23 Pa.C.S. § 6342 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 63 / Section 6342
Studies of data in records.
Status: in_force

(a) Studies.--The department may conduct or authorize the conducting of studies of the data contained in the Statewide database and by county agencies and distribute the results of the studies. No study may contain the name or other information by which a subject of a report could be identified. The department may allow Federal auditors access to nonidentifiable duplicates of reports in the Statewide database if required for Federal financial participation in funding of agencies.

(b) Data form.--The department shall develop a data form to facilitate the collection of statistical and demographic information from a child fatality or near fatality review team and a county agency, which can be incorporated into a study conducted by the department. (July 3, 2008, P.L.276, No.33, eff. 180 days; Apr. 7, 2014, P.L.388, No.29, eff. Dec. 31, 2014) 2014 Amendment. Act 29 amended subsec. (a). Cross References. Section 6342 is referred to in sections 6335, 6336 of this title.
23 Pa.C.S. § 6364 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 63 / Section 6364
Purchasing services of other agencies.
Status: in_force

Any other provision of law notwithstanding but consistent with sections 6361 (relating to organization for child protective services) and 6362 (relating to responsibilities of county agency for child protective services), the county agency, based upon the plan of services as provided in section 6363 (relating to county plan for protective services), may purchase

and utilize the services of any appropriate public or private agency. (Dec. 16, 1994, P.L.1292, No.151, eff. July 1, 1995)
23 Pa.C.S. § 5447 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 54 / Section 5447
Simultaneous proceedings.
Status: in_force

If a proceeding for enforcement under this subchapter is commenced in a court of this Commonwealth and the court determines that a proceeding to modify the determination is pending in a court of another state having jurisdiction to modify the determination under Subchapter B (relating to jurisdiction), the enforcing court shall immediately communicate

with the modifying court. The proceeding for enforcement continues unless the enforcing court, after consultation with the modifying court, stays or dismisses the proceeding.
23 Pa.C.S. § 1501 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 15 / Section 1501
Form of marriage certificates.
Status: in_force

The marriage license shall have appended to it two certificates, numbered to correspond with the license (one marked original and one marked duplicate), which shall be in substantially the following form: I hereby certify that on (date), at (city, borough or town), Pennsylvania, (name) and (name) were by me united in marriage, in accordance with license issued by the Court of Common Pleas of (name) numbered ........................... Signed ............................... (Title of person solemnizing marriage) Address .............................. Cross References. Section 1501 is referred to in section 1502 of this title.
23 Pa.C.S. § 6113 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 61 / Section 6113
Arrest for violation of order.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--An arrest for violation of an order issued pursuant to this chapter or a foreign protection order may be without warrant upon probable cause whether or not the violation is committed in the presence of the police officer or sheriff in circumstances where the defendant has violated a provision of an order consistent with section 6108(a)(1), (2),

(3), (4), (6), (7), (9) or (9.1) (relating to relief). The police officer or sheriff may verify the existence of a protection order by telephone, radio or other electronic communication with the appropriate police department, Pennsylvania State Police registry, protection order file or issuing authority. A police officer or sheriff shall arrest a defendant for violating an order issued under this chapter by a court within the judicial district, issued by a court in another judicial district within this Commonwealth or a foreign protection order issued by a comparable court.

(b) Seizure of firearms, other weapons and ammunition.--Subsequent to an arrest, the police officer or sheriff shall seize all firearms, other weapons and ammunition used or threatened to be used during the violation of the protection order or during prior incidents of abuse and any other firearms in the defendant's possession. As soon as it is reasonably possible, the arresting officer shall deliver the confiscated firearms, other weapons and ammunition to the office of the sheriff. The sheriff shall maintain possession of the firearms, other weapons and ammunition until the court issues an order specifying the firearms, other weapons and ammunition to be relinquished and the persons to whom the firearms, other weapons and ammunition shall be relinquished.

(c) Procedure following arrest.--Subsequent to an arrest, the defendant shall be taken by the police officer or sheriff without unnecessary delay before the court in the judicial district where the contempt is alleged to have occurred. When that court is unavailable, the police officer or sheriff shall convey the defendant to a magisterial district judge designated as appropriate by local rules of court or, in the city of Pittsburgh, to a magistrate of the Pittsburgh Magistrates Court or, in counties of the first class, to the appropriate hearing officer. For purposes of procedure relating to arraignments for arrest for violation of an order issued under this chapter, the judges of Pittsburgh Magistrates Court shall be deemed to be magisterial district judges.

(d) Preliminary arraignment.--The defendant shall be afforded a preliminary arraignment without unnecessary delay.

(e) Other emergency powers unaffected.--This section shall not be construed to in any way limit any of the other powers for emergency relief provided in this chapter.

(f) Hearing.--A hearing shall be scheduled within ten days of the filing of the charge or complaint of indirect criminal contempt. The hearing and any adjudication shall not preclude

a hearing on other criminal charges underlying the contempt, nor shall a hearing or adjudication on other criminal charges preclude a hearing on a charge of indirect criminal contempt. (Oct. 6, 1994, P.L.574, No.85, eff. 60 days; June 22, 2001, P.L.576, No.39, eff. 60 days; Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1618, No.207, eff. 60 days; Nov. 10, 2005, P.L.335, No.66, eff. 180 days; Nov. 18, 2024, P.L.1184, No.146, eff. 60 days) 2024 Amendment. Act 146 amended subsec. (a). 2004 Amendment. See section 29 of Act 207 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to construction of law. Cross References. Section 6113 is referred to in sections 6105, 6108, 6121 of this title.
23 Pa.C.S. § 6108.5 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 61 / Section 6108.5
Penalties for release of information.
Status: in_force

Any person who violates section 6108(a)(7)(v) (relating to relief) by releasing information with the intent and purpose of committing such violation commits a misdemeanor of the third degree. (Nov. 10, 2005, P.L.335, No.66, eff. 180 days) 2005 Amendment. Act 66 added section 6108.5.
23 Pa.C.S. § 5502 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 55 / Section 5502
Liability of parents.
Status: in_force

Any parent whose child is found liable or is adjudged guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction of a tortious act shall be liable to the person who suffers the injury to the extent set forth in this chapter.
23 Pa.C.S. § 6378 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 63 / Section 6378
Purchase of services.
Status: in_force

Except for the receipt and assessment of reports alleging a need for protective services, the county agency may purchase and utilize the services of any appropriate public or private agency. The department shall promulgate regulations establishing standards and qualifications of persons or agencies providing services for a county agency. The department may, by regulation, provide for the establishment of regional facilities or a regional coordination of licensed professional service providers to provide county agencies with access to licensed physicians and psychologists, as required by this section. (Dec. 16, 1994, P.L.1292, No.151, eff. July 1, 1997) 1994 Amendment. Act 151 added section 6378.
23 Pa.C.S. § 6374 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 63 / Section 6374
Principles and goals of general protective services.
Status: in_force

(a) Primary purpose.--The primary purpose of general protective services is to protect the rights and welfare of children so that they have an opportunity for healthy growth and development.

(b) Assistance to parents.--Implicit in the county agency's protection of children is assistance to parents in recognizing and remedying conditions harmful to their children and in fulfilling their parental duties more adequately. (Dec. 16, 1994, P.L.1292, No.151, eff. July 1, 1997) 1994 Amendment. Act 151 added section 6374.
23 Pa.C.S. § 6315 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 63 / Section 6315
Taking child into protective custody.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--A child may be taken into protective custody:

(1) As provided by 42 Pa.C.S. § 6324 (relating to taking into custody).

(2) By a physician examining or treating the child or by the director, or a person specifically designated in writing by the director, of any hospital or other medical institution where the child is being treated if protective custody is immediately necessary to protect the child under this chapter.

(3) By a physician or the director, or a person specifically designated by the director, of a hospital pursuant to Chapter 65 (relating to newborn protection) if the child is a newborn.

(4) Subject to this section and after receipt of a court order, the county agency shall take a child into protective custody for protection from abuse. No county agency worker may take custody of the child without judicial authorization based on the merits of the situation.

(5) By a police officer at a police station under
23 Pa.C.S. § 2733 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 27 / Section 2733
Parties to agreement.
Status: in_force

(a) Prospective adoptive parents and birth relatives.--A prospective adoptive parent of a child may enter into an agreement with a birth relative of the child to permit continuing contact or communication between the child and the birth relative or between the adoptive parent and the birth relative.

(b) Guardians ad litem for siblings of adoptees.--Where siblings have been freed for adoption through the termination of parental rights, following a dependency proceeding, and the prospective adoptive parent is not adopting all of the siblings, each such sibling who is under 18 years of age shall be represented by a guardian ad litem in the development of an agreement.

(c) Notification.--An agency or anyone representing the parties in an adoption shall provide notification to a prospective adoptive parent, a birth parent and a child who can be reasonably expected to understand that a prospective adoptive parent and a birth relative of a child have the option to enter into a voluntary agreement for continuing contact or communication.

(d) Construction.--Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit the parties from agreeing to mediation of an agreement at their own cost, including the modification of an agreement, before seeking a remedy from the court.
23 Pa.C.S. § 5338 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 53 / Section 5338
Modification of existing order.
Status: in_force

(a) Best interest of the child.--Upon petition, a court may modify a custody order to serve the best interest of the child.

(b) Applicability.--Except as provided in 51 Pa.C.S. Ch. 46 (relating to uniform deployed parents custody and visitation), this section shall apply to any custody order entered by a court of this Commonwealth or any other state subject to the jurisdictional requirements set forth in Chapter 54 (relating to uniform child custody jurisdiction and enforcement). (Apr. 12, 2012, P.L.241, No.32, eff. 60 days; Oct. 27, 2025, P.L.131, No.40, eff. 30 days) 2025 Amendment. Act 40 amended subsec. (b).
23 Pa.C.S. § 7211 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 72 / Section 7211
Continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify spousal support order.
Status: in_force

(a) Modification.--A tribunal of this State issuing a spousal support order consistent with the law of this State has continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify the spousal support order throughout the existence of the support obligation.

(b) Prohibition.--A tribunal of this State may not modify a spousal support order issued by a tribunal of another state or a foreign country having continuing, exclusive jurisdiction over that order under the law of that state or foreign country.

(c) Tribunal.--A tribunal of this State that has continuing, exclusive jurisdiction over a spousal support order may serve as:

(1) an initiating tribunal to request a tribunal of another state to enforce the spousal support order issued in this State; or

(2) a responding tribunal to enforce or modify the spousal support order issued by the tribunal. (Dec. 28, 2015, P.L.559, No.94, eff. imd.) 2015 Amendment. Act 94 added section 7211.

Cross References. Section 7211 is referred to in section 7202.1 of this title.
23 Pa.C.S. § 6108.4 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 61 / Section 6108.4
Registry or database of firearm ownership.
Status: in_force

(a) Confidentiality.--Information retained to ensure compliance with this chapter and to document the return of firearms shall not be subject to access under the act of June 21, 1957 (P.L.390, No.212), referred to as the Right-to-Know Law.

(b) Construction.--Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to allow a government agency or law enforcement agency, or an agent or employee of either, or any other person or entity to create, maintain or operate a database or registry of firearm ownership within this Commonwealth. However, information may be retained to ensure compliance with this chapter and to document the return of firearms. (Nov. 10, 2005, P.L.335, No.66, eff. 180 days) 2005 Amendment. Act 66 added section 6108.4. References in Text. The act of June 21, 1957 (P.L.390, No.212), referred to as the Right-to-Know Law, referred to in

subsec. (a), was repealed by the act of February 14, 2008 (P.L.6, No.3), known as the Right-to-Know Law.
23 Pa.C.S. § 4307 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 43 / Section 4307
State income tax intercept.
Status: in_force

The department shall have the authority to implement a State income tax refund intercept program pursuant to section 466(a)(3) of the Social Security Act (Public Law 74-271, 42 U.S.C. § 666(a)(3)) when, in the judgment of the department, it is cost effective to do so. (Dec. 16, 1997, P.L.549, No.58, eff. Jan. 1, 1998) 1997 Amendment. Act 58 of 1997 was suspended by Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure No. 1910.50(3), as amended May 31, 2000, insofar as it is inconsistent with Rule No. 1910.20 relating to the availability of remedies for collection of past due and overdue support.
23 Pa.C.S. § 5427 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 54 / Section 5427
Inconvenient forum.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--A court of this Commonwealth which has jurisdiction under this chapter to make a child custody determination may decline to exercise its jurisdiction at any time if it determines that it is an inconvenient forum under the circumstances and that a court of another state is a more appropriate forum. The issue of inconvenient forum may be raised upon motion of a party, the court's own motion or request of another court.

