Statutes, codes, and regulations
Pennsylvania Local Court Rules
Chester County Court Of Common Pleas RulesChester County Court Of Common Pleas Orphans' Court Section
Chapter XV - ADOPTIONS
Rule 15.1A - Procedure

Chest. Cnty. Ct. Comm. Plea. R. 15.1A

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As amended through February 1, 2024
Rule 15.1A - Procedure

Forms pertaining to adoptions are available with the Clerk and on the Clerk's website: www.chesco.org/wills.

(1) In all pleadings related to the termination of parent-child relationships and adoptions, all petitions, reports, etc., shall be filed with the Clerk.
(2) After the first pleading is filed, the case shall be referred to by the assigned docketing number and the adoptee's initials.
(3) Separate pleadings shall be filed for each proposed adoptee.
(4) When parental rights are sought to be terminated, whether by involuntary termination, consent, or voluntary relinquishment, a separate termination petition shall be filed for each parent.
(5) All petitions shall be accompanied by a separate preliminary decree [a preliminary decree with citation is required for matters where jurisdiction is not yet established] for the Court's use in setting a hearing date. The preliminary decree shall specify the names and addresses of the persons to whom notice is to be given.
(6) Hearing dates shall be scheduled not less than twenty (20) days after service of the petition.
(7) A motion for the appointment of counsel for the child whose parent's/parents' rights may be terminated and an order relating thereto shall be presented with each petition for involuntary termination of parental rights. At the time of filing, petitioner shall deposit with the Clerk any counsel fees amount required by statute. No such deposit shall be required for terminations sought by the Chester County Department of Children, Youth and Families.
(8) In every proceeding where the rules or statutes require that the adoptee's birth certificate be exhibited to the Court, the original birth certificate shall show the names of the mother and father, if recorded. If the name of the father is not recorded but there is a claim of paternity pursuant to statute, then that information shall be provided.
(9) The Vital Statistics "Certificate of Adoption" Form shall be filed with each petition for adoption as a separate unattached document.

Chest. Cnty. Ct. Comm. Plea. R. 15.1A