HomeMy WebLinkAbout96-05297
1'111 I' , ,"
1,1'1
,.
I
'(/ !If'1 I :'1 \ ' \,:'1 ':,~
, j; ..,
,
"
1;;\ ~ I,
h
I..il" PI
t~ It,ll
,
, ",1
'Ii.
:1
'I
'I
'I
,I
11:
':1
I,
"
'I
"
, I,
,.
I,
"
II
~
I
. ,.
" .
'H_.-.-. ;.
,
\
..
LISA A. VARNER,
Plaintitt
V
VALARIE J. VARNER and
JOHN MARTIN,
Defendantll
, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLElAS OF
'CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
,
'CIVIL Ar.TION - LAW
,
,
,NOI 96 - 5297 CIVIL TERM
,
,CIVIL ACTION - CUSTODY
Prior Judge, Kevin A. HellS
CONCILIATION CONFlllU1NCI/1 SUMMARlf RlllPOR!1'
IN ACCORDANCE WITH 2WE CUMBERLAND COUNTY CIVIL RULE OF PROCEDURE
1915.3-B(b), the undersigned CUlltody ConcJ.liator lIubmitll the
following report,
1. The pertinent information pertaining to the ohild who ill the
lIubject of thla litigation ill aa followlI'
AUlltin Bradley Varner, born Auguat 29, 1996
2. There waa a prior Conciliation Conference held in this case.
The lIituation ia auch that the Father ia oharged with
IItatutory aexual allllault pursuant to S"ction 3122.1 of the
Crimes Code. Thia involved the Mother and the Mother wall
fifteen yeara old at the time of the incident. It is not
alleged that there waa an abuse or non-conllent situation.
3. 23 Pa.C. S.A. Section 5303 PUtll certain reatriotiona on the
Court in situationa where one parent haa been found guilty of
a crime under Section 3122 of the Crimea Code. The applicable
law requirea the Court to appoint a qualified profellllional to
provide counllel1ng to the offending parent and it .'s the
Mothel"a poaition that the Father IIhould not have any formal
contact with the minor child until the requirementa of Section
5303 are met.
4. It is the Conciliator' a feeling that the intent of Section
5303 waa not for aituationa auch aa thia. Thia particular
aituation involved the Father having a child after a aexual
encounter with a fifteen year old which enoounter was by
oonsent. The Conciliator quaationa whether the atriot
requirementa of Section 5303 ahould be impoaed in thia oaae.
However, the law does not appear. to leave any discretion with
the Court.
5. The Father ia advancing the Children'a Pay Room, Inc. as a
counseling center to satillfy the requirements of 23 Pa.C.S.A.
Section 5303. The Mother is taking exception wi th that
request.
FAMIL\' Ll\W CLINIC
011I011 41 HoJlh 1'11111,
CIIU.I."" 1'01 NUa
1117IUa,UII
'UI l'Il7IUI.Un
,. wlllo. 10 Ih. oon""unlly
bV t1U~.nl. hom
Th. Oloklnlon tohoel or ~.w
April 7, 1997
The Bonorllble Kevin A. Hm
CumberlBnd Counly Courthou5C
Carlisle, I)A 17013
REt Ll!IA A, VARNER, Plalntlffv. VALARIE 1, VARNER IlIld
JOHN MARTIN, DefendBllts
NO: 96.5297 CIVIL TEl~M
CIVIL ACTION. CUSTODY
DCIlr Judge Hess:
The Pamlly LIlw Clinic, counsel for John Marlin, Defendanl, subl11lls lhe following
leller 5Clllng forth the Defendnnl's pos\lion for lhe Prehearing Conference IIChcdulcd in
Chambers on the 10lh dny of April 1997, B19:00 a.lll. The cenlrllllegal issues In dispute
are: when lhe npplicatlon of 23 Pa.C.S. ~5303 is asscrted by a pllrty a5 the basis for required
counseling of II father, (B) Is such counseling necessary when the fBthcr's "wrong" is thc
consensual sexunll'clalionshlpthlll conceived the child In question; and (b) If counscllng Is
nccessary, will the Children's Play l~o<JIn program sHtlsfy the purpose of the statute"
The person seeking a slrlct appllcllllllllOf Secllon 5303 is nottlu~ mother of the child,
but the child's grandmolher.
The purpose of Section 5303 Is to provide u. safeguard for children in custody cascs,
by allowing the court to rcqulre each parent to undergo counscling if there is B history of
violent or abusive conduct or serious criminnl behavior which could endanger the child's
welfare. There is no such hlslory or need here. On behalf of the father, we believe that the
malernnlllrandmother is using Section 5303 for an improper purpose. The PUrpo5C of the
statute Is I1QltO prevent a parent, who has no history that would Indicate that he prescnts a
danger to his child's welfare, frol1\ developing a relationship wilh his child.
In John Martin's case, his thrce monlh long relationship with the codefendant.
Involved no violent or abusive conductor serious crimlnnl behavior which could endangcr
their son's welfare. Although It Is clJnceivuble that WI uctthBt resulls in a conviction of
slatutory scxunl assault could involve these dnngers, such facts arc not present in John
Marlin's case. When considering the purpose of Section 5303 w1d the absence of violent or
abusive conducl or serious criminal behavior which .:ould endanger his son's welfare, one
should conclude thatthc statule docs not Bpply in John Martin's case.
