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Complaint for Custody

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Defendant's First Set of Interrogatories Propounded to the Plaintiff with Request for Production

Name of Defendant:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Phone:

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS FOR

County: , STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA

,Petitioner/Plaintiff

Vs.

,Respondent/Defendant

DEFENDANT'S FIRST SET OF INTERROGATORIES PROPOUNDED TO THE PLAINTIFF WITH REQUEST FOR PRODUCTION

CASE NO.

COMES NOW ("Defendant") and propounds the following interrogatories to ("Plaintiff") pursuant to Pennsylvania Rules, and other applicable provisions of said Rules, and gives notice that each and every interrogatory or section thereof is to be answered separately, in writing, under oath of the aforesaid Plaintiff within the legal number of days of the date of service hereof, and further gives notice that these interrogatories and request for production of documents and things are deemed to be continuing, and, that if different or additional information is received by Plaintiff after answers hereto are submitted and filed, same is to be provided to this Defendant in writing. Production requests are also made pursuant to the rules of the State of Pennsylvania. Defendant requests that Production of documents be made on the same date as the date Answers to Interrogatories are due and shall be made to Defendant at the following address:

INTERROGATORY NO. 1

State your full name, social security number, date of birth, residence address, and telephone number.

INTERROGATORY NO. 2

Please attach to your answer to these interrogatories copies of your income tax returns and W-2 forms for the past three years.

INTERROGATORY NO. 4

State your total income to date since , and attach to your answers copies of your last five paycheck stubs.

INTERROGATORY NO. 5

List all assets presently owned by you. Give a complete and detailed listing. For each asset, give its nature, description, location, date of acquisition, present market value, and the name and address of any person that you hold same with jointly.

INTERROGATORY NO. 6

List the name, place of employment and telephone number of any person or persons who are presently residing at the address which you listed as your residence in your answer to Interrogatory No. 1.

INTERROGATORY NO. 7

If you rent the place in which you live, give the name of your landlord, his or her address and telephone number.

INTERROGATORY NO. 8

Outline in detail your monthly living expenses.

INTERROGATORY NO. 9

List all other income received by you other than from your employment, stating the source and the amount.

INTERROGATORY NO. 10

If you claim to have grounds for divorce against the Defendant, please state all circumstances, facts, and events, upon which you base such grounds.

INTERROGATORY NO. 11

What safety deposit boxes do you currently maintain whether alone or jointly held? For each box, state the name and address of the bank, the box number, the name in which said box is maintained, the name and address of each and every person having access thereto, the contents of each box, and the date each box was acquired.

INTERROGATORY NO. 12

What bank accounts, if any, do you presently maintain, whether alone or jointly held? For each account, state whether active, inactive or closed, the style of the account, the name of the bank or banks, the name and address of each and every person authorized to make withdrawals therefrom, the account number, and whether checking or savings.

INTERROGATORY NO. 13

Do third parties hold any property in trust for you or for your benefit? If so, give full and complete particulars, including the name and address of said persons and exact descriptions and locations of property.

INTERROGATORY NO. 14

Have you ever been arrested? If so, for each occasion, state the date of the arrest, the county and state in which the arrest occurred, and the reason for such arrest.

INTERROGATORY NO. 15

Have you ever received psychiatric treatment? If so, state the physician administering same, his address and telephone number, and the date or dates of the treatment.

INTERROGATORY NO. 16

Are you taking any drugs, and the amount of money you spend each month for said drugs.

INTERROGATORY NO. 17

Do you use any type of drugs which are not prescribed by a physician (i.e., marijuana, heroin, cocaine)? If so, state the type of drug or drugs which you use, the place in which you exercise such use, when you began using said drug or drugs, and the amount of money you spend each month for said drugs.

INTERROGATORY NO. 18

Do you consume alcoholic beverages on a regular basis? If so, state the type of alcoholic beverage which you consume, and the amount of money you spend each month on said alcoholic beverages.

INTERROGATORY NO. 19

Are you addicted to alcohol or drugs of any kind? If so, specify what it is you are addicted to and when you became addicted to same.

INTERROGATORY NO. 20

Have you ever had sexual relations with anyone other spouse during the course of your marriage? If so, name and address of each individual, and the time of each sexual encounter.

INTERROGATORY NO. 21

State whether or not you have provided any banks or other lending institutions with financial statements during the past 24 months. For each such occurrence, state the names and addresses of the banks or lending institutions, and the date said financial statement was provided.

