Laurel Legal Services, Inc.

Clarion County
Custody Information

In order to initiate a custody action in Clarion County, you may contact either a private attorney or Laurel Legal Services, Inc., if you qualify at:

231 W. Main Street
Clarion, PA 16214
(814) 226-4340 or
Toll Free: (800) 660-1755

The custody complaint will be initiated through the Court of Common Pleas. The filing fee for initiating a custody complaint is $101.50. After the complaint is filed, the court will schedule a Custody Conciliation Conference. All parties meet with their respective attorneys to attempt an amicable resolution. If the parties fail to reach an agreement, then the court will schedule the matter for mediation.

The parties and the minor child(ren) appear at the Mediation and are interviewed by the court appointed psychologist, who will attempt to resolve the case. The psychologist will make a recommendation and submit it to the judge. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement at mediation, the court schedules a pre-trial conference before the judge. During the conference, the judge will ask for the status of the matter and if an agreement is close to being reached. A custody trial will be scheduled, if there is no agreement.