HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-04930CHRISTINE M. RUNNEL AND TRAVIS L. IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
MELLOTT
PLAINTIFF _ CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V.
CORIE ANN FITHIAN, A NIINOR AND HER
PARENTS, STEVEN AND DEBRA FITHIAN 01-4930 CIVIL ACTION LAW
DEFENDANT
IN CUSTODY
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, Friday, August 31, 2001 ,upon consideration of the attached Complaint,
it is hereby directed that parties and their respective counsel appear before Hubert X. Gilroy, Esq. the conciliator,
at 4th Floor, Cumberland Couuty Courthouse, Carlisle on Friday, October O5, 2001 at 8:30 a.m.
for aPre-Hearing Custody Conference. At such conference, an effort will be made to resolve the issues in dispute; or
if this cannot be accomplished, to define 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.
The court hereby directs the parties to furnish any and all existing Protection from Abuse orders,
Special Relief orders, and Custody orders to the conciliator 48 hours prior to scheduled hearing.
FOR THE COURT,
By: /s/ Hubert X. Gilroy!, Eso~
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 oihearing.
YOU SHOULD TAKE'THIS PAPER TO YOUR ATTORNEY AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT
HAVE 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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CHRISTINE M. RUNNEL and IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
TRAVIS L. MELLOTT,
Petitioners :CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v. CIVIL ACTION -LAW
~ 4930-OI CIVIL TERM
CORIE ANN FITHIAN, a Minor
and her parents, STEVEN FITHIAN
and DEBRA FITHIAN, IN CUSTODY
Respondents
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this day of August 2001, upon consideration of the attached Petition
for Emergency Relief, it is hereby Ordered as follows:
The Respondent, Corie Ann Fithian, a minor and her parents, Steven Fithian and Debra
Fithian, immediately provide temporary physical custody of the minor child, Izaia~ Andrew
Fithian, to Petitioners, Christine M. Hummel and Travis L. Mellott, until further Order of Court
on alternate weeks beginning September 3, 2001. A hearing is set for .2001, at
~.m. in Courtroom # in the Cumberland County Courthouse, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
By the Court:
Judge
cc: Marcus A. McKnight, III, Esq.
Attorney For Petitioner
Corie Ann Fithian
Steven Fithian
Debra Fithian
1
CHRISTINE M. HUMMEL and
TRAVIS L. MELLOTT,
Petitioners
v.
CORIE ANN FITHIAN, a Minor
and her parents, STEVEN FITHIAN
and DEBRA FITHIAN,
Respondents
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION -LAW
4930-01 CIVIL TERM
IN CUSTODY
PETITION FOR SPECIAL EMERGENCY RELIEF
AND NOW, this 20th day of August 2001, come the Petitioners, Christine M. Hummel and
Travis L. Mellott, by their attorneys, Irwin, McKnight & Hughes, and makes the following Petition
for Emergency Relief against the Respondents, Corie Ann Fithian, a Minor and her parents, Steven
Fithian and Debra Fithian:
1.
The Petitioner, Christine M. Hummel, is an adult individual and grandmother of Corie
Ann Fithian. She resides at 21 Pine Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17013.
2.
The Petitioner, Travis L. Mellott, is an adult individual and father of Corie Ann Fithian.
He resides at 21 Pine Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17013.
3.
The Respondent, Corie Ann Fithian, is a minor who resides with her pazents, Steven
Fithian and her stepmother, Debra Fithian, at 208 Welsford Road, Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania
19030.
2
4.
The Petitioner, Travis L. Mellott and Respondent, Corie L. Mellott, are the natural
parents of one child, namely, Izaiah Andrew Fithian, born April 14, 2001, age four (4) months.
5.
Petitioners are seeking joint legal and physical custody of Izaiah Andrew Fithian having
filed a Petition for Custody on August 21, 2001 and docketed at 4930-O1 in the Court of
Common Pleas of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
6.
Petitioners are seeking shared physical custody of Izaiah Andrew Fithian with Petitioners
and Respondent having physical custody on a week on/week offbasis.
7.