The Honorable Kevin A. Hen
Page 2 of 2
April 7, 1997
If It Is necessary lo apply Section 5303 to 101m Martin's Cllse, the requlremellllJ
Imposed by the slJllOle should be IIpplled In II reasonllble mlUlIler. If Ills neccsSlll)' to
undergo counseling undcr Section 5303, we propose that John Martin attend the Children'l
Play I~oolll prograln.
The progrlllllatlhc Children's Play IhJOm, under the direction of Lynn Everhart,
M.S., consists of weckly ~esslons. Elich se~slon Includes a time whcre 11 pal'enlllltemcts
with his child under lhe guldunce of slllff IInd lmlncd volunleers, and cach scsslon Includes I
Hille for parenl educalion classes. Reports clln be I ssued by Lynn Everhllrt, M, S. aner six
wecks of lI11cndancc. In lhe cnse at haml, "pP'llnllng Lynn Everhllrt, M.S. of the Children's
Play Room liS a qUllllfied professlonlllllnd II110wlng her relJOl'lS to fulfill the requlrel11e'Hs of
Seclion 5303 provldcs IInapproprlal~ sllfegullrd to John Mllrtln's son's wr;lfllrc without
prevenllng John Martin from developlnl! II rcllllionshlp with his SOlI,
John MlIrtin is Indll!cntand Is being provided leglll servlccs III no cos!. He IHIS only
limited funds with which 10 cOlllpensate II qualified professlonlllllnd the only affordable
professionnllocllled Is Lynn EvcrlHlrt, M.S. of the Children's Play Room. I~equlrlng 101m
Mllrtln to obtain a psychological evahJUllon Inllddillon to lhc re(JOrt provided by the
Children's Play Room would not provide further assurance of the chlld's s:lfety nor would It
provide further cvldence of John Mnrlln's IlbllllY to parent In his son's bCSllntercsl. Such a
requirement would only serve lhe purpose of allowing I'lnlnllff to conllnue to prevellllolm
Martin from cstllblishlng a rehlllonshlp wilh his SOIl because Plalnllff knows lhnt John Martin
can not IIfford to pay for a psychological examlnaliUll.
In conclusion, It Is our position thai John Martin should nol be required to oblJlin
counseling under Section 5303 bccause, Inlhls CIISC, Plaintlfrs assertion of the slJltute does
not fullllllhe purpose of lhe slatute and fulfills only her purpose or preventing John Martin
from establishing a relationship with his son. Alternatively, If the statute Is applied in this
case, the Children's Play Room program should be apJ1<llnted to allow John Martin to satisfy
lhe requirements of lhe statute.
c: 10hn Martin
Richard Webber, lr., Esquire
Very lruly yo~rs,
(..f:,." ~~/""'I'"
Rebecca Spangler
Certlt1ed Legal (ntern
r ~/., (".' )
/J'J:.((I.~" '1 (' "...____
Katherine C. Pearson -
Supervising Atlomey
'\
The HonOl:nble Judge Kevin A. Hesa
April Il, 199"
Page 2
Our position h that the language of Section 5303 (0) ill
mandatory, I am not aware of any oases in which except ions were
made.
My client has serious concerns about Mr. Martin's emotionally
stability and his mental ability to care for a child, especially
ouch a young ohild.
My understanding is that Mr. Martin'o counsel is proposing
that he enroll in a progrBm conducted by children's Pay Room, Inc.
and that completion of that program will automatically aatisfy
5303(c) . My client's position io that his completion of that
progrAm will only sAtisfy the statute if a "qllalif.ied professJ.onal"
provideu "uounseling" and rehabilltAtive treatment to Mr. Martin.
Mr. Martin's al:torney has provided me with literature which
summArizes the proposed program. Essentially, it involves an
observation of a parent interacting with a child. That program may
be of benefit to Mr. MartinI however, it falls ohort of providing
"counseling" to Mr. Martin. Additionally, there is no indication
that a "qualified professional" will be involved. Finally, there
is no mention that psychological issues pertaining to Mr. Martin be
explored.
When I learned of Mr. Martin's proposal, I raised the above
issues with both Ms. Spangler and Mr. Gilroy. My reason for doing
so at such an early stage was to provide advance notice of our
potential objections. In fairness to Mr. Martin, we do not desire
that he spend needless time and money on a program that does not
appear to satisfy the statute.
In conclusion, my client's position is that Mr. Martin should
be denied visitation and/or partial custody until the requirements
of Section 5303(c) are met. Additionally, testimony by the
qualified professional is required, or a report issued by such
person that is oatiofllctory to my ~lient.
Respectfully submitted,
-j{;/ /{ ..c,~le.'_.(
Richard L. Webber, Jr.
Rt.w,JR/tw
CCI Rebecca Spangler
Lisa A. Varner.
'\
The Honorable Judge Kevin A. Hess
April II, 1997
Page 2
Our position is that thil language of Seotion 5303 (e) is
man~atory. I am not aware of any cases in whioh exoeptions were
made.