(b) Factors.--Before determining whether it is an inconvenient forum, a court of this Commonwealth shall consider whether it is appropriate for a court of another state to exercise jurisdiction. For this purpose, the court shall allow

the parties to submit information and shall consider all relevant factors, including:

(1) whether domestic violence has occurred and is likely to continue in the future and which state could best protect the parties and the child;

(2) the length of time the child has resided outside this Commonwealth;

(3) the distance between the court in this Commonwealth and the court in the state that would assume jurisdiction;

(4) the relative financial circumstances of the parties;

(5) any agreement of the parties as to which state should assume jurisdiction;

(6) the nature and location of the evidence required to resolve the pending litigation, including testimony of the child;

(7) the ability of the court of each state to decide the issue expeditiously and the procedures necessary to present the evidence; and

(8) the familiarity of the court of each state with the facts and issues in the pending litigation.

(c) Stay.--If a court of this Commonwealth determines that it is an inconvenient forum and that a court of another state is a more appropriate forum, it shall stay the proceedings upon condition that a child custody proceeding be promptly commenced in another designated state and may impose any other condition the court considers just and proper.

(d) Jurisdiction declined.--A court of this Commonwealth may decline to exercise its jurisdiction under this chapter if a child custody determination is incidental to an action for divorce or another proceeding while still retaining jurisdiction over the divorce or other proceeding. Cross References. Section 5427 is referred to in sections 5421, 5423, 5426, 5428 of this title.
23 Pa.C.S. § 7307 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 73 / Section 7307
Duties of support enforcement agency.
Status: in_force

(a) General duty.--In a proceeding under this part, a support enforcement agency of this State, upon request:

(1) Shall provide services to a petitioner residing in a state.

(2) Shall provide services to a petitioner requesting services through a central authority of a foreign country as defined in paragraph (1) or (4) of the definition of "foreign country" in section 7101.1 (relating to definitions).

(3) May provide services to a petitioner who is an individual not residing in a state.

(b) Specific duties.--A support enforcement agency that is providing services to the petitioner shall do all of the following:

(1) Take all steps necessary to enable an appropriate tribunal of this State, another state or a foreign country to obtain jurisdiction over the respondent.

(2) Request an appropriate tribunal to set a date, time and place for a hearing.

(3) Make a reasonable effort to obtain relevant information, including information as to income and property of the parties.

(4) Within two days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, after receipt of a notice in a record from an initiating, responding or registering tribunal, send a copy of the notice to the petitioner.

(5) Within two days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, after receipt of a communication in a record from the respondent or the respondent's attorney, send a copy of the communication to the petitioner.

(6) Notify the petitioner if jurisdiction over the respondent cannot be obtained.

(b.1) Registration.--A support enforcement agency of this State that requests registration of a child support order in this State for enforcement or for modification shall make reasonable efforts to do one of the following:

(1) Ensure that the order to be registered is the controlling order.

(2) If two or more child support orders exist and the identity of the controlling order has not been determined, ensure that a request for a determination is made in a tribunal having jurisdiction.

(b.2) Conversion.--A support enforcement agency of this State that requests registration and enforcement of a support order, arrears or judgment stated in a foreign currency shall convert the amounts stated in the foreign currency into the equivalent amounts in dollars under the applicable official or market exchange rates as publicly reported.

(b.3) Payment.--A support enforcement agency of this State shall request a tribunal of this State to issue a child support order and an income withholding order that redirect payment of current support, arrears and interest, if requested to do so by a support enforcement agency of another state under section 7319 (relating to receipt and disbursement of payments).

(c) Fiduciaries.--This part does not create or negate a relationship of attorney and client or other fiduciary relationship between a support enforcement agency or the attorney for the agency and the individual being assisted by the agency. (Dec. 16, 1997, P.L.549, No.58, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Dec. 28, 2015, P.L.559, No.94, eff. imd.) 1997 Amendment. Act 58 of 1997 was suspended by Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure No. 1910.50(3), as amended May 31, 2000, insofar as it is inconsistent with Rule No. 1910.20 relating to the availability of remedies for collection of past due and overdue support.
23 Pa.C.S. § 8312 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 83 / Section 8312
Assistance with discovery.
Status: in_force

A tribunal may do any of the following:

(1) Request another tribunal to assist in obtaining discovery.

(2) Upon request, compel a person over whom it has jurisdiction to respond to a discovery order issued by another tribunal.
23 Pa.C.S. § 6104 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 61 / Section 6104
Full faith and credit and foreign protection orders.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--A court shall recognize and enforce a valid foreign protection order issued by a comparable court. The validity of a foreign protection order shall only be determined by a court.

(b) Affirmative defense.--Failure by a comparable court to provide reasonable notice and opportunity to be heard shall be an affirmative defense to any charge or process filed seeking enforcement of a foreign protection order. A comparable court shall have complied with that court's notice requirements and shall have given the defendant the opportunity to be heard before the foreign order was issued. In the case of ex parte orders, the comparable court shall have complied with that court's notice requirements and have given the defendant an opportunity to be heard within a reasonable period of time after the order was issued, consistent with due process.

(c) Invalid orders.--A foreign protection order issued by a comparable court against a party who has filed a petition, complaint or other written pleading for a protection order is not valid and not entitled to full faith and credit if:

(1) no cross or counter petition, complaint or other written pleading was filed seeking the protection order; or

(2) a cross or counter petition, complaint or other written pleading was filed and the court did not make a specific finding that each party was entitled to a protection order.

(d) Filing a foreign protection order.--A plaintiff may file a certified copy of a foreign protection order with the prothonotary in any county within this Commonwealth where the plaintiff believes enforcement may be necessary. The following provisions shall apply:

(1) No costs or fees associated with filing a foreign protection order shall be assigned to the plaintiff, including the cost of obtaining certified copies of the order. Costs and fees associated with filing a foreign protection order may be assessed against the defendant.

(2) Upon filing of a foreign protection order, a prothonotary shall transmit, in a manner prescribed by the Pennsylvania State Police, a copy of the order to the Pennsylvania State Police registry of protection orders.

(3) Filing of a foreign protection order shall not be a prerequisite for service and enforcement.

(e) Orders issued in another judicial district within this Commonwealth.--The filing of an order issued in another judicial district within this Commonwealth is not required for enforcement purposes. (Oct. 6, 1994, P.L.574, No.85, eff. 60 days; June 22, 2001, P.L.576, No.39, eff. 60 days; Nov. 10, 2005, P.L.335, No.66, eff. 180 days) 2005 Amendment. Act 66 amended subsec. (d). Cross References. Section 6104 is referred to in section 6105 of this title.
23 Pa.C.S. § 6120 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 61 / Section 6120
Inability to pay.
Status: in_force

(a) Order for installment payments.--Upon plea and proof that a person is without the financial means to pay a fine, a fee, economic relief ordered under section 6108(a)(8) (relating to relief) or a cost, a court may order payment of money owed in installments appropriate to the circumstances of the person and shall fix the amounts, times and manner of payment.

(b) Use of credit cards.--The treasurer of each county may allow the use of credit cards and bank cards in the payment of money owed under this chapter. (Nov. 10, 2005, P.L.335, No.66, eff. 180 days) 2005 Amendment. Act 66 added section 6120.
23 Pa.C.S. § 4604 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 46 / Section 4604
Property liable for expenses.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Except as limited by subsection (c), the following apply:

(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the personal property of an indigent person shall be liable for the expenses incurred by a public body or public agency for the support, maintenance, assistance and burial of:

(i) the indigent person;

(ii) the spouse of the indigent person; and

(iii) each unemancipated child of the indigent person.

(2) Paragraph (1) applies to personal property if:

(i) the property was owned during the time the expenses were incurred; or

(ii) during the time the expenses were incurred, there existed a cause of action which resulted in the ownership of the property.

(b) Suit.--

(1) A public body or public agency may sue the owner of property referred to in this subsection for money expended.

(2) Except as set forth in paragraph (3) or subsection

(c), the following apply:

(i) A judgment obtained under this subsection shall be a lien upon the estate of the defendant and may be collected as other judgments.

(ii) A claim under this section shall have the force and effect against the real and personal estate of a deceased person as other debts of a decedent and shall be ascertained and recovered in the same manner.

(3) Paragraph (2)(i) does not apply to the real and personal property comprising the home and furnishings of the defendant.

(c) Lien prohibited.--Except pursuant to the judgment of a court on account of benefits incorrectly paid on behalf of an individual, no lien may be imposed against the real property which is the primary residence of any individual or of the individual's spouse on account of assistance paid or to be paid on the individual's behalf.

(d) Lien against proceeds.--In order to carry out the purposes of this section, the department shall have a first lien against the proceeds of any cause of action that existed during the time an individual, his spouse or his unemancipated children received cash assistance. Unless otherwise directed by the department, no payment or distribution shall be made to a claimant or claimant's designee of the proceeds of any action, claim or settlement where the department has an interest without first satisfying or assuring the satisfaction of the interest of the Commonwealth. Any person who, after receiving notice of

the department's interest, knowingly fails to comply with this subsection shall be liable to the department, and the department may sue and recover from the person.
23 Pa.C.S. § 2739 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 27 / Section 2739
Discontinuance of agreement.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--A party to an agreement or a child that is at least 12 years of age or older may seek to discontinue an agreement by filing an action in the court that finalized the adoption.

(b) Standard for discontinuation.--Before the court may enter an order discontinuing an agreement, it must find by clear and convincing evidence that discontinuance serves the needs, welfare and best interest of the child. Cross References. Section 2739 is referred to in sections 2741, 2742 of this title.
23 Pa.C.S. § 7208 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 72 / Section 7208
Multiple child support orders for two or more obligees.
Status: in_force

In responding to registrations or petitions for enforcement of two or more child support orders in effect at the same time with regard to the same obligor and different individual obligees at least one of which was issued by a tribunal of another state or a foreign country, a tribunal of this State shall enforce those orders in the same manner as if the multiple orders had been issued by a tribunal of this State. (Dec. 28, 2015, P.L.559, No.94, eff. imd.)
23 Pa.C.S. § 6108.6 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 61 / Section 6108.6
Penalty for failure to secure firearms.
Status: in_force

In addition to any other penalty provided by 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 61 Subch. A (relating to Uniform Firearms Act), a commercial armory which violates the provisions of this chapter regarding safekeeping shall forfeit all Federal and State licenses related to firearms. (Oct. 12, 2018, P.L.519, No.79, eff. 180 days) 2018 Amendment. Act 79 added section 6108.6. Act 79 shall apply to orders issued pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S. § 6108 on or after the effective date of section 11 of Act 79.
23 Pa.C.S. § 7319 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 73 / Section 7319
Receipt and disbursement of payments.
Status: in_force

(a) Payments.--A support enforcement agency or tribunal of this State shall disburse promptly any amounts received pursuant to a support order, as directed by the order. The agency or tribunal shall furnish to a requesting party or tribunal outside this State or of a foreign country a certified statement by the custodian of the record of the amounts and dates of all payments received.

(b) Residency.--If the obligor, the obligee who is an individual and the child do not reside in this State, upon request from the support enforcement agency of this State or another state, the support enforcement agency of this State or a tribunal of this State shall do all of the following:

(1) Direct that the support payment be made to the support enforcement agency in the state in which the obligee is receiving services.

(2) Issue and send to the obligor's employer a conforming income-withholding order or an administrative notice of change of payee, reflecting the redirected payments.

(c) Certificated records.--The support enforcement agency of this State receiving redirected payments from another state under a law similar to subsection (b) shall furnish to a requesting party or tribunal of the other state a certified statement by the custodian of the record of the amount and dates of all payments received. (Dec. 28, 2015, P.L.559, No.94, eff. imd.) Cross References. Section 7319 is referred to in section 7307 of this title.
23 Pa.C.S. § 6369 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 63 / Section 6369
Taking child into protective custody (Repealed).
Status: repealed

2014 Repeal. Section 6369 was repealed April 15, 2014, P.L.417, No.33, effective December 31, 2014.
23 Pa.C.S. § 4363 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 43 / Section 4363
Trustee to distribute proceeds of sale.
Status: in_force

(a) Appointment of trustee.--The court shall, at the time of the hearing or thereafter, appoint a trustee who shall receive from the sheriff the proceeds of the sale of the property after the costs have been paid.