The minor child, Izaiah Andrew Fithian, has resided with the following since his birth on
April 14, 2001.
a. With both parents from April 14, 2001 to June 3, 2001 where mother
resided at 207 Plaza Drive, Boiling Springs, PA 17007
b. With the Petitioners and mother from June 4, 2001, to June 28, 2001,
at 21 Pine Street, Carlisle, PA 17013.
c. With the mother from June 29, 2001 to July 14, 2001 at 207 Plaza
Drive, Boiling Springs, PA 17007 with regular custody to Petitioners
d. With the Petitioners and mother from July 14, 2001, to July 17, 2001,
at 21 Pine Street, Carlisle, PA 17013.
e. With mother and grandfather from July 18, 2001 to the present at 208
Welsford Road, Fairless Hills, PA 19030.
3
8.
The Respondents have taken custody of the child on July 17, 2001, and have not provided
any visitation or periods of custody with Petitioners. They have refused all requests for custody
with the minor child.
WHEREFORE, petitioner respectfully requests that this Honorable Court enter an Order
against the respondents requiring them to immediately provide custody to Petitioners as
requested above.
Respectfully submitted,
IRWIN, McKNIGHT & HUGHES
~~~~~
By:
Marcus A. cKnight, III,
Atto for Petition
60 West Pomfret
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013-3222
717-249-2353
Supreme Court LD. No: 25476
Date: August 20, 2001
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VERIFICATION
The foregoing Petition for Special Relief is based upon information which has been
gathered by counsel and us in the preparafion of this action. We have read the statements made
in this document and they are true and correct to the best of our lrnowledge, information and
belief. We understand that false statements herein made are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.
C.S.A. Section 4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
STINE M. RUNNEL
TRAVIS L. MELLOTT
Date: August 20, 2001
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CHRISTINE M. HUMMEL AND TRAVIS L. 1N THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
MELLOTT
PLAINTIFF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANLA
v. .
CORIE ANN FITHIAN, A MINOR AND HER
PARENTS, STEVEN AND DEBRA FITHIAN 01-4930 CIVIL ACTION LAW
DEFENDANT
IN CUSTODY
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, Friday, August 31, 2001 ,upon consideration of the attached Complaint,
it is hereby directed that parties and their respective counsel appear before Hubert X. Gilroy, Esq. ,the conciliator,
at 4th Floor, Cumberland County Courthouse, Carlisle on Friday, October O5, 2001 at g:30 a.m.
for aPre-Hearing Custody Conference. At such conference, an effort will be made to resolve the issues in dispute; or
if this cannot be accomplished, to define 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.
The court hereby directs the parties to furnish any and all existing Protection from Abuse orders,
Special Relief orders, and Custody orders to the conciliator 48 hours prior to scheduled hearing.
FOR THE COURT,
By: /s/ Hubert X. -Gilroy!, Esq~
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. )F YOU DO NOT
HAVE 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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CHRISTINE M. HUMMEL and
TRAVIS L. MELLOTT,
Petitioners
v.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION -LAW
CIVIL TERM
CORIE ANN FTTHIAN, a Minor
and her parents, STEVEN FITHIAN Q~ ys~
and DEBRA FTTHIAN, IN CUSTODY
Respondents
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this day of 2001, in wnsiderafion of the attached
petition, it is hereby directed that the parties and their respective counsel appear before
. Esquire, the conciliator, at
on the _ day of .2001 at _.m. for
a Pre-hearing Custody Conference. At such conference, effort will be made to resolve the issues
in dispute; or if this cannot be accomplished, to define 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 this conference may provide grounds for entry of a
temporary or permanent order.
By the Court,
Custody Conciliator
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. )F YOU
DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE
THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL
HELP.
Court Administrator
Ctiunberland County Courthouse
1 Courthouse Square
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
(717) 240-6200
AMERICANS WITH DISABILTTIES
ACT OF 1990
The Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County is required by law to comply with the
Americans 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 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.
