At any time after commencement of the action, the court may on application or its own motion grant appropriate interim or special relief. The relief may include, but is not limited to, the award of temporary legal or physical custody; the issu- ance of appropriate process directing that a child or a party or person having physical custody of a child be brought before the court; and a direction that a person post security to appear with the child when directed by the court or to comply with any order of the court.
Rule 1915.13.Special Relief.
Last amended August 1, 2013 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1915.13 lets the court grant interim or special relief at any time after a custody action is commenced, including taking temporary custody of the child where needed.
Full Text of Rule 1915.13
Plain-English Summary
Custody situations can demand fast action. This rule lets the court, at any time after the action begins, grant appropriate interim or special relief on application or its own motion — including, where necessary, an order for the temporary custody or protection of the child. The relief lets the court safeguard the child while the case proceeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a court act quickly to protect a child during a custody case?
Yes. It may grant interim or special relief at any time after the action is commenced.
Official Note
Official Note: This rule supplies relief formerly available by habeas corpus for production of the child.
Explanatory Comment. —1981 Rule 1915.13 contains a broad provision empowering the court to provide special relief where appropriate. In a custody proceeding, such special relief might include relief in the nature of a writ of ne exeat, directing the parties not to leave the jurisdiction and not to remove the child from the juris- diction. The rule catalogs several types of relief which might be granted, including the entry of a tempo- rary order of custody, partial custody or visitation. The rule specifically provides that the power of the court to grant special relief shall not be limited to the types of relief cataloged.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 1915.13 amended August 1, 2013, effective September 3, 2013, 43 Pa.B. 4702. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (340204) to (340205).
Source & verification. Rule text, the Official Note, and the amendment
history are reproduced verbatim from the Pennsylvania Code, Title 231, the official compilation
of rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Last verified June 30, 2026. ·
Official text
Also known as: custody special reliefinterim custody relieftemporary custody order