(b) Disposition of proceeds.--The trustee shall, out of the proceeds, pay to the plaintiff spouse the sum of money the court decreed as plaintiff's share in the property sold and also the sums of money, and interest thereon from the time the respective items making them up became due and payable, which are due and payable under the order of support. The trustee shall also pay to the plaintiff spouse any additional sums the plaintiff may be entitled to under any order of court for the support of plaintiff or the children of defendant.
23 Pa.C.S. § 5340 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 53 / Section 5340
Court-appointed child custody health care or behavioral health practitioners.
Status: in_force

No party to a child custody matter in which the court has appointed a licensed health care or behavioral health practitioner to assist the court by conducting an examination or evaluation of the parties involved or making a recommendation concerning a child custody agreement or order may be permitted to file a complaint against the practitioner with the practitioner's State licensing board prior to the final agreement or order being issued and for 60 days thereafter. As used in this section, "licensed health care or behavioral health practitioner" means a person who is licensed, certified, accredited or otherwise regulated by the Commonwealth to provide health care or behavioral health services.
23 Pa.C.S. § 6347 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 63 / Section 6347
Reports to Governor and General Assembly.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--No later than May 1 of every year, the secretary shall prepare and transmit to the Governor and the General Assembly a report on the operations of the Statewide database and protective services provided by county agencies. The report shall include a full statistical analysis of the reports of suspected child abuse made to the department and the reports of general protective services made to the department or county agencies, together with a report on the implementation of this chapter and its total cost to the Commonwealth, the evaluation of the secretary of services offered under this chapter and recommendations for repeal or for additional legislation to fulfill the purposes of this chapter. All such recommendations should contain an estimate of increased or decreased costs resulting therefrom. The report shall also include an explanation of services provided to children who were the subjects of founded or indicated reports while receiving child-care services. The department shall also describe its actions in respect to the perpetrators of the abuse.

(b) Reports from county agencies.--To assist the department in preparing its annual report and the quarterly reports required under subsection (c), each county agency shall submit a quarterly report to the department, including, at a minimum, the following information, on an aggregate basis, regarding general protective services and child protective services:

(1) The number of referrals received and referrals accepted.

(2) The number of children over whom the agency maintains continuing supervision.

(3) The number of cases which have been closed by the agency.

(4) The services provided to children and their families.

(5) A summary of the findings with nonidentifying information about each case of child abuse or neglect which has resulted in a child fatality or near fatality.

(c) Quarterly reports.--The department shall prepare and transmit to the Governor and the General Assembly a quarterly report that includes a summary of the findings with nonidentifying information about each case of child abuse or neglect that has resulted in a child fatality or near fatality. One of the quarterly reports may be included within the annual report required under subsection (a). (Dec. 16, 1994, P.L.1292, No.151, eff. July 1, 1996; Nov. 9, 2006, P.L.1358, No.146, eff. 180 days; Apr. 7, 2014, P.L.388, No.29, eff. Dec. 31, 2014; May 14, 2014, P.L.653, No.45, eff. Dec. 31, 2014) 2014 Amendments. Act 29 amended subsec. (a) and Act 45 amended subsecs. (a) and (b). 2006 Amendment. Act 146 amended the section heading and subsec. (b) intro. par., added subsecs. (b)(5) and (c) and carried without amendment subsec. (a). Cross References. Section 6347 is referred to in section 6335 of this title.
23 Pa.C.S. § 4102 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 41 / Section 4102
Proceedings in case of debts contracted for necessaries.
Status: in_force

In all cases where debts are contracted for necessaries by either spouse for the support and maintenance of the family,

it shall be lawful for the creditor in this case to institute suit against the husband and wife for the price of such necessaries and, after obtaining a judgment, have an execution against the spouse contracting the debt alone; and, if no property of that spouse is found, execution may be levied upon and satisfied out of the separate property of the other spouse.
23 Pa.C.S. § 77A13 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 77 / Section 77A13
Record in original language.
Status: in_force

A record filed with a tribunal of this State under this part must be in the original language and, if not in English, must be accompanied by an English translation. Cross References. Section 77A13 is referred to in section 77A05 of this title.
23 Pa.C.S. § 5412 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 54 / Section 5412
Cooperation between courts; preservation of records.
Status: in_force

(a) Assistance of another state.--A court of this Commonwealth may request the appropriate court of another state to:

(1) hold an evidentiary hearing;

(2) order a person to produce or give evidence pursuant to procedures of that state;

(3) order that an evaluation be made with respect to the custody of a child involved in a pending proceeding;

(4) forward to the court of this Commonwealth a certified copy of the transcript of the record of the hearing, the evidence otherwise presented and any evaluation prepared in compliance with the request; and

(5) order a party to a child custody proceeding or any person having physical custody of the child to appear in the proceeding with or without the child.

(b) Assistance to another state.--Upon request of a court of another state, a court of this Commonwealth may hold a

hearing, enter an order or forward transcripts, evidence and evaluations described in subsection (a).

(c) Expenses.--Travel and other necessary and reasonable expenses incurred under subsections (a) and (b) may be assessed against the parties according to the laws of this Commonwealth.

(d) Preservation of records.--A court of this Commonwealth shall preserve the pleadings, orders, decrees, records of hearings, evaluations and other pertinent records with respect to a child custody proceeding until the child attains 18 years of age. Upon appropriate request by a court or law enforcement official of another state, the court shall forward a certified copy of those records. Cross References. Section 5412 is referred to in section 5203 of this title.
23 Pa.C.S. § 6101 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 61 / Section 6101
Short title of chapter.
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Protection from Abuse Act. Cross References. Section 6101 is referred to in section 8127 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure).
23 Pa.C.S. § 4101 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 41 / Section 4101
Liability for debts contracted before marriage.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--A spouse is not liable for the debts of the other spouse contracted before marriage.

(b) Liability of property unaffected.--This chapter does not protect the property of a married person from liability for debts contracted by or in the name of the married person by any person authorized to so contract.
23 Pa.C.S. § 3306 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 33 / Section 3306
Proceedings to determine marital status.
Status: in_force

When the validity of a marriage is denied or doubted, either or both of the parties to the marriage may bring an action for a declaratory judgment seeking a declaration of the validity or invalidity of the marriage and, upon proof of the validity or invalidity of the marriage, the marriage shall be declared valid or invalid by decree of the court and, unless reversed upon appeal, the declaration shall be conclusive upon all persons concerned. Cross References. Section 3306 is referred to in section 7541 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure).
23 Pa.C.S. § 5429 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 54 / Section 5429
Information to be submitted to court.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Subject to the rules set forth in Chapter 53 (relating to child custody) providing for the confidentiality of procedures, addresses and other identifying information in a child custody proceeding, each party in its first pleading or in an attached affidavit shall give information, if reasonably ascertainable, under oath as to the child's present address or whereabouts, the places where the child has lived during the last five years and the names and present addresses of the persons with whom the child has lived during that period. The pleading or affidavit must state whether the party:

(1) has participated as a party or witness or in any other capacity in any other proceeding concerning the custody of or visitation with the child and, if so, identify the court, the case number and the date of the child custody determination, if any;

(2) knows of any proceeding that could affect the current proceeding, including proceedings for enforcement and proceedings relating to domestic violence, protective orders, termination of parental rights and adoptions, and, if so, identify the court, the case number and the nature of the proceeding; and

(3) knows the names and addresses of any person not a party to the proceeding who has physical custody of the child or claims rights of legal custody or physical custody of or visitation with the child and, if so, the names and addresses of those persons.

(b) Stay.--If the information required by subsection (a) is not furnished, the court upon motion of a party or its own motion may stay the proceeding until the information is furnished.

(c) Additional information.--If the declaration as to any of the items described in subsection (a)(1) through (3) is in the affirmative, the declarant shall give additional information under oath as required by the court. The court may examine the parties under oath as to details of the information furnished and other matters pertinent to the court's jurisdiction and the disposition of the case.

(d) Duty to disclose other proceedings.--Each party has a continuing duty to inform the court of any proceeding in this Commonwealth or any other state that could affect the current proceeding.

(e) Identifying information.--If a party alleges in an affidavit or a pleading under oath that the health, safety or liberty of a party or child would be jeopardized by disclosure of identifying information, the information must be sealed and may not be disclosed to the other party or the public unless the court orders the disclosure to be made after a hearing in which the court takes into consideration the health, safety or liberty of the party or child and determines that the disclosure is in the interest of justice.

Cross References. Section 5429 is referred to in sections 5206, 5426, 5445 of this title.
23 Pa.C.S. § 5327 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 53 / Section 5327
Presumption in cases concerning primary physical custody.
Status: in_force

(a) Between parents.--In any action regarding the custody of the child between the parents of the child, there shall be

no presumption that custody should be awarded to a particular parent.

(b) Between a parent and third party.--In any action regarding the custody of the child between a parent of the child and a nonparent, there shall be a presumption that custody shall be awarded to the parent. The presumption in favor of the parent may be rebutted by clear and convincing evidence.

(c) Between third parties.--In any action regarding the custody of the child between a nonparent and another nonparent, there shall be no presumption that custody should be awarded to a particular party.
23 Pa.C.S. § 6316 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 63 / Section 6316
Admission to private and public hospitals.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Children appearing to suffer any physical or mental condition which may constitute child abuse shall be admitted to, treated and maintained in facilities of private and public hospitals on the basis of medical need and shall not be refused or deprived in any way of proper medical treatment and care.

(a.1) Newborns.--A newborn taken into protective custody pursuant to section 6315(a)(3) or (5) (relating to taking child into protective custody) shall be admitted to, treated and maintained in facilities of public and private hospitals on the basis of medical need and shall not be refused or deprived in any way of proper medical treatment and care. Once a newborn is taken into protective custody pursuant to section 6315(a)(3) or (5), the newborn shall be considered immediately eligible for Medicaid for payment of medical services provided. Until otherwise provided by court order, the county agency shall assume the responsibility for making decisions regarding the newborn's medical care.

(b) Failure of hospital to admit child or newborn.--The failure of a hospital to admit and properly treat and care for a child pursuant to subsection (a) or (a.1) shall be cause for the department to order immediate admittance, treatment and care by the hospital which shall be enforceable, if necessary, by the prompt institution of a civil action by the department. The child, through an attorney, shall also have the additional and independent right to seek immediate injunctive relief and institute an appropriate civil action for damages against the hospital. (Dec. 16, 1994, P.L.1292, No.151, eff. July 1, 1995; Dec. 9, 2002, P.L.1549, No.201, eff. 60 days; July 2, 2014, P.L.843, No.91, eff. 60 days)

Amendment. Act 91 amended subsec. (a.1). 2002 Amendment. Act 201 amended subsec. (b) and added subsec. (a.1).

Cross References. Section 6316 is referred to in sections 6313, 6318 of this title.
23 Pa.C.S. § 7501.4 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 75 / Section 7501.4
Penalties for noncompliance.
Status: in_force

An employer that willfully fails to comply with an income-withholding order issued in another state and received for enforcement is subject to the same penalties that may be imposed for noncompliance with an order issued by a tribunal of this State. (Dec. 16, 1997, P.L.549, No.58, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Dec. 28, 2015, P.L.559, No.94, eff. imd.) 1997 Amendment. Act 58 of 1997 was suspended by Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure No. 1910.50(3), as amended May 31, 2000, insofar as it is inconsistent with Rule No. 1910.20 relating to the availability of remedies for collection of past due and overdue support.
23 Pa.C.S. § 7301 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 73 / Section 7301
Proceedings under this part.
Status: in_force

(a) Scope.--Except as otherwise provided in this part, this Chapter applies to all proceedings under this part.

(b) Proceedings.--(Deleted by amendment).

(c) Commencement.--An individual petitioner or a support enforcement agency may commence a proceeding authorized under this part by filing a petition in an initiating tribunal for forwarding to a responding tribunal or by filing a petition or a comparable pleading directly in a tribunal of another state or a foreign country which has or can obtain personal jurisdiction over the respondent. (Dec. 28, 2015, P.L.559, No.94, eff. imd.) Cross References. Section 7301 is referred to in section 7305 of this title.
23 Pa.C.S. § 7614 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 76 / Section 7614
Notice to issuing tribunal of modification.
Status: in_force

Within 30 days after issuance of a modified child support order, the party obtaining the modification shall file a certified copy of the order with the issuing tribunal that had continuing, exclusive jurisdiction over the earlier order and in each tribunal in which the party knows the earlier order had been registered. A party who obtains the order and fails to file a certified copy is subject to appropriate sanctions by a tribunal in which the issue of failure to file arises. The failure to file does not affect the validity or enforceability of the modified order of the new tribunal having continuing, exclusive jurisdiction. (Dec. 16, 1997, P.L.549, No.58, eff. Jan. 1, 1998) 1997 Amendment. Act 58 added section 7614. Act 58 of 1997 was suspended by Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure No. 1910.50(3), as amended May 31, 2000, insofar as it is inconsistent with Rule No. 1910.20 relating to the availability of remedies for collection of past due and overdue support.
23 Pa.C.S. § 6301 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 63 / Section 6301
Short title of chapter.
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Child Protective Services Law.
23 Pa.C.S. § 6121 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 61 / Section 6121
Warrantless searches.
Status: in_force

Except as provided in section 6113 (relating to arrest for violation of order), nothing in this chapter shall authorize a warrantless search for firearms, other weapons or ammunition. (Nov. 10, 2005, P.L.335, No.66, eff. 180 days) 2005 Amendment. Act 66 added section 6121.
23 Pa.C.S. § 5401 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 54 / Section 5401
Short title of chapter.
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act.
23 Pa.C.S. § 102 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 1 / Section 102
Definitions.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Subject to additional definitions contained in subsequent provisions of this title which are applicable to specific provisions of this title, the following words and phrases when used in this title shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: "Clerk of court" or "clerk." The personnel of the office of the prothonotary or clerk of the division of the court having jurisdiction over the matter.

