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October 27,2000, at 5:45 p.rn. Mother shall then have the custody of the child for 0 \of
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the week beginning Friday, November 3,2000, at 5:45 p.rn. f.;~.1. Idit? ~ · -.:.~
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SHA WNY R. BEALL,
Plaintiff
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
: IN CUSTODY
NICHOLAS A. PAL VO,
Defendant
: NO. 00-7358 CIVIL TERM
CUSTODY ORDER
NOW nnsel l/;""day of ();;J:J.;i.. , 2000, upon consideration of the attached
Agreement as to Custody, it is ordered and directed as follows:
1
The Mother, Shawny R. Beall, and the Father, Nicholas A. Falvo, shall share legal
custody of their child, Destany Meshel-Anne Beall, born February 18,2000.
2.
3.
The mother and father shall share physical custody as specified below.
The rnother and father shall have alternate weeks with the child, with the week
beginning Friday at 5:45 p.rn. and ending on the next Friday at 5:45 p.rn. For
example, father shall have custody of the child for the week beginning on Friday,
4.
The parent that has custody of the child beginning Friday at 5:45 p.rn., shall pick
the child up frorn day care on that day. If the child is not at day care on that day,
that same parent shall pick the child up frorn where the child is at 5:45 p.rn.
5. Whichever parent has custody of the child on his Birthday, Thanksgiving,
Christmas, and Easter Sunday shall make the child available to the other parent
for a reasonable amount of time.
6. The rnother and father shall be entitled to call the other parent, while the child is
in the other's custody, to receive reasonable reports as to the welfare of the child.
7. The parties shall keep one another advised of their current address and telephone
number.
8. The father and the mother will notifY each other of all medical care the child
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receives while in that parent's care. The father and the mother will notifY the
other immediately of rnedical ernergencies which arise while the child is in that
parent's care.
9. Neither parent will do anything which may estrange the child from the other party,
or injure the opinion of the child as to the other parent or which may hamper the
free and natural development of the child's love and respect for the other parent.
10. This Order is entered pursuant to an Agreement reached by the parties.
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Judge Guido
cc:
Andrew Charles Sheely, Esquire
The Dickinson School of Law Family Law Clinic
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SHA WNY R BEALL,
Plaintiff
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
: IN CUSTODY
NICKOLAS A FALVO,
Defendant
: NO. 00-7358 CIVIL TERM
CONSENT AND APPROVAL FOR APPEARANCE UNDER P.B.A.R. 322
I hereby consent to the appearance of Marcy Wright, a Certified Legal Intern under the
supervision of an attorney, in the above-entitled custody proceeding before the Honorable Judge
Guido, at 8:30 a.ill. on Monday, October 30, 2000.
!or ~
Date. '2j) 00
I
Shawuy R. Be
As the supervising attorney for Marcy Wright, certified under P.B.A.R. 322, I approve of
her appearance on behalf of the above-named client in the above-named proceeding.
Date
1'0/"50 /00
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c;2;M~~-
ROBERT E. RAINS
Supervising Attorney
TERl HENNING
Staff Attorney
FAMILY LAW CLINIC
45 North Pitt Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
717/243-2968
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SHA WNY R. BEALL
PLAINTIFF
V.
NICHOLAS A. FALVO
DEFENDANT
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
00-7358 CIVIL ACTION LAW
IN CUSTODY
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 20th day of October, 2000, upon consideration of the attached Complaint,
it is hereby directed that the parties and their respective counsel appear before Dawn S. Sunday, Esq. ,the conciliator,
at 39 West Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 on the ~dayof November ,2000,at....2;30 a.m.
for a Pre-Hearing Custody Conference. At such conference, an effort will be made to resolve the issues in dispute; or
if this cannot be accomplished, to defme and narrow the issues to be heard by the court, and to enter into a temporary
order. All children age five or older may also be present at the conference. Failure to appear at the conference may
provide grounds for entry of a temporary or permanent order.
FOR THE COURT,
By: Isl
Dawn S. Sunday. Esq.fl
Custody Conciliator
The Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County is required by law to comply with the
Americans with Disabilites Act of 1990. For information about accessible facilities and reasonable
accommodations available to disabled individuals having business before the court, please contact our office.
All arrangements must be made at least 72 hours prior to any hearing or business before the court. You must
attend the scheduled conference or hearing.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR ATTORNEY AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT
HA VB AN ATTORNEY OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET
FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
Cumberland County Bar Association
2 Liberty Avenue
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
Telephone (717) 249-3166
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OCT 1 9 2000r (PO. .
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
: IN CUSTODY
SHA WNY R. BEALL,
Plaintiff
NICHOLAS A. FALVO
Defendant
: NO. 00. 73 ~f CIVIL TERM
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this day of , 2000, upon consideration of the
attached cornplaint, it is hereby directed that the parties and their respective counsel appear
before, , the conciliator, at
on the _ day of
,2000, at
m., for a Pre-Hearing Custody
Conference. At such conference, an effort will be made to resolve the issues in dispute; or if
this cannot be accomplished, to defme and narrow the issues to be heard by the court, and to
enter into a ternporary order. Either party may bring the child who is the subject of this
custody action to the conference, but the child/children's attendance is not rnandatory. Failure
to appear at the conference rnay provide grounds for entry of a temporary or permanent order.
FOR THE COURT:
By:
Custody Conciliator
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO
NOT HA VB A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE
OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
Cumberland County Bar Association
2 Liberty Avenue
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-3166
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990
The Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County is required by law to comply with
the Arnericans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For information about accessible facilities and
reasonable accommodations available to disabled individuals having business before the court,
please contact our office. All arrangernents rnust be made at least 72 hours prior to any
hearing or business before the court. You rnust attend the scheduled conference or hearing.
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SHA WNY R. BEALL,
Plaintiff
v.
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYL VANIA
: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
: IN CUSTODY
fH.;- 7!;!)t
: NO. CIVIL TERM
NICHOLAS A. FALVO,
Defendant
COMPLAINT FOR CUSTODY
The plaintiff, Shawuy R. Beall, by her attorneys, the Family Law Clinic, files this complaint
for custody, requesting primary physical custody ofDestany Meshel-Anne Beall, born February 18,
2000. In support of her complaint, plaintiff states as follows:
1. The plaintiff is Shawuy R. Beall, currently residing at 10 Run Road, Newville,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17240.