My client has serious conoerns about Mr. Martin's emotionslly
stability and his mental ability to care for a child, especislly
such a young child.
My understanding is that Mr, Martin's counsel is proposing
that he enroll in a program conducted by children's Pay Room, 100.
and that completion of that program will automatically satisfy
5303(c). My client's position is that his completion of that
program will only sstisfy the statute if a "quali Hed professional"
provides "counselin~" and rehabilitative treatment to Mr. Martin.
Mr. Martin's attorney has provided me with literature which
summarizes the proporJed program. Easentially, it involves an
observation of a parent interacting with a child. That program may
be of benefit to Mr, Martini however, it falls short of providing
"counseling" to Mr. Martin. Additionally, there is no indication
that a "qualified professional" will be involved. Finally, there
is no mention that psychological issues pertaining to Mr. Martin be
explored.
When I learned of Mr. Martin's proposal, I raised the above
issues with both Ms. Spangler and Mr. Gilroy. My reason for doing
so at such an early stage was to provide advance notice of our
potential objections. In fairness to Mr. Martin, we do not desire
that he spend needless time and money on a program that does not
appear to satisfy the statute.
In conclusion, my client's position .is that Mr. Martin should
be denied visitation and/or partial custody until the requirements
of Section 5303 (c) are met. Additionally, testimony by the
qualified professional is required, or a report issued by such
person that is satisfactory to my client.
Respectfully submitted,
Riohard L. Webber, Jr..
RLW,JR/tw
.
,
CC t Rebecca Spangler'
Lisa A. Varner
.
..
.
IN THI COURT or COMMON PIIIlAS fOR
CUMB.R~~D COUNTY/ PINNSYLVT\.NrA
~ISA A. VARNIR/ I CIVI~ ACTION - LAW
PLAINnrr .
I
V. . NO, 9/l-15297 CIVIL TIltM
I
VALARIS J, VARNIlR and I
JOHN MAR'nN / .
DII'IIlNDANT I CUSTODY
ArrIPAVI'r or SIRVICIl
COMMONWEALTH or PINNSYLVANIA
COUN'rY OF CUMBlIlRLAND
SS
Richard I.. Webber, Jr., beillg dilly sWorll ''lr)oordlllg t.o law,
deposes IIBd says that he l11a1llld the Ot:der of COllt:t datlild BeptemlJrn
~lj, 19% alld Petition Eot: Rpecial Relief in thin mllttn by
('l!LUEied lIIail. t:etllr.ll rl!lce1pt l:equesterJ, ftddressee (mly, to thlll
Ill!fendant, Valarie J. Vat:ner/ 145 Big Spr1ng 'rel:J:'lloe, l'/ewvllle,
Pennsylvall.lA 1'1241 011 Ot.tober 5, 1996. 'l'he retUl:1I t:eoeipt: Rlgned
by lhe Defendallt is evidence of delivet:y to VBlade J. Vat:ner 'snd
is attached hereto as Iilxhibit "A".
. Y1I,;(..~ '" 1/ 4--r-.----
Richard L. w~,/ Attorney
for PIA.lllti ff
3156 Oneil Spdng ROlld
P , O. Box "0
Newville, Ph 17~41
(717) 7"15-15566
SwoI:n t:Q Illld) 9ubsoribeQ. beEon
meAtI}ls _.l!1!!:::..... day of
...lJ:d!.I.2l..'"__.__, 1996,
" ,
r' ' ,
r-. ,', ,~),...' , 1I'III,/.h!..i.L.!...iJ!.L.__
o .,r
NoIllIIa68lll
.Mitt 0, 5hJill1"", NOOvy Nk
CNloIo 1>>1>. o..rbeI1urlCl CounIV
MvCOllm_E>qlII861M'J13.I007
.
.
,
,
..
-,
IN TH. COURT OF COMMON PLmAB FOR
CUMBBRLANO COUNTY, PINNBYLVhNIA
LISA A. VARNIR, , CIVIL ACTION - LAW
PLAINTIFF ,
,
V. , NO. 96-15297 CIVXL 'URN
,
VALARII J. VARNIR and ,
JOHN MARTIN, ,
OIFllNPANT , CUSTODY
ArrIDAVIT or BaRVIC!
COMMONWIALTH OF lr'X;;1~1i3YI.vhNrA I
I SB
COUNTY OF CUMBIlRLANO I
Richard L. Webber, .1r., lJeillg duly Iilworn Rocordillg to law,
depoAes and says that he mailed the ComplRillt 111 Custody ill this
matter by certif ied mai 1, J:eturn J:erJlIipt request.ed, addrelll!lee only,
to the Defendant, Valarie J, Vuner, 145 Big Spdny 'reJ:l.'fHJe,
Newville, Penllsylvania 17241 on OCltobeJ: 'I, 1996. Thl! return
r.ece.lpt signed by the Oefendant is evidence of delivery to Valfll:'.I.e
J. Varner snd ill attaoh~d hlll:'eto as Exhihit "1\".
':JU"" ''''^/. t'_l/
RIOllal:'d L-:'w~'J'r'., Attorney
for PlainUff
366 (lJ:Elell Spring Road
P.O. Box 40
Newville, PA 17241
(717) 7'76-6566
Sworn to and subecrtbed before
me, this 1"-,/1" day of
.....5l0!J...u._ , 1996.