"Court." The court or magisterial district judge having jurisdiction over the matter under Title 42 (relating to judiciary and judicial procedure) exercised as provided in Title 42 or as otherwise provided or prescribed by law.

(b) Title 42 definitions.--Subject to additional definitions contained in subsequent provisions of this title which are applicable to specific provisions of this title, words and phrases not defined in subsection (a) which are defined in 42 Pa.C.S. § 102 (relating to definitions) when used in this title

shall have the meanings given to them in Title 42 unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. (Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1618, No.207, eff. 60 days) 2004 Amendment. Act 207 amended the def. of "court" in subsec. (a). See section 29 of Act 207 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to construction of law.
23 Pa.C.S. § 6117 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 61 / Section 6117
Procedure and other remedies.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Unless otherwise indicated in this chapter, a proceeding under this chapter shall be in accordance with applicable general rules and shall be in addition to any other available civil or criminal remedies. The plaintiff and the defendant may seek modification of an order issued under section 6108 (relating to relief) at any time during the pendency of an order. Except as otherwise indicated in this chapter, modification may be ordered after the filing of a petition for modification, service of the petition and a hearing on the petition.

(b) Remedies for bad faith.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law, upon finding that an individual commenced a proceeding under this chapter in bad faith, a court shall direct the individual to pay to the defendant actual damages and reasonable attorney fees. Failure to prove an allegation of abuse by a preponderance of the evidence shall not, by itself, result in a finding of bad faith. (Oct. 6, 1994, P.L.574, No.85, eff. 60 days; Nov. 10, 2005, P.L.335, No.66, eff. 180 days)
23 Pa.C.S. § 7202.1 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 72 / Section 7202.1
Duration of personal jurisdiction.
Status: in_force

Personal jurisdiction acquired by a tribunal of this State in a proceeding under this part or other law of this State relating to a support order continues as long as a tribunal of this State has continuing exclusive jurisdiction to modify the tribunal's order or continuing jurisdiction to enforce the tribunal's order as provided by sections 7205 (relating to continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify child support orders), 7206 (relating to continuing jurisdiction to enforce child support orders) and 7211 (relating to continuing, exclusive jurisdiction to modify spousal support order). (Dec. 28, 2015, P.L.559, No.94, eff. imd.) 2015 Amendment. Act 94 added section 7202.1.
23 Pa.C.S. § 2551 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 25 / Section 2551
Definitions.
Status: in_force

The following words and phrases when used in this subchapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Department." The Department of Public Welfare of the Commonwealth.

"PACE." The Pennsylvania Adoption Cooperative Exchange. References in Text. The Department of Public Welfare, referred to in this section, was redesignated as the Department of Human Services by Act 132 of 2014.
23 Pa.C.S. § 7612 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 76 / Section 7612
Recognition of order modified in another state.
Status: in_force

If a child support order issued by a tribunal of this State is modified by a tribunal of another state which assumed jurisdiction under a law substantially similar to this part, all of the following are available to a tribunal of this State:

(1) A tribunal may enforce the order that was modified only as to arrears and interest accruing before the modification.

(2) (Deleted by amendment).

(3) A tribunal may provide appropriate relief for violations of that order which occurred before the effective date of the modification.

(4) A tribunal shall recognize the modifying order of the other state upon registration for the purpose of enforcement. (Dec. 28, 2015, P.L.559, No.94, eff. imd.)
23 Pa.C.S. § 5423 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 54 / Section 5423
Jurisdiction to modify determination.
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided in section 5424 (relating to temporary emergency jurisdiction), a court of this Commonwealth may not modify a child custody determination made by a court of another state unless a court of this Commonwealth has jurisdiction to make an initial determination under section 5421(a)(1) or (2) (relating to initial child custody jurisdiction) and:

(1) the court of the other state determines it no longer has exclusive, continuing jurisdiction under section 5422 (relating to exclusive, continuing jurisdiction) or that a court of this Commonwealth would be a more convenient forum under section 5427 (relating to inconvenient forum); or

(2) a court of this Commonwealth or a court of the other state determines that the child, the child's parents and any person acting as a parent do not presently reside in the other state. Cross References. Section 5423 is referred to in sections 5210, 5422, 5424, 5428 of this title.
23 Pa.C.S. § 5442 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 54 / Section 5442
Enforcement under Hague Convention.
Status: in_force

Under this subchapter a court of this Commonwealth may enforce an order for the return of the child made under the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction as if it were a child custody determination.
23 Pa.C.S. § 7611 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 76 / Section 7611
Modification of child support order of another state.
Status: in_force

(a) Authority.--After a child support order issued in another state has been registered in this State, the responding tribunal of this State may modify that order, upon petition, only if section 7613 (relating to jurisdiction to modify child support order of another state when individual parties reside in this State) does not apply and after notice and hearing it finds one of the following:

(1) The following requirements are met:

(i) the child, the individual obligee and the obligor do not reside in the issuing state;

(ii) a petitioner who is a nonresident of this State seeks modification; and

(iii) the respondent is subject to the personal jurisdiction of the tribunal of this State.

(2) This State is the residence of the child, or a party who is an individual is subject to the personal jurisdiction of the tribunal of this State; and all of the parties who are individuals have filed consents in a record in the issuing tribunal for a tribunal of this State to modify the support order and assume continuing, exclusive jurisdiction over the order.

(b) General rule.--Modification of a registered child support order is subject to the same requirements, procedures and defenses that apply to the modification of an order issued by a tribunal of this State, and the order may be enforced and satisfied in the same manner.

(c) Restriction.--A tribunal of this State may not modify any aspect of a child support order that may not be modified under the law of the issuing state, including the duration of the obligation of support. If two or more tribunals have issued child support orders for the same obligor and child, the order that controls and must be so recognized under section 7207 (relating to determination of controlling child support order) establishes the aspects of the support order which are not modifiable.

(c.1) Modification.--In a proceeding to modify a child support order, the law of the state that is determined to have issued the initial controlling order governs the duration of the obligation of support. The obligor's fulfillment of the duty of support established by that order precludes imposition of a further obligation of support by a tribunal of this State.

(d) Continuing, exclusive jurisdiction.--On issuance of an order by a tribunal of this State modifying a child support order issued in another state, a tribunal of this State becomes the tribunal of continuing, exclusive jurisdiction.

(e) Filing.--(Deleted by amendment).

(f) Retained jurisdiction.--Notwithstanding subsection (a),

(b), (c) or (d) or section 7201(b) (relating to bases for jurisdiction over nonresident), a tribunal of this State retains jurisdiction to modify an order issued by a tribunal of this State if the following are met:

(1) One party resides in another state.

(2) The other party resides outside the United States. (Dec. 16, 1997, P.L.549, No.58, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Dec. 28, 2015, P.L.559, No.94, eff. imd.) 1997 Amendment. Act 58 of 1997 was suspended by Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure No. 1910.50(3), as amended May 31, 2000, insofar as it is inconsistent with Rule No. 1910.20 relating to the availability of remedies for collection of past due and overdue support. Cross References. Section 7611 is referred to in sections 7201, 7610, 7615 of this title.
23 Pa.C.S. § 6311.1 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 63 / Section 6311.1
Privileged communications.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Subject to subsection (b), the privileged communications between a mandated reporter and a patient or client of the mandated reporter shall not:

(1) Apply to a situation involving child abuse.

(2) Relieve the mandated reporter of the duty to make a report of suspected child abuse.

(b) Confidential communications.--The following protections shall apply:

(1) Confidential communications made to a member of the clergy are protected under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5943 (relating to confidential communications to clergymen).

(2) Confidential communications made to an attorney are protected so long as they are within the scope of 42 Pa.C.S. §§ 5916 (relating to confidential communications to attorney) and 5928 (relating to confidential communications to

attorney), the attorney work product doctrine or the rules of professional conduct for attorneys. (Apr. 15, 2014, P.L.414, No.32, eff. 60 days) 2014 Amendment. Act 32 added section 6311.1. Effective Date. Section 17 of Act 45 of 2014 provided that, notwithstanding section 4 of Act 32 of 2014, section 6311.1 shall take effect December 31, 2014.
23 Pa.C.S. § 7316 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 73 / Section 7316
Special rules of evidence and procedure.
Status: in_force

(a) Physical presence.--The physical presence of a nonresident party who is an individual in a tribunal of this State is not required for the establishment, enforcement or modification of a support order or the rendition of a judgment determining parentage of a child.

(b) Hearsay exception.--A petition, affidavit or document, substantially complying with federally mandated forms, and a document incorporated by reference in any of them, not excluded under the hearsay rule if given in person, are admissible in evidence if given under penalty of perjury by a party or witness residing outside this State.

(c) Payment record.--A copy of the record of child support payments certified as a true copy of the original by the custodian of the record may be forwarded to a responding tribunal. The copy is evidence of facts asserted in it and is admissible to show whether payments were made.

(d) Bills.--Copies of bills for testing for parentage of a child and for prenatal and postnatal health care of the mother and child, furnished to the adverse party at least ten days before trial, are admissible in evidence to prove the amount of the charges billed and that the charges were reasonable, necessary and customary.

(e) Transmission of documentary evidence.--Documentary evidence transmitted from outside this State to a tribunal of this State by telephone, telecopier or other electronic means that do not provide an original record may not be excluded from evidence on an objection based on the means of transmission.

(f) Testimony.--In a proceeding under this part, a tribunal of this State may permit a party or witness residing outside this State to be deposed or to testify under penalty of perjury by telephone, audiovisual means or other electronic means at a designated tribunal or other location. A tribunal of this State shall cooperate with other tribunals in designating an appropriate location for the deposition or testimony.

(g) Self-incrimination.--If a party called to testify at a civil hearing refuses to answer on the ground that the testimony may be self-incriminating, the trier of fact may draw an adverse inference from the refusal.

(h) Spousal communications.--A privilege against disclosure of communications between spouses does not apply in a proceeding under this part.

(i) Family immunity.--The defense of immunity based on the relationship of husband and wife or parent and child does not apply in a proceeding under this part.

(j) Parentage.--A voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, certified as a true copy, is admissible to establish parentage of the child. (Dec. 28, 2015, P.L.559, No.94, eff. imd.)

Cross References. Section 7316 is referred to in section 7210 of this title.
23 Pa.C.S. § 6119 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 61 / Section 6119
Immunity.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Law enforcement agencies and their employees, including police officers and sheriffs, shall, except as provided in subsection (b), be immune from civil liability for actions taken in good faith to carry out their duties relating to the seizure and relinquishment of firearms, other weapons and ammunition as provided for in this chapter, except for gross negligence, intentional misconduct or reckless, willful or wanton misconduct.

(b) Exception.--Law enforcement agencies and their employees, including police officers and sheriffs, shall be liable to the lawful owner of confiscated, seized or relinquished firearms in accordance with 18 Pa.C.S. § 6105(f) (relating to persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms) and shall be liable to the lawful owner of confiscated, seized or relinquished other weapons or ammunition for any loss, damage or substantial decrease in the value of the other weapons or ammunition that is a direct result of a lack of reasonable care by the law enforcement agency or its employees. (Nov. 10, 2005, P.L.335, No.66, eff. 180 days)

2005 Amendment. Act 66 added section 6119.
23 Pa.C.S. § 5616 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 56 / Section 5616
Bond.
Status: in_force

In no event shall a standby guardian be required to post bond prior to the occurrence of the triggering event. The court may require a bond if the standby guardian is designated the coguardian or guardian of the estate of a minor but will not require a bond for the coguardianship or guardianship of the person of a minor.
23 Pa.C.S. § 7601 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 76 / Section 7601
Registration of order for enforcement.
Status: in_force

A support order or an income-withholding order issued in another state or a foreign support order may be registered in this State for enforcement. (Dec. 28, 2015, P.L.559, No.94, eff. imd.)
23 Pa.C.S. § 1306 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 13 / Section 1306
Oral examination.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Each of the applicants for a marriage license shall appear in person and shall be examined under oath or affirmation as to:

(1) The legality of the contemplated marriage.

(2) Any prior marriage or marriages and its or their dissolution.

(3) The restrictions set forth in section 1304 (relating to restrictions on issuance of license).

(4) All the information required to be furnished on the application for license as prepared and approved by the department.