2. The defendant is Nicholas A. Falvo, residing at 131 Simmons Road, Mechanicsburg,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17055.
3. Plaintiff seeks custody of the following child:
Name
Present Residence
Date of Birth
Destany Meshel-Anne Beall
10 Run Road,
Newville, PA 17240
02/18/00
The child was born out of wedlock
The child is presently in the custody of Nicholas A. Falvo.
During the past five years, the child has resided with the following persons and at the
following addresses:
Persons
Addresses
Dates
Shawny Beall
Nicholas Falvo
131 Simmons Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
02/18/00 - 10/18/00
Kathy Falvo
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Tony Falvo
Aidan Falvo
Caitlin Falvo
The relationship of the plaintiff to the child is that of rnother. She is single. She currently
resides with the following persons:
Name Relationship
Ms. Swartz
Justin Swartz
Jim Swartz
Friend's Mother
Friend's Brother
Friend's Brother
The relationship of defendant to the child is that of father. He is single. He currently resides
with the following persons:
Name
Kathy Falvo
Tony Falvo
Aidan Falvo
Caitlin Falvo
Relationship
Mother
Father
Brother
Sister
6. Plaintiff has not participated as a party or witness, or in another capacity, in other
litigation concerning the custody of this child in this or another court. Plaintiff has no information
of a custody proceeding concerning the child pending in a court of this Commonwealth or another
state. Plaintiff does not know of a person not a party to the proceedings who has physical custody
of the child or claims to have custody or visitation rights with respect to the child.
7. The best interest and permanent welfare of the child will be served by granting the relief
requested because:
a) Plaintiff has been the primary caretaker of the child since birth;
b) Plaintiff provides child with a home with the necessary moral, emotional, and physical
surroundings to meet the child's needs;
c) Plaintiff continues to exercise parental duties on behalf of the child and enjoys the love
and affection of the child;
d) Plaintiff is willing to grant the father periods of partial custody in order for the child to
develop a strong parent/child relationship with both parents.
8. Each parent whose parental rights to the child have not been terminated and the person
who has physical custody of the child have been named as parties to this action.
WHEREFORE, plaintiff requests the court to grant to her primary physical custody
ofthe child.
Date: c:x.J-." k 11) 7-000
~;ptxc!
ROBERT E. RAINS
Supervising Attorney
TERl 1. HENNING
Staff Attorney
FAMILY LAW CLINIC
45 North Pitt Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
717/243-2968
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VERIFICATION
I verify that the staternents made in the foregoing Petition for Special Relief are true
and correct, to the best of rny knowledge, information and belief. I understand making any
false statement would subject rne to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. ~4904, relating to unsworn
falsification to authorities.
Date: \01 (q I 00
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SRAWNY R. BEALL,
Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
IN CUSTODY
NICKOLAS A. FALVO,
Defendant
00-7358 CIVIL TERM
IN RE:
PETITION TO INTERVENE
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 30th day of October, 2000,
after hearing, the petition by grandmother to intervene in
this custody action is DENIED.
By the Court,
Guido, J. ~
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Edward E.
Philip Spare, Esquire
For Paternal Grandmother
Marcy Wright, Certified Legal Intern
Family Law Clinic
For the Mother
Andrew Sheely, Esquire
For the Father
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SHA WNY R. BEALL,
Plaintiff/ Petitioner
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
: IN CUSTODY
iJ1J~
: NO.7 35Y CIVIL TERM
NICHOLAS A. FALVO
Defendant! Respondent
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 19th day of October, 2000, upon consideration of the attached Petition
for Special Relief, it is hereby Ordered as follows:
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1. The petitioner, Shawny R. Beall, shall have t@Hl.llBJui1legal and ~physical custody of
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f1'A~ minor child, Destany Meshel-Anne Beall, born February 18, 2000, until further Order
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2. The respondent, Nicholas A. Falvo, shall immediately return Destany Meshel-Anne
Beall, to Shawny R. Beall's care and custody.
3. Txhs ClBll~H!r1aJul ~o~ud~ ~k81iffM&11 il@l ~"" th1u 0...d...d V.LllfvDpV.ud'-<llL, u.uJ."hdll "'f&.....l.uaLI..-
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A hearing regarding this Petition for Special Relief is hereby scheduled for the J. ~
day of O,-taM ,2000 at '1-: OD o'c1ockt.M in Couctroorn NumberS ,
Cumberland County Courthouse, Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013, at which time the parties
along with their legal counsel, shall appear in person.
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SHA WNY R. BEALL,
Plaintiff/ Petitioner
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
: IN CUSTODY
: sf
: NO.tv- 73 CIVIL TERM
NICHOLAS A. FALVO,
Defendant! Respondent
PETITION FOR SPECIAL RELIEF SEEKING EMERGENCY CUSTODY
PURSUANT TO PA R.c.P. 1915.13
AND NOW, this ~ day of -06~ btV
,2000, pursuant to Rule 1915,13 of the
Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, carnes the Petitioner, Shawny R. Beall, by her attorneys,
the Family Law Clinic, seeking emergency custody of the minor child, Destany Meshel-Anne
Beall, born February 18, 2000. In support of her Petition for Special Relief, Petitioner avers as
follows:
1. The petitioner is Shawny R. Beall, an adult individual who currently resides at 10 Run
Road, Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17240.
2. The respondent is Nicholas A. Falvo, an adult individual who resides at 131 Simmons
Road, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17013.
3. The petitioner is the biological mother (hereinafter "Mother") of the eight-month old
minor child, Destany Meshel-Anne Beall, born February 18,2000 (hereinafter
"Destany").
4. The respondent is the biological father (hereinafter "Father") of Destany.
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5. Mother has been the primary caretaker of Destany since her birth, having done most of
the changing of diapers, bathing, dressing, and feeding ofDestany.