.4"i.~'1 /1 ..JJllIl'/I;'I'~__.____
--, . Notary Public r .
HOL1Ml ~.>>nnJ
,.)o:;;n rJ GI.~I.."'. N')~lry P\Jt.IIc
~.,. '10 Clao, CAJo-bJIItnJ CoJI1I\I
""'Co1vnIo<m~IM'j'3.1flG7
. ....lll
.
IN TNI COURT or COMMON 'LIAS rOR
CUKelRLANO COUNTY, 'INNSYLVANIA
LISA A. VARNBR I CIVIL ACT.ION . LAW
'LAINTIrr/PITITIONIR I
I NO. f6 -5')/17 CIVIL 'firM
V. I
I
VALARII J. VARNBR and I
JOHN MARTIN, I
OmrINDANTS/RISPONOINTS I IN CU/ilTOOY
OROIR or COURT
ANO NOW, this ...t S"' day of Ar'U~', hI'
, 1996, upon
consideration of the attached Petit+on for Special Relief, it is
hereby OROIRIID that Plaintiff/Petitioner, Lisa A. Varner shall have
primary physical custody of the chill'. Austin Bradley Vamer I 008
August 29, 1996, pending further order of court.
BY Till!: COURT,
~lJi
J.
, .
q,. )' C. 1'(,'
If' )-6 tl(""
) , , .
.. 1rl'."IA A,J,IICJ.>C..
!
I' I ~ 11/" I MI n .I '",.,/
,J I., I., I j. 'k:'.7'
"
XN THI COURT 0' COMMON P~IAS rOR
CUM8'R~AND COUNTY, >>INNSYLVANIA
~:rsA A. VARNla I CIVIL AOTION . LAW
PLAINTI"/>>ITITIONBR ,
, No.11,.'-~.J'i'l
V. I CIVIL
I
VALARII J. VARNBR and I
JOHN MARTIN, I
DI'BNUANTS/RBSPONDBNTS I IN CI1STODY
PITITION 'OR SPIOIAL RILII'
AND NOW COMBS' the Plaintiff/Petitioner, Lisa 1\. Varner and
filel9 this Petition for Speoial Relief pursuant to Pa.R,C.P.
1916.13, averring the following I
1, Plaintiff/Petitioner is Lisa 1\. Varner, of 145 Big Spring
Terrace, Newvi lIe, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 1'1241.
2, Defendants/Respondents are Valarie J. Varner of 145 Big
Spring Terrace, Newville, Cumberland County, PennsYlvania
17241 and John Martin, of 19 South Spring Garden Street,
Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17013.
IN Tnl OOURT OF COMMON P~.AS FOR
COMBIRLANO COUNTY, PINNSYLVANIA
LISA A. VARNIR,
PLAINTIFF
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
V.
I
I
I
I
,
,
I
I
NO . 9 G .
CIVIL TUM
VALARn J. VARNIlR and
JOHN MARTIN,
DllnNDANT
CUS'fODY
ORDIlR OF COURT
AND NOW, __.___. 1996 upon clJlIsideration of
the attadled comp1a.!.nt, it .!.S helelJy dl/.'ected that the ~)artles lInd
I:he.!.r respective counsel appear hefore _.__.________.___...
__'_' the conciliator, at ._. ..._.._..._.__.___.__....
-_._ on the ___ day of _______._ .
1996, at '_. ,III., for a Pre-Hearing CURt.ody
conference. At such conference, i'ln af.fo!:"t w,Ul be made to ),aaolve
the issues in dispute, or if this canllot be accolllp1islH'Id, 1:0 derille
and narrow the issues to be heard by the court, and t.o ent.el: into
a temporary order. 1\11 children age f. i VI!! or oldet. may also bEl
present at the conference. Failure to appear at the conference may
provide grounds for entry of a temporary or perlllanent ordElr.
FOR 'rHIl COURT I
BY'
'--~--.__._-
---_...~--._-----.
Custody Conclliator
The Court of Common Pleas of cumberland County ls required by
law to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of J.990. Fat.'
information about accessible facll.\.ties and rei'lRol1abla
Rccommodatiol1s available to disabled indivJ.duals haVing bUl'liness
before the court, please contact our of f. ice. All arrangements must
be made at least 72 hOllrs prio!:" tQ allY hearillg or bua.lneRs befQrF,!
the court. \'011 mllst attend the scheduled cOllference or hearl.ng.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCI. IF YOU DO
NOT HAVB ^ LAWYRR OR CANNOT AFFORD ON!, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THB
OFFICi SET FORTH BELOW TO F1.ND OUT WHERE YOU CAN amT LllaAL HELP.
Office of the Court Administrator
COllrthouAe, 4 th Floor
Car-Usla, PlI 17013
'l'e lephollp. ('Il'1) ;!40 -6200
EX" I OJ T "/I"
'1'he mother of
residing Ill: 145 Rig
PenllsylvaniA 1 '1241.
