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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL DIVISION: LAW
4%lq
MICHELLE L. LOUTHIAN, No. 4494-C of 1999
Plaintiff
Vs.
SHANE M. LOUTHIAN,
Defendant Custody Action
AND NOW, TO WIT, this day of September, 1999, upon
consideration of the attached preliminary objections to
Plaintiff's Petition for Modification of Custody on the basis of
lack of jurisdiction and pendency of prior action, it is hereby
ORDERED that Defendant's objections are granted and this
action is dismissed with prejudice.
BY THE COURT:
J.
AORR15 k VEUDER
]2 N. DUKE ST.
YORK. PA
,
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL DIVISION: LAW
MICHELLE L. LOUTHIAN, No. 4494-C of 1999
Plaintiff
VS.
SHANE M. LOUTHIAN,
Defendant Custody Action
PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS
AND NOW, TO WIT, this if day of September, 1999, comes the
Defendant, Shane M. Louthian, by his attorneys, Morris & Vedder,
and appears for the limited purpose of preliminarily objecting
Plaintiff's Petition for Modification of Custody of which
following is a statement:
COUNT I - LACK OF JURISDICTION - PENDENCY OF PRIOR ACTION
1. Plaintiff initiated the instant action on or about
August 10, 1999, by the filing of Plaintiff's Petition to Modify
Custody Order.
2. Plaintiff's Complaint admits in its title and the body
of the complaint that they are seeking to modify the existing
Court Order dated July 16, 1993, entered by the Court of Common
Pleas of York County, Pennsylvania.
3. The York County action was commenced by Plaintiff on
AORRIS & VEDDER
33 N. DUKE ST.
YORK. PA.
July 23, 1991, and it remains active and pending. See Docket
Entries (Annex "A").
4. The parties are currently under and subject to the
jurisdiction of the Court of Common Pleas in York County,
Pennsylvania and are exercising their rights of custody pursuant
,
to its Court orders dated March 31, 1998 (Annex "B"), August 30,
1996 (Annex "C") and July 16, 1993 (Annex "D").
5. On March 23, 1998, Plaintiff raised the issue of
AORRIS tr VEDDER
33 N. DUKE ST.
YORK. PA
jurisdiction before the Court of Common Pleas in York County,
Pennsylvania, by filing preliminary objections (Annex "E").
6. By order dated order March 31, 1998 (Annex "B"),
Plaintiff's preliminary objections claiming that jurisdiction and
venue in York County was improper were deemed withdrawn.
7. The York County action has not been stayed.
8. In accordance with 23 Pa.C.S.A. S 5364(h), entitled
"Modification of custody decrees," your Honorable Court shall
modify a custody decree made by another court of common pleas of
this Commonwealth, to wit, the custody orders entered by the Court
of Common Pleas of York County, Pennsylvania, unless it appears
your Honorable Court that the Court of Common Pleas of Y
County, Pennsylvania does not have jurisdiction under
jurisdictional prerequisites substantially in accordance with that
subchapter or has declined to assume jurisdiction to modify its
decree.
9. The Court of Common Pleas of York County, Pennsylvania
was the home county of the child at the time the York County
proceeding was commenced. It has continuing jurisdiction as the
father of the child, Defendant above-captioned, continues to live
in York County, Pennsylvania (see paragraph 2 of Plaintiff's
complaint) and Mother continues to work for York County Children
and Youth Services in York County.
2
i
II
10. The Court of Common Pleas of York County, Pennsylvania!
has not declined to assume jurisdiction to modify its decree. On
the contrary, the Court of Common Pleas of York County,
Pennsylvania recently exercised jurisdiction and entered its orders
of March 31, 1998 (Annex "B").
I
11. Defendant appears in this action for the sole purpose of,
filing and processing these preliminary objections. His;
appearance shall not constitute participation for any other
purpose. See Explanatory Comment - 1994 to Rule 1920.2.
12. By virtue of the foregoing, your Honorable Court does
not have jurisdiction of this matter.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Shane M. Louthian, respectfully
requests your Honorable Court to dismiss Plaintiff's Petition for
Modification of Custody for lack of jurisdiction and pendency of
prior action.
Respectfully submitted,
MORRIS & VEDDER
BY:
Clyde W. Vedd Esquire
32 N. Duke St.
PO Box 544
York, Pennsylvania 17405
(717) 843-9815
Supreme Court No. 32098
AORRIS R VEDDER
32 N. OUKE ST.
YORK. PA.
Doc. No. CW1379
3
Iv
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL DIVISION: LAW
MICHELLE L. LOUTHIAN, No. 4494-C of 1999
Plaintiff
VS.