CHRISTINE M. HUMMEL and IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
TRAVIS L. MELLOTT,
Petitioners :CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v. CIVIL ACTION -LAW
CIVIL TERM
CORIE ANN FITHIAN, a Minor
and her parents, STEVEN FITHIAN a ~` ~q~ ~ w(
and DEBRA FITHIAN, IN CUSTODY
Respondents
PETTTION FOR CUSTODY
AND NOW come the Petitioners, Christine M. Hummel and Travis L. Mellott, by their
attorneys, Irwin, McKnight & Hughes, and presents the following Petition for Custody.
1.
The Petitioner, Christine M. Hummel, is an adult individual and grandmother of Corie
Ann Fithian. She resides at 21 Pine Street, Carlisle, Ctiunberland County, Pennsylvania 17013.
2.
The Petitioner, Travis L. Mellott, is an adult individual and father of Corie Ann Fithian.
He resides at 21 Pine Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17013.
3.
The Respondent, Corie Ann Fithian, is a minor who resides with her parents, Steven
Fithian and Debra Fithian, at 208 Welsford Road, Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania 19030.
4.
The Petitioner, Travis L. Mellott and Respondent, Corie L. Mellott, are the natural
parents of one child, namely, Izaiah Andrew Fithian, born April 14, 2001, age four (4) months.
5.
Petitioners are seeking joint legal custody of Izaiah Andrew Fithian.
6.
Petitioners are seeking shared physical custody of Izaiah Andrew Fithian with Petitioners
and Respondent having physical custody on a week on/week off basis.
7.
The best interest of the child requires that the court grant the petitioner's request as set
forth above.
WHEREFORE, petitioners respectfully seek the entry of an Order of Court seeking
shared physical custody of the child and joint legal custody.
Respectfully submitted,
IRWIN,
sy:
Marcus A. McKnight, I~s~
Attorney for Petitioner '~"
60 West Pomfret Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
(717) 249-2353
Supreme Court I.D. No. 25476
Date: August 20, 2001
VERIFICATION
The foregoing Petition for Custody is based upon information which has been gathered
by counsel and us in the preparation of this action. We have read the statements made in this
document and they are true and correct to the best of our lrnowledge, information and belief. We
understand that false statements herein made are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A. Section
4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
ISTINE M. HUMMEL
-~/
TRAVIS L. MELLOTT
Date: August 20, 2001
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NICHOLAS A. CLEMENTE, P.C.
BY: MICHP.EL F. BRADLEY, ESQUIRE
ATTORNEY I.D. NO. 77283
123 SOUTH BROAD STREET
SUITE 1970
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19109
(215) 790-4000
CHRISTINE M. HUMMEL
TRAVIS L. MELLOTT
v.
CORIE ANN FITHIAN, MINOR
STEVEN FITHIAN
DEBRA FITHIAN
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 01-4930
CIVIL ACTION LAW
IN CUSTODY
RULE TO SHOW CAVSE
AND NOW, this day of 2001,
upon consideration of the within Petition and Motion of Michael
F. Bradley, Esquire, of the Law Offices of Nicholas A. Clemente,
P.C., attorney for Petitioners, Corie Ann Fithian, Steven Fithian
and Debra Fithian, a Rule is hereby entered upon the Respondents,
Christine M. Hummel and Travis L. Mellott, to show cause why the
attached Petition should not be granted.
RULE RETURNABLE the day of 2001
at m. in Courtroom Cumberland County
Courthouse, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
BY THE COURT:
J.
NICHOLAS A. CLEMENTE, P.C.
BY: MICHAEL F. BRADLEY, ESQUIRE
ATTORNEY I.D. NO. 77283
123 SOUTH BROAD STREET
SUITE 1970
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19109
(215) 790-4000
CHRISTINE M. HUMMEL COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
TRAVIS L. MELLOTT OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA
v.
NO. 01-4930
CORIE ANN FITHIAN, MINOR
STEVEN FITHIAN CIVIL ACTION LAW
DEBRA FITHIAN
IN CUSTODY
ORDER
AND NOW, this day of ,2001, upon
consideration of defendant's Preliminary Objections asserting
improper venue, it is hereby ORDERED that defendant's
Preliminary Objections are sustained. It is further ORDERED that
this action shall be transferred to the Court of Common Pleas of
Bucks County. The Prothonotary of this Court is directed to
forward to the Prothonotary of Bucks County certified copies of
the docket entries, process, pleadings, depositions and other
papers filed in this action. The plaintiff shall pay to the
Prothonotary of this Court all applicable costs and fees for the
transfer and removal of the record to Bucks County.