(b) Exception.--If an applicant is unable to appear in person because of his active military service or because the office of the register of wills is closed due to a state of disaster emergency declared by the Governor under 35 Pa.C.S. § 7301(c) (relating to general authority of Governor) or a declaration of judicial emergency under Article V of the Constitution of Pennsylvania, a law of this Commonwealth, a rule of court or other judicial order by the Supreme Court or any agency or unit of the unified judicial system exercising a power or performing a duty under 42 Pa.C.S. § 1721 (relating to delegation of powers), the applicant shall be permitted to

forward an affidavit, which verifies all of the information required under subsection (a), to the issuing authority.

(c) Form.--The department shall develop and make available affidavit forms to be used by applicants under subsection (b).

(d) Definition.--As used in this section, the term "active military service" means active service in any of the armed services or forces of the United States or this Commonwealth. (Oct. 27, 2006, P.L.1192, No.126, eff. 60 days; May 8, 2020, P.L.121, No.18, eff. imd.) 2020 Amendment. Act 18 amended subsec. (b). Section 3(1) of Act 18 provided that the amendment of subsec. (b) shall be retroactive to March 18, 2020.
23 Pa.C.S. § 5505 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 55 / Section 5505
Monetary limits of liability.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Liability of the parents under this chapter shall be limited to:

(1) The sum of $1,000 for injuries suffered by any one person as a result of one tortious act or continuous series of tortious acts.

(2) The sum of $2,500 regardless of the number of persons who suffer injury as a result of one tortious act or continuous series of tortious acts.

(b) Proceedings where loss exceeds liability.--In the event that actual loss as ascertained by the court or the judgment against the child exceeds $2,500, the parents shall be discharged from further liability by the payment of $2,500 into court. The court shall cause all aggrieved parties to submit itemized statements of loss in writing and shall make distribution proportionately, whether the claims be for injuries to the person or for theft, destruction or loss of property. The court may take testimony to assist it in making proper distribution and may appoint a master to accomplish this purpose. All costs and fees incurred in these proceedings shall be paid from the $2,500 paid into court.

(c) Joint acts by children of same parent.--The limitations on liability set forth in subsections (a) and (b) shall be applicable when two or more children of the same parent engage jointly in the commission of one tortious act or series of tortious acts. (Apr. 21, 1994, P.L.128, No.15, eff. 60 days) Cross References. Section 5505 is referred to in sections 5503, 5504 of this title.
23 Pa.C.S. § 15 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 15 / Section 15
Study by Department of Human Services.
Status: in_force

The Department of Human Services, in conjunction with the Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, shall conduct a study to analyze and make recommendations on employment bans for those having contact with children in this Commonwealth. The following apply:

(1) The study shall include recommendations on all of the following:

(i) Changes in permanent and temporary employment bans, which realign and make uniform the provisions of section 111 of the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, and 23 Pa.C.S. Ch. 63 with regard to employment bans, including the offenses relating to the welfare of a child to be included in any ban.

(ii) An appeals process.

(2) The Department of Human Services shall, by December 31, 2015, report the study's findings and recommendations to:

(i) The chairman and minority chairman of the Aging and Youth Committee of the Senate.

(ii) The chairman and minority chairman of the Public Health and Welfare Committee of the Senate.

(iii) The chairman and minority chairman of the Children and Youth Committee of the House of Representatives.

(iv) The chairman and minority chairman of the Health Committee of the House of Representatives. Explanatory Note. Act 153 amended or added sections 2530, 6303, 6311, 6313, 6335, 6338.1, 6339, 6340, 6344, 6344.1, 6344.2, 6344.3, 6344.4, 6349, 6383 of Title 23 and section 6351.1 of Title 42. 2017, DECEMBER 22, P.L.1249, NO.78
23 Pa.C.S. § 4366 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 43 / Section 4366
Other enforcement remedies preserved.
Status: in_force

This subchapter and other provisions of this chapter do not remove from the plaintiff the rights to any other existing remedies to enforce a support order, including, but not limited to, the right of the plaintiff to institute proceedings against the real or personal property of the defendant.
23 Pa.C.S. § 2741 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 27 / Section 2741
Counsel.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--In proceedings under sections 2737 (relating to modification of agreement), 2738 (relating to enforcement of agreement) and 2739 (relating to discontinuance of agreement), parties shall not be entitled to court-appointed counsel.

(b) Guardians ad litem.--

(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a), the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the interests of a child in proceedings under sections 2737, 2738 and 2739 and a sibling under 18 years of age who seeks to enforce or to discontinue an agreement.

(2) When appointing a guardian ad litem under this subchapter, the court may appoint the same attorney who represents or has represented the child in any dependency proceedings or termination of parental rights proceedings.
23 Pa.C.S. § 2313 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 23 / Section 2313
Representation.
Status: in_force

(a) Child.--The court shall appoint counsel to represent the child in an involuntary termination proceeding when the proceeding is being contested by one or both of the parents. The court may appoint counsel or a guardian ad litem to represent any child who has not reached the age of 18 years and is subject to any other proceeding under this part whenever it is in the best interests of the child. No attorney or law firm shall represent both the child and the adopting parent or parents.

(a.1) Parent.--The court shall appoint counsel for a parent whose rights are subject to termination in an involuntary termination proceeding if, upon petition of the parent, the court determines that the parent is unable to pay for counsel or if payment would result in substantial financial hardship.

(b) Payment of costs.--The court, in its discretion, may order all or part of the costs attendant to a proceeding under this part to be paid by the county wherein the case is heard, the adopting parents or apportioned to both, provided that if the adopting parents shall be ordered to bear all or a portion of the costs of this part that:

(1) the court may direct that the payment of the fees or a portion thereof may be paid by a court ordered schedule of payments extending beyond the date of the involuntary termination hearing; and

(2) the fee shall not exceed $150. (June 23, 1982, P.L.617, No.174, eff. 60 days; May 21, 1992, P.L.228, No.34, eff. 60 days)
23 Pa.C.S. § 6334.1 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 63 / Section 6334.1
Responsibility for investigation.
Status: in_force

The department shall establish procedures regarding the following different responses to address suspected child abuse and protective services depending on the person's allegedly committing the suspected child abuse or causing a child to be in need of protective services:

(1) If the suspected child abuse is alleged to have been committed by a perpetrator, the appropriate county agency shall investigate the allegation as provided in this chapter.

(2) If the suspected child abuse is alleged to have been committed by a perpetrator and the behavior constituting the suspected child abuse may include a violation of a criminal offense, the appropriate county agency and law enforcement officials shall jointly investigate the allegation through the investigative team established in section 6365(c) (relating to services for prevention, investigation and treatment of child abuse) and as provided in this chapter.

(3) If the suspected child abuse is alleged to have been committed by a person who is not a perpetrator and the behavior constituting the suspected child abuse may include a violation of a criminal offense, law enforcement officials where the suspected child abuse is alleged to have occurred shall be solely responsible for investigating the allegation.

(4) If a child is alleged to be in need of other protective services, the appropriate county agency shall assess the needs of the child as provided in this chapter. (Apr. 7, 2014, P.L.388, No.29, eff. Dec. 31, 2014) 2014 Amendment. Act 29 added section 6334.1. Cross References. Section 6334.1 is referred to in section 6340 of this title.
23 Pa.C.S. § 5448 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 54 / Section 5448
Expedited enforcement of child custody determination.
Status: in_force

(a) Verification.--A petition under this subchapter must be verified. Certified copies of all orders sought to be enforced and of any order confirming registration must be attached to the petition. A copy of a certified copy of an order may be attached instead of the original.

(b) Petition.--A petition for enforcement of a child custody determination must state:

(1) whether the court that issued the determination identified the jurisdictional basis it relied upon in exercising jurisdiction and, if so, what the basis was;

(2) whether the determination for which enforcement is sought has been vacated, stayed or modified by a court whose decision must be enforced under this chapter and, if so, identify the court, the case number and the nature of the proceeding;

(3) whether any proceeding has been commenced that could affect the current proceeding, including proceedings relating to domestic violence, protective orders, termination of parental rights and adoptions, and, if so, identify the court, the case number and the nature of the proceeding;

(4) the present physical address of the child and the respondent, if known;

(5) whether relief in addition to the immediate physical custody of the child and attorney fees is sought, including a request for assistance from law enforcement officials, and, if so, the relief sought; and

(6) if the child custody determination has been registered and confirmed under section 5445 (relating to registration of child custody determination), the date and place of registration.

(c) Hearing.--Upon the filing of a petition, the court shall issue an order directing the respondent to appear in person with or without the child at a hearing and may enter any order necessary to ensure the safety of the parties and the child. The hearing must be held on the next judicial day after service of the order unless that date is impossible. In that event, the court shall hold the hearing on the first judicial day possible. The court may extend the date of hearing at the request of the petitioner.

(d) Contest over validity of custody determination.--An order issued under subsection (c) must state the time and place of the hearing and advise the respondent that at the hearing the court will order that the petitioner may take immediate physical custody of the child and the payment of fees, costs and expenses under section 5452 (relating to costs, fees and expenses) and may schedule a hearing to determine whether further relief is appropriate unless the respondent appears and establishes that:

(1) the child custody determination has not been registered and confirmed under section 5445 and that:

(i) the issuing court did not have jurisdiction under Subchapter B (relating to jurisdiction);

(ii) the child custody determination for which enforcement is sought has been vacated, stayed or modified by a court having jurisdiction to do so under
23 Pa.C.S. § 6505 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 65 / Section 6505
Reporting acceptance of newborns.
Status: in_force

A health care provider at a hospital shall in all cases notify the county agency and the local municipal police department or the Pennsylvania State Police where no municipal police jurisdiction exists immediately by telephone regarding a newborn accepted by a hospital under this chapter. A written report shall be submitted to the county agency and local municipal police department or the Pennsylvania State Police within 48 hours after the oral report. This section applies in the case of a hospital accepting a newborn pursuant to sections 6504.1(a)(2) (relating to police officers accepting newborns), 6504.2(a)(2) (relating to emergency services providers accepting newborns) and 6504.4(a)(2) (relating to health care providers at urgent care centers accepting newborns). (July 2, 2014, P.L.843, No.91, eff. 60 days; Dec. 22, 2017, P.L.1219, No.68, eff. 60 days; Oct. 31, 2024, P.L.1124, No.134, eff. 60 days) Cross References. Section 6505 is referred to in section 6504 of this title.
23 Pa.C.S. § 4361 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 43 / Section 4361
Execution of support order against entireties property.
Status: in_force

(a) Entry of order.--Whenever married persons hold real property by the entireties and one spouse secures an order of court against the other spouse for the support of the plaintiff spouse or of a child of both persons or the defendant or for the support of both the plaintiff spouse and child and a copy of the order has been certified to the court of common pleas of the county in this Commonwealth in which the property is situated, the order shall be entered in that court as a judgment with the same effect as if it had been recovered as a judgment of that court.

(b) Execution on judgment.--Execution may be issued on the judgment against the real property held by the entireties, and the property may be sold in the manner provided by law for the sale of real property on execution issued on a judgment. In any writs of execution on the judgment, the defendant shall not be entitled to the benefit of 42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 81 Subch. B (relating to exemptions from execution) or any other exemption statute.

(c) Title of purchaser.--The sale of real property under this section conveys to the purchaser or purchasers thereof a good and valid title to the property and vests in the purchaser or purchasers the entire title of both the married persons in the same manner and with the same effect as if both married persons had joined in the conveyance of the property.
23 Pa.C.S. § 4346 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 43 / Section 4346
Contempt for noncompliance with visitation or partial custody order (Repealed).
Status: repealed

2010 Repeal. Section 4346 was repealed November 23, 2010, P.L.1106, No.112, effective in 60 days.
23 Pa.C.S. § 2905 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 29 / Section 2905
Impounding of proceedings and access to records (Repealed).
Status: repealed

2010 Repeal. Section 2905 was repealed October 27, 2010, P.L.961, No.101, effective in 180 days.
23 Pa.C.S. § 4365 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 43 / Section 4365
Rights of divorced person in entireties property sold for support.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--After the divorce of any spouse who is a tenant by the entireties of real property with the former spouse, the divorced spouse is entitled to all the rights and remedies provided in this subchapter for the collection of any sums of money ordered by a court to be paid to the divorced spouse for the support of the children of the former spouse as fully as if no divorce had occurred.

(b) Proceeds of sale.--Upon the sale of the real property for the collection of any sums of money due the divorced spouse under an order of court, the divorced spouse shall be entitled to receive therefrom such sum of money as represents the share of the divorced spouse in the property, as ordered by the court under section 4362 (relating to plaintiff's share of proceeds of sale), together with any sums which may be due to the divorced spouse under an order of support against the former spouse.
23 Pa.C.S. § 6320 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 63 / Section 6320
Protection from employment discrimination.
Status: in_force

(a) Basis for relief.--A person may commence an action for appropriate relief if all of the following apply:

(1) The person is required to report under section 6311 (relating to persons required to report suspected child abuse) or encouraged to report under section 6312 (relating to persons encouraged to report suspected child abuse).