She is single,
The fat.hel." of the ohildl:18n ,i19 John Martin, oUrl:l!lntly residing
at 19 South spring Gardell Stre19t, Carlisle, Cumberland County,
Pennfly1.vAllin I'/OD.
the ohild iB Valaria J, VRrnel:, lJurrently
Spring 'I'Qnl'loe, Newvi lb, CumlJilIl:hnd County,
He is sJ.ng1f!.
4, '1'he reiationship of Plaintiff to the ohild ls t:llat of natural
l1Iaternal gl."andmothel:,
'rhe PlaJ.ntiff currently resides with the following peraonSI
liIlnI.e Relatiollship
VaJ.arie J. Vamal." OJefendant) Daughter
1\ullt.ln B. Varner (Chlld) tJl:'andson
5. 'rhe relationship of Defendant, Valerie ':1. Varner, 1;:0 the ohi.l.d
is that o~ natural mother.
'rhe Defendant, Valarie J. Varner, cuy.rently resides with the
fOllowing personlll
1'lAnul
Lisa 1\. Varnel." (plaintiff)
Rellll:ions~
Mother
'rhe Defendant, John Mal:'tin, currently resides with the
fOllowing personsl
l'W1l.ll
Re1atiolab.1.Q
':Tohn Martin
Kathy Martln
Fathel:
Mother
1;. Plaintiff has not partioipated as a party or. witnllss, or in
another capacity, in other litigation concerning the custody of the
chi ld in [.,his or another COUl:'t. ,
PlaintIff doeR not have lnformF.\t,J,on of a custody proceeding
concerning the child pendl,ng in a court. of this Commonwealt.h.
.
IH THI COURT or COMMOH P~IAS FOR
aUMB.R~ANP COUNTY, PINNSY~VANIA
LISA A. VARNIIR,
PLAINTUF
OIVIL AOTION . LAW
V.
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
NO. 9&.52-'17 CIvn TIRH
VALARII J. VARNBR and
JOHN MARTIN,
PlB'lNDANT
CUB'rOPY
ORPBR 011' COURT
ANP NOW, ()cl...J1~ , 1996 upon t:onaider.ation of
thl! attached complaint, it is hereby direClt.ed tllat the p~rtJ.es and
their respective COllllsel appeAl." before _tb.~~uL)\. ("i IlLY .L'!L_._.
----, the con~~l~a;or, Att-.,..,-~!!L~Jt''.~~l~,..~~, Jx-4f~ (}y'~_.!.:-.___..._.
J.996,at--:=-=jv!1 ~?a::.~=-_ ~1Il., To;.-ti-.pnHlel'lring-C:H;totly
Conference. I\t such conference, An ef.fo)~t will be made to reaolvfl
tllfl issues in dispute I or if this cannot be accomplishl'ld, to define
and narrow the issues to be heard by the court, and to ent.,er. into
a temporary order. 1\11 chi ldren age five Ol~ older ml!lY a 1so be
present., at the confer.ence. Failure to appear' at the conf.erence lIlay
provide groul~S for entry of a temporary or permanent order.
FOR THE COURT,
BY I ,. ---;:<2J!cJ C:::6~t$:l f ~
Custody cOIrc1Tta1:or V~f.~J 'J
-V/(
The Court of Common Pleas of CumberlAnd County is requir.ed by
law to comply with the Americans with Disabilities I\ct of 1990, For
information about accessible f.adl.il:ies ana J:F.!RAOl'lRhle
.'Iccommodations availAble to disabled indivl.duals having b\lsl.nelils
before the cOllrt, please contact our off.ice. 1\11 arrangement.s mllst.
be made at teaat 72 houra pricn. t.,() allY heRrillg or. bunlneas before
the court. You must attel1,j the scheduled conferellce or heR rl. IIg .
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO
NOT HAVlB A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TlllLRPHONIll THill
OIl'II'ICR BIllT FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GRT LEGAL HRLP.
Office of the Court 1\dmillistr.ator
Courthouse, 4th Floor'
CRdi.RLe. P1\ 1'101.1
Telephvl" ('/1'1) ~4l) .r,~oo
.
LISA A. VARNBR,
Plaintitt
Defendants
,
,
"
,
,
,
I
,
,
IN THW COURT OF COHHON PLWAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PBNNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION . LAW
NO. 96 - 5297 CIVIL TERM
v.
VAl~IS J. VARNER and
JOHN MARTIN,
CIVIL ACTION - CUSTODY
~ONCILIATION CONFERENCE SUMMARY REPORT
IN ACCORDANCE WI!1'H CUMBERLAND COUNTY CIVIL RULE OF PROCEfJURE
1915.3-B(b), the underaigned Cuatody Conciliator submitll the
following report'
1. The information pertaining to the child who is subject: of this
litigation is 4S follows I
Austin Bradley Varner, born Augullt 29, 1996
2. A Conciliation Conference was held on November 22, 1996.
Present were the maternal grandmother, Lisa A. Varner, with
her cQunsel, Richard Webber, Esquire, and the Father, ,lohn
Martin, with his counsel, Rebecoa Spangler of the Family Law
Clinic, and the Mother, Valade J. Varner, who appeared
without counsel.