BY THE COURT:
NICHOLAS A. CLEMSNTE, P.C.
BY: MICHAEL F. BRADLEY, ESQUIRE
ATTORNEY I.D. NO. 77283
123 SOUTH BROAD STREET
SUITE 1970
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19109
(215) 790-4000
CHRISTINE M. HUMMEL
TRAVIS L. MELLOTT
v.
CORIE ANN FITHIAN, MINOR
STEVEN FITHIAN
DEBRA FITHIAN
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 01-4930
CIVIL ACTION LAW
IN CUSTODY
PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS TO PLAINTIFF'S CUSTODY COMPLAINT
Petitioners, Corie Ann Fithian, Steven Fithian and Debra
Fithian, by their attorney, Michael F. Bradley, Esquire, of the
Law Offices of Nicholas A. Clemente, P.C. file the following
Preliminary Objections to Respondent's Complaint raising improper
venue under Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1028 and 1915.2
and in support thereof avers the following:
1. Petitioners are Corie-Ann Fithian, a minor, Steven
Fithian and Debra Fithian who reside at 208 Welsford Road,
Fairless Hills, Bucks County, PA 19030.
2. Respondents are Christine M. Hummel and Travis Mellott
who reside at 21 Pine Street, Carlisle, Cumberland County, PA
17013.
3. Respondents filed the instant Complaint in Custody, in
the County of Cumberland, Pennsylvania. Respondents were never
served with a copy of the Complaint in Custody, only the Order of
Court Scheduling a Conference for October 5, 2001. Therefore a
copy can not be attached.
4. The child in question is Izaiah Fithian, date of birth
April 14, 2001, who resides with Petitioners in Bucks County.
5. Respondents allege that Cumberland County is the proper
venue.
6. Respondents have has failed to allege that the parties
entered into a written Agreement allowing the Custody Action to
proceed in Cumberland County.
7. Respondents have failed to allege that the child's
domicile is in Cumberland County.
8. Petitioners have initiated Custody proceedings in the
County of Bucks. A copy of the Complaint for Custody is attached
and hereto incorporated as Exhibit "A".
9. The Mother of the child, Corie-Ann Fithian is a minor
who resides with her Father and Step-Mother in Bucks County.
10. Father Steven Fithian has primary Physical custody of
his daughter via a Court Order from Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
11. For the short period of time that Corie-Ann Fithian
resided in Cumberland County, Steven Fithian maintained custody.
12. The child in question resided in Cumberland County from
birth until July 2001.
13. The child has resided in Bucks County from July 2001
until the present.
14. The intent of the Petitioners is for the child and
mother to continue to reside in Bucks County.
15. Rule 1028 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure
allow any party to file preliminary objections for the following
grounds: "lack of jurisdiction over the subject matter of the
action or the person of the defendant, improper venue. ."
16. Petitioners have standing to file Preliminary
Objections since they are contesting the venue used by
Respondents.
17. Rule 1915.2 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil
Procedure provides in part that a custody action may be brought
in the county
(1)(i) which is the home county of the child at the
time of commencement of the proceedings, or
(ii) which has been the child°s home county within six
months before commencement of the proceeding and the
child is absent from the county because of the child's
removal or retention by a person claiming the child's
custody or for other reasons and a parent or person
acting as a parent continues to live in the county; or
(2) in which it is in the best interest of the child
that the court decide the matter because the child and
the child's parents, or the child and at least one
party, have a significant connection with the county
and there is available within the county substantial
evidence concerning the child's presence or future
care, protection, training and personal relationships
18. Bucks County is the home county of the child in
question.
19. Bucks County has been the home county within six months
of the commencement of the action.
20. It is in the best interest of the child for Bucks
County to decide the matter since the child has a significant
connection with the county.
Petitioner respectfully requests that its
Preliminary Objections be sustained and this action transferred
to Bucks County, Pennsylvania pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1915.2(d).
