phone 610.430.7300
fax 610.430.7318
ptb@patriciabrennan.com

Chester County, PA Child Custody Procedure

In Chester County, the custody procedure is a multi-step process. First, one party files a complaint for custody or a motion to modify an existing custody order. Then both parties must attend a mandatory Parenting Class and a mandatory Mediation Orientation session with a court appointed and approved mediator. The mediation is conducted without lawyers. If the parties are unable to settle their matter at mediation, the next step is for both parties to attend, with their lawyers, a Custody Conciliation Conference with a Master. The Master does not take sworn testimony from the parties. The job of the Master is to allow each party to present their views about a custody schedule and to establish a schedule for them if they cannot agree. The parties leave the Conciliation Conference with a Temporary Order that will be signed by a Judge. If either party is unhappy with the schedule recommended by the Master, they have the right to file for a trial before a Judge.

See also:
Divorce
Equitable Distribution of Property
Custody
Child Support
Spousal Support
Alimony
Estate Planning
Probate
Mediation

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Patricia T. Brennan
Attorney at Law
31 Turner Lane
West Chester, PA 19380
610.430.7300
fax 610.430.7318
email ptb@patriciabrennan.com

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