3. The Mother was fifteen yearll old wh~n the child was born and
she is now 16. The Father ,is 23 yellrs old. He waa charged
with atatutory sexual assault pursuant to Section 31j2.1 of
the Crimes Code. There ia no allegll tion that this Willi an
abuse or non-conllent situation. There WIIS a relationship
between the Mother and Father in thia situation.
4. 23 Pa.C.S.A. Section 5303 puta certain restrictions on the
Court in aituationll where one parent haa been found guilty of
a crime under Section 3122 of the Crimea Code. The Father is
scheduled to enter the Cumberland County Prison within the
near future. The applicable law requires the Court to appoint
a qualified profelllliondl to provide counseling to the
offending parent ab described above.
5. The maternal grandmother and the Mother are insiatent that the
Father shoula not have oJny formal contact with the minor ohild
until the requirements of 23 Pa.C.S.A. Section 5303 are m~t.
6. The Conciliator reoommends an Order in the form as attached.
1112.~!? V
Date
~
Hubert X. lroy, Esquire
Custody nciliator
.
..
IN 'rHI COI1ItT OF COMMON Pt.IBAfJ POIt
CUMBBIt~AND COUNTY, PINNSYLV~IA
IJUA A, VARNIR, , CIVIL ACTION . t.AW
PLA7:NTUF ,
I
V. , NO. 915 .l5a97 (JIVI~ TIM
t
VAIJARIB J. VARNBR and ,
JOHN MARTIN, ,
DIFBNDANT I CUSTODY
AFFIDAVIT OF SIRVIC!
COMMONWIAL'l'H OF PBNNSY~VANIA
COI1NTY OF CUMBBRLANO
SS
Merle KnllllE!I.', COllntable, being duly SWorn I!ccordlng to law,
depOal!13 Rn,j flays that he flt:n.ved t.he Ol:dl!l: of Court dated October
25, 1996, PeLiUon (UI.' Speclai Re1J.ef, /In,j lettel:' dAted October. 3,
1996 on the Pefendl'lIll:, ,Jolin ~lal.'tin by personally handing it ttJ him
on'L'llesday, NO'lGlllbIH' 12, 19~6 at 4130 p.lI\, at Defendant's residence
.J.mmted at J.9 South Spd,lIq <.Iarden Stl.'Elet, ('edisle, PI\. My
of fielaJ. return of service l.s attached heJ:eto.
rd' ~
"'2..~._-_. _____
arte Knlll\l!:, constable
23 Chestnut Street
Newville, PA 17241
sWorn to and !l1bscdbed b~fore
me this ,._...J...!2:.._ day of .
_I'J",..&,,- ,1996.
"-?"L/f ~'-"l //.._./
Notary Pub1i~
~lrllARnt w1B!Nl!~~1IY
~l WYI IJRURo".'EiJ . I 0 PUIlIC
Ml CO~MISS/ON hPlR 5 PRII~:'
IN TUB COURT or COMMON PLBAS rOR
CUKBBRLANP COUNTY, pmNNSYLVANIA
IlISA 1\., VARNmR, I CIVIL AcnON . LMf
PLAItITIltIl' I
I
V, I NO. 96-15297 OIVIL TIRM
I
VALARIB J, VARNBR and I
JOHN MARTIN, I
DBFlNDAN'l' I CUB'rODY
AFFIDAVIT or /JBRVICB
COMMONWBALTH OF PPlNNSYLVANIA
COUNTY OF CUMSBRLAND
SS
Mede KrallleL/ Constable, being duly sworn accol:'ding to law,
deposeR and Bays that he served tile Order of Court dated Oct,ober 1/
1.996, Complaint fOl' CusLody, Rnd letter dated O(.!tober 4/ 1996 on
the Defendant / John Martill by personally handing it to him 011
Tuesday, November 12/ 1996 at 4130 p.m. at Defendant's residence
located at 19 South Spring Garden Stl:eet, carlisle, 1:'1\. My
official return of service J.s attached hereto.
~~" ~J~
Merle Kranler, Constable
2.3 Chestnut Street
Newville, P1\ 11241
-
Sworn to and ~ubscribed before
Ille this ...-.!.!:~. day of
-1J,,'....~'.r _, 1996.
_d'l:!
/~tl1.../,tL/!
Notary Pul,11c--'--
'~Pll W~~~~~~}It~~rMY
Mrr.oMMl=b~no
LISA A. CHISTNUT,
Plaintiff
VALARII J. VARNIR and
JOHN MARTIN,
Defendant
IN THI COURT or CONNON PLIAS or
OUKSI.LAND COUNTY, PINNSYLVANXA
CIVIL ACTION . LAW
95.5~97 CIVIL TlnN
CUSTODY
v.
IN RII
CUSTODY AGRIIMBNT
QRDBR OF COURT
AND NOW, thi. 10th day of July, 1997, the pa~t~e.
having ~each.d an agre.ment a. to the temporary cu.tody o~de~,
it i. ordered and dir.oted that.
1. The maternal grandmother .hall have legal
cu.tody of the minor ohild, Au.tin Varner, born Augu.t ~9, 1996.
2. The maternal grandmother .hall have primary
phy.ioal ou.tody of the minor ohild.