Respectfu~ll~v submitted,
P.C.
r+xcnael r'. aaley, r~squire
Attorney fo Corie-Ann Fithian,
Steven Fithian and Debra Fithian
Date: ~~ `~
Michael F. Bradley, Esquire verifies that he is the attorney
for the Petitioners and duly authorized to make this verification
on their behalf and that the facts of the foregoing Petitioner's
Preliminary Objections are true and correct to the best of his
knowledge, information and belief. He understands that false
statements herein are made subject to tCCCh~~~""e penalties of 18 Pa.
C.S. Section 4904 relating to unsworn ~ a~sification to
authorities. ~ nn Ilnll ~~\I'
Date: ` 1~ U 9
Michael F. Bradley, Esquire
Attorney for Corie-Ann Fithian,
Steven Fithian and Debra Fithian
NICHOLAS A. CLEMENTE, P.C.
BY: Michael F. Bradley, Esquire
Attorney I.D. No. 77283
123 South Broad Street
Suite 1970
Philadelphia, PA 19109
Phone: (215) 790-4000
STEVEN FITHIAN - FATHER
208 WELSFORD ROAD _
FAIRLESS HILLS, PA 19030
On behalf of
CORIE-ANN FITHIAN - MOTHER
A Minor
208 WELSFORD ROAD _
FAIRLESS HILLS, PA 1903.0
v.
TRAVIS MELLOTT - FATHER
21 PINE STREET.
CARLISLE, PA 1'7013
Attorney for Plaintiffs
Steven Fithian and
Corie-Ann Fithian
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF BUCKS COUNTY ._
FAMILY COURT DIV-ISION
NO. A06-
Attorney I.D. ATO. 77283
COMPLAINT FOR__CUSTODY
TO THE HONORABLE, THE JUDGES OF THE SAID COURT:
The Complaint of STEVEN FITHIAN on behalf of CORIE-ANN
FITHIAN, a minor, by and through their attorney, Michael-F..
Bradley, Esquire of the Law Offices of Nicholas A. Clemente,
represents that:
1. The Plaintiff, Steven Fithian, is an adult individual
and Plaintiff Corie-Ann, a minor, both reside at 208 Welsford
Road, Fairless Hills, PA 19030.
2. The Defendant, Travis Mellott, is an adult individual
who currently resides at 21 Pine Street, Carlisle, PA 17013.
3. The parties are not married.
4. Plaintiffs seek joint legal and primary physical
EXHIBIT
~_
custody of the following child:
NAME ADDRESS DATE OF BIRTH AGE
Tzaiah Fithian 208 Welsford Rd. 4/14/01 5 months
Fairless Hi11s,,PA 19030
The child was not born during the marriage of the
pefendant.
The child is presently in the custody of Plaintiffs,
Steven Fithian and Corie-Ann Fithian who resides at 2U8'°Welsford
Road, Fairless Hills, PA 19030.
5. During the past five years, the child has resided with
the following persons and at the following address:
NAME ADDRESS DATES
Mother, Maternal 207 Plaza Dr. birth to 7/01
Grandmother Boiling Springs, PA
Mother, Maternal 208 Welsford Rd. 7/01 to present
Grandfather, Stepmother Fairless Hills, PA
2 uncles, 4 aunts, Step
grandfather
The maternal grandfather of the child is Plaintiff,
Steven Fithian who resides at 208 Welsford Road, Fairless Hi11s,
PA 19030.
He is married.
The mother of the child is Plaintiff, Corie-Ann
Fithian, who resides at 208 Welsford Road, Fairless Hills, PA
19030.
She is not married.
The father of the child is Defendant, Travis Mellott,
who resides at 21 Pine Street, Carlisle, PA 17013.
He is not married.
