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1. What is a Divorce Hearing Officer?

A Divorce Hearing Officer is an attorney with experience in family law who has been appointed by the Court of Common Pleas to conduct the proceedings in a contested divorce action. The Divorce Hearing Officer will meet with the attorneys and the parties before a hearing is scheduled in order to identify the contested issues (which could include any or all of the following: fault divorce, two-year separation, irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, division of property, temporary alimony pending the litigation, alimony after the divorce, counsel fees, costs, or expenses). The Divorce Hearing Officer will help the attorneys and the parties obtain the information necessary to resolve these issues (called "discovery"). This will help eliminate some of the disagreements and may enable the parties to resolve their issues through negotiation. The Divorce Hearing Officer will then conduct the hearing with respect to issues that cannot be resolved between the parties. This hearing will be conducted with the same formality as if it were being conducted by a Judge. After the hearing, the Divorce Hearing Officer will then write a formal report to the Court, recommending a resolution for these issues. If either party disagrees with the recommendation, he or she can ask a Judge to review it for errors by filing "exceptions." If the Judge finds errors in the Divorce Hearing Officer's Report, then the Judge may adopt a final order that differs from the Report. If exceptions are filed, the Judge will review the entire report, not just the parts addressed in the exceptions.

2. How should I dress in court?

1. Dress in a fashion consistent with the respect that a lawyer expects the public to have for the profession. Hang overcoats or other wearing apparel on coat racks designed for such wear. Do not present an issue to the court while wearing your overcoat. If in the courthouse on business not requiring a court appearance, remember that the courthouse is the center of the judicial process and dress accordingly. The same formality of dress that is appropriate for the courtroom is expected for an appearance before a judge at the judge's office or in the judge's chambers. Soda, coffee and other food items may not be brought into the courtroom by anyone.
2. Advise clients and witnesses of the appropriate dress and the conduct that is expected of them when appearing in court. Educate the client and witnesses as to the procedure and decorum that is expected while they are part of the judicial process. Chewing gum, soda, coffee and other food items are not permitted to be brought into the courtroom. Do not wear shorts, tank tops, tube tops, halter tops, clothing that exposes your bare navel, or T-shirts with pictures or words on them. They are NOT appropriate in any Court proceeding.

3. How should I act in court?

1. The proceeding shall at all times be conducted in a dignified and formal manner. Courtesy shall be exhibited by everyone to everyone in the courtroom. At all times, communication in the presence of clients and witnesses shall be conducted with respect and courtesy.
2. When addressing the court, counsel is reminded as follows:
   1. Ask permission to address the court by prefacing remarks with the phrase "May it please the court."
   2. Stand when addressing the court. It is recognized that some judges may have different policies on this issue. To be certain, check with the court's tip staff, law clerk or secretary to ascertain the particular judge's policy.
   3. At the beginning or each proceeding, the moving party's counsel should identify themselves and opposing counsel, identify the proceeding and state whom they represent.
   4. Lawyers should directly address the court and witnesses.
   5. Extraneous comments are to be discussed outside the presence of the court and the jury.
   6. Lawyers are expected to stand when addressing and conducting voir dire of a jury.
   7. If making objections, stand and state a brief reason for the objection. If it is necessary to expand the record after an objection during a jury trial, lawyers should request they be permitted to approach the bench and quietly, out of the hearing of the jury, state their reasons. No argument should be presented in front of the jury. Request permission to approach the bench before doing so. While at side bar, lawyers must stand in a dignified manner, recognizing they are in view of other participants in the proceeding. Lawyers must make certain their voices are heard and assure that witnesses can also be heard.

4. Do I need an attorney?

The Divorce Hearing Officers strongly recommend that every party to a divorce action consult with an attorney before deciding whether or not he or she needs an attorney. The law permits you to represent yourself in a divorce action, but there are several disadvantages to this course of action. Parties who represent themselves are referred to as "self-represented" parties. You can overcome the disadvantages of being a self-represented party through research and preparation, but it will take a great deal of time. You will be held to the same standards as an attorney in terms of complying with the rules and statutes, and you will not be given any leeway because you have chosen to represent yourself. If you are a self-represented party, it is vital that you keep the court informed of the mailing address and telephone number at which you can be contacted. Please see Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure (Pa.R.C.P.) 1930.8. The court has a specific form that you can use to report this information. You can download a copy of the Entry of Appearance as a Self-Represented Party form from the Court Forms Page.

5. What if I don't have an attorney?

If you don't have an attorney, you should contact "Attorney Connection," the lawyer referral system of the York County Bar Association by calling 717-854-8755 or Mid Penn Legal Services at 717-848-3605.

6. What if I can't afford an attorney?

If you do not have money and meet the financial requirements, you might be able to obtain a lawyer for free. To find out, contact: 
Mid Penn Legal Services, 
29 N Queen Street 
Number 1
York PA 17403, 
Phone: 717-848-3605

7. How can I check on the status of my case?

If you have an attorney, you should call that attorney and ask. If you do not have an attorney and your case was filed in York County, then the Prothonotary can tell you which documents have been filed and whether any court proceedings have been scheduled. You can call the Prothonotary at 717-771-9611. If you are simply waiting for the decree to be signed, then the District Court Administrator can tell you whether the file has been sent to a judge for signature. You can call the District Court Administrator at 717-771-9234. Do not attempt to call an individual judge or hearing master to ask about your case. If you do, you will be told to call your attorney, the Prothonotary, or the District Court Administrator.

8. If I have something I want to tell a judge or a divorce hearing officer, should I call them or write them a letter?

No. That would be an "ex parte communication." You are not permitted to talk to the court without the other side present. You must wait until you have a scheduled proceeding where both parties are present.