INTERROGATORY NO. 22

For each person you shall call as a witness at the trial of this case, please state: the witness's name and address, whether employed by you, and the subject matter to which the witness shall testify. Prior to trial, please supplement your answer to this interrogatory.

INTERROGATORY NO. 23

For each person you allege to be an occurrence witness of any of the things and matters sought to be proved by you at the trial of this case, please state: the witness's name and address, whether employed by you, and the subject matter to which the witness shall testify. Prior to trial, please supplement your answers to this interrogatory.

INTERROGATORY NO. 24

For each person whom you expect to call as an expert witness at the trial, providing his name, address and telephone number, please state:

a. The subject matter in which identified is expected to testify.

b. The substance of the facts and which each expert is expected to testify.

c. Give a summary of the grounds for each person set out above.

d. State the educational background, educational training, and experience of each person above which qualifies him as an expert, and identify the field of such expertise.

INTERROGATORY NO. 25

For each document or other item you shall offer as an exhibit at the trial of this case, please state: the title or name of the document, date of the document and purpose for which it will be used as an exhibit.

INTERROGATORY NO. 26

State the names and addresses of all persons involved in the answering of these interrogatories.

INTERROGATORY NO. 27

Have you, as the Defendant in this case, read the answers to each and every one of the above interrogatories and requests for production of documents and things, and do you state that the answers thereto are true, complete, responsive and correct?

INTERROGATORY NO. 28

If, at any time between this date and the date of the trial of this cause, you come into possession of information which, if such information were known to you, would properly have to be disclosed in the answers to these interrogatories or requests for production of documents and things, or any of them, will you disclose such newly discovered information, if any, to Defendant within fifteen days after such information comes into your possession or prior to the trial, whichever is first?

Respectfully submitted,

Signature of Defendant

NAME:

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I, the undersigned, , Defendant, do hereby certify that I have this day mailed, by United States mail, postage prepaid, a true and correct copy of the above and foregoing Defendant's First Set of Interrogatories to Plaintiff at:

Name of Plaintiff:

Address:

DATED, this the day of , .

Signature of Defendant


Notice of Service of Discovery

Name of Defendant:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Phone:

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS FOR

County: , STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA

,Petitioner/Plaintiff

Vs.

,Respondent/Defendant

NOTICE OF SERVICE OF DISCOVERY

CASE NO.

TO: All Counsel of Record:

Notice is hereby given that Defendants have this date served in the above entitled action:

DEFENDANT'S FIRST SET OF INTERROGATORIES PROPOUNDED TO THE PLAINTIFF WITH REQUEST FOR PRODUCTION

The undersigned retains the originals of the above papers as custodian thereof pursuant to Court Rules.

DATED:

Respectfully Submitted,

By:

Signature of Defendant


Certificate of Service

I, , Defendant in the above referenced civil action, do hereby certify that I have this day caused to be delivered, via United States Postal Service, first class postage prepaid, a true and correct copy of the above and foregoing document to:

Plaintiff's Name:

Address:

THIS the day of , 20.

Signature

Enter text✕

What a Complaint for Custody Is and when it’s used

A Complaint for Custody is a formal court filing that asks a family or juvenile court to establish, modify, or adjudicate legal and physical custody of a minor. The document identifies the parties, states jurisdictional facts, describes the requested custody arrangement and parenting time, and provides factual grounds supporting the relief sought. Complaints typically initiate litigation, trigger service requirements, and become part of the court record; procedures, required forms, and acceptable signature methods vary by state and by local family court rules.

Why a formal custody complaint matters

Filing a Complaint for Custody creates a legally recognized request that starts the court process, establishes jurisdiction, and prompts temporary orders if necessary. A properly prepared complaint frames custody and visitation issues, supports emergency relief, and enables service and discovery under court rules.

Why a formal custody complaint matters

Who typically prepares and files a custody complaint

The Complaint for Custody is usually prepared by parents or legal guardians, attorneys, or guardians ad litem to start a custody case.

  • Self-represented parents who begin custody actions without an attorney, using court forms or templates and local family court filing instructions.
  • Family law attorneys who draft complaints tailored to jurisdictional practice, attach supporting affidavits, and handle service and hearings.
  • Child welfare agencies or guardians ad litem who file when representing a child’s best interests or when appointed by the court.

