service of the Complaint. A party’s failure to file a Verification may result in sanctions against that party. If a trial is scheduled, both parties shall file and serve updated Verifications five days prior to trial.
ii. This packet contains a Plaintiff’s and a Defendant’s Criminal Record / Abuse History Verification. Additional copies of the blank Verification may be obtained from outside the law library on the third floor of the Adams County Courthouse or from the Courts’ Self-Help Center at https://adamscountypa.gov/.
F. Rules of Civil Procedure
1. A copy of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure and Adams County Local Rules can be obtained from the law library located on the Third Floor of the Adams County Courthouse. The applicable rules of court are Rules 1915.1 through 1915.25 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.
G. Basic Procedure
1. This packet contains forms and instructions on how to obtain a Custody Order. If a Custody Order already exists or if there are problems with enforcing the already existing Order, then you should not use this packet but rather you should obtain one of the other packets – Modification of a Custody Order or Enforcing a Custody Order. These packets are located inside the main entrance to the Adams County Courthouse and on the Courts’ Self-Help Center webpage at https://adamscountypa.gov/. Follow the instructions in those packets regarding your request to modify or enforce the Custody Order.
H. Service
STOP!! READ THE FOLLOWING PARAGRAPH CAREFULLY!
1. The Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure require that all documents (including Petitions, Complaints and Orders) that you file with the Court must be served by you on the other party, or their attorney of record, if any. This includes any Orders you receive scheduling an appearance before the Judge as a result of your filing. Although the Prothonotary’s Office may send a copy of a Scheduling Order to the parties, THIS IS NOT PROPER SERVICE. If you do not properly serve all other parties, your case may be delayed, or even dismissed. This packet includes information on how to properly serve the other party.
I. Obtaining a Custody Order
1. If there is a Custody Agreement: You can initiate a custody action by yourself or through an attorney. Even if there is an agreement about custody, you still need to complete a Complaint for Custody, file the Complaint at the Prothonotary’s Office, and follow the instructions in this packet for service. The Court will