For statewide Custody and Divorce forms and instructions that can be used by someone who chooses not to hire a Lawyer, click on http://www.pacourts.us/learn/representing-yourself to go to the Administrative Office of PA Courts (AOPC) web page.
In addition to the forms on the AOPC website, below is some local Berks County information to assist you if you choose to represent yourself:
Filing Office:
Name:
Berks County Prothonotary’s Office
Address:
Berks County Prothonotary
Berks County Courthouse, 2nd Floor
633 Court Street
Reading, PA 19601
Phone: 610-478-6970
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Closed: Federal Holidays, Good Friday, General Election Day, and the Day After Thanksgiving
Local Legal Services Provider:
LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE OF THE BERKS COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
544 Court Street
Reading, Pennsylvania 19601
(610) 375-4591
Method of Filing: Custody and Divorce documents can be filed by mail or in person at the Prothonotary's Office. Lawyers can also electronically file those documents. Self-represented litigants may be permitted or required to electronically file those documents in the future. Notice will be posted on the Prothonotary's website when electronic filing from self-represented litigants is either permitted or is mandatory.
Filing Fees: For the current Prothonotary Fee Bill click Fee Bill.
Where to File: You should file your completed documents in the Prothonotary's Office.
Additional Forms: In addition to the statewide forms, please also file the Berks County Family Court Cover Sheet with all Custody and Divorce filings and file the Scheduling Order with all Custody Complaints or Petitions to Modify. Include one or more of the Appendixes below as appropriate with Custody Orders.
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Berks County Family Court Cover Sheet
Certificate of Address
Custody Agreement Forms and Instructions
Custody Emergency Petition Forms and Instructions
Custody Exceptions Forms and Instructions
IFP Forms and Instructions CIVIL
IFP Forms and Instructions FAMILY
Praecipe to Withdraw Action Forms and Instructions
Scheduling Order
LINKS:
Local Rules
Directions to the Courthouse/Services Center