Domestic Relations – Snyder County, PA Government

COVID-19 Crisis Notice • You must schedule an appointment if you need help filing for support services.
• All support conferences will be conducted by telephone. Please call at the scheduled time of your conference.
• All appeal or contempt hearings are scheduled in the courtroom. You should plan to appear in person.
• Masking and Social Distancing are required at all times.

Overview

The Snyder County Domestic Relations Office of the Court of Common Pleas, 17th Judicial District is responsible for the establishment, enforcement and administration of financial and medical support for children and spouses. Additionally, the Domestic Relations Office is able to perform paternity testing and establishment for children born outside of marriage in accordance with Pennsylvania law.

The Domestic Relations Office provides services for paternity and support in accordance with federal, state and local regulations and statutes and the Rules of Civil Procedure. We can provide services if the noncustodial parent lives outside of Snyder County, outside of Pennsylvania, and, in some cases, outside of the country.

This office does NOT handle custody, partial custody, or visitation matters. You should contact the Snyder County Prothonotary regarding these matters.

Note: The Domestic Relations Staff is not permitted to provide legal advice, or information that may be construed as legal advice, to the general public, clients or potential clients. If you have legal questions regarding paternity or support, you should contact an attorney.

Cell Phones and recording devices are PROHIBITED in the DRO Conference Room.

Services

Make Support Payments

All payments must be made through the Pennsylvania State Collection and Disbursement Unit and include your member ID or SSN. You can make child / spousal support payments in the following ways:

* Pay via Credit Card
* Pay via Direct Withdrawal
Pay via Check or Money Order
- PA SCDU, PO Box 69110, Harrisburg, PA 17106-9110
Pay via Wage Garnishment

* Fees may be assessed with this payment method. Additionally, it may take 7 days or longer for payments to post to your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is necessary to file for support?

The name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address and employer for both parties. Names, dates of birth, social security numbers for all children for whom you are requesting support. If this is also a paternity action, the child’s city and state of birth is also necessary.

If I do not know the Defendant’s address, can I still file for support?

No, we must have an address to be able to serve the Complaint for Support/Paternity.

Do I need a custody order to file for support?

No, if a minor child resides in your home, you may file for support.

Can I request paternity only services?

Yes, either party may file a request to establish paternity of a child.

Are there fees to file for support?

No, there are no filing fees.

Where do I file for spousal support or alimony pendent lite (APL)?

You must file in the Domestic Relations Office and provide the information listed above. If you are requesting APL, you must also provide a copy of your divorce complaint.

Can I receive direct payments?

No, if you choose to receive direct payments, your case may be suspended. We are unable to enforce a court order if we have no knowledge of payments.

Do I need an attorney?

That is your decision to make. A list of attorneys in the area is available upon request.

How do I receive payments?

You can choose to receive payment automatically loaded onto a debit card OR by direct deposit into the account of your choice. Contact the Domestic Relations Office for a form to set up direct deposit.