6. Until Wednesday, October 18, 2000, Father and Motherresided together at 131 Simmons
Road, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17055.
7. On Wednesday, October 18, 2000, Mother and Father had a physical altercation at their
residence.
8. Mother and Destiny then spent the night at a friend's horne.
9. On Thursday, October 19, 2000, Mother intended to permanently leave the residence that
she shared with Father and intended to take Destany with her.
10. On Thursday, October 19, at 7: 10 a.ill., Mother dropped Destany off at St. Paul's United
Church of Christ which provides day care for Destany. Mother intended to pick up
Destany at 3:30 p.rn., as she does every week day.
11. After dropping Destany off, Mother called the Pennsylvania State Police and asked them
to accompany her to 131 Simmons Road, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, to retrieve all of
her belongings, including those for the care of Destany. At approximately 9:00 a.ill.,
Mother went with the State Police to retrieve these iterns.
12. While retrieving her belongings, Father entered the home. Mother did not speak to him.
The State Police talked with him, and Father told the police that all ofDestany's
belongings were his. Father then left the home.
13. Mother then retrieved all of her belongings, including those for the care of Destany, and
left the home permanently.
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14. At approximately 9:45 a.ID. Mother received a call frorn St. Paul's Day Care, telling
Mother that Father had rernoved Destany from the day care. The day care provider told
Mother that they asked Father if had a car seat and he indicated that he did, so they
allowed him to take Destany. Upon information and belief, unless Father bought a new
car seat, Father does not have a car seat for Destany.
15. Mother is very concerned for the safety and well being of her child.
16. Father did not inform Mother that he intended to take Destany out of day care, and Father
has never done so in the past. Since removing Destany frorn St. Paul's, Father has not
made any contact with Mother.
17. Mother has not seen Destany since Thursday, October 19, 2000, at 7:10 a.m. Mother
picks Destany up frorn the day care provider at approximately 3:30 p.rn. every day.
Father never picks Destany up frorn the day care provider.
18. Father disrupted the status quo by removing Destany from Mother's care and affection,
without any notice to Mother.
19. Mother works at Clarernont Nursing Home in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, during the day, 30 -
40 hours per week. When Mother is working, the day care provider cares for Destany.
When Mother is not working, she cares for Destany.
20. Father works nights, which include 40 plus hours per week, at Outback Restaurant in
Mechanicsburg. During the day, he normally does not care for Destany.
21. Based upon Father's schedule, Destany wi1l1ikely be in the care and custody of a non-
parent when Father goes to work.
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22. Mother believes and avers that it is within the best interests of the rninor child that
Mother be granted ternporary legal and ternporary sole physical custody of Destany, until
further Order of Court, because she has been the primary caretaker of Destany since the
child's birth, because she is better able to care for her eight month old daughter, because
she, a parent, should be allowed to care for her child when she is not working, rather than
a non-parent babysitter, because Father disrupted the status quo by removing Destany
from Mother's care.
WHEREFORE, the petitioner, Shawuy R. Beall, respectfully requests that this Honorable
Court enter an Order against the respondent, Nicholas A. Falvo, granting Petitioner ternporary
legal and sole physical custody of Destany, ordering Respondent to return Destany immediately
to Petitioner, providing that the Sheriff serve the Order on Respondent and effectuate the
immediate return of the child, and setting this matter for a hearing.
Respectfully subrnitted,
C>c...--h> b..r l '\ I L.oc::>D
Date
r----: J L 1_ /
R~'. RAINS V ..,
THOMAS M. PLACE
TERI 1. HENNlNG
Supervising Attorneys
FAMILY LAW CLINIC
45 North Pitt Street
Carlisle, PA 17013-2899
(717) 243-2968
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VERIFICATION
I verifY that the staternents made in the foregoing Petition for Special Relief are true
and correct, to the best of my knowledge, inforrnation and belief. I understand making any
false staternent would subject me to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. 94904, relating to unsworn
falsification to authorities.
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SHAWNY R. BEALL,
Plaintiff
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IN THE CDURT OF CDMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND CDUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
.
.
:
vs.
.
.
NO. 00-7358
CIVIL TERM
.
.
NICHOLAS A. FALVO,
Defendant
.
.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
IN CUSTODY
:
OODER OF <XXlRT
AND NCli, this 1""" day of ~ , 2000,
upon consideration of the attached CUstody Conciliation Report, it is
ordered and directed as follows:
1. The prior Order of this Court dated October 24, 2000 is vacated
and replaced with this Order.
2. The Mother, Shawny R. Beall, and the Father, Nicholas A. Falvo,
shall have shared legal custody of Destany Meshel-Anne Beall, born February
18, 2000. Each parent shall have an equal right, to be exercised jointly
with the other parent, to make all major non-emergency decisions affecting
the Child's general well-being including, but not limited to, all decisions
regarding her health, education and religion.
3. The parties shall share having physical custody of the Child on an
alternating weekly basis with the exchange of custooy to take place each
week on Friday at 5:45 p.m. The Father shall have custody of the Child
beginning on Friday, October 27, 2000.
4. The parent who is receiving custody of the Child on Friday shall
pick up the Child frcm day care or, if the Child is not at day care, the
parent receiving custody shall pick up the Child at the Child's location at
5:45 p.m.
5. The parent who has custody under the regular alternating weekly
schedule on the Child's birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter
Sunday, shall make the Child available to the other parent for a reasonable
amount of time for the holiday.
6. The parties anticipate that the Father will be incarcerated
beginning in mid-November, 2000, for a period of time which has not yet
been determined. The partial custody arrangements set forth in paragraph 3
of this Order shall be suspended at the time of the Father I s incarceration
and shall be automatically reinstated at the time of the Father's release
frcm incarceration.
7. During the period of the Father I s incarceration, the Father shall
have periods of visitation with the Child for up to 4 hours at least 1 time
per week and at any other times arranged by agreement of the parties.
During the Father's incarceration, the Child shall be transported, for
- I
.,', "_.1
'-
purposes of visitation with the Father, by the Mother, the paternal
grandparents or other adult designated by agreement of the parties.