(2) The person acted in good faith in making or causing the report of suspected child abuse to be made.

(3) As a result of making the report of suspected child abuse, the person is discharged from employment or is discriminated against with respect to compensation, hire, tenure, terms, conditions or privileges of employment.

(b) Applicability.--This section does not apply to an individual making a report of suspected child abuse who is found to be a perpetrator because of the report or to any individual who fails to make a report of suspected child abuse as required

under section 6311 and is subject to conviction under section 6319 (relating to penalties) for failure to report or to refer.

(c) Location.--An action under this section must be filed in the court of common pleas of the county in which the alleged unlawful discharge or discrimination occurred.

(d) Relief.--Upon a finding in favor of the plaintiff, the court may grant appropriate relief, which may include reinstatement of the plaintiff with back pay.

(e) Departmental intervention.--The department may intervene in an action commenced under this section. (Apr. 15, 2014, P.L.425, No.34, eff. Dec. 31, 2014) 2014 Amendment. Act 34 added section 6320.
23 Pa.C.S. § 5625 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 56 / Section 5625
Termination of temporary guardianship.
Status: in_force

(a) Conditions.--A court shall terminate a temporary guardianship if any of the following exists:

(1) The custodial parent demonstrates the basis for the temporary guardianship no longer exists.

(2) The custodial parent and temporary guardian agree upon termination.

(3) The temporary guardian files a petition with the court seeking termination.

(4) Subject to subsection (b), a noncustodial or adoptive parent files a petition with the court seeking termination of the guardianship.

(5) The temporary guardian or an individual who resides with the temporary guardian commits an offense that results in the temporary guardian or an individual who resides with the temporary guardian being identified as a perpetrator as defined in section 6303 (relating to definitions).

(b) Mandatory considerations.--Before terminating an order for temporary guardianship under subsection (a)(4), the court shall consider if termination of the temporary guardianship is in the best interests of the minor if the individual's parental rights were previously terminated.
23 Pa.C.S. § 1302 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 13 / Section 1302
Application for license.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--No marriage license shall be issued except upon written and verified application made by both of the parties intending to marry.

(b) Contents.--The application shall contain the following:

(1) The full name of the applicants.

(2) The occupation, birthplace, residence and age of the applicants. An applicant intending to marry who is a program participant in the Address Confidentiality Program under Chapter 67 (relating to domestic and sexual violence victim address confidentiality) may use the substitute address designated by the Office of Victim Advocate pursuant to Chapter 67 as the address of their residence.

(3) Whether the marriage contemplated is the first, second or other marriage of an applicant.

(4) A statement that neither of the applicants is afflicted with transmissible disease.

(5) The full name, residence, occupation and birthplace of the parents of each applicant, including the maiden name of the mother of each applicant. An applicant may use the substitute address designated by the Office of Victim Advocate pursuant to Chapter 67 for a parent's residence if:

(i) the applicant is a program participant in the Address Confidentiality Program under Chapter 67 and the applicant resides with the applicant's parents; or

(ii) the applicant's parent is a program participant in the Address Confidentiality Program under Chapter 67.

(6) Any other facts necessary to determine whether a legal impediment to the proposed marriage exists. (Dec. 22, 1993, P.L.555, No.79, eff. 60 days; Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1474, No.188, eff. 180 days)
23 Pa.C.S. § 7104 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 71 / Section 7104
Cumulative remedies.
Status: in_force

(a) Remedies.--Remedies provided by this part are cumulative and do not affect the availability of remedies under other law or the recognition of a foreign support order on the basis of comity.

(b) Limitations.--This part does not:

(1) provide the exclusive method of establishing or enforcing a support order under the law of this State; or

(2) grant a tribunal of this State jurisdiction to render judgment or issue an order relating to child custody or visitation in a proceeding under this part. (Dec. 28, 2015, P.L.559, No.94, eff. imd.) 2015 Amendment. Act 94 added section 7104.
23 Pa.C.S. § 4603 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 46 / Section 4603
Relatives' liability; procedure.
Status: in_force

(a) Liability.--

(1) Except as set forth in paragraph (2), all of the following individuals have the responsibility to care for and maintain or financially assist an indigent person, regardless of whether the indigent person is a public charge:

(i) The spouse of the indigent person.

(ii) A child of the indigent person.

(iii) A parent of the indigent person.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply in any of the following cases:

(i) If an individual does not have sufficient financial ability to support the indigent person.

(ii) A child shall not be liable for the support of a parent who abandoned the child and persisted in the abandonment for a period of ten years during the child's minority.

(b) Amount.--

(1) Except as set forth in paragraph (2), the amount of liability shall be set by the court in the judicial district in which the indigent person resides.

(2) For medical assistance for the aged other than public nursing home care, as provided in section 401 of the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Public Welfare Code, the following apply:

(i) Except as set forth in subparagraph (ii), the amount of liability shall, during any 12-month period, be the lesser of:

(A) six times the excess of the liable individual's average monthly income over the amount required for the reasonable support of the liable individual and other persons dependent upon the liable individual; or

(B) the cost of the medical assistance for the aged.

(ii) The department may, by reasonable regulations, adjust the liability under subparagraph (i), including complete elimination of the liability, at a cost to the Commonwealth not exceeding those funds certified by the Secretary of the Budget as available for this purpose.

(c) Procedure.--A court has jurisdiction in a case under this section upon petition of:

(1) an indigent person; or

(2) any other person or public body or public agency having any interest in the care, maintenance or assistance of such indigent person.

(d) Contempt.--

(1) If an individual liable for support under this section fails to comply with an order under this section, the court shall schedule a contempt hearing. At the hearing,

if the court determines that the individual liable for support has intentionally failed to comply with the order, the court may hold the individual in contempt of court and may sentence the individual to up to six months' imprisonment.

(2) This subsection applies regardless of whether the indigent person is confined in a public institution. References in Text. The short title of the act of June 13, 1967, P.L.31, No.21, known as the Public Welfare Code, referred to in subsection (b), was amended by the act of December 28, 2015, P.L.500, No.92. The amended short title is now the Human Services Code.
23 Pa.C.S. § 8401 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 84 / Section 8401
Registration of order.
Status: in_force

A support order issued by a tribunal may be registered in any tribunal of competent jurisdiction.
23 Pa.C.S. § 6501 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 65 / Section 6501
Short title of chapter.
Status: in_force

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Newborn Protection Act.
23 Pa.C.S. § 1301 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 13 / Section 1301
Marriage license required.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--No person shall be joined in marriage in this Commonwealth until a marriage license has been obtained.

(b) Place of marriage ceremony.--A license issued under this part shall authorize a marriage ceremony to be performed in any county of this Commonwealth.

(c) Identity of applicants.--Prior to issuance of the license, the person issuing the license must be satisfied as to the identity of both of the applicants.
23 Pa.C.S. § 7209 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 72 / Section 7209
Credit for payments.
Status: in_force

Amounts collected and credited for a particular period pursuant to a child support order issued by a tribunal of another state or a foreign country must be credited against the amounts accruing or accrued for the same period under a child support order for the same child issued by the tribunal of this State. (Dec. 28, 2015, P.L.559, No.94, eff. imd.) Cross References. Section 7209 is referred to in section 7207 of this title.
23 Pa.C.S. § 5323 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 53 / Section 5323
Award of custody.
Status: in_force

(a) Types of award.--After considering the factors set forth in section 5328 (relating to factors to consider when awarding custody), the court may award any of the following types of custody if it is in the best interest of the child:

(1) Shared physical custody.

(2) Primary physical custody.

(3) Partial physical custody.

(4) Sole physical custody.

(5) Supervised physical custody.

(6) Shared legal custody.

(7) Sole legal custody.

(b) Interim award.--The court may issue an interim award of custody to a party who has standing under section 5324 (relating to standing for any form of physical custody or legal custody) or 5325 (relating to standing for partial physical custody and supervised physical custody) in the manner prescribed by the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure governing special relief in custody matters.

(c) Notice.--Any custody order shall include notice of a party's obligations under section 5337 (relating to relocation).

(d) Reasons for award.--The court shall delineate the reasons for its decision on the record in open court or in a written opinion or order.

(e) Safety conditions.--

(1) After considering the factors under sections 5328, 5329 (relating to consideration of criminal conviction), 5329.1 (relating to consideration of child abuse and involvement with protective services) and 5330 (relating to consideration of criminal charge), if the court finds a history of abuse of the child or a household member by a party or a present risk of harm to the child or an abused party and awards any form of custody to a party who committed the abuse or who has a household member who committed the abuse, the court shall include in the custody order:

(i) The safety conditions, restrictions or safeguards as reasonably necessary to protect the child or the abused party.

(ii) The reason for imposing the safety conditions, restrictions or safeguards, including an explanation why the safety conditions, restrictions or safeguards are in the best interest of the child or the abused party.

(iii) The reasons why unsupervised physical custody is in the best interest of the child if the court finds that past abuse was committed by a party.

(2) If supervised contact is ordered, there shall be a review of the risk of harm and need for continued supervision upon petition of the party. The safety conditions, restrictions or safeguards may include any of the following:

(i) Nonprofessional supervised physical custody.

(ii) Professional supervised physical custody.

(iii) Limitations on the time of day that physical custody is permitted or on the number of hours of physical custody and the maximum number of hours of physical custody permitted per day or per week.

(iv) The appointment of a qualified professional specializing in programming relating to the history of abuse or risk of harm to provide batterer's intervention and harm prevention programming. Batterer's intervention and harm prevention programming may include programming designed to rehabilitate the offending individual, including prioritizing a batterer's intervention and harm prevention program, if available, or the impacts of physical, sexual or domestic abuse on the victim. The court may order an evaluation by the appointed qualified professional under this paragraph to determine whether additional programming is necessary.

(v) Limitations on legal custody.

(vi) Any other safety condition, restriction or safeguard as necessary to ensure the safety of the child or to protect a household member.

(e.1) Supervised physical custody.--If a court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that there is an ongoing risk of abuse of the child, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that the court shall only allow supervised physical custody between the child and the party who poses the risk of abuse. A court may find that an indicated report for physical or sexual abuse under Chapter 63 (relating to child protective services) is a basis for a finding of abuse under this subsection only after a de novo review of the circumstances leading to the indicated report. When awarding supervised physical custody under this subsection, the court shall favor professional supervised physical custody. The court may award nonprofessional supervised physical custody if:

(1) the court determines that professional supervised physical custody is not available within a reasonable distance of the parties or the court determines that the party requiring supervised physical custody is unable to pay for the professional supervised physical custody; and

(2) the court designates an adult to supervise the custodial visits who has appeared in person before the court, the individual executes an affidavit of accountability and the court makes finding, on the record, that the individual is capable of promoting the safety of the child.

(f) Enforcement.--In awarding custody, the court shall specify the terms and conditions of the award in sufficient detail to enable a party to enforce the court order through law enforcement authorities.

(g) Contempt for noncompliance with any custody order.--

(1) A party who willfully fails to comply with any custody order may, as prescribed by general rule, be adjudged in contempt. Contempt shall be punishable by any one or more of the following:

(i) Imprisonment for a period of not more than six months.

(ii) A fine of not more than $500.

(iii) Probation for a period of not more than six months.

(iv) An order for nonrenewal, suspension or denial of operating privilege under section 4355 (relating to denial or suspension of licenses).

(v) Counsel fees and costs.

(2) An order committing an individual to jail under this section shall specify the condition which, when fulfilled, will result in the release of that individual.

(h) Parties in same residence.--Parties living separate and apart in the same residence may seek relief under this chapter, but any custody order made under such a circumstance shall be effective only upon:

(1) one party physically vacating the residence; or

(2) an order awarding one party exclusive possession of the residence. (Apr. 15, 2024, P.L.24, No.8, eff. 120 days) 2024 Amendment. Act 8 amended subsec. (e) and added subsec.

(e.1). See section 1 of Act 8 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to findings and declarations. Cross References. Section 5323 is referred to in sections 5329, 5336 of this title; section 4602 of Title 51 (Military Affairs).
23 Pa.C.S. § 4371 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 43 / Section 4371
Definitions.
Status: in_force

The following words and phrases when used in this subchapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Assistance." Cash assistance, medical assistance or designated services provided under Article IV of the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Public Welfare Code.

"Legally responsible relative." Effective January 1, 1997, a spouse and a parent for an unemancipated minor child.

