Filing for Child Support

Return To Domestic Relations Services

While some customers have their attorneys file support complaints (a term used in Pennsylvania for the initial petition), most come into their local county Domestic Relations Office to use the service of our Intake Unit.

Monday through Friday, except county holidays, staff are available between the hours of 9 and 3 to assist a person in the filing process. Appointments can be made by calling 814-849-1632 and following the instructions on the AVR. Appointments are not necessary to file a complaint for support but if one is not made, you may have to wait until the Intake Coordinator is free.

Filing in Jefferson County

The custodial parent or spouse filing the complaint is designated as the plaintiff. The person filed against is the defendant. You may file your complaint in Jefferson County if:

You and the child live in Jefferson County
The defendant lives in Jefferson County
The defendant is regularly employed in Jefferson County

Whenever possible we would file the case locally. That means our Court has jurisdiction and all procedures will take place here. Sometimes that is not possible, and we must file the action to another county or state. Our intake worker will discuss your filing options so you can make an informed decision as to how you wish to proceed. Knowing the answers to the above will help speed up the process.

What you need to bring with you

We need verifiable information sufficient to identify the defendant correctly and to serve the defendant with the complaint and order to appear. As explained above, we need information sufficient to determine jurisdiction. The more information you provide the better. If you do not know where the defendant lives, other information may help us to locate the defendant.

Important information regarding the defendant is:

Name (middle name or initial helpful)
Current or last known address
Social Security Number
Date and place of birth
Parents names, including mothers maiden name
Health insurance information
Employer information
Marriage/divorce information (places, dates)
Child information (date of birth, social secruity number, place of birth)
Defendant physical description (photo if possible)

If the child was not born within a marriage:

Has father, either at the Welfare Office or the hospital, signed notarized documents stating he is the biological father of the child?
Have you, the child and the father been genetically tested? What was the result? Do you have documents?
Do you have any documents regarding paternity establishment? Please bring them with you.

NOTE: Plaintiff's receiving TANF benefits will, by law, be considered as "non-cooperative" if they are unable to provide information sufficient to serve notice on the defendant or to proceed under the Federal Parent Locate System.

Return To Domestic Relations Services

Top Of Page