8. The non-custodial parent shall be entitled to call the other
parent to receive reasonable reports as to the welfare of the Child.
9. Each party shall keep the other party advised of his or her
current address and telephone number on an ongoing basis.
10. Each party shall notify the other of all medical care which the
Child receives while she is in that parent's care. Each party shall notify
the other irrnnediately of any medical emergencies which arise while the
Child is in that parent's care.
11. Neither party shall do or say anything which may estrange the
Child from the other parent, injure the opinion of the Child as to the
other parent, or hamper the free and natural development of the Child I S
love and respect for the other parent. Both parties shall take all
reasonable steps to ensure that third parties having contact with the Child
comply with this provision.
12. This Order is entered pursuant to an agreement of the parties at a
Custody Conciliation Conference. The parties may modify the provisions of
this Order by mutual consent. In the absence of mutual consent, the terms
of this Order shall control.
Guido, ~
/I ~~ .00
f.,... \\'"1
~
cc: Andrew C. Sheely, Esquire - Counsel for Father
Marcy E. wright and Ted L. Henning, Esquire - Counsel for Mother
~- ~,
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SHAWNY R. BEALL,
Plaintiff
.
.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
:
:
vs.
: NO. 00-7358 CIVIL TERM
.
.
NICHOLAS A. FALVO,
Defendant
: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
: IN CUSTODY
PRIOR JUDGE: Edward E. Guido
CUSTODY <nICILIATIOO SUMMARY REPORT
IN ACCCIIDANCE WITH CUMBERLAND COUNTY RULE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE
1915.3-8, the undersigned Custody Conciliator submits the following report:
1. The pertinent information concerning the Child who is the subject
of this litigation is as follows:
NAME
DATE OF BIRTH
CURREIIlTLY IN CUSTODY OF
Destany Meshel-Anne
Beall
February 18, 2000
Father/Mother
2. A Conciliation Conference was held on November I, 2000, with the
fOllowing individuals in attendance: The Mother, Shawny R. Beall, with her
counsel, Marcy E. wright and Teri L. Henning, Esquire, and the Father's
counsel, Andrew C. Sheely, Esquire. The Father, Nicholas A. Falvo,
consulted with his counsel by telephone during the Conference.
3. The parties were able to reach an agreement at the Conference as
to ongoing custody arrangements for the Child. The parties agree, that
despite his impending incarceration for certain charges listed in 23 Pa.
C.S.A. ~5303 involving a minor 4 years younger than the Father, the Father
does not pose a risk of harm to the Child. The parties further agree that
the Father may have periods of partial custody with the Child without the
need for supervision by another adult.
4. The parties agree to entry of an Order in the form as attached.
~A~ ,1, .).&.".)
Date . II"
~~ J~
Dawn S. Sunday, Esquire
Custody Conciliator
tion for Sum-
ranted. See []
11 Pa. 564, 664
Gt's attention to
e case doctrine,
y the obligation
without SUPPOrt
~tarr :
these principleS
. rule or the law
now subsumed
d only in excep-
as where there
change in the
ial change in the
>e to the dispute
he prior holding
d would create a
ed.
1382. The trial
udge Ott, as not-
'money dmnages"
lakers' requested
'lISOns essentially
, the Bakers bad
are entitled to no
idressed this con.
election of reme-
~ted summary
:e defendants, the
ough the pleading
nsaction that they
<cission and resti-
(es and attorney's.
,efore Judge Ott,
. there existed at
! of material fact
that Cambridge
3 a matter of law.
laI'y judgment for
\'Ould be proper if
this issue. as she
we do harbor
liters had pled
deed to them in
mt of Cambridge,
~ction of remedies.
I
r
<
and who was placed in legal custody of Chil-
dren and Youth Services (CYS). The Court of
Common Pleas, Huntingdon County, Civil Di.
vision, No. 97-1347, Kurtz, J., di""l;....g
grandmother's complaint for custody, and
she appealed. The Superior Court, No. 30
Harrisburg 1998, Hester, J., held that grand-
mother bad standing to seek custody of her
grandchild.
Reversed and remanded.
Joyce, J" filed dissenting opinion.
MARTINEZ v. BAXTER Fa. 775
C1te..ns A.2d m (P..s_. 19991
as well as in her capacity as agent for the parents' care as result of shaken baby syn-
bank defendants. Cambridge bad certainly drome, who WlI8 declared dependent child,
1. Pleading *"187
Preliminary objections, the end result of
which would be dismissal of a cause of action.
should be sustained only in cases that are
clear and free from doubt; test is whether it
is clear and free from doubt, from aD of the
facts pleaded, that the pleader will be unable
to prove facts legally sufficient to establish
his right to relief.
2. Pleading *"187
To detennine whether preliminary ob-
jections have been properly sustained, Supe-
rior Court must consider as true aD of the
well-pleaded material facts set forth in appel-
lant's complaint and aD reasonable inferences
that may be drawn from those facts.
3. Parent and Child *,,2(5)
Grandparents occupy favored position
among other third plirties in child custody
disputes and have standing to petition for
physical and legal custody from natural par-
ent, provided that grandparent has assumed
a parental role with respect to child for
twelve montha, or has assumed responsibility
for child found to be dependent, or has
deemed it necessary to assume responsibility
for a child at risk due to parental abuse. 23
Pa.C.SA. 9 5313.
4. Infants *"232
Fact that child had been declared depen-
dent did not negate the fact that his paternal
grandmother deemed it necessary to assume
responsibility for child who was substantially
at risk due to parental abuse for purposes of
signed over title to Metze! prior to signing it
over to the Bakers. The Cambridge defen-
dants steadfastly maintain that Boardman
did this innocently and mistakenly. The
Bakers' discovery includes material that
would seem to support the view that this was
not the case. Suffice it to say that this fact
is material,. goes to the heart of the' fraud
pled against Cambridge, and creates doubt.
There are many other such material doubts
as to the Cambridge defendants which should
be resolved at trial. not by way of summary
judgment. Therefore, we reverse the May
21. 1998 order granting summary judgment
in favor of the Cambridge defendants, rein-
state the amended complaint as to them, and
remand for trial.
