Custody matters before a judge may include judicial conciliation, hearings, trials, motions, and legal issues referred for judicial review.
Judicial conciliation hearings and trials
Read your scheduling order and the assigned judge’s standard operating procedures. They explain deadlines, required documents, participation instructions, and preparation requirements. The requirements previous proceedings on your custody case.
The Department arranges the next required proceeding as directed by the Court. A routine scheduling praecipe is not required.
Motions
Use the Court’s current motions procedure to request judicial relief. If represented, consult your attorney and the assigned judge’s operating procedures. If self-represented, follow the Self-Represented Litigant Motions.
Preparing for court
Follow the Court’s instructions for submitting documents and presenting evidence. Be prepared to address the custody factors in 23 Pa.C.S. § 5328 and safety concerns relevant to your case.
Attend as directed unless the Court changes or cancels the proceeding.