The Pro Se forms listed below are available in paper copy in the racks outside the Law Library on the 3rd floor of the Adams County Courthouse. The Law Librarian can assist you with their location but is unable to provide legal counsel or advice. He also can not fill them out for you.

Most of the links below will take you directly to the form or the packet you request. 

Some of the links below the description of each form will take you to another webpage on the Adams County website where more details explain the process of filing these forms and where you may print out the forms or download the pdf version of them. These are the forms that are updated frequently, so the links will insure that you have the most recent version of the forms, instructions, and packets. 

Unless otherwise specifically noted in the list below, forms should be filed at the Prothonotary's Office on the first floor of the Adams County Courthouse. 

1.) DIVORCE PROCEDURE

This thick packet consists of multiple forms, some of which are required while others are optional. None of the forms is designed for complicated divorce issues. Examples of a complicated divorce matter include a request to divide property, receive alimony, the payment of a lawyer's fees and expenses, or if a spouse is in the military. For these types of issues, additional forms that are not included in this packet would be necessary as would the help of an attorney.

However, this link will explain how to represent yourself in a Pennsylvania court during a divorce proceeding.

Connect to most recent instructions pertaining to the Divorce Procedure packet here and follow the link to the various forms of the packet used in the Commonwealth, or pick up a paper copy of the complete Divorce Procedure immediately outside the Law Library.

2.) OBTAINING A CUSTODY ORDER

This packet is to be used to obtain a custody order in Adams County if no previous custody order has already been entered in this county. If you have an existing custody case in Adams County and you wish to modify an existing custody order, use the Modification of a Custody Order packet below.

Connect to the most recent version of the Obtaining a Custody Order packet here and click all the links in steps 1, 2, and 3 sequentially.

3.) MODIFICATION OF A CUSTODY ORDER

This packet is to be used to modify an already existing Adams County custody order. If you do not have an existing custody case in Adams County and you wish to obtain a custody order, use the Obtaining a Custody Order packet above.

Connect to the most recent version of the Modification of a Custody Order packet here and click all the links in steps 1, 2, and 3 sequentially.

4.) ENFORCING A CUSTODY ORDER

This packet is to be used to enforce an already existing Adams County custody order. If you do not have an existing custody case in Adams County and you would like to obtain a custody order, use the Obtaining a Custody Order packet (above). If you have an existing custody case in Adams County and wish to modify an existing custody order, use the Modification of a Custody Order packet (above).

Connect to the most recent version of the Enforcing a Custody Order packet here and click all the links in steps 1, 2, and 3 sequentially

5.) CRIMINAL RECORD/ABUSE HISTORY VERIFICATION FORM

This six-page form is very important in custody cases, and the 34 yes/no choices pertain both to you and to ALL the other members of your household. The form seeks to ascertain whether any members of your household have violated the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes on such crimes as criminal homicide, aggravated assault, terroristic threats, stalking, kidnapping endangering the welfare of children, sexual abuse or exploitation of children, in addition to several other offenses. There is room to explain in writing any "yes" answers.

Criminal Record Abuse History Verification

6.) PROTECTION FROM ABUSE (PFB)

This packet is to be used to obtain a Protection from Abuse (PFB) Order.

Connect to the most recent version of the Protection from Abuse packet here and click all the links in steps 1, 2, and 3 sequentially near the bottom of the page.

7.) APPLICATION FOR IN FORMA PAUPERIS (IFP)

This packet contains information, forms, and instructions on how to file a Petition to ask the Court to excuse the paying of court costs or to declare an economic hardship related to obtaining transcripts.

Connect to the most recent version of the Application for In Forma Pauperis (IFP) packet here and click all the links in steps 1, 2, and 3 sequentially near the bottom of the page.

8.) CHANGE OF NAME OF A MINOR CHILD

This form is a guideline to be used for the filing of a petition to change the name of a minor child. This form and its instructions should not be construed as providing legal advice. The changing of a minor's name is an important legal matter. Therefore, you are advised to seek the assistance of an attorney before proceeding to file such a petition.