V 68 All pre-triaI orders granting sum-
mary judgment or sustaining preliminary ob-
jections as to aD defendants are reversed.
The amended complaint is reinstated as to aD
original defendants, except for the final two
counts voluntarily withdrawn by the Bakers.
The case is remanded for trial against aD
defendants. Jurisdiction is relinquished.
w
o i U'I NUMBllSYmM
1999 PA Super 16
Rita MARTINEZ, Appellant,
v.
Barbara S. BAXTER, Guardian Ad Litem
for Tyler Martinez, Huntingdon County
Children's Services, Mary Ellen "Eve-
lyn" Martinez, Mother, Norman Michael
"Mike" Martinez, Father, John and
Jane Doe, Foster Parents, Appellees.
Superior Court o{Pennsy!vania.
Argued Sept. 2, 1998.
Filed Jan. 22, 1999.
Reargument Denied March 30, 1999.
Grandmother sought custody of her
grandchild. who suffered injuries while in his
776 Pa.
125 ATLANTIC REPORTER, 2cII SERIES
grandparent visitation and custody statute;
parental rights of child's mother bad not
been terminated or relinquished, and it was
poSSIble that she might seek reunification
with child. 23 Pa.C.SA!i 5313(b)(3).
5. Infants <l=192, 222, 232
Grandparent visitation and custody'stat-
ute allows grandparent to seek custody Over
the status of third parties who have no famil-
ial relationship with child, and statute does
not deprive grandparent of this privileged
status merely because Children and Youth
Services (CYS) has stepped in before the
grandparent has bad an opportunity to assert
her interest in raising her grandchild. 23
Pa.C.S.A. !i 5313.
6. Infants <l=232
Grandmother had standing to seek cus-
tody of grandchild, who suffered injuries
while in his parents' care as result of shaken
baby syndrome, who was declared dependent
child. and who was placed in legal custody of
Children and Youth Services (CYS): fact that
grandchild had been declared dependent and
that CYS had stepped in before grandmother
had bad opportunity to assert her interest
did not deprive her of standing. 23 Pa.
C.SA !i 5313.
Elaine J. Novacco, Warriors Mark, for ap-
pellant.
Peter McManamon, Huntingdon, for Hun-
tingdon County Children's Sel'l'ices, Appel-
lee.
Before JOYCE and HESTER, JJ. and
CIRILLO. President Judge Emeritus.
HESTER. J.:
~ 1 Appellant, Rita Martinez ("Grand-
mother"), appeals n'Om an order of the Hun-
tingdon County Court of Common Pleas in
which the trial court sustained the prelimi-
l1lIlJ' objections of the guardian ad litem of
her grandson, Tylm' Martinez, and dismissed
Appellant's complaint for custody of Tyler.
Upon review, we reverse and remand for
further proceedings.
~ 2 Appellant is the paternal grandmoth-
er of Tyler Martinez, who was born March 9,
1996. Tyler resided with his parents from
his birth until June 19, 1996, when he was
rnshed to a Huntingdon hospital. He later
was transferred by helicopter to Hershey
Medieal Center. Huntingdon County Chil-
dren and Youth Services ("CYS"J obtained
an emergency protective order so that T.YIer
would not be returned to his parents' home.
Apparently, Tyler suffered grievous injuries
whlle in his parents' care as a result of
Shaken Baby Syndrome. Tyler's mother
pled guilty to endangering the welfare of a
child. With his parents' consent, Tyler was
declared a dependent child on July 16, 1996,
and legal custody was awarded to cys. T.YIer
was placed in a foster home where he re-
mains today. Grandmother has been afford-
ed visitation with Tyler. The present goal in
the dependency action is adoption.
'3 On September 2, 1997, Grandmother
tiled a complaint for custody, and both ty-
ler's guardian ad litem, Barbara S. Baxter
("Guardian'1, and CYS tiled preliminary ob-
jections to the complaint. They challenged
Grandmother's standing to seek custody.
Following argument on October 30, 1997, the
common pleas court sustained the prelimi-
nary objections and dismissed Grandmother's
complaint for custody on November 13, 1997;
this appeal followed.
[1,2] V 4 We set forth our scope of re-
view:
Preliminary objections, the end result of
which would be dismissal of a cause of
action, should be sustained only in eases
that are clear and free from doubt. Boker
v. Brennan, 419 Pa. 222, 225, 213 A.2d 362,
364 (1965). The test on preliminary objec-
tions is whetherlt is clear and free from
doubt from all of the facts pleaded that the
pleader will be unable to prove facts legal-
ly sufficient to establish his right to relief.
Firing I'. Kephart, 466 Pa. 560. 563, 353
A2d 833, 835 (1976). To determine wheth-
er preliminary objections have been prop-
erly sustained, this Court must consider as
true all of the well-pleaded material facts
set forth in appellant's complaint and all
reasonable inferences that may be drawn
from those facts. Feingold v. BeU of
Pennsylvania, 477 Pa. 1, 4, 383 A.2d 791,
792 (1977); Pennsylvania Liquf7r Control
parents frolll
when he was
tal. He later
r to Hershey
County Chil-
YS") obtained
, so that Tyler
larents' home.
ievoUll injll1ies
s a result of
',vIer's mother
e welfan! of a
ent, Tyler was
July 16, 1996,
to CYS. Tyler
where he re-
18 been aft'ord_
present goal in
cion.
" Grandmother
. and both Ty_
lara S. Baxter
lreUminary ob-
hey challenged
seek custody.
or 30, 1997, the
!d the prelimi-
Grandmother's
'mber 13, 1997;
ur scope of re-
le end result of
of a caUlle of
j only in cases
1 doubt. Baker
5, 213 A2d 362,
,liminary objec-
. and free from
>leaded that the
'we facts legal-
right to relief.
