Filing for Support

A parent, caretaker/custodian, spouse, or attorney may request support services (file a Complaint for Support) electronically through the Pennsylvania Child Support Website by selecting the "Request Support Services" button.  

The request may also be submitted electronically at the Domestic Relations Section by utilizing one of our lobby's computers.  If you choose to file the request at our office, please check-in at our reception window between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. (Monday through Friday) for further direction.  
 

When submitting a request for support services, it is recommended that you (Plaintiff) have the following information available for each party in the action: names, complete addresses, dates of birth, social security numbers, employment (including the employer’s address), medical insurance information, driver’s license, and any professional licenses.  In addition, have available any custody orders and/or Marital Separation Agreement that may exist.
 

Effective January 1, 2019, all APL (alimony pendente lite) pleadings and documents to be filed at the Domestic Relations Office pursuant to Pa.R.Civ.P. 1910.4.  A party may request APL by appearing at our office and filing a "complaint", or electronically through the Pennsylvania Child Support Website.  The requesting party must submit a copy of the parties' divorce complaint.  All other divorce related pleadings and documents to continue to be filed at the Prothonotary's Office.
  

Please review the following scenarios that may apply to your situation.
 

CUMBERLAND COUNTY LOCAL CASE
Please utilize the electronic filing process as referenced above and expect 30-45 minutes to complete your request.  There are no costs to the Plaintiff for filing a new support action.

IFSA (INTRASTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT) - FILING TO ANOTHER COUNTY
If the Defendant (noncustodial parent and/or spouse) resides outside of Cumberland County and you wish to file to that county, you may need to make an appointment to file.  Please contact the office prior to filing a request for support services.  IFSA (Intrastate Family Support Act) complaints can take an hour or more to complete.  Please complete and provide the Intake Questionnaire along with your 3 most recent pay stubs.  In order to expedite the filing process, we ask that you not bring your children with you.


UIFSA (UNIFORM INTERSTATE FAMILY SUPPORT ACT) - FILING TO ANOTHER STATE
If the Defendant (noncustodial parent and/or spouse) resides outside of Pennsylvania and you wish to file to that state, you may need to make an appointment to file.  Please contact the office prior to filing a request for support services.  UIFSA (Uniform Interstate Family Support Act) complaints can take an hour or more to complete.  Please complete and provide the Intake Questionnaire along with the required UIFSA documents if applicable.  In order to expedite the filing process, we ask that you not bring your children with you.

 
If there is or has already been an order entered in another state, please bring a copy of that support order with you when you file.

PATERNITY
If the children for whom you are filing for support were born out of wedlock, and the alleged father has not previously acknowledged paternity, the issue of paternity will need to be established prior to entering an order for support.  This office will assist in establishing paternity for your children via either genetic testing or both parties entering into an Acknowledgment of Paternity.  If genetic testing is requested, you will be informed of the procedure and the cost at the support/paternity conference where you will also be served with an order to appear for testing.

If the Defendant has previously acknowledged paternity for a child born out of wedlock, please bring a copy of the acknowledgment with you at the time of filing.