3. Tbe father .hall bave partial ou.tody of .aid
child a. follow..
a) For two oon.ecutive Saturday., for tbree
hour. in the pre.ence of the paternal grandmotber,
b) For two oonllecutive Saturday. for four
bour. in the pre..nce of the paternal grandmother I
c) For two oonlleeutive Saturday. for .ix
hour. in the pre.ence of the paternal grandmother.
i. The partie. .hall .hare
tran.portation. The maternal
grandmotber will tran.port the child
to the fatber'. re.idence and tbe
paternal grandmother will tran.port the obild back to tbe
maternal grandmother'. residence unlells other arrangement. can
be mutually agreed upon. Onoe the lIix hour. of vi.itation with
SfP I h I~m ",)
USA A. CIlESTNU'I',
Plllhlllff
; IN TIll! couln OJ! COMMON PLl!AS OF
: CUMlIEl~LANl> COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v,
JOHN M,\U1'IN,
nl!fl!ndllnl
,
,
: CIVIL ACTION. I.AW IN CUSTODY
.
,
: NO, 9().5297 CIVIl. TEl~M
()ltl)I~lt ()I? ~.LLllJr
AND NOW. lhls '-).';dll)' offl,lt.oI ,\.,l\'. 1997. UpOIl considel'ullollllflhl! 1I11llchel/
cllmpllllllt. It Is hl!/l:hy directed lhut lhe pUl'tles und their respectiw coun~el uppelll' hefol'!.'.
\-\..Jb.r \ )(. .(,,1, "'I,'4~he cOllcilhllOI', lit "...'11 (" ,l,',rnll' ~','l . Cumherlullll coumy ClIurthllusl!,
on lhe ~O dllY 111'<'\, \ct1('(, 1997. Ull,. ')<'),\11)" 1'111'11 Pre-Ileurlllg CUMlIdy ClInference. Al
such confl!rl!ncl!, IIn efflll'l will he Illude hI l'e~lIlvc the Imll!s III dlNpUle: Ill' If thiN CllnllOl he
accofllpIl5hl!d. 10 denne IInd marrow lhe INsueN 10 he heurd hy Ihe court. und 10 enlel' IJIlo II
lel11pOrllry order. Elthel' llllrl)' fllU)' hlillg the child(ren) who Is lhe NuhJecl of lhls custody IICllolI
10 the conference, hot the child/children's ullendunce is nol flllllldulory, Fullure 10llppelll' IIllhe
conference ma)' provide grounds for enlr)' llI'lI lell1p1lrllry or pCl'Illunent ordcr,
FOR TIlE couln:
II)': JlllVWlI...\ ~~/An .
Cuslod)' COllclllulorlll1 -\1'
YOU SHOULD TAKE TillS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO
NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE. GO TO OR TELEPIlONE THE
OF PICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WIlERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL IIELP.
OFFICE 01' TilE COURT ADMINISTRATOR
COURTlIOllSE. 4th Floor
CAIU.lSJ.E. P^ 17013
717/240.6200
AMERICANS \\'1'1'11 f)ISAUlUTIES ACT OF 1990
Thl! Court of Commoll Pleus of CUlllbcrlulld COUIlI)' Is reljulred hy hlw 10 cOfllpl)' Wllh
lhe AOlerlclllls with Dlsllhilltles ACI of 1990, 1'01' Infornulllon uhllut ucceNslhle fllcllllles IInd
rl!lIsonllhll! uceofllfllodutlollN nvuilnhle 10 disuhled Indlvlduuls huvllll! hushlesK hl!forl! the eourl.
plellse conluClllUr olTicl!, All urrulIl!cfllems Illust hc Illude utleust 72 hllurs prlllr III IIny hCllrlnl!
IIr buslnl!ss hefure lhe COUI'l. You Illuslllllend the scheduled conference or heurlng.
,
5.
LISA A. CHRS'l'NU'l',
Pl4intitt
V
JOHN MARTIN,
Defendant
, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLRAS OF
'CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
,
'CIVIL ACTION - LAW
,
'NO, 96-5297 CIVIL TSRH
, IN CUSTODY
CONCILIA!1'ION CONFlJRlllNCI/1 SUMMARY Rlll.POR'l'
IN ACCORDANCE WI!1'H THE CUMBRRLAND COUNTY CIVIL RULE OF PROCROURE
1915.3-B(b), the undersigned Cuatody Conoiliator submit. the
following report'
1. The pertinent information pertaining to the child who i. the
subject of this litigation ill all followa,
Austin Varner, born Auguat 29, 1996.
2. A Conciliation Conference was held on Ootober 30, 1997, with
ths following individuals in attendance,
The Maternal Grandmother, Lilla L. Che.tnut, with her counssl
Riohard L. Webber, Jr., Ellquire, and the Father, John Martin,
with his counllel, Tina Moukoulis of the Dickinson School of
Law Family Law Clinic.
The partiea were before the Conciliator earlier this year at
which time there were a number of iasuea including a point on
counselling required for the Father becauae of a criminal
oonviction. All those issue. were aubmitted to the Court and,
by stipulation of the parties, a temporary order was entered
July 10, 1997. Thia temporal:y Order gave the Maternal
Grandmother primary custody of the minor child and gave the
Father gradullted periods of temporary custody which, at the
present time, are six hourll every Saturday.