. 560, 563, 353
termine wbeth-
l,'e been prop-
ust consider as
material facts
Iplaint and all
may be drawn
ld v. Bell of
383 A.2d 791,
.iquar Ccmtrol
MARTINEZ v, BAXTER . Pa. 777
. Cl....ns A.U 175 (P~. (999)
Board v. Rapi$tan, Inc., 472 Pa. 36, 371 A 1996 amendment revised the heading, des-
A2d 178, 181 (1976). ignated the former text as subsection (a), and
Bower v. Bower, 531 Pa. 54, 56-57, 611 A.2d added subsection (h).
181, 182 (1992). , 6 The trial court determined that
, 5 This case concerns the interpretation G1'llJIdmother '~acked standing to bring this
of 23 Pa.C.S. ~ 5313 which we will set Corth action and therefure sustained the objection
in full:' of [Guardian]." Trial court opinion, 1/26198,
_ . at 4 , 20. In supporting its decision, the trial
~. 5313. When grandparents may pall- court ooncluded that subsection (a) was not
lion applicable herein, and we agree. Secondly,
(a) Partial custody and visitation.-If an the trial court concluded that Grandmother
lIJlIfUUTied child bas resided with his met the criteria oC (h)(1) and (2) in that she
grandparents ur great-grandparents for a pled she had genuine care and concern for
period of 12 months or more and is subse- Tyler and her relationship with Tyler began
quentIy removed from the home by his with the consent oC one of Tyler's parents.
parents, the grandparents or great-grand- Id. at 7. Finally, the trial court examined
parents may petition the court for an order subsection (3) and concluded that Grand-
granting them reasonable partial custody mother did not plead the existence of one DC
or visitation rights, or both, to the child. the three sets oC circumstances set Corth in
The court shall grant the petition ifit finds subsection (b)(3). The trial court stated:
that visitation rights would be in the best The first is that he or she for 12 months
interest of the child and would not inter- has assumed the role and responsibilities
fere with the parent-child relationship. of the child's parent. The second alterna-
(b) Physical and legal custody.-A tive that confers standing is that the peti-
grandparent has standing to bring a peti- tioner has assumed the responsibilities Cor
tion for physical and legal custody of a a child detennined to be dependent. The
grandchild. If it is in the best interest of third circumstance is when the grandpar-
the child not to be in the custody of either ent "deems it necessary to assume respon-
parent and if it is in the best interest oC sibility for a child who is substantially at
the child to be in the custody of the grand- risk."
parent, the court may award physical and Finally, if all of the above criteria are
legal cUlltody to the grandparent. This established, the grandparent nonetheless
subsection applies to a grandparent: must prove that the best interest of the
(1) who has genuine care and concern for child would be served by an award of
the child; ph}'Sical and legal custody to the petition-
(2) whose relationship with the child began ing grandparent.
with the consent of a parent oC the child or Id.
pursuant to an order of court; and ~ 7 In her complaint for custody, Grand-
(3) who Cor 12 months has assumed the mother asserted that she "deemIedl it neces-
role and responsibilities of the child's par- sary to assume responsibility for the Child
ent, providing for the physical, emotional due to the adjudicated guilt oC the Child's
and social needs of the child, or who as- Mother, the Defendant Mary Ellen 'Evelyn'
sumes the responsibility for a child who Martinez for, inter alia. Endangering the
has been detennined to be a dependent Welfare oC a Child, namely Tyler Martinez."
child pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 63 (relat- Complaint for Custody, 9/2197, at 4.
ing to juvenile matters) or who assumes or '8 The trial court agreed with the
deems it necessary to assume responsibili- Guardian's interpretation oC 23 Pa.e.S.
ty Cor a child who is substantially at risk ~ 5313(b)(3), that Tyler was not at risk since
due to parental abuse, neglect, drug or he had been declared dependent and had
alcohol abuse or mental illness. The court been placed in the legal and physical custody
may issue a temporary order pursuant to of CYS. The trial court continued that in its
this section. judgment. ,,[Tlhe intention of the legislature
778 Pa.
'/25 ATLANTIC REPORTER, 2d SERIES
was clear and unambiguous, and the words,
'_umes or deems it necessary to assume
responsibility for a child woo is substantially
at risk' connotes a situation where there is a
present threat of immediate harm." Trial
Court Opinion, 1/26/98. at 8 (emphasis in
original). We disagree.
[3, 41 ~ 9 Subsection (b) obviously was
added to give grandparents a preferential
status as to other third parties in custody
disputes.
Grandparents occupy a favored position
among other third parties in custody dis-
putes, and have standing to petition for
physical and legal custody from a natura1
parent, provided that the grandparent has
assumed a parental role with respect to
the child for twelve months, or who as-
sumes responsibility for a child found to be
dependent, or who deems it necessary to
assume responsibility for a child at risk
due to parental abuse, neglect or illness.
Wilder. Pa. Family Law Prac. And Proc. (4 th
ed.), ~ 28-4 at 340 (footnotes omitted). That
Tyler has been declared dependent does not
negate rhe fact that Grandmother "deems it
necessary to assume responsibility for a child
who is substantially at risk due to parental
abuse." 23 Pa.C.S. ~ 5313(b )(3). Otherwise.
anytime CYS sought dependent status for a
child. a grandparent's ability to seek custody
of his grandchild would be negated. in clear
opposition to the mandate of this statute.
~ 10 Standing to petition for physical and
legal custody pursuant to 23 Pa.C .S.
~ 5313(b) is automatically conferred by virtue
of the familial relationship, grandparent to
grandchild. Indeed, that subsection states at
the outset, "A grandparent has standing to
bring a petition for physical and legal custo-
dy of a grandchild." ld. The circumstances
set forth in subsections (1), (2), and (3) are
questions of fact to be resolved by the tlial
court after a healing held to determine "[I]f
it is in the best interest of the child not to be
in the custody of either parent and if it is in
the best interest of the child to be in the
custody of the grandparent... ." 23 Pa.C.S.
~ 5313(b),
~ 11 We agree with Grandmother's obser-
vation that the
legislative intent in enacting the new stat.
ute is obviously to provide a basis. and
procedure for a grandparent to obtain
physical and legal custody of a grandchild
in the unfortunate cireumstances confront-
ing many grandparents today: when their
. .~.
own children or individuals in their -clIiI;
dren's households are abusive or neglectClii
to their grandchildren, whether due to al-
cohol or substance abuse or mental illness-
es resulting therefrom. The court is pr0-
cedurally authorized to hold a hearing and
enter appropriate orders to provide for the
best interest of the grandchild in those
unfortunate cireumstances.