Petition for Change of Name of a Minor Child

9.) CHANGE OF NAME OF AN ADULT

This form is a guideline to be used for the filing of a petition to change the name of an adult. This form and its instructions should not be construed as providing legal advice. The changing of one's name is an important legal matter. Therefore, you are advised to seek the assistance of an attorney before proceeding to file such a petition.

Petition for Change of Name of an Adult.pdfPetition for Change of Name of an Adult.pdf

10.) TAX ASSESSMENT APPEAL PROCEDURES

This form should be filed by persons or entities who are appealing the decision of the Board of Assessment Appeals. They must pay the required filing fee to the proper office within 30 days of the date of the decision of the Board. Absent a showing of extraordinary circumstances involving fraud, duress, or coercion, the Court may not grant an extension of time for the filing of the appeal. If the appeal is not filed in a timely manner, the Court loses jurisdiction to hear the appeal.

Tax Assessment Appeal Procedures

11.) LICENSE SUSPENSION/REVOCATION APPEAL PROCEDURES SELF-HELP KIT

This packet of information is intended to help you file an appeal from a suspension or revocation of your Pennsylvania driving privileges if you wish to do so without an attorney. Appeals of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's (DOT) proposed suspension or revocation of one's operating privileges must be filed within thirty (30) days from the mail date that appears at the top of the Notice that you received from DOT. The hearing that will be scheduled is a trial in a court of law. There will be an attorney representing DOT who is familiar with the law and procedure. If you file the appeal without an attorney, you still may have an attorney represent you at the hearing. You should come to the hearing prepared with all the relevant paperwork and witnesses that you my need to call on your behalf. This packet is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. If you proceed without an attorney, you will be held to the same standard of conduct and knowledge as an attorney when it comes to procedural requirements and the presentation of evidence. It is strongly recommended that you consult an attorney.

License Suspension-Revocation Appeal Procedures and Forms

12.) APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL IN DEPENDENCY COURT MATTERS

This form is for child dependency cases only. It should be filled out if you are unable to afford legal counsel because of your financial condition and cannot obtain funds from anyone, including family and associates, to pay for a lawyer. You retain a continuing obligation to inform the Court of improvement in your financial circumstances which would permit you to pay the costs incurred for an attorney. Note: The completed form should be sent or taken to Court Administration, Adams County Courthouse, fourth floor.

Application for Appointment of Counsel (Dependency) 051816

13.) APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL - ORPHAN'S COURT MATTER

This form is for Orphan's Court cases only. It should be filled out if you are unable to afford legal counsel because of your financial condition and cannot obtain funds from anyone, including family and associates, to pay for a lawyer. You retain a continuing obligation to inform the Court of improvement in your financial circumstances which would permit you to pay the costs incurred for an attorney. Note: The completed form should be sent or taken to Judge Wagner's Chambers, Adams County Courthouse, third floor, Room 309.

Application for Appointment of Counsel (Orphans' Court)

14.) LIST OF ATTORNEYS PRACTICING IN ADAMS COUNTY AVAILABLE FOR CONSULTATION ON 

FILLING OUT SELF-HELP CUSTODY AND DIVORCE FORMS

Please note that the amount to be charged for consultation on filling out self-help divorce and custody forms is a matter to be negotiated between each attorney and her/his prospective client (=you). Any reduced fee or fee waiver is strictly at the discretion of the individual attorney.

Self-help Attorneys List updated 7-5-18

15.) INFORMATION ABOUT RELOCATION OF CUSTODY

This single sheet is a supplement to be used until the Relocation of Custody Packet is available. Please read this sheet carefully and follow all provisions for informing the Court of your proposed move to another location.

Information about Relocation of Custody - updated 01-23-2014

16.) PARENTING PLAN

This packet contains information, forms, and instructions on developing a parenting plan with the other parent of your child. It is to be used if you have a custody case and a judge orders you to complete a parenting plan.

