Custody Forms

Pro Se Custody Packets

What Do You Need?

As of January 2, 2020 Custody Motions Court will be held in Courtroom #4 at 8:45 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, excluding Court holidays.

There will be no Custody Motions heard on Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Please note - ALL custody hearings are now held on the first floor of the Courthouse in Beaver in the Juvenile Services Division. These are the hearings scheduled by a judge during motions court.

Forms

These forms can be printed.

Custody Complaint

To file for custody
This is the first form you file to initiate a custody action; this packet includes rules and notice on service.

In Forma Pauperis

To Waive the Filing Fee
Your income MUST be below the federal poverty level and you MUST have some proof of income.

Modification

To Change an existing custody order
MUST GIVE THE OTHER PARTY AT LEAST 3 DAYS WRITTEN NOTICE BEFORE TAKING THIS TO COURT.

Contempt

The other party is not following the court order
MUST GIVE THE OTHER PARTY AT LEAST 3 DAYS WRITTEN NOTICE BEFORE TAKING THIS TO COURT.

Emergency Relief

Immediate temporary custody due to threat of physical harm or that the other parent will take the child out of Beaver County.
MUST GIVE THE OTHER PARTY AT LEAST 24 HOURS WRITTEN NOTICE BEFORE TAKING THIS TO COURT & BRING THEIR PHONE NUMBER. If there is no existing Court Order, you must file a complaint at the same time. If there is an existing order, you must file a Modification form at the same time.

Special Relief

Any situation not covered by any other forms
If there is no existing Court Order, you must file a complaint at the same time. If there is an existing order, you must file a Modification form at the same time. MUST GIVE THE OTHER PARTY AT LEAST 3 DAYS WRITTEN NOTICE BEFORE TAKING THIS TO COURT.

Petition to Intervene

To be used when there is already a custody case and a third party (such as grandparent or aunt) wishes to join
You MUST give 3 business days written notice to the other parties before taking this to court. If there is no existing Court Order, you must file a complaint at the same time. If there is an existing order, you must file a Modification form at the same time.

Exceptions

To appeal the decision from Juvenile Services.
Be aware that this is “going to trial” and you really should hire an attorney.

Withdraw

To stop a custody action
This cancels the custody action. If you change your mind later, you will need to start the process completely over.

Continuance

To postpone a hearing
YOU MUST GIVE THE OTHER PARTY AT LEAST 3 DAYS NOTICE BEFORE TAKING THIS TO COURT.

Relocation

For the parent who has shared or primary custody and wants to move out of Beaver County
YOU MUST GIVE THE OTHER PARTY AT LEAST 3 DAYS NOTICE BEFORE TAKING THIS TO COURT.

Intention to Present

Notice for the other party or their lawyer saying you are going to present a motion
YOU MUST GIVE THE OTHER PARTY AT LEAST 3 DAYS NOTICE BEFORE TAKING MOTIONS OR PETITIONS TO COURT.

Proof of Service

Proving that you gave notice to the other party

Acceptance of Service

Showing that the other party accepted the notice

Notice to Incarcerated Parents

If the other parent is in jail

Custody - Certificate of Readiness

Criminal Record/Abuse History Verification

Entry of Appearance as Self-Represented Party

Pre-Trial Statement - Custody.docx