Montgomery County, PA

Procedures: Family Matters

Divorce:

File a complaint with notice to defend and claim rights, notice of counseling, family court cover sheet & verification. State rule requires the social security number of the plaintiff and the defendant. The fee is $247.50, plus $35.00 for each extra count. These counts are alimony, equitable distribution, and alimony pendent elite and support The custody or visitation count is $42.00.

Custody or visitation:

File a complaint with a notice to defend, family court cover sheet, order and verification. File an original and a copy. The fee is $244.50. 
You may download the form from our FORMS LIBRARY.
The petition to modify custody or visitation form is also available from our FORMS LIBRARY.

Protection from abuse:

You must appear in person any day Monday - Friday from 8:30a.m. - 1:30p.m.  The entire process takes up to two hours to complete and if you miss the cut off time we can provide you with further info and assistance.  To qualify for a Protection From Abuse Order, there must be either a family relationship or you have had an intimate relationship with the person you want to file for protection from.  For all other types you will be referred to your local District Justice office.

Exceptions [to recommendation of conference officer / master]:

File exceptions on our form, notice to defend (custody), family court cover sheet and a copy of the master’s recommendations. Include addresses. You may download the forms from our FORMS LIBRARY. File the original and a copy. There is no fee.

Appointment of a master in divorce:

File a motion for the appointment. The fee is $186.00.  File an original and a copy. You must use current Prothonotary form, available from our FORMS LIBRARY.