No judgment may be entered by default or on the pleadings.
Rule 1915.9.No Default Judgment.
Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1915.9 bars entering any custody judgment by default or on the pleadings.
Full Text of Rule 1915.9
Plain-English Summary
A child's custody cannot be decided by a party's failure to respond. This rule bars any judgment by default or on the pleadings in a custody case, so the court decides custody on its merits, with the child's welfare in view, rather than as a penalty for a missed deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a custody case be won by default?
No. No custody judgment may be entered by default or on the pleadings.
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: no default custodycustody default judgment barredcustody on the merits