The Court, in conjunction with the Adams County Bar Association and its committees, has provided the following materials to help individuals represent themselves, pro se, in some legal proceedings. Pro se is a Latin term meaning to represent yourself in a court proceeding without the assistance of an attorney. The information in these materials is not a substitute for professional legal advice.

Law Library staff, Court staff and Filing Office staff (Prothonotary Office, Clerk of Courts Office, Domestic Relations Section, Court Administration) cannot provide you legal advice or assist you in completing self-help forms. The Court, the Adams County Bar Association and its committees assume no responsibility and accept no liability for actions taken by users of these materials, including reliance on their contents. You may click on this link to "Attorneys Available for Consultation on Completing Self-help Packets" for possible assistance. You may also call the Adams County Court Administrator's Office at the phone number provided on this page to request information regarding obtaining legal services.

If you want to obtain the services of an attorney but do not know whom to contact, please call the Pennsylvania Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-692-7375.

Please review the links below for access to forms and other information. The forms and packets are in PDF format and can be downloaded and printed. Many of these PDF documents are fielded and it is highly recommended that you type in the information to ensure your document is legible.

Step 1:  Print out the Following:

• General Information and Instructions
• How To Prepare a Self-Addressed, Stamped Envelope
• Establishing Paternity Checklist

Step 2: Using the instructions as a guide, type and complete the following fielded forms and once complete, print the forms:

• Certificate of Compliance
• Confidential Information Form
• Entry of Appearance of Self-Represented Party
• Notice of Hearing
• Complaint to Establish Paternity and for Genetic Testing
• Affidavit of Service (if by Certified Mail)
• Affidavit of Service (if by Third Party)
• Acceptance of Service

Step 3: File the completed forms at the Adams County Prothonotary's Office, 117 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325:

Filings related to Custody, Divorce, Paternity and Protection from Abuse are to be filed at the Adams County Prothonotary's Office. More information about the Prothonotary's Office View Details.

Contact us

Adams County
Court Administration

Adams County Courthouse
117 Baltimore Street, 4th Floor
Gettysburg, PA 17325
717-337-9846
717-334-8817 (Fax) 

Court Administration Staff

Donald Fennimore
District Court Administrator

Donna Cassatt
Deputy District Court Administrator

Laura Rowland
Deputy District Court Administrator

Roy A. Keefer
Chief Tipstaff

Corrie Ondrizek 
Chief Court Reporter

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Court of Common Pleas Calendar

All Criminal Court convenes at 8:30 A.M. unless otherwise noted by Court Order.