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Rule 1915.16.Form of Order and Notice. Joinder. Intervention.

Last amended August 1, 2013 · Last verified June 30, 2026

In one sentenceRule 1915.16 supplies the forms of the order and notice used to join a party or allow intervention in a custody case.

Full Text of Rule 1915.16

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(a) The order and notice joining a party in an action under Rule 1915.6(a) shall be substantially in the following form: (Caption) ORDER AND NOTICE A complaint has been filed in the Court of Common Pleas of County concern- ing custody of the following child(ren): . The Court has learned you may have a legal interest in custody of the child(ren) named. A hearing will be held in Courtroom of the Court of Common Pleas, , (Address) on , at , .M. (Day and Date) (Time) If you wish to protect any legal interest you may have or wish to present evidence to the Court on those matters, you should appear at the place and time and on the date above. If you have the child(ren) in your possession or control, you must appear and bring them to the Courthouse with you. If you wish to claim a right of custody, you may file a counterclaim. If you fail to appear as provided by this order or to bring the child(ren), an order for custody may be entered against you or the Court may issue a warrant for your arrest. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PRO- VIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.
(Name) (Address) (Telephone Number) AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990 The Court of Common Pleas of County is required by law to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For information about accessible facilities and reasonable accommodations available to disabled individuals having business before the court, please contact our office. All arrangements must be made at least 72 hours prior to any hearing or business before the court. BY THE COURT: J. Date:
(b) The order for notice of the pendency of the action and the right to inter- vene required by Rule 1915.6(b) shall be substantially in the following form: (Caption) ORDER AND NOTICE A complaint has been filed in the Court of Common Pleas of County concerning custody of the following child(ren): . The Court has learned you claim custodial rights with respect to the child(ren) named. A hearing will be held in Courtroom of the Court of Common Pleas , (Address) on , at , .M. If you wish to assert your (Day and Date) (Time) claim to custodial rights with respect to the child(ren) or wish to present evidence to the Court on those matters, you should petition the Court, on or before the above date, for leave to intervene in the proceedings. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.
(Name) (Address) (Telephone Number) AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990 The Court of Common Pleas of County is required by law to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For information about accessible facilities and reasonable accommodations available to disabled individuals having business before the court, please contact our office. All arrangements must be made at least 72 hours prior to any hearing or business before the court. BY THE COURT: J. Date:

Plain-English Summary

When someone is brought into a custody case, they must be formally notified. This rule prints the order and notice used to join a party under Rule 1915.6 or to allow a person to intervene. The forms tell the new party of the action and their rights, so the custody case binds everyone with an interest in the child.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a party joined to a custody case notified?

Through the order and notice forms provided by Rule 1915.16.

Amendment History

The provisions of this Rule 1915.16 amended December 2, 1994, effective March 1, 1995, 24 Pa.B. 6263; amended March 18, 2004, effectively June 16, 2004, 34 Pa.B. 1754; amended August 1, 2013, effective September 3, 2013, 43 Pa.B. 4702. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (340208) to (340210).

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 joinder formcustody interventionorder and notice custody