If you do not have a custody order and would like to file for custody, download and complete the following documents:
- Instructions
- Complaint in Custody
- Remote Client Information Sheet
- Criminal Record/Abuse History Verification Form
- Self-Represented Litigant Form
Take your completed forms to:
Allegheny County Department of Court Records (DCR)
City County Building, First Floor
414 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
There are fees associated with filing a custody action. The fee schedule is available at the Department of Court Records. All filing fees are NON-REFUNDABLE.
- If you are unable to pay the filing fee, please contact 412-350-5600 to schedule an appointment for your assessment.
- Under certain, limited circumstances, the Court may waive your filing fee. Waivers are generally granted for litigants who are receiving cash benefits or SSI from the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) and have no other source of income. If you and/or an adult member of your household are earning income, you must demonstrate to the Court that you are indigent by providing paystubs and tax returns for yourself and every adult member of your household.
Carefully consider if Allegheny County is the appropriate place to file for custody. Jurisdiction/venue generally rests in the county where the child(ren) have been residing for the past six months. If the Court determines Allegheny County is not the appropriate forum to address your custody case, your complaint in custody will be dismissed and your fees will not be refunded.
If you are not a biological parent of a child(ren), first determine if you have standing, which is legal permission to file for custody. If the Court determines that you do not have standing, your complaint in custody will be dismissed and your fees will not be refunded. For more information on standing, click here.