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Self-Help: Child Custody & Support

What is a Docket?

Dockets (or docket sheets/reports) typically list the proceedings and documents filed in a case. In a criminal matter, the docket may also list the criminal charges.

  • Civil dockets are usually created when a complaint or petition is filed with a court.
  • Dockets typically contain basic information about the case, like the date it was filed, the list of parties involved, the attorneys on the case, and the judge assigned. 
  • Dockets provide a list of the documents (for example, motions, briefs, opinions, orders, etc.) submitted in a case.

Philadelphia Child Custody Dockets

If you'd like to see the docket for your own family court case:

Philadelphia provides online access to child custody (and divorce) dockets via the: 
Family Court Division, Domestic Relations Docket Report database

 

You can search by Person Name or by Case ID (docket) number.

For child custody, the Case ID number typically starts with  "0C", followed by 7 digits.
You can usually find the case number near the top right corner of your paperwork.  

**This online service, provided by the First Judicial District of PA, is NOT the official version of the Docket. For more information, read the Court's Disclaimer page.** 

For access to other PA or Federal dockets, see our Pennsylvania Dockets - Quick Links and our Federal Dockets, Briefs, Filings, & More guides.