Each filer should confirm local family court procedures, domestic relations rules, and service requirements before submitting a complaint.

Core sections that a professional custody complaint includes

A complete complaint organizes facts, parties, jurisdictional basis, relief requested, and supporting exhibits so the court and opposing party can respond.

Caption

Court name, case number (if available), and formal caption identifying plaintiff/petitioner and defendant/respondent; ensures correct court assignment and clerical routing.

Parties

Full legal names, dates of birth for minor(s), addresses (or last-known addresses), and relationship to the child; accuracy affects service, jurisdiction, and parental rights determinations.

Jurisdictional Facts

Allege residency, domicile, or significant contacts to establish the court’s authority under state statutes and the UCCJEA where applicable; include dates and supporting factual statements.

Factual Allegations

Concise chronological facts supporting custody and parenting-time requests, including safety concerns, parental fitness, and relevant incidents that bear on the child’s welfare.

Relief Requested

Specific custody and visitation orders sought (legal custody, physical custody, sole or joint), temporary orders, and any related remedies such as supervised visitation or restraining provisions.

Exhibits & Affidavits

Attach supporting documents (birth certificate, school records, police reports, affidavits) and state whether requests for discovery or emergency relief accompany the complaint.

Step-by-step: preparing and filing a custody complaint

Follow these sequential steps to prepare, file, and serve a Complaint for Custody while meeting court requirements and service rules.

  • 01
    Draft complaint: Populate caption, parties, jurisdiction, facts, and relief.
  • 02
    Attach exhibits: Include supporting documents and sworn affidavits.
  • 03
    File with clerk: Submit at courthouse counter or via authorized e-filing system.
  • 04
    Serve respondent: Complete service per state rules and file proof of service.

Where the complaint goes and how the court processes it

After filing, the court assigns a case number, may issue temporary orders, and sets a schedule for hearings; the respondent must be served and given opportunity to respond.

  • Clerk’s Office: Receives the filing and assigns a case number.
  • Judge or Magistrate: May issue temporary emergency orders if requested.
  • Service Processing: Proof of service is filed to confirm respondent receipt.
  • Scheduling: Court sets initial hearing and case management dates.

Configuring an online filing and e-submission workflow

When completing the complaint digitally, set up the document, signature fields, and e-file export to match court requirements.

Document format PDF/A is preferred for court e-filing and archival stability.
Signature type Use electronic signature with audit trail; confirm court accepts e-signed pleadings.
Metadata Populate case number, party names, and filing date in document metadata.
Submission method Select court e-file provider or prepare for in-person filing.
Proof of service Prepare a separate proof of service form for filing after service.

Digital signing and eSubmission considerations

Confirm the court and local rules permit electronic signatures or e-filing for custody pleadings before relying on e-submission.

  • Authentication: Use email, SMS, or ID verification.
  • File types: PDF, DOCX accepted by many courts.
  • Integrations: Supports major platforms and e-file providers.

For platforms, verify they provide an audit trail (timestamps, IP addresses) and meet applicable compliance needs; confirm integrations with court e-filing systems or third-party e-file vendors such as those supported by common document and case-management platforms.

Common penalties and legal risks of a deficient complaint

Dismissal: Court may dismiss for lack of jurisdiction or improper service.
Sanctions: Frivolous or false claims can result in monetary sanctions.
Perjury risk: False sworn statements may lead to criminal penalties.
Delay: Clerical errors can postpone hearings and orders.
Contempt: Violating temporary orders can lead to contempt proceedings.
Evidence loss: Late disclosure can reduce admissible supporting proof.

Common mistakes to avoid when preparing a custody complaint

  • Using incomplete or inconsistent names and birthdates that prevent proper service or identity verification, requiring costly amendments.
  • Failing to attach timely supporting affidavits or exhibits such as school records and police reports, which weakens emergency relief requests.
  • Assuming all courts accept e-signed pleadings; not verifying local electronic filing rules can result in rejection.
  • Serving the respondent incorrectly or failing to file proof of service, often leading to vacated or delayed hearings.

Representative eSignature vendor comparison for preparing custody documents

This table summarizes core vendor pricing and capability markers commonly considered when preparing legal pleadings and supporting exhibits for custody cases.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day trial Varies Varies Varies Varies
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently asked questions about filing and signing a custody complaint

Answers to common procedural and signature questions encountered when preparing, signing, and filing a Complaint for Custody.


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