be separated with individual docketing numbers. C. As part of the pre-trial procedures, the Court Administrator shall refer custody-related complaints or petitions, other than a petition for special relief, to mediation at the Susquehanna Valley Mediation Service and the Kids First program. D. All counts in a divorce complaint and all petitions relating to custody, partial custody, or visitation of minor children shall include a form order referring the matter to mediation. The form shall be provided by the Court Administrator, under the Court section of each county's website. Visit: www.snydercounty.org or www.unioncountypa.org. E. Upon receipt of notice that the parties did not resolve the matter through mediation and that the parties have attended the Kids First Program, the Court shall refer the matter to the Custody Conference Officer for the scheduling of the initial conference with the parties and their respective counsel. F. Any pleading which requests the scheduling of a proceeding and also requests entry of a temporary order to maintain de facto custody provisions pending m e d i a t i o n o r the initial conference shall set forth with specificity those facts supporting the request for the temporary custody order pending mediation or the initial conference.Syn. Cnty. Pa. 17CV1915.3
Amended effective 5/7/2024.