How do I file for custody?
If you do not have a custody order and would like to file for custody, download and complete the following documents found in the forms section of this site:
- Complaint in Custody
- Remote Client Information Sheet
- Criminal Record/Abuse History Verification Form
- Self-Represented Litigant Form
Take your completed forms to the
Allegheny County Department of Court Records (DCR)
414 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
to file and pay the filing fee. Fee schedules and information on hours of operation and acceptable forms of payment are available through the Department of Court Records. All filing fees are NON-REFUNDABLE.
- If you are unable to pay the filing fee, please contact the Custody Department by email at custodydepartment@alleghenycourts.us or by phone at 412.350.4311 for more information.
- 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.
You must give notice to the other party within thirty (30) days of filing. It is your responsibility to ensure that a copy of your Custody Complaint/petition, Remote Client Information Form, and Domestic Violence Waiver are served on the other party. The Court will NOT make service for you, and your case will not be scheduled until you have provided proof of service. For more information on service, click here. Once you have served the other party, download and complete the Certificate of Service. File the Certificate of Service with the Department of Court Records and provide a copy to the Custody Department by email at custodydepartment@alleghenycourts.us or regular mail at Family Law Center – Custody Department, 440 Ross Street, Suite 130, Pittsburgh, PA 15219.
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.
How do I change my custody order or file for custody?
- If you are represented by an attorney, contact your attorney for legal advice.
- If you are representing yourself, please review the custody forms listed at the bottom of this page. You must comply with the Public Access Policy.
- If you already have a custody order, and would like to amend it, attach a copy of your current custody order and download and complete the following documents found in the forms section of this site:
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- Petition for Modification of a Custody Order
- Remote Client Information Sheet
- Criminal Record/Abuse History Verification Form
- Self-Represented Litigant Form
- If you already have a custody order, and a party is not following the custody order, attach a copy of your current custody order and download and complete the following documents found in the forms section of this site:
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- Petition for Civil Contempt/Disobedience of a Custody Order
- Remote Client Information Sheet
- Criminal Record/Abuse History Verification Form
- Self-Represented Litigant Form
The other party is not following the Order. Can they be found in contempt of a current order?
For a party to be found in contempt, you must prove that they willfully disobeyed the custody order. Please be prepared to provide the specific instances (dates and times) that the custody order was not followed. You cannot request a change in custody by filing a petition for civil contempt. Also, a party cannot be found in contempt for failing to exercise their custody time as ordered.
What if I’m not the biological parent of the child or children?
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.