"Secretary." The Secretary of Public Welfare of the Commonwealth. References in Text. The Secretary of Public Welfare, referred to in this section, was redesignated as the Secretary of Human Services by Act 132 of 2014. The short title of the act of June 13, 1967, P.L.31, No.21, known as the Public Welfare Code, referred to in this section, was amended by the act of December 28, 2015, P.L.500, No.92. The amended short title is now the Human Services Code.
23 Pa.C.S. § 2742 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 27 / Section 2742
Costs.
Status: in_force

If the court finds that an action brought under section 2737 (relating to modification of agreement), 2738 (relating to enforcement of agreement) or 2739 (relating to discontinuance of agreement) was wholly insubstantial, frivolous or not advanced in good faith, the court may award attorney fees and costs to the prevailing parties.
23 Pa.C.S. § 2554 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 25 / Section 2554
Responsibilities of PACE.
Status: in_force

PACE shall be responsible for the following:

(1) Registration of adoptive parent applicants who have been approved by agencies.

(2) Accumulation and dissemination of statistical information regarding all children registered with PACE.

(3) Creation and administration of a public information program designed to inform potential adoptive parents of the need for adoptive homes for children registered with PACE.

(4) Preparation and distribution of a photographic listing service on children registered with PACE.

(5) Preparation of annual reports concerning functions of PACE regarding the children and the prospective parents listed with PACE. The reports shall be submitted annually to the Health and Welfare and Judiciary Committees of the House of Representatives, to the Public Health and Welfare and Judiciary Committees of the Senate and to the Governor.

(6) Coordination of its functions with other state, regional and national adoption exchanges.
23 Pa.C.S. § 7501.2 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 75 / Section 7501.2
Compliance with multiple income-withholding orders.
Status: in_force

If an obligor's employer receives multiple income-withholding orders with respect to the earnings of the same obligor, the employer satisfies the terms of the multiple orders if the employer complies with the law of the state of the obligor's principal place of employment to establish the priorities for withholding and allocating income withheld for multiple child-support obligees. (Dec. 16, 1997, P.L.549, No.58, eff. Jan. 1, 1998) 1997 Amendment. Act 58 added section 7501.2. Act 58 of 1997 was suspended by Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure No. 1910.50(3), as amended May 31, 2000, insofar as it is inconsistent with Rule No. 1910.20 relating to the availability of remedies for collection of past due and overdue support. Cross References. Section 7501.2 is referred to in section 7501.1 of this title.
23 Pa.C.S. § 6706 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 67 / Section 6706
Cancellation, expiration and voluntary withdrawal.
Status: in_force

(a) Cancellation.--The Office of Victim Advocate shall cancel the certification of a program participant if:

(1) the program participant willingly provided false information on any portion of the application;

(2) the program participant failed to notify the Office of Victim Advocate within five days of a name change or an address change; or

(3) the program participant's mail is returned to the Office of Victim Advocate as nondeliverable.

(b) Expiration.--Certification as a program participant shall expire three years from the date on which an applicant was certified as a program participant. The Office of Victim Advocate shall send written notification of pending expiration to a program participant's last known actual address 30 days prior to the expiration of certification.

(c) Withdrawal.--A program participant may withdraw at any time by notifying the Office of Victim Advocate in writing.

(d) Effect of cancellation, expiration or withdrawal.--Notwithstanding cancellation, expiration or prior withdrawal from the program, all persons eligible to apply to become program participants may reapply for participation in the program.
23 Pa.C.S. § 6333 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 63 / Section 6333
Continuous availability of department.
Status: in_force

The department shall be capable of receiving oral reports of child abuse, reports of children in need of general protective services, reports made by electronic technologies pursuant to this chapter and report summaries from county agencies. The department shall be capable of immediately identifying prior reports in the Statewide database and reports under investigation with a pending status and of monitoring the provision of child protective services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. (Dec. 16, 1994, P.L.1292, No.151, eff. July 1, 1995; Apr. 7, 2014, P.L.388, No.29, eff. Dec. 31, 2014)
23 Pa.C.S. § 3104 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 31 / Section 3104
Bases of jurisdiction.
Status: in_force

(a) Jurisdiction.--The courts shall have original jurisdiction in cases of divorce and for the annulment of void or voidable marriages and shall determine, in conjunction with any decree granting a divorce or annulment, the following matters, if raised in the pleadings, and issue appropriate decrees or orders with reference thereto, and may retain continuing jurisdiction thereof:

(1) The determination and disposition of property rights and interests between spouses, including any rights created by any antenuptial, postnuptial or separation agreement and including the partition of property held as tenants by the entireties or otherwise and any accounting between them, and the order of any spousal support, alimony, alimony pendente lite, counsel fees or costs authorized by law.

(2) The future care, custody and visitation rights as to children of the marriage or purported marriage.

(3) Any support or assistance which shall be paid for the benefit of any children of the marriage or purported marriage.

(4) Any property settlement involving any of the matters set forth in paragraphs (1), (2) and (3) as submitted by the parties.

(5) Any other matters pertaining to the marriage and divorce or annulment authorized by law and which fairly and expeditiously may be determined and disposed of in such action.

(b) Residence and domicile of parties.--No spouse is entitled to commence an action for divorce or annulment under this part unless at least one of the parties has been a bona fide resident in this Commonwealth for at least six months immediately previous to the commencement of the action. Both parties shall be competent witnesses to prove their respective residence, and proof of actual residence within this Commonwealth for six months shall create a presumption of domicile within this Commonwealth.

(c) Powers of court.--The court has authority to entertain an action under this part notwithstanding the fact that the marriage of the parties and the cause for divorce occurred outside of this Commonwealth and that both parties were at the time of the occurrence domiciled outside this Commonwealth. The court also has the power to annul void or voidable marriages celebrated outside this Commonwealth at a time when neither party was domiciled within this Commonwealth.

(d) Foreign forum.--After the dissolution or annulment of a marriage in a foreign forum where a matter under subsection

(a) has not been decided, a court of this Commonwealth shall have jurisdiction to determine a matter under subsection (a) to the fullest extent allowed under the Constitution of the United States.

(e) Venue.--A proceeding for divorce or annulment may be brought in the county:

(1) where the defendant resides;

(2) if the defendant resides outside of this Commonwealth, where the plaintiff resides;

(3) of matrimonial domicile, if the plaintiff has continuously resided in the county;

(4) prior to six months after the date of final separation and with agreement of the defendant, where the plaintiff resides or, if neither party continues to reside in the county of matrimonial domicile, where either party resides; or

(5) after six months after the date of final separation, where either party resides. Suspension by Court Rule. Section 3104(e) was suspended by Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure No. 1920.91, as amended May 5, 1997, insofar as it applies to the practice and procedure in actions for divorce or annulment of marriage.
23 Pa.C.S. § 2513 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 25 / Section 2513
Hearing.
Status: in_force

(a) Time.--The court shall fix a time for hearing on a petition filed under section 2512 (relating to petition for involuntary termination) which shall be not less than ten days after filing of the petition.

(b) Notice.--At least ten days' notice shall be given to the parent or parents, putative father, or parent of a minor parent whose rights are to be terminated, by personal service or by registered mail to his or their last known address or by such other means as the court may require. A copy of the notice shall be given in the same manner to the other parent, putative father or parent or guardian of a minor parent whose rights are to be terminated. A putative father shall include one who has filed a claim of paternity as provided in section 5103 (relating to acknowledgment and claim of paternity) prior to the institution of proceedings. The notice shall state the following: "A petition has been filed asking the court to put an end to all rights you have to your child (insert name of child). The court has set a hearing to consider ending your rights to your child. That hearing will be held in (insert place, giving reference to exact room and building number or designation) on (insert date) at (insert time). You are warned that even if you fail to appear at the scheduled hearing, the hearing will go on without you and your rights to your child may be ended by the court without your being present. You have a right to be represented at the hearing by a lawyer. You should take this paper to your lawyer at once. If you do not have a lawyer or cannot afford one, go to or telephone the office set forth below to find out where you can get legal help. (Name)........................... (Address)........................ ................................. (Telephone number)............."

(c) Mother competent witness on paternity issue.--The natural mother shall be a competent witness as to whether the presumptive or putative father is the natural father of the child.

(d) Decree.--After hearing, which may be private, the court shall make a finding relative to the pertinent provisions of section 2511 (relating to grounds for involuntary termination) and upon such finding may enter a decree of termination of parental rights. (June 23, 1982, P.L.617, No.174, eff. 60 days; May 21, 1992, P.L.228, No.34, eff. 60 days) 1992 Amendment. Act 34 amended subsec. (b). Cross References. Section 2513 is referred to in sections 2504, 2714 of this title.
23 Pa.C.S. § 3301 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 33 / Section 3301
Grounds for divorce.
Status: in_force

(a) Fault.--The court may grant a divorce to the innocent and injured spouse whenever it is judged that the other spouse has:

(1) Committed willful and malicious desertion, and absence from the habitation of the injured and innocent spouse, without a reasonable cause, for the period of one or more years.

(2) Committed adultery.

(3) By cruel and barbarous treatment, endangered the life or health of the injured and innocent spouse.

(4) Knowingly entered into a bigamous marriage while a former marriage is still subsisting.

(5) Been sentenced to imprisonment for a term of two or more years upon conviction of having committed a crime.

(6) Offered such indignities to the innocent and injured spouse as to render that spouse's condition intolerable and life burdensome.

(b) Institutionalization.--The court may grant a divorce from a spouse upon the ground that insanity or serious mental disorder has resulted in confinement in a mental institution for at least 18 months immediately before the commencement of an action under this part and where there is no reasonable prospect that the spouse will be discharged from inpatient care during the 18 months subsequent to the commencement of the action. A presumption that no prospect of discharge exists shall be established by a certificate of the superintendent of the institution to that effect and which includes a supporting statement of a treating physician.

(c) Mutual consent.--

(1) The court may grant a divorce where it is alleged that the marriage is irretrievably broken and 90 days have elapsed from the date of commencement of an action under this part and an affidavit has been filed by each of the parties evidencing that each of the parties consents to the divorce.

(2) The consent of a party shall be presumed where that party has been convicted of committing a personal injury crime against the other party.

(d) Irretrievable breakdown.--

(1) The court may grant a divorce where a complaint has been filed alleging that the marriage is irretrievably broken and an affidavit has been filed alleging that the parties have lived separate and apart for a period of at least one

year and that the marriage is irretrievably broken and the defendant either:

(i) Does not deny the allegations set forth in the affidavit.

(ii) Denies one or more of the allegations set forth in the affidavit but, after notice and hearing, the court determines that the parties have lived separate and apart for a period of at least one year and that the marriage is irretrievably broken.

(2) If a hearing has been held pursuant to paragraph

(1)(ii) and the court determines that there is a reasonable prospect of reconciliation, then the court shall continue the matter for a period not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days unless the parties agree to a period in excess of 120 days. During this period, the court shall require counseling as provided in section 3302 (relating to counseling). If the parties have not reconciled at the expiration of the time period and one party states under oath that the marriage is irretrievably broken, the court shall determine whether the marriage is irretrievably broken. If the court determines that the marriage is irretrievably broken, the court shall grant the divorce. Otherwise, the court shall deny the divorce.

(e) No hearing required in certain cases.--If grounds for divorce alleged in the complaint or counterclaim are established under subsection (c) or (d), the court shall grant a divorce without requiring a hearing on any other grounds. (Apr. 21, 2016, P.L.166, No.24, eff. 60 days; Oct. 4, 2016, P.L.865, No.102, eff. 60 days) 2016 Amendments. Act 24 amended subsec. (c) and Act 102 amended subsec. (d). Section 2 of Act 102 provided that the amendment of subsec. (d) shall apply to periods of living separate and apart that commence after the effective date of section 2. Cross References. Section 3301 is referred to in sections 1702, 3103, 3302, 3307, 3323 of this title.
23 Pa.C.S. § 5624 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 56 / Section 5624
Period of temporary guardianship.
Status: in_force

(a) Initial period.--Temporary guardianship under this subchapter shall be limited to not more than 90 days from entry of the order of temporary guardianship.

(b) Extension of guardianship.--Upon approval by the court or by written agreement of the temporary guardian and the parent who has entered a rehabilitation facility, temporary guardianship shall be extended for periods of up to 90 additional days.

(c) Total period.--The total period of guardianship under this section shall not exceed 365 days.
23 Pa.C.S. § 6 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 6 / Section 6
Applicability.
Status: in_force

The amendment or addition of 23 Pa.C.S. §§ 5328(a)(2.1), 5329.1, 6340(a)(5.1) and 6375(o) and 42 Pa.C.S. §§ 6307(a)(4.1) and (6.5) and 6308(a)(6) shall apply to:

(1) Any action regarding custody of a child under 23 Pa.C.S. Ch. 53 that is filed on or after the effective date of this section.

