Administrative Order Re: Local Rules for Custody Educational Program

Overview of Administrative Order

This document is an Administrative Order issued by the Court of Common Pleas of Blair County, Pennsylvania, on June 17, 1998. The order establishes local rules regarding custody educational programming for litigants and minor children involved in custody proceedings.

Key Details

• Court: Court of Common Pleas of Blair County, Pennsylvania
• Judge: Thomas G. Peoples, Jr. , President Judge
• Case Number: 668/15, 1998
• Effective Date Rule: The order takes effect thirty (30) days following its publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

Mandated Actions

The Court Administrator of Blair County is directed to take the following actions to implement the rules:

• File seven (7) certified copies of the order in the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts.
• Distribute two (2) certified copies to the Legislative Reference Bureau for publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
• File one (1) certified copy with the Civil Procedural Rules Committee of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

Program Requirements and Sanctions

The order outlines specific requirements for parties involved in custody proceedings, including the payment of filing or program fees.

Consequences for Non-Compliance:

• Fees: Any filing or program fees paid by a party who fails to comply shall be forfeited.
• "Children First" Program: If a non-moving party fails to pay fees, fails to appear for "Children First," or fails to ensure their child appears, an immediate rule to show cause will be issued.
• "Sandcastles" Program: Similar consequences apply if a party fails to ensure their child appears for "Sandcastles. "
• Contempt and Arrest: Parties failing to appear in court as required may be held in contempt, suffer sanctions, and have a bench warrant issued for their arrest by the Blair County Sheriff's Office.