Parenting Plan updated May 7, 2018

17.) INFORMATION ON SELF-HELP FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR: DIVORCE, CUSTODY, PROTECTION FROM 

ABUSE, AND SUPPORT & FAMILY

Besides providing instructions to assist you fill out multiple self-help forms, the pamphlet contains phone numbers and websites for Safe Home, the County Courthouse, Domestic Relations Section, and MidPenn Legal Services.

Pamphlet of Information on Self-Help Forms and Instructions for four matters - updated to 06-29-2017

18.) UNDERSTANDING EXPUNGEMENT AND LIMITED ACCESS TO CRIMINAL RECORDS

This is a Consumer Legal Information pamphlet published by the Pennsylvania Bar Association to explain the implications of a state law that amends the Crimes Code to create a new option to address criminal-history-record information. The law, which went into effect on November 14, 2016, allows individuals to petition the courts for an order so others will only have limited access to information about the petitioner's second- and third-degree misdemeanors s/he committed.

Understanding Expungement and Limited Access to Criminal Records - revision of 09-2016

19.) ENTRY OF APPEARANCE OF SELF-REPRESENTED PARTY PURSUANT TO Pa.R.C.P. 1930.8

Fill out and submit this short form when you will be representing yourself in court, if you want to terminate the services of your attorney and proceed as a self-represented party, or your lawyer acknowledges her/his withdrawal as your attorney of record in the specified court case. You can use this form if you are the plaintiff or defendant in cases of custody, divorce, support, protection from abuse, or a paternity case.

Entry of Appearance current as of May 7, 2018

20.) CONFIDENTIAL DOCUMENT FORM

After reading the single page of instructions and completing the one-page form, attach only the documents necessary for the specific case you are addressing. This form and any subsequent pages must be served on all unrepresented parties and counsel of record. This form shall be accessible to the public; however, the documents you have attached to it shall not be publicly accessible, except as ordered by the court. The attached documents will be available to the parties, counsel of record, the court, and the custodian.

Confidential Document Form (CDF) - updated 07-2018

21.) CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION FORM

The accompanying instructions explain how the pages of this form should be filled out. The completed form must accompany a filing where confidential information is required by law, ordered by the court, or otherwise necessary to effect the disposition of a matter. This form and any additional pages shall remain confidential, except that they shall be available to the parties, counsel of record, the court, and the custodian. The form and additional pages must be served on all unrepresented parties and counsel of record. Note that the two-page Abuse Victim Addendum should accompany a filing where confidential information is being provided by an abuse victim, as defined in this policy, in family court actions, as required by law, ordered by the court, or otherwise necessary to effect the disposition of a matter. This addendum, and any additional pages, shall only be provided to the court and shall remain confidential. However, it is best to provide confidential information to the court only when legally compulsory.

Confidential Information Form (CIF) - updated 07-2018

22.) HOW TO REQUEST TRANSCRIPTS

This packet contains information, forms, and instructions on how to request transcripts for court proceedings related to courts of record in Adams County. Generally speaking, this would involve hearings at the Court of Common Pleas level. Some transcripts may be restricted due to the type of court hearing they record and based upon whether the requestor is a party to the proceeding.

Transcript Packet FINAL 111419

23.) ESTABLISHING PATERNTITY

This packet should be used when a putative (alleged) father wishes to establish the paternity of a child and seeks genetic testing in cases where there is no Custody Order or Child Support Order in effect. If you already have a Custody Order or Child Support Order in effect, then you cannot use this packet to establish paternity and to request genetic testing. Connect to the most recent version of the Establishing Paternity packet VIEW and click all the links in steps 1, 2, and 3 sequentially.

24.) ALL OTHER PRO SE FORMS THAT ARE NOT LISTED

Many legal needs and procedures are complex and do not have a corresponding pro se form, but first check the Self-Help Center before giving up your search. 
Connect to the most recent versions of these forms at the Court Administration's Self-Help Center.