Northum. Cnty. Pa NCV-1915.3

As amended through April 1, 2021

Rule NCV-1915.3

(a) Commencement of Custody Actions

1. Upon receipt of a custody complaint or a divorce complaint which contains a custody count, the Custody Conference Officer shall set the date, time and place of the initial conference and file a scheduling order with the Prothonotary.

2.Plaintiff(s) shall serve the complaint (if not delivered to the Sheriff) and the scheduling order upon Defendant(s) promptly in accordance with the applicable Rules of Civil Procedure and shall thereafter file a certificate of service with the Prothonotary before or on the date of the scheduled conference.

(b) Subsequent actions (Petitions for Modification or Contempt).

1. In the event there is an existing Order for custody, partial custody, or visitation, any Petition for Contempt or Petition for Modification of Custody shall be filed to the same term and number as the previously entered Order. In addition to the filing fees assessed, an administrative fee for the use of the court of $50.00 shall be paid to the Prothonotary at the time of filing a petition for modification of a custody order or a petition for contempt of a custody order.

2. Upon receipt of a Petition for Modification or Petition for Contempt, the Custody Conference Officer shall set the date, time and place of an initial conference and file a scheduling order with the Prothonotary.

3. The Petitioner(s) shall serve the petition for modification or contempt and the scheduling order upon the Respondent(s) promptly in accordance with the applicable Rules of Civil Procedure and shall thereafter file a certificate of service with the Prothonotary before or on the date of the scheduled conference.

4. A copy of the most recent custody order shall be attached to the petition for modification or contempt.

(c) All parties in a contested custody case may be required to attend and complete the Kids First program, and each such party is required to pay the required fee for the program.

(d) Parties may also avail themselves of the services of the Susquehanna Valley Mediation Service upon their own arrangements.

Northum. Cnty. Pa NCV-1915.3