3.
4.
Father iB now btifore the ConciliiJtor requeBting that thill time
be expanded. Maternal Granmnother ill now auggellting that the
Father's time ahould be reduced. The partiell are again at
oddll. The Maternal Grandmother ia also auggellting that the
Father hall not met the counaelling requirements of
Pennsylvania law and intend. to raise that iaBue at a hearing.
A hearing i8 required and should take no more than one day.
6.
!1'he Conciliator recommends an Order !n the form
attached.
/IL~/ "7
D l' ,
re
,USA A. VARNER,
Plalntiff
t IN THB COURT 0)7 COMMON PI.BAS Oil
I CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PBNNSYLVANJA
v.
,
.
t CIVIL ACTION. LAW
t
I NO, 96-5297 CIVIL TERM
:
t CIVIL ACTION. CUSTOD\'
V AL.uuE J. VARNER IlIld
JOHN MARTIN,
Defendant
5t18POENA
TOt Lynn O. Bverlw1, M.S,
1. You IRl ordered by the court to come to Cumberland County CoUrthOUII,
CourltOOm 14 at Carlille, Ptnnlylvania, on Thurlday, the 10th day of luly, 1~7, a'9t30 A.M"
10 te.tlfy on behalf of lohn Martin In the above cue, and to remaln until excused.
2. And brlna with you the followlnB! IlIlY IlIld all notel, repol1l, evaluation., or file
maintained reaardlnalohn Martin at the Children'. Pity Room.
If you f.U to lttend or to produce the documents or thlna. required by thl. lubpoelll, you
may be .ubJect 10 the IIIIlctlonl luthorl1.Cd by Rule 234.5 of the Pennaylvanla Rulca of Civil
Procedure, Includlna but nOlllmlted to costl, Illomey fCClllld ImprllOnment.
ISSUED BY A PARTY/COUNSEL IN COMPLIANCE WITH Pa.R.C.P. No. 234.2(a)
Tina Moukouli.
Certified Leaa! Intern
Thomu M. Place
Supervl.ina Attorney
SUPREMB COUR'r JON 21052
Family Law Clinic
45 N. PIli Street
Carli.le, PA 17013
(717) 240.5204
0ku~ . (JrvI/..vn.o Iruy
Ivlllon
.... 1:'11 ~",
f," ~." I...
f;t' ".
.. , 'I"
.. .,.
III. ... I;'
(1 ' If')
, ,..I
fl.
( I' i
J,: 11")
(,1" , lr,.
!I. .
(.",. ~11 "'(~
.. l'l\,
1", "'-,j ~
IJ b;'
U
, ,
-"
"
Ii
,
,
I'
,,'
,
,
.,
"
I
1'1
!I
,
! II
"
,.
I'
;j
"
,
"
"
"
','
.1
I'
I
,
,
I,
"
<
TRANSACTION REPORT
>
07-08-1997' rue) l1e' 03
~
Rl!!:CI!!:IVE!!:
3
NO, DATI! Tlnl! Pl!IHlNMION &t,HION 1'10, rioIaAT I ON
_.-..~._. --...----.-.--....---.
B1411 7-08 01110; iNUBJII J 0'01'1/"
--
3 0'0~'3~ .
-~
r~_'-'-I
."
jl
"
, ,
"
1m RI!I\ULI
.._1_--....
NOf;/I/ll. 0;.
I '
"
I'
LISA A. CH~STNUT I IN TH~ COURT OF COMMON PL~AS OF
plaintitt I CUH8~RLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
I
v. I CIVIL ACTION - LAW
I IN CUSTODY
I
JOHN MARTIN I
Detendant I NO. 915-11297
MOTION FOR CONTINUANCE
The Defendant, John Ma~tin, by his atto~ney., the Family Law
Clinic, ~e.pectfully ~eque.t. that the Cou~t continue the hea~inq
scheduled fc~ Feb~ua~y 27, 199B at 9130 a.m. and stat.. the
fOllowing in sUppo~tl
1. on November 07, 1997, the court entered an or~e~ setting
a custody hearing for Februa~y 27, 199B.
2. The v~rties are tryin~ to ~esolve this matter by
ag~eement.
3. Defendant I s atto~neys have conllulted with counsel for.
plaintiff who conours in the relief requested by this Motion.
WHEREFORE, Defendant requests that the Court g~ant this motion
and continue the hearing and case generally.
,J'J(LK~ ~~I--)
SHAWNTA S. TOTTEN
Certified Legal Intern
'1\ I I if\ ""~ .
['t\til (I (~ f{(---"">
THOMAS M. PLACE
KATHERINE C. PEARSON
Supervising Atto~neys
DONALD MARRITZ
statt Atto~ney
Datedl February 13, 199B
I'
~, I:')
,.. ~'
, to
111\ .,
, , :
I'"
! , , . ':
~ II , ,~l
I, ,
IJ. illl
.11,1,
, ,
I: ':':
t.,! lJ' , ~
"
"
,I
, ,
l.IIl
I'
,J
, '
"
I'
,
,
!II
"
I
I
"
"
. ,
, .