AppelJant's brief at 10.
~ 12 Grandmother sought physical and le-
gal custody or partial custody or visitation
with Tyler under 23 Pa.C.SA 5313(b). In
paragraph seven of. her complaint for cust0-
dy, Grandmother set forth her relationship to
Tyler, that she has genuine care and CODCerll
for Tyler, that her relationship with Tyler
began at his birth with the consent of both
parents. and that due to the adjudicated guilt
of Tyler's mother for endangering his wel-
fare. Grandmother deemed it necessary to
assume responsibility for Tyler. It is of no
moment that Tyler has been declared a de-
pendent child. The parental rights of 'tyler's
mother had not been terminated or relin-
quished. It is possible that she may seek
reunification with Tyler. Thus. Grandmoth-
er deemed it necessary to assume responsi-
bility for a grandchild perceived to be sub-
stantially at risk due to parental abuse, and
she tiled her complaint pursuant to 23 Pa.
C.SA 5313(b).
[5] ~ 13 This subsection is a clear man-
date which allows a grandparent to seek
custody, indeed to have standing to do so,
over the status of third parties who have no
familial relationship "ith a child. We will
not interpret this statute to deprive grand-
parents of this prnileged status merely be-
cause CYS has stepped in before the grand-
parent has had an opportunity to assert her
interest in raising her grandchild.
[6J ~ 14 Grandmother did not have the
opportunity to be heard on her petition and
did not have an evidentiary determination as
BROADWATER v. SENTNER
ctteu 725 A.2d 719 (Pa.Super. 1999)
to whether it was in the best interests of .1999 PA Super 24
1!'1e~ to be placed in. her ~tody. The Stella BROADWATER, Administratrix of
disnussal of the complaint, premised upon a the Estate of Soon Michael P .' t D
I k f tandin . cl'" - am er, e-
ac 0 S g, 18 a ear uusmterpretation ceased, on Behalf of the ESTATE OF
of the very clear statutory mandate of 23 Sean Michael PAINTER, Deceased, d
Pa.C.S. ~ 5313(b), which states in unequivo- Stella Broadwam an individual' anh
at tenns "A d has ding . m er
c :'gran parent stan to own right, Appellants
bring a petition for physical and legal cust0-
dy of a grandchild." Thus, the trial. court
erred in dismissing Grandmother's complaint
for lack of standing.
';r'-
ing the new stat,.
lide 9, basis and
Jarent to obtain
'y of a grandchild
lStances confront,.
.oday: when.their
la\s in their' cluJ.
llSive or negleetful
vhether due to ai-
or mental illness-
The court is pro..
lold a bearing and
. to provide for the
'andchild in those
313.
Y 15 Order reversed; case remanded for
proceedings consistent with this Opinion.
Jurisdiction relinquished.
;ht physical and le-
,tDdy or visitation
~.S.A. 5313(b). In
Jmplaint for custo-
her relationship to
e care and concern
:onsmp with Tyler
he consent of both
Ie alljudicated guilt
dangering his wel-
,d itnece88ary to
Tyler. It is of no
een declared a de-
tai rights of'l'yler's
rminated or relin-
chat she may seek
Thus, Grandmoth-
o assume responsi-
=rceived to be aub-
olU'ental abuse, and
pursuant to 23 Pa.
Y 16 JOYCE, J., Files a Dissenting
Opinion.
JOYCE, J., dissenting.
Y 1 I respectfully dissent from the major-
it)' opinion. I agree with the trial court's
interpretation of the statute in that the
grandmother failed to establish that she had
standing pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S.A. ~ 5313.
Under the relevant section, the grandparent
must show that for 12 months she has as-
sumed the role and responsibility for a child
who is substantially at risk, or deelDS it
necessary to assume responsibility for a child
who is substantially at risk. 23 Pa.C.S.A.
~ 5313(b)(3). The grandmother did not as-
sume responsibility of the child prior to the
child being adjudicated dependant. Further-
more, because the child was already taken
out of the parents' home, the child was no
longer at risk. The plain meaning of the
statute does not provide standing for the
grandparent in this case.
rion is a clear man-
'andparent to seek
standing to do so,
)arries who have no
1 a child. We will
, to deprive grand-
! status merely be-
G before the grand-
tlmity to assert her
ndchild.
:1' did not have the
Dn her petition and
ry detennination as
w
o ~ kn"NUH8ffl SYSTEM
T
"
Pa. 779
<I
i
I
,
;
i
I
.,
.il
I.
i'!
I
II.
v.
Fred J. SENTNER, an individual and
Edward Jamt!If Deems. an
individual, Appellees.
. ,
!
Superior Court of Pennsylvania.
Argued Oct. 28, 1998.
Filed Feb. I, 1999.
Reargument Denied April 1, 1999.
After deceased minor child's purported
natural father withdrew his petition to re-
voke letter of administration that had been
granted to child's maternal grandparents,
grandmother, as administratrix, brought ac-
tion against purported father's attorney for
wrongful use of civil proceedings. Following
remand, the Court of Common Pleas, Fay-
ette County, Civil Division, No. 1949 of 1995
G.D., Wagner, J. granted summary judg-
ment for attorney. Administratrix appealed.
The Superior Court, No. 936 Pittsburgh
1998, Joyce, J., held that fact questions as to
whether purported father had probable cause
to file petition. and as to attorney's motives
in tiling petition. precluded summary judg-
ment.
Reversed and remanded.
Ford Elliott, J., dissented.
~
(t
!1
I'
I
:.
.,
!
,
,
J
i
,
!
1. Appeal and Errore=ol097(1)
Where reviewing court had already de-
tennined in action for wrongful use of civil
proceedings that the underlying proceedings
had terminated in plaintiffs favor. this was
the law of the case and reviewing court was
precluded, on appeal'following remand. from
reviewing the issue. 42 Pa.C.SA ~ 8351.