6. The relationship of Plaintiff to the child is that of
maternal grandfather. The Plaintiff currently resides with the
following persons:
NAME
Debra Haugstad
Corie-Ann Fithian
Robert Haugstad
Felicia Fithian
Jessica Saranzak
Anthony Saranzak
Steven Fithian
Laura Fithian
Izaiah Fithian
wife
daughter
father-in-law
daughter
step-daughter
step-son
son
daughter
grandson
7. The relationship of Plaintiff to the child is that of
natural mother. The Plaintiff currently resides with the
following persons:
NAME '
Steven Haugstad
Debra Haugstad
Robert Haugstad
Felicia Fithian
Jessica Saranzak
.Anthony Saranzak
Steven Fithian
Laura Fithian
Izaiah Fithian
father
stepmother
step grandfather
sister
step-sister
step-brother
brother
sister
son
8. The relationship of the Defendant to the child is that
of natural father. The Defendant currently resides with the
following persons:
NAME
RELATIONSHIP
Seth Hummel
Christine Hummel
Keith Hummel
brother
mother
step father
9. Plaintiff 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.
Plaintiff has no other information of any custody
proceeding concerning the child pending in a court of this
Commonwealth.
Plaintiff does not know of any person not a party to
these proceedings who has physical custody of the child or claims
to have custody or visitation rights with respect to the child.
10. The best interest and permanent welfare of the child
would be served by granting Plaintiff joint legal and primary
physical custody. Mother has been the primary caregiver since the
child's birth. Mother and Grandfather reside in the same
household and will both raise the child. Paternal Grandmother has
repeatedly threatened to take the child out of the jurisdiction.
It is in the child's best interest to grant custody to Maternal
Grandfather and Mother.
11. Each parent whose parental rights to the child ,:.,has .not
been terminated and the person who is believed to have..,phys.i,aa1
custody of the child has been named as parties to this action.
i
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this
Honorable Court grant joint legal and primary physical custody of
the minor child to Petitioner, Steven Fithian and Corie-Ann
Fithian without prejudice to the Defendant.
Respectfully submitted,
NICHOLAS A~ CLEMENTE, P.C.
By : ,~~ ..
Mi hael F. Bra ley, Esq
123 South Bro d Street
Suite 1970
Philadelphia, PA 19109
(215) 790-4000
Attorney for Plaintiffs
VERIFICATION
I verify that the statements made in the foregoing Complaint
for Custody is true and correct to the best of my knowledge,
information and belief. I understand that false statements
herein are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 relating
to unsworn falsification to authorities.
.-. "\
even Fithian --
Dated: ' 0 '~.~ ~ ~-
~r,
Coterie-Ann Fithian `~~~
Dated: ~ ~~
NICHOLAS A. CLEMENTE, P.C.
BY: MICHAEL F. BRADLEY, ESQUIRE
ATTORNEY I.D. NO. 77283
123 SOUTH BROAD STREET
SUITE 1970
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19109
(215) 790-4000
CHRISTINE M. RUNNEL
TRAVIS L. MELLOTT
v.
CORIE ANN FITHIAN, MINOR
STEVEN FITHIAN
DEBRA FITHIAN
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 01-4930
CIVIL ACTION LAW
IN CUSTODY
MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF PETITIONER'S PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS
The Complaint of Christine Rummell and Travis Mellott
(hereinafter Plaintiffs) against Corie Ann Fithian, a minor and
Steven Fithian and Debra Fithian, parents (hereafter Defendants)
has been filed in the wrong county. Proper venue is in Bucks
County.
Preliminary Objections are allowed under Pennsylvania Rule
of Civil Procedure 1028 which state in relevant part that any
party can file preliminary objections if any party disputes the
following: "lack of jurisdiction over the subject matter of the
action or the person of the defendant, improper venue. .
Petitioners are claiming that Cumberland County is not the proper
venue.
As stated, the rule regarding venue in a custody matter is
as follows: a custody matter can be filed in the county in
(1)(i) which is the home county of the child at the
time of commencement of the proceedings, or
(ii) which has been the child's home county within six
months before commencement of the proceeding and the
child is absent from the county because of the child's
removal or retention by a person claiming the child's
custody or for other reasons and a parent or person
acting as a parent continues to live in the county; or
(2) in which it is in the best interest of the child
that the court decide the matter because the child and
the child's parents, or the child and at least one
party, have a significant connection with the county
and there is available within the county substantial
evidence concerning the child's presence or future
care, protection, training and personal relationships
Pa.R.C.P. 1915.2
The Plaintiff alleged in their Complaint that the proper
venue for this action is Cumberland County. This is in error.
