Child Custody Program
of Jefferson County Pennsylvania

Cases involving contested issues of custody and visitation are handled in a three-step process:

• The first step is a pre-hearing conference where the parties and their attorneys meet to discuss a resolution to the issue of custody. Should an agreement be reached a Stipulation will be prepared and signed by the Judge.
• If no agreement is reached, the second step is a mediation conference with a Child Custody Mediator. Mediation is the confidential process by which a neutral mediator assists the parties in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement on issues arising in the custody action. An agreement reached by the parties must be based on the voluntary decisions of the parties and not the decision of the mediator. Again, should an agreement be reached a Stipulation will be prepared and signed by the Judge. When no agreement is reached, the child custody mediator shall prepare and file with the court a summary of the conference and the recommendations, if any, of the mediator concerning disposition.
• The final step then is to set the matter for hearing before the court.