The Custody Department handles case processing for all private custody actions, such as:
- the start of a custody case,
- when custody is part of your divorce,
- if you wish to change your current custody order, or
- if you need to enforce your current custody order.
The Custody Department will schedule court events after you file an action with the Department of Court Records.
Child Custody Action: Step by Step
Note — Alternative Entry Points: At three stages in the process, parties may enter via alternative channels:
Alternative Dispute Resolution (prior to the Scheduling Order stage),
Court Case Management (prior to the first hearing decision), and
Litigation (prior to the final hearing decision).
- File a Custody Action with the Department of Court Records.
File a Custody Complaint, Modification, or Civil Contempt Petition. Pay the required filing fees. - Serve the Other Party.
Serve the other party with the custody action and provide the court with proof of service. - Receive a Scheduling Order and complete the required Online Education Class.
- Attend Mediation.
If agreement is reached: A Memorandum of Understanding is created. This may be turned into a formal custody order. The process ends here.
If no agreement: Proceed to Step 5. - Interim Relief Hearing or Conciliation — parties proceed to one of two tracks:Interim Relief Hearing:
If agreement: A Consent Order of Court is issued.
If no agreement: An Interim Court Order may be issued. Proceed to Step 6.Conciliation:
If agreement: A Consent Order of Court is issued.
If no agreement: Proceed to Step 6. - Partial Custody Hearing or Judicial Conciliation and/or Psychological Evaluations:Partial Custody Hearing leads to: Final Order Entered.Judicial Conciliation and/or Psychological Evaluations leads to: Custody Trial, then Final Order Entered.
Self-represented/pro se litigants can seek assistance regarding family legal matters through the Legal Services Clinic that is staffed by Thomas R. Kline School of Law of Duquesne University and University of Pittsburgh School of Law. The staff there may be able to provide limited legal services for free if you qualify. For more information Click Here
Accessing your Custody case documents with the Department of Court Records:
- You may obtain a COPY of court orders/documents that have been filed under your case number with the Department of Court Records in person OR via their website
- In person:
- Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm,
- City-County Building
414 Grant Street, First Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15219-2469
- Online:
- In person:
How Do I Find Documents/Orders Online?
