Family Matters
PRIOR TO FILING WITH THE PROTHONOTARY OFFICE, PLEASE REFER TO THE PA RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE AND LANCASTER LOCAL RULES OF COURT FOR APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTS AND RULES.
**All paperwork for existing cases must include case number (CI-yy-xxxxx)**
**STATE AND LOCAL COVER SHEETS ARE REQUIRED ON ALL FILINGS, EXCEPT WHERE NOTED**
**Court Administration Office Scheduling Cover Sheet (CAOSCS) required for scheduling a hearing**
**All fees must be paid at the time of filing**
**For parties to receive copies, please include self-addressed, stamped envelopes**
Divorce
File a complaint with notice to defend and claim rights and verification. The filing fee for a divorce complaint is $236.00.
There are additional fees for alimony, equitable distribution, and alimony pendent elite, support, and custody or visitation. For the forms, please go to the Self Help Center.
Appointment of a Master in Divorce
File a motion for the appointment with an original and three copies. Include self-addressed, stamped envelopes for all parties. There is a filing fee of $475.00.
Custody or Visitation
For the filing of a new custody action, petition for modification, and/or petition for contempt, please consult an attorney or the Court Self-Help Center. Original pleadings should be submitted to the Prothonotary Office with the original and two copies. Should any pleading have a proposed order to be addressed by the court, the original and two copies should be submitted to the Prothonotary Office with self-addressed stamped envelopes.
Protection From Abuse
You must appear in person at the:
50 N. Duke St.
5th Floor Courthouse
Lancaster, PA 17602
Phone Number : 717-295-3584
8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday-Friday
The petition must be filed by a member of the Pennsylvania Bar. The filing fee for a subpoenas is $4.50.