The home county is Bucks County. The child in question, Izaiah,
and her mother, a fifteen-year old (15) minor, reside with her
father Steven Fithian in Bucks County. The child's primary care
physician is in Bucks County. The mother's siblings all reside
in Bucks County. Mother attends high school in Bucks County.
Father has primary physical custody of Mother through a Court
Order from Bucks County. The mother did spend a period of time
in Cumberland County but she never established residence there.
The fact that conception occurred in Cumberland County is not
enough to allow venue to be in Cumberland County. At all times
primary physical custody was with maternal grandfather in Bucks
County.
Since the child has not reached six months in age to this
point, 1915.2(a)(1)(ii) does not apply. However, the child is
not absent from the proper county. The Mother is in the custody
of her father in Bucks Count and that never changed. Further, it
is in the best interest for this matter to be held in Bucks
County since that is where the child resides and where the child
will continue to reside. As previously stated, all of the major
aspects of the child's life are in Bucks County. Finally, a
Complaint in Custody in Bucks County has already been initiated.
For these reasons, Petitioners are requesting that the
Cumberland County matter be ~rer/~e t Bucks County according
to Pa.R.C.P. 1915.2(d). ~ I~ n
Michael F. Bradley, Esqu
Attorney for Petitioners
NICHOLAS A. CLEMENTE, P.C.
BY: MICHAEL F. BRADLEY, ESQUIRE
ATTORNEY I.D. NO. 77283
123 SOUTH BROAD STREET
SUITE 1970
PHILADELPHIA, PA 19109
(215) 790-4000
CHRISTINE M. HUMMEL COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
TRAVIS L. MELLOTT OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA
v.
NO. 01-4930
CORIE ANN FITHIAN, MINOR
STEVEN FITHIAN CIVIL ACTION LAW
DEBRA FITHIAN
IN CUSTODY
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that a true and correct copy of Petitioner's
Preliminary Objections have been served upon the following
individuals by first class mail, postage prepaid, this 18"' day
of September 2001, addressed as follows
Irwin, McKnight & Hughes
West Pomfret Professional Building
60 West Pomfret Street
Carlisle, PA 17013-3222
Attorney for Respondent
Attorney for Petitioners
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PRAECIPE FOR LISTING CASE FOR ARGUMENT
(Must be typewritten and submitted in duplicate)
TO THE P(tOTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY;
Please list the within matter for the next Argument Court.
CAPTION OF CASE
(entire caption must ~ stated in full.)
CHRISTINE M. HUMMEL
TRAVIS L. MELLOTT
vs.
CORIE ANN FITHIAN, MINOR
STEVEN FITHIAN
DEBRA FITHAAN
(Plaintiff)
(Defendant)
~ 91-4930 Civil
19
1. State matter to be argued (i.e., plaintiff's motion for new trial, defendant's
dernirrer to complaint, etc.):
Defendent's preliminary objections to Plaintiff's custody complaint
2. Identify counsel who will argue case:
(a) for plaintiff: Irwin, McKnight, & Hughes
~~s' 60 West Pomfret Street
Carlisle, PA 17013-3222
(b) for defendant: Michael F. Bradley
Address' 123 South Broad Street
Suite 1970
Philadelphia,. PA 19109
3. I will notify all parties in writing within two days that this case has
been listed for argument.
4. At'guoent Court Date:
Dated:
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DEC 2 0 2001.~~'~
CHRISTINE M. HUMMEL and IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
TRAVIS L. MELLOTT, CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiffs
v CIVIL ACTION -LAW
STEVEN FITHIAN and NO.01 - 4930 CIVIL
DEBRA FITHIAN,
Defendants IN CUSTODY
COURT ORDER
r~
AND NOW, this ~ day of December, 2001, the conciliator being advised that the parties
have between themselves reached an agreement concerning custody, the conciliator relinquishes
jurisdiction.
BY THE COURT,
~G" `
Hubert X. Gilroy, Esqui e
Custody Conciliator l
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