Carbon Court Self-Service
How to file for Child Custody

HOW TO FILE FOR CUSTODY

• 1.  Custody actions are to be filed at the Prothonotary's Office located at the Carbon County Courthouse, 4 Broadway, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229

• 2.  Current filing fees are $207.80 plus $150.00 for the custody master.  If you are filing an agreement, the current filing fee is $207.80 only. These filing fees are subject to change. The current fees charged by the Prothonotary are listed here: Prothonotary's Fee Schedule

• 3.  Along with the original document and filing fees, you must bring or mail a copy for every other self-represented litigant and/or attorney involved in this custody action.

• 4.  The Courthouse/Prothonotary's Office is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., except Holidays.

• 5.  The directions to the Courthouse/Prothonotary's Office are as follows: Directions to the Courthouse

• 6.  Custody Local Rules

•    A. Rule 1915.3 - Commencement of Action. Complaint. Order. (Revision effective 11/1/2016)
  

•    B. Rule 1915.4 - Prompt Disposition of Custody Cases. Disposition by Hearing Officer (Revision effective 9/13/2013)
  

•    C. Rule 1915.7 - Consent Order (Revision effective 9/13/2013)
  

•    D. Rule 1018.1 - Notice to Defend. Form (Revision effective 5/5/2023)
  

•    E. Rule 1012 - Entry of Appearance. Withdrawal of Appearance. Notice. (Effective 12/16/2013)
  

• 7.  Filing Instructions

•     A. Custody Complaint

•     B. Custody Agreement

•     C. Custody Modification of Existing Custody Order

•     D. Custody Proposed Relocation

•     E. Custody Contempt

•     F. Petition for Waiver of Costs

• 8.  To prepare a custody action, please click here https://www.pacourts.us/learn/representing-yourself/custody-proceedings