Custody Modification Filing Steps

Summary

In Lancaster County, PA, for custody modification, e-file documents first, then serve time-stamped copies to the other party via USPS. The Entry of Appearance by Pro Se Party form is for self-representation. The Prothonotary manages filings and records. For detailed guidance, contact the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas.

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Desiree
Hi Desiree,
How can I assist you with your legal issue today? Could you please provide some details about your situation and your location if it's relevant?
Looking forward to helping you.
Best regards,
FreeLawChat
Do you have the ability to review a statement I drafted to attach to my custody modification petition and give me feedback on it?
Hi Desiree,
I can provide general legal information, but I cannot review specific documents or give personalized feedback. If you need assistance with custody modification, could you please provide your location? This will help me give you more relevant information.
Thank you!
Lancaster county Pa
Hi Desiree,
For custody modification in Lancaster County, PA, here are some general steps:
- File a petition with the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas.
- Provide a detailed statement of why the modification is in the child's best interest.
- Attend the scheduled hearing.
For further assistance, you may contact the Lancaster County Court:

Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas


Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.co.lancaster.pa.us

Well can you help with e-filing in this jurisdiction? They aren’t very clear with their instructions on filing online and the whole service to the other party and things and I’m a little confused as to the certification form and entry of appearance pro se document bc if I file everything online with the courts, don’t I have to wait until the courts send me back to my email a time stamped copy of my filings in order to serve the other party via USPS regular and certified mail
Hi Desiree,
For e-filing in Lancaster County, PA:
- File documents online via the court's e-filing system.
- Wait for a time-stamped copy from the court via email.
- Serve the other party via USPS regular and certified mail after receiving the time-stamped copy.
Contact the Lancaster County Court for detailed instructions:

Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas


Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.co.lancaster.pa.us

Can you explain the form that says entry of appearance by prose party because the second page to that form talks about certifying that on this date, you served the other party, but there’s nowhere to write in a date. There’s only a space to date the form where you sign it, which I’ve already signed and dated because I didn’t see any instructions telling me to postpone the date or anything like that they’re very vague and don’t provide instructions for their custody modification packet or the forms within it so obviously to process a party is extremely confusing.
Hi Desiree,
The "Entry of Appearance by Pro Se Party" form is where you officially inform the court that you will represent yourself.
- Sign and date the form where indicated.
- Regarding the certification of service, typically, you should serve the other party after receiving the time-stamped copy.
- Specify the date of service on a separate "Certificate of Service" form, if required.
For detailed guidance, contact the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas:

Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas


Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.co.lancaster.pa.us
I did contact the courts and they said they couldn’t give me any legal advice and she basically wouldn’t say anything further so I’m a little frustrated and I’m trying to navigate the system. I have filled out all the forms and I have typed up a statement statement, explaining why I believe the physical custody should be modified and I’m attaching it to my petition for modification, and I have the rest of the forms in the packet all filled out and ready to go and e-file I just wanna make sure I’m doing it properly because the way that Lancaster county has the instructions listed out is making it sound like they want you to send the other party a copy in the mail first and then e-file it and that to me just doesn’t make any sense because that copy your mailing to them. What do you know good because it’s not stamped by the courts
Hi Desiree,
It seems the instructions are indeed confusing. Generally, the proper steps are:
- E-file your documents with the court first.
- Wait for the court to send you time-stamped copies.
- Serve the time-stamped copies to the other party through USPS regular and certified mail.
If you're uncertain, you may want to confirm with the court clerk to ensure proper procedure is followed.
For further assistance, you may contact the Lancaster County Court:

Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas


Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.co.lancaster.pa.us
Can you explain the purpose of the premonitory and why stuff is filed there and not just directly with the Court of pleas
Hi Desiree,
The "Prothonotary" is the chief clerk of the court that handles filings, docketing, and record-keeping.
- **Purpose**: To maintain official court records and manage filings.
- **Why file there**: Ensures proper documentation and processing before judicial review by the Court of Common Pleas.
For more details, contact the Lancaster County Court:

Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas


Phone: (*) *-*
Website: www.co.lancaster.pa.us