SHANE M. LOUTHIAN,
Defendant Custody Action
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Sophia L. Hollis, secretary to Clyde W. Vedder, Esquire,
of the law firm of Morris & Vedder, 32 North Duke Street, City of
York, York County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby cez
that on this 1" day of September, 1999, I served a true
correct copy of Preliminary Objections by placing the same in
United States mail, postage prepaid to:
N. Christopher Menges, Esquire
145 E. Market St.
York, PA 17401
Dawn S. Sunday, Esquire
39 W. Main St.
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
MORRIS & VEDDER
BY:
Sopnla L. hollls, raecrecary co
Clyde W. Vedder, Esquire
MORRIS & VEDDER
22 N. OYKE ST.
YORK. PA.
C I V I L C 0 U R T C A S E I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M
< York County Prothonotary's office
(88/07/22) PROT-05A
Case No. 1991 - SU
Commenced... 19910723
Case Status. A Active
Case Type... Custody
Last Updated 19910724
X Filed Code
19910723 04076 CO]
- 03555 - 03 Comment 1:
by APQ 2:
3:
Impound Flag 4:
by APQ 5:
_______= DOCKETS ENTERED =__
D O C K E T D E S C R I P
4PLAINT IN CUSTODY ACTION
RODGER D JOHNSON AND
JOSEPHINE L JOHNSON H/W
VERSUS
MICHELLE L LOUTHIAN AND
SHANE M LOUTHIAN H/W
--------------------
T I 0 N Index Updated
M 19910724
19910723 04031 DIRECTIVE RE: CUSTODY MASTER 19910724
DOROTHY LIVADITIS ESQ MASTER HEARING HELD ON
OCTOBER 17 1991 AT 10:15 AM
19910729 04015 ACCEPTANCE OF SERVICE 19910730
OF COMPLAINT FOR CUSTODY AND DIRECTIVE
BY MICHELLE L LOUTHIAN ON 7/24/91
(2)First (8)Position File (15)Judgment (16)Exit (32)Case Lookup
Annex "A"
C I V I L C O U R T C A S E I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M
It York County Prothonotary's Office
(88/07/22)
PROT-05A
Case No. 1991 - SU - 03555 - 03 Comment 1: RODGER D JOHNSON AND
Commenced... 19910723 by APQ 2: JOSEPHINE L JOHNSON H/W
Case Status. A Active 3: VERSUS
Case Type... Custody Impound Flag 4: MICHELLE L LOUTHIAN AND
Last Updated 19910724 by APQ 5: SHANE M LOUTHIAN H/W
DOCKETS ENTERED
X Filed Code D O C K E T D E S C R I P T I O N Index Updated
19910730 04087 SHERIFF RETURN OF SERVICE 19910731
COMPLAINT UPON SHANE M LOUTHIAN DEFT 7-26-91
0 C NACE SHERIFF OF YORK CO
19911115 04213 REPORT OF PRE-HEARING CONFERENCE 19911121
FILED BY DOROTHY LIVADITIS ESQ PRE HEARING
OFFICER
19911115 04104 ORDER RE: CUSTODY 19911121
BY THE COURT SHERYL A DORNEY JUDGE
(2)First (8)Position File (15)Judgment (16)Exit (32)Case Lookup
C I V I L C 0 U R T C A S E I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M
York County Prothonotary's Office
(88/07/22)
Case No. 1991 - SU
Commenced... 19910723
Case Status. A Active
Case Type... Custody
Last Updated 19910724
---------------------
X Filed Code
19911115 04089 NO'
OF
19920324 04379 PETITION FOR CONTEMPT
& MODIFICATION
PROT-05A
- 03555 - 03 Comment 1: RODGER D JOHNSON AND
by APQ 2: JOSEPHINE L JOHNSON H/W
3: VERSUS
Impound Flag 4: MICHELLE L LOUTHIAN AND
by APQ 5: SHANE M LOUTHIAN H/W
_______= DOCKETS ENTERED
D 0 C K E T D E S C R I P T I 0 N Index Updated
LICE GIVEN RE: PA R. C. P. 236 19911121
REPORT AND ORDER RE CUSTODY
19920325
19920324 04929 DIRECTIVE APPOINTING CUSTODY CONCILIATOR 19920325
DOROTHY LIVADITIS ESQ ASSIGNED CONFERENCE
4/29/92 AT 9:OOAM
(2)First (B)Position File (15)Judgment (16)Exit (32)Case Lookup
C I V I L C 0 U R T C A S E I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M
r York County Prothonotary's Office
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PROT-05A
Case No. 1991 - SU - 03555 - 03 Comment 1: RODGER D JOHNSON AND
Commenced... 19910723 by APQ 2: JOSEPHINE L JOHNSON H/W
Case Status. A Active 3: VERSUS
Case Type... Custody Impound Flag 4: MICHELLE L LOUTHIAN AND