2. Malicious Prosecution e=o15
A showing of probable cause to institute
proceedings against a plaintiff establishes an
LAW OFFICES
SNELBAKER.
BRENNEMAN
& SPARE
SHA WNY R. BEALL,
Plaintiff
v.
NICKOLAS A. F AL YO,
Defendant
AND NOW, this
day of
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
: NO. 00-7358 CIVIL TERM
: IN CUSTODY
ORDER
, 2000, upon consideration
of Katherine M. Falvo's Petition For Leave to Intervene and Special Relief, said Petition is
GRANTED and Katherine M. Falvo is hereby granted leave to intervene in this child custody
action.
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BY THE COURT:
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SHA WNY R. BEALL,
Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NICKOLAS A. F AL VO,
Defendant
: NO. 00-7358 CIVIL TERM
: IN CUSTODY
ORDER
AND NOW, this .;)i./INI day of ()~
, 2000 upon consideration
of the Petition for Leave to Intervene submitted by Petitioner Katherine M, Falvo, it is hereby
ORDERED that a RULE is issued upon Respondents Shawny R, Beall and Nickolas A. Falvo to
show cause, if any they should have, why the relief requested in the foregoing Petition should not
be granted.
RULE RETURNABLE at a hearing to be held on the 3,+4-- day of O~
2000 at h: 30 o'clock A. .m. in Courtroom No. S of the Cumberland County
Courthouse, Hanover and High Streets, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
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LAW OFFICES
SNELBAKER.
BRENNEMAN
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SHA WNY R. BEALL,
Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NICKOLAS A. FALVO,
Defendant
: NO. 00-7358 CIVIL TERM
: IN CUSTODY
ORDER
AND NOW, this
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day of
, 2000, after hearing, it is
ORDERED and DIRECTED that the status quo for the minor child, Destany Meshal-Anne Beall,
born February 18, 2000 be rnaintained as follows pending a custody conciliation conference:
1. Shawny R. Beall, Nickolas A. Falvo, and Katherine M. Falvo shall share legal custody
of Destany;
2. Primary physical custody ofDestany is awarded to Katherine M. Falvo; and
3. Shawny R. Beall and Nickolas A. Falvo shall enjoy unlimited visitation (as defined in
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Pa.R.C.P. 1915.1(b)) with Destany.
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BY THE COURT:
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LAW OFFICES
SNELBAKER.
BRENNEMAN
& SPARE
SHA WNY R. BEALL,
Plaintiff
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
v.
NICKOLAS A. F AL VO,
Defendant
: NO. 00-7358 CIVIL TERM
: IN CUSTODY
PETITION FOR LEAVE TO INTERVENE AND SPECIAL RELIEF
AND NOW, comes KA THERlNE M. F AL VO, by her attorneys, Snelbaker, Brenneman
& Spare, P. C. and petitions your Honorable Court for leave to intervene and special relief as
follows:
1. Petitioner is Katherine M. Falvo residing at 131 Simmons Road, Mechanicsburg,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17055.
2. The Respondents are Plaintiff, Shawny R. Beall ("Mother"), currently purportedly
residing at 10 Run Road, Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17240 and Defendant,
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Nickolas A. Falvo ("Father"), residing at 131 Simmons Road, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
17055.
3. Petitioner seeks custody of Destany Meshel-Anne Beall, an eight-month old minor
child born February 18,2000.
4. The child was born out of wedlock.
5. The child is presently in the custody of Mother and Father pursuant to an October 19,
2000 Order of Court.
From birth until Friday, October 20, 2000, the child resided with the following persons at
131 Simmons Road, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania:
Katherine M. Falvo
Anthony M. Falvo
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Catlin Falvo (age 15)
Aidan Falvo (age 18)
Nickolas Falvo (age 21)
Shawny Beall (age 19) .
The mother ofthe child is Shawny Beall, who since Thursday, October 19, 2000 has
resided at 10 Run Road, Newville, Pennsylvania with persons unknown to Petitioner. She is
single.
The father of the child is Nickolas A. Falvo, currently residing at 131 Simmons Road,
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Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. He is single.
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4. The relationship of Petitioner to the child is that of paternal grandmother. The
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Petitioner currently resides with the following persons:
Name Relationship
Anthony M. Falvo Husband
Catlin Falvo Daughter
Aidan Falvo Son
Nickolas Falvo Son
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5. Petitioner has not participated as a party or witness, or in another capacity, in other
litigation concerning the custody of the child in this or another court.
6. The best interest, safety and welfare of the child will be served by allowing Petitioner
to intervene in this proceeding and granting temporary physical custody because:
a. Petitioner has been the child's primary caretaker since birth;
LAW OF"FJCES
SNELBAKER.
BRENNEMAN
& SPARE
b. Mother is not sufficiently mature or responsible enough to care for the
child's basic needs;
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c. Father will be unable to care for the child for approximately six (6) months
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beginning in mid-November, 2000 due to his pending incarceration in York County.
d. For the safety and welfare of the child, the status quo since birth should be
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maintained.
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e. The child would be substantially at risk if Mother were to have physical
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custody ofthe child.
WHEREFORE, Petitioner, Katherine M. Falvo, respectfully requests your Honorable i;
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Court to allow her to intervene in this proceeding and to grant Petitioner immediate temporary i'
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physical custody and shared legal custody of Destany Meshel-Anne Beall pending a custody I
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conciliation conference.
SNELBAKER, BRENNEMAN & SPARE, P. C.
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Respectfully Submitted,
BY 'd~
Ph ip H. pare, Esquire
44 W. Main Street
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 697-8528
Attorneys for Petitioner
Katherine M. Falvo
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Date: October 24, 2000
LAW OFFICES
SNELBAKER.
BRENNEMAN
& SPARE
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LAW OFFICES
SNELBAKER,
BRENNEMAN
& SPARE
VERIFICATION
I verifY that the statements made in the foregoing Petition are true and correct. I
understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.~904'
Date: October 24, 2000
relating to unsworn falsification to authoritie
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