(2) Any petition to modify a custody order under 23 Pa.C.S. Ch. 53 that is filed on or after the effective date of this section. Explanatory Note. Act 107 amended or added sections 5328, 5329.1, 6340 and 6375 of Title 23 and sections 6307 and 6308 of Title 42. 2014, OCTOBER 22, P.L.2529, NO.153
23 Pa.C.S. § 3304 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 33 / Section 3304
Grounds for annulment of void marriages.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Where there has been no confirmation by cohabitation following the removal of an impediment, the supposed or alleged marriage of a person shall be deemed void in the following cases:

(1) Where either party at the time of such marriage had an existing spouse and the former marriage had not been annulled nor had there been a divorce except where that party had obtained a decree of presumed death of the former spouse.

(2) Where the parties to such marriage are related within the degrees of consanguinity prohibited by section 1304(e) (relating to restrictions on issuance of license).

(3) Where either party to such marriage was incapable of consenting by reason of insanity or serious mental disorder or otherwise lacked capacity to consent or did not intend to consent to the marriage.

(4) Where either party to a purported common-law marriage was under 18 years of age.

(b) Procedures.--In all cases of marriages which are void, the marriage may be annulled as set forth in section 3303 (relating to annulment of void and voidable marriages) or its invalidity may be declared in any collateral proceeding. Cross References. Section 3304 is referred to in section 1702 of this title.
23 Pa.C.S. § 2732 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 27 / Section 2732
Definitions.
Status: in_force

The following words and phrases when used in this subchapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Agency." A public or private entity, including a county agency, that:

(1) is licensed, supervised or regulated by the Department of Public Welfare; and

(2) provides adoption services.

"Agreement." A voluntary written agreement between an adoptive parent and a birth relative that is approved by a court and provides for continuing contact or communication between the child and the birth relative or between the adoptive parent and the birth relative as provided under this subchapter.

"Birth relative." A parent, grandparent, stepparent, sibling, uncle or aunt of the child's birth family, whether the relationship is by blood, marriage or adoption.

"Child." An individual who is under 18 years of age.

"County agency." A county children and youth social service agency established under section 405 of the act of June 24, 1937 (P.L.2017, No.396), known as the County Institution District Law, or its successor, and supervised by the Department of Public Welfare under Article IX of the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Public Welfare Code.

"Department." The Department of Public Welfare of the Commonwealth. References in Text. The Department of Public Welfare, referred to in this section, was redesignated as the Department of Human Services by Act 132 of 2014.

The short title of the act of June 13, 1967, P.L.31, No.21, known as the Public Welfare Code, referred to in the definition of "county agency," was amended by the act of December 28, 2015, P.L.500, No.92. The amended short title is now the Human Services Code.
23 Pa.C.S. § 1307 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 13 / Section 1307
Issuance of license.
Status: in_force

The marriage license shall be issued if it appears from properly completed applications on behalf of each of the parties to the proposed marriage that there is no legal objection to the marriage. Except as provided by section 1303(b) (relating to waiting period after application), the license shall not be issued prior to the third day following the date of the most recent of the two applications therefor.
23 Pa.C.S. § 3701 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 37 / Section 3701
Alimony.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Where a divorce decree has been entered, the court may allow alimony, as it deems reasonable, to either party only if it finds that alimony is necessary.

(b) Factors relevant.--In determining whether alimony is necessary and in determining the nature, amount, duration and manner of payment of alimony, the court shall consider all relevant factors, including:

(1) The relative earnings and earning capacities of the parties.

(2) The ages and the physical, mental and emotional conditions of the parties.

(3) The sources of income of both parties, including, but not limited to, medical, retirement, insurance or other benefits.

(4) The expectancies and inheritances of the parties.

(5) The duration of the marriage.

(6) The contribution by one party to the education, training or increased earning power of the other party.

(7) The extent to which the earning power, expenses or financial obligations of a party will be affected by reason of serving as the custodian of a minor child.

(8) The standard of living of the parties established during the marriage.

(9) The relative education of the parties and the time necessary to acquire sufficient education or training to enable the party seeking alimony to find appropriate employment.

(10) The relative assets and liabilities of the parties.

(11) The property brought to the marriage by either party.

(12) The contribution of a spouse as homemaker.

(13) The relative needs of the parties.

(14) The marital misconduct of either of the parties during the marriage. The marital misconduct of either of the parties from the date of final separation shall not be considered by the court in its determinations relative to alimony, except that the court shall consider the abuse of

one party by the other party. As used in this paragraph, "abuse" shall have the meaning given to it under section 6102 (relating to definitions).

(15) The Federal, State and local tax ramifications of the alimony award.

(16) Whether the party seeking alimony lacks sufficient property, including, but not limited to, property distributed under Chapter 35 (relating to property rights), to provide for the party's reasonable needs.

(17) Whether the party seeking alimony is incapable of self-support through appropriate employment.

(c) Duration.--The court in ordering alimony shall determine the duration of the order, which may be for a definite or an indefinite period of time which is reasonable under the circumstances.

(d) Statement of reasons.--In an order made under this section, the court shall set forth the reason for its denial or award of alimony and the amount thereof.

(e) Modification and termination.--An order entered pursuant to this section is subject to further order of the court upon changed circumstances of either party of a substantial and continuing nature whereupon the order may be modified, suspended, terminated or reinstituted or a new order made. Any further order shall apply only to payments accruing subsequent to the petition for the requested relief. Remarriage of the party receiving alimony shall terminate the award of alimony.

(f) Status of agreement to pay alimony.--Whenever the court approves an agreement for the payment of alimony voluntarily entered into between the parties, the agreement shall constitute the order of the court and may be enforced as provided in section 3703 (relating to enforcement of arrearages). (Dec. 16, 1997, P.L.549, No.58, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Mar. 24, 1998, P.L.204, No.36, eff. imd.) 1998 Amendment. Act 36 amended subsec. (b)(14). 1997 Amendment. Act 58 amended subsec. (b). Cross References. Section 3701 is referred to in section 3703 of this title.
23 Pa.C.S. § 6361 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 63 / Section 6361
Organization for child protective services.
Status: in_force

(a) Establishment.--Every county agency shall make available child protective services within the agency. The department may waive the requirement that a county agency be the sole civil agency for receipt and investigation of reports pursuant to section 6362 (relating to responsibilities of county agency for child protective services) upon a showing by the county that:

(1) It is participating in a demonstration project for or has become part of an approved combined intake system for public human service agencies as permitted by department regulations. Nothing in this paragraph is intended to permit noncounty government agencies to participate in the receipt and investigation of the reports.

(2) The goals and objectives of this chapter will continue to be met if a waiver is granted. If the department grants a waiver under this subsection, the county agency and its agents shall be bound by all other provisions of this chapter, including requirements concerning the maintenance and disclosure of confidential information and records.

(b) Staff and organization.--The county agency shall have a sufficient staff of sufficient qualifications to fulfill the purposes of this chapter and be organized in a way to maximize the continuity of responsibility, care and services of individual workers toward individual children and families. The department, by regulation, shall set forth staff-to-family ratios for the various activities required of the county agency under this chapter, including reports and investigations of suspected child abuse, risk assessment and the provision or monitoring of services to abused children and their families.

(c) Functions authorized.--The county agency staff shall perform those functions assigned to it by this chapter and such other functions as would further the purposes of this chapter. (Dec. 16, 1994, P.L.1292, No.151) 1994 Amendment. Act 151 amended the entire section, effective July 1, 1996, as to subsec. (b) and July 1, 1995, as to the remainder of the section. Cross References. Section 6361 is referred to in sections 6362, 6364, 6375 of this title.
23 Pa.C.S. § 6306 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 63 / Section 6306
Regulations.
Status: in_force

The department shall promulgate regulations necessary to implement this chapter. (Apr. 7, 2014, P.L.388, No.29, eff. Dec. 31, 2014) 2014 Amendment. Act 29 added section 6306.
23 Pa.C.S. § 4379 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 43 / Section 4379
Cooperation required.
Status: in_force

In accordance with a child support plan approved by the Federal Government, the department shall have the power and its duty shall be to:

(1) Require as a condition of eligibility for assistance that an applicant or recipient:

(i) Furnish his or her Social Security account number or, to the extent permitted by Federal law, proof of making application for a Social Security account number if the applicant or recipient has no Social Security account number.

(ii) Assign to the department on forms provided by the department such support rights as the applicant or recipient may have individually or on behalf of any family member who is a part of the assistance group.

(iii) Cooperate with the department in establishing the paternity of a child with respect to whom assistance is claimed unless the department determines that the applicant or recipient has good cause for failing to do so.

(iv) Cooperate in obtaining support payments for such applicant or recipient and for a child with respect to whom such assistance is claimed or in obtaining any other payment or property due such applicant, recipient or such child unless the department determines that the applicant or recipient has good cause for failing to do so.

(2) Require cooperation in accordance with the following:

(i) Subject to Federal approval, only when necessary, cooperation shall include, but not be limited to, taking the following actions:

(A) Identifying the parents of any child for whom assistance is sought or received, including appearing for scheduled genetic testing with the child and submitting to such testing.

(B) Keeping scheduled appointments with the department or domestic relations section.

(C) Providing truthful and accurate information and documents requested by the department or domestic relations section.

(D) Signing and returning any forms requested by the department or domestic relations section.

(E) Appearing as a witness and providing testimony at judicial and other hearings as requested by the domestic relations section.

(F) Paying to the department any support payment received directly from an absent parent after an assignment of support has been made.

(ii) Failure of the mother to identify by name the father of a child shall create a presumption of noncooperation which may be rebutted only by clear and convincing evidence.

(iii) Subject to Federal approval, if the applicant or recipient provides the names of two putative fathers subsequently excluded from paternity by genetic testing, the second exclusion shall create a presumption of noncooperation, which may be rebutted only by clear and convincing evidence.

Cross References. Section 4379 is referred to in sections 4373, 4380 of this title.
23 Pa.C.S. § 5211 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 52 / Section 5211
Uniformity of application and construction.
Status: in_force

In applying and construing this chapter, consideration must be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it.
23 Pa.C.S. § 4394 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 43 / Section 4394
Guidelines.
Status: in_force

The Department of Labor and Industry shall develop guidelines for employers to use to determine if an individual qualifies as an employee under this subchapter.
23 Pa.C.S. § 7502 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 75 / Section 7502
Administrative enforcement of orders.
Status: in_force

(a) Initiation.--A party or support enforcement agency seeking to enforce a support order or an income-withholding order, or both, issued in another state or a support order issued by a foreign country may send the documents required for registering the order to a support enforcement agency of this State.

(b) Procedure.--Upon receipt of the documents, the support enforcement agency, without initially seeking to register the order, shall consider and, if appropriate, use any administrative procedure authorized by the law of this State to enforce a support order or an income-withholding order, or both. If the obligor does not contest administrative enforcement, the order need not be registered. If the obligor contests the validity or administrative enforcement of the order, the support enforcement agency shall register the order pursuant to this part. (Dec. 28, 2015, P.L.559, No.94, eff. imd.) 2015 Amendment. Act 94 amended subsec. (a).
23 Pa.C.S. § 3102 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 31 / Section 3102
Legislative findings and intent.
Status: in_force

(a) Policy.--The family is the basic unit in society and the protection and preservation of the family is of paramount public concern. Therefore, it is the policy of the Commonwealth to:

(1) Make the law for legal dissolution of marriage effective for dealing with the realities of matrimonial experience.

(2) Encourage and effect reconciliation and settlement of differences between spouses, especially where children are involved.

(3) Give primary consideration to the welfare of the family rather than the vindication of private rights or the punishment of matrimonial wrongs.

(4) Mitigate the harm to the spouses and their children caused by the legal dissolution of the marriage.

(5) Seek causes rather than symptoms of family disintegration and cooperate with and utilize the resources available to deal with family problems.

(6) Effectuate economic justice between parties who are divorced or separated and grant or withhold alimony according to the actual need and ability to pay of the parties and insure a fair and just determination and settlement of their property rights.

(b) Construction of part.--The objectives set forth in subsection (a) shall be considered in construing provisions of this part and shall be regarded as expressing the legislative intent.
23 Pa.C.S. § 2933 — PA Code / Title 23 / Chapter 29 / Section 2933
Identifying information.
Status: in_force

(a) Notice of availability of records.--The court or agency shall, within 120 days of receiving a written request for identifying information or contact, do all of the following:

(1) Determine whether it has in its possession any records relating to the adoptee.

(2) Conduct a good faith search for identifying information, which search shall be commenced within 120 days. The search for information shall only be conducted by an authorized representative appointed by:

(i) the court in which the adoption was finalized;

(ii) the agency that coordinated the adoption;

(iii) a successor, by merger or acquisition, of the agency that coordinated the adoption; or

(iv) if neither the agency nor a successor exists, by an agency authorized by the court. The authorized representative shall review the court and agency record for identifying information regarding the birth or adoptive family and shall determine whether an authorization form has been filed with the court or agency.

(3) Notify any other court or agency listed in its records of the existence of the request for identifying information.

(4) Ask any other court or agency listed in its records to advise if an authorization form has been filed.

(5) Contact the information registry established under