- Home
- Government
- Court of Common Pleas
- Child Custody Services
- How to File a Child Custody Complaint
How to File a Child Custody Complaint
To start a new custody case in Fayette County, choose the option below that applies to your situation. If you are the biological parent or adoptive parent of the child or children in question, choose Option 1. If you are a grandparent or other third party (aunt, uncle, other relative, non-relative), choose Option 2. With both options, you must follow all of the steps in the Checklist for Custody Complaint, and follow the individual instructions for each form.
You should not file a new custody complaint if there is a custody case already open concerning the child or children, even if that case is filed in another county or state.
If there is already an open custody case concerning the child/children and you want to change the current order, or if another party is not following the current order, please refer to the page on Modifications and Contempt.
Option 1: For Biological or Adoptive Parents
- Checklist for Custody Complaint
- Self Representation Form for Custody
- Form 1A Instructions for Complaint for Custody (for Parents)
- Form 1A Complaint for Custody (for Parents)
- Form 2 Criminal Record Abuse History Verification Instructions and Form
- Form 3 Order of Court Instructions and Form
- Form 4A Instructions for Affidavit of Personal Service
- Form 4A Affidavit of Personal Service
- Form 4A Part 2 Acceptance of Service to Defendant
- Form 4B Instructions for Affidavit of Service by Mail
- Form 4B Affidavit of Service by Mail
- Form 5 Request for Child Custody Mediation Conference Form and Instructions
Option 2: For Grandparents or Other Third Parties
- Checklist for Custody Complaint
- Self Representation Form for Custody
- Form 1B Instructions for Complaint for Custody (for Grandparents or Third Parties)
- Form 1B Complaint for Custody (for Grandparents or Third Parties)
- Form 2 Criminal Record Abuse History Verification Instructions and Form
- Form 3 Order of Court Instructions and Form
- Form 4A Instructions for Affidavit of Personal Service
- Form 4A Affidavit of Personal Service
- Form 4A Part 2 Acceptance of Service to Defendant
- Form 4B Instructions for Affidavit of Service by Mail
- Form 4B Affidavit of Service by Mail
- Form 5 Request for Child Custody Mediation Conference Form and Instructions