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I want to represent myself in support, custody, divorce, or property division. How do I do that?

Family law cases can be very complicated. Each case depends on its own facts and circumstances. You will be held to the same requirements as an attorney. You will need to know your rights and responsibilities. You also will need to read, understand, and follow the law as contained in the following:

 Pennsylvania statutes and cases,
 Pa. Rules of Civil Procedure, and
 York County Rules of Court.

To access the law and rules of procedure, you may go to the York County Law Library:

York County Law Library
45 North George Street, Suite 4200
York PA 17401
Telephone No. (717) 854-0754

If you have access to a computer, you can find this information at:

For the state rules, search for “PA Rules of Civil Procedure” then look for the particular series of rules that you need.

You can find an unofficial copy of the York County Rules of Procedure on the “Attorney” page of the Divorce Hearing Masters website.
 

Where do I find the Pennsylvania statutes?

Go to www.FindLaw.com. Click on “For the Public”. Click “Divorce & Family Law”. Click your topic, such as “Divorce”. Click “Divorce Laws in your state.” Then click “Pennsylvania”. There it lists various topics. The direct link is

http://family.findlaw.com/divorce/pennsylvania-divorce-law.html
 

Where do I find forms?

You may find the rules and forms as follows:

 Support rules and forms are found in the 1910 series of the PA Rules of Civil Procedure or from Domestic Relations. Official forms, general information, and a "support estimator" are also available on the Pa. Child Support web page at:
https://www.childsupport.state.pa.us
https://www.humanservices.state.pa.us/csws/index.aspx.

 Custody rules and forms are found in the 1915 series of the PA Rules of Civil Procedure

 Divorce and economic rules and forms are found in the 1920 series of the PA Rules of Civil Procedure. An unofficial copy of the York County Rules of Civil Procedure is available on the “Attorney” page of the Divorce Hearing Masters website. Unofficial copies of the forms are available under “Forms and Instructions.”
 

Is the information on the Internet reliable?

Some of it is. Some is not. Be sure you use official websites and double check what you find there. Remember, you are responsible for errors, the website is not.

May the Internet addresses change?

Yes, they are accurate as of April 2008 but they may change over time.

You list the names of so many groups. Who are they?

The Domestic Relations Section handles support for children and spouses. For matters involving child or spousal support, contact the Domestic Relations Section at 717-771-9605 or go on-line to www.childsupport.state.pa.us.

The Prothonotary is the official record keeper for civil actions, including custody and divorce.

A custody complaint filed with the Prothonotary is then taken to the Court Administration office on the 4th floor of the Judicial Center to have a custody conciliator appointed. Then you must serve the other party with the complaint and notice of the conciliation conference.

The Divorce Masters Office handles only cases in which the parties have disputes over divorce, distribution of property, temporary and permanent alimony, and related economic claims. You must file a Motion to Appoint a Master. Forms and Instructions are available on the Divorce Hearing Masters website under “Forms and Procedures.” Fees are on the Prothonotary website found at
http://www.york-county.org/departments/courts/proth.htm
 

I want to say something to the Judge, Custody Conciliator, or Divorce Master should I call them or write a letter?

Neither, that would be an “ex parte communication”. In other words, talking to the court (or someone appointed by the court) without the other side present. You must wait until you have a scheduled proceeding where both parties are present.

I need to know about my divorce. Who should I contact?

If you want to check on the status of a divorce action filed in York County, or if you want to get a copy of a divorce decree entered in York County, contact:

York County Prothonotary Office
York County Judicial Center,
45 North George Street, 1st Floor
York, PA 17401
Telephone No. (717) 771-9611

Do I need to pay a fee to file an action for support, custody, or divorce?

Yes. The filing fees for child or spousal support are collected by

Domestic Relations Section
45 North George Street, Second Floor
York PA 17401
Telephone No. (717) 771-9605

All other fees discussed in this brochure, such as

 Child custody complaint
 Appointment of the custody conciliator
 Divorce Complaint and
 Motion to Appoint a Divorce Master

are collected by

York County Prothonotary Office
York County Judicial Center
45 North George Street, 1st Floor
York, PA 17401
Telephone No. (717) 771-9611
 

I want to file for child support, spousal support, divorce, or property division. Or, I have been served with one of those actions. What should I do?

You should see an attorney. If you do not have one, contact:

Attorney Connection
York County Bar Association
137 East Market Street
York PA 17401
Telephone No. (717) 854-8755
 

I want to file for child custody or my child’s other parent filed for it and served me. What should I do?

You should see an attorney. If you do not have one, contact

Attorney Connection
York County Bar Association
137 East Market Street
York PA 17401
Telephone No. (717) 854-8755
 

I can’t afford an attorney. What should I do?

If you do not have money and meet the financial requirements, you might be able to obtain a lawyer for free. To find out, contact:

Mid Penn Legal Services
256 East Market Street
York PA 17403
Telephone No. (717) 848-3605

I have additional questions. Where should I go for answers?

Try the York County Bar Association website at http://www.yorkbar.com/