Pennsylvania: Three Captions, One County
Most Pennsylvania parents need one of three stories in county Court of Common Pleas: start a custody case, change an order when life moved, or enforce an order someone will not follow. Mixing those captions in one emotional filing is how packets lose credibility before they are read. This hub keeps the stories separate, then points to forms and documentation that match.
| Caption | Story in one line | Form lane |
|---|---|---|
| Custody complaint | You need the court to establish custody terms. | Complaint for custody |
| Petition to modify | Order exists; facts moved; you need new language. | Form 4 modify |
| Civil contempt | Clear order; patterned non-compliance. | Contempt petition |
Pennsylvania procedure overviews
Statewide orientation: choose the lane that fits your case (custody modification, parenting time, child support, or enforcement) before you open a checklist page. Checklists live on the Pennsylvania forms hub.
Calendar fights
Build the timeline before you pick contempt versus modify. Pennsylvania readers lose credibility when the caption and the dates disagree.
Forms hub
Pennsylvania custody forms hubGeneral support (not Pennsylvania-specific)
Lawyer prep and cost playbooks: Working with a custody lawyer (Resources).
Pennsylvania FAQs
Why is Pennsylvania custody always county Court of Common Pleas?
Custody cases file where procedure actually lives: fees, cover sheets, service rules, and sometimes e-filing portals. Statewide guidance cannot replace your county intake reality.
Is contempt always the right word for missed weekends?
Sometimes parents need contempt-shaped relief when an order is clear and violations are patterned. Sometimes they need modification. The difference is enforcing existing language versus rewriting it.
What if I have both support and custody questions?
Split the jobs. Support math and custody schedules travel together emotionally, but not always procedurally. Name the urgent problem in one sentence, then route.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-03
MyCustodyCoach is not a law firm. Court rules, fees, and form versions change by county; confirm what applies to your case with official court resources or counsel you hire.