Court Policies & Procedures

Americans With Disabilities Act

The Court of Common Pleas is required to comply with the American with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Arbitrations

Arbitration hearings are generally scheduled twice a month.

Divorce Hearing Process

Upon filing a divorce action, any party may seek appointment of a Hearing Officer by petitioning the Court and depositing $500.00 with the Prothonotary for payment of Hearing Officer fees, and $200 with their attorney’s escrow account for payment of transcripts to Court Reporters. The scheduling of a Hearing will not take place unless the deposit is made. In the event the funds are exhausted and additional hearings or transcripts are required, funds must again be deposited prior to any scheduling of additional hearings.

Filing Process / Fees

All actions shall be filed in the Office of the Prothonotary at the Courthouse Annex.

Language Access Plan

View information on the language access plans, complaint forms and more.

Motions & Petitions

PFA Process

During business hours, a temporary Protection from Abuse Order (or PFA) may be obtained at the Prothonotary Office at the Wayne County Courthouse. If the Court of Common Pleas is unavailable, a Magisterial District Judge may issue an emergency PFA. After business hours or on the weekend, an emergency PFA may be sought from the on-call Magisterial District Judge. An emergency PFA expires at the end of the next business day the Court of Common Pleas deems itself available. If you desire the continuation of an emergency PFA, you must complete a Temporary Protection From Abuse Petition. The Temporary PFA petition may be obtained from the Wayne County Prothonotary’s Office. Additional assistance may be obtained through Victims’ Intervention Program at 570-253-4401 and/or through North Penn Legal Services at 877-953-4250.

Status Conferences

Status conferences are conducted via telephone. All login information is attached to or included with the scheduling order. Only counsel or unrepresented parties may participate in the conference.

Transcripts

Find out how to request a transcript.