Last Updated 19910724 by APQ 5: SHANE M LOUTHIAN H/W
DOCKETS ENTERED
X Filed Code D 0 C K E T D E S C R I P T I O N Index -Updated
19920401 04576 AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE 19920402
OF PETITION FOR CONTEMPT & MODIFICATION
19920505 04619 CONSENT TO ENTRY OF COURT ORDER 19920507
19920505 04931 REPORT OF CONCILIATOR 19920508
DOROTHY LIVADITIS ESQUIRE
(2)First (8)Position File (15)Judgment (16)Exit (32)Case Lookup
C I V I L C 0 U R T C A S E I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M
York County Prothonotary's Office
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PROT-05A
Case No. 1991 - SU - 03555 - 03 Comment 1: RODGER D JOHNSON AND
Commenced... 19910723 by APQ 2: JOSEPHINE L JOHNSON H/W
Case Status. A Active 3: VERSUS
Case Type... Custody Impound Flag 4: MICHELLE L LOUTHIAN AND
Last Updated 19910724 by APQ 5: SHANE M LOUTHIAN H/W
DOCKETS ENTERED -------
---_________
X Filed Code D 0 C K E T D E S C R I P T I O N Index Updated
19920506 04104 ORDER RE: CUSTODY 19920507
BY THE COURT PENNY L BLACKWELL JUDGE
19920506 04089 NOTICE GIVEN RE: PA R. C. P. 236 19920507
OF ORDER RE CUSTODY
19920506 04928 CONCILIATION CONFERENCE MEMORANDUM 19920507
(2)First (8)Position File (15)Judgment (16)Exit (32)Case Lookup
C I V I L C O U R T C A S E I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M
` York County Prothonotary's Office
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Case No. 1991 - SU - 03555 - 03 Comment 1: RODGER D JOHNSON AND
Commenced... 19910723 by APQ 2: JOSEPHINE L JOHNSON H/W
Case Status. A Active 3: VERSUS
Case Type... Custody Impound Flag 4: MICHELLE L LOUTHIAN AND
Last Updated 19910724 by APQ 5: SHANE M LOUTHIAN H/W
DOCKETS ENTERED
X Filed Code D 0 C K E T D E S C R I P T I O N Index Updated
19920506 04928 CONCILIATION CONFERENCE MEMORANDUM 19920507
19920903 04357 PETITION FOR SPECIAL RELIEF
& EMERGENCY RELIEF W/ORDER PETITION GRANTED
BY THE COURT PENNY L BLACKWELL
19920904 04626 PETITION
TO VACATE CUSTODY W/CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
19920904
19920914
(2) First (8) Position File (15) Judgment (16) Exit (32) Case Lookup
C I V I L C 0 U R T C A S E I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M
York County Prothonotary's Office
(88/07/22) PROT-05A
Case No. 1991 - SU - 03555 - 03 Comment 1: RODGER D JOHNSON AND
Commenced... 19910723 by APQ 2: JOSEPHIN E L JOHNSON H/W
Case Status. A Active 3: VERSUS
Case Type... Custody Impound Flag 4: MICHELLE L LOUTHIAN AND
Last Updated 19910724 by APQ 5: SHANE M LOUTHIAN H/W
DOCKETS ENTERED
X Filed Code D 0 C K E T D E S C R I P T I O N Index Updated
19920904 04929 DIRECTIVE APPOINTING CUSTODY CONCILIATOR 19920914
JAMES A HOLTZER SEPT 21 1992 2:00 PM
BY THE COURT P L BLACKWELL JUDGE
19920910 04025 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE OF 19920914
PETITION TO VACATE CUSTODY SERVED UPON
MICHELLE L LOUTHIAN
19920910 04025 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE OF 19920914
PETITION TO VACATE CUSTODY UPON R ODGER D
JOHNSON & JOSEPHINE L JOHNSON
(2)First (8)Position File (15)Judgment (16)Exit (32)Case Lookup
C I V I L C 0 U R T C A S E I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T.E M
York County Prothonotary's Office
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PROT-05A
Case No. 1991 - SU - 03555 - 03 Comment
Commenced... 19910723 b
APQ 1: RODGER D JOHNSON AND
y
Case Status. A Active 2: JOSEPHINE L JOHNSON H/W
Case Type... Custody
Impound Flag 3:
4: VERSUS
MICHELLE L LOUTHIAN A
Last Updated 19910724 by
APQ ND
5: SHANE M LOUTHIAN H/W
DOCKETS ENTERED
X Filed Code D
19920923 04931 REPORT O C K E T D E S C R I
OF CONCILIATOR P T I O N Index Updated
JAMES A HOLTZER ESQUIRE 19920923
19920924 04104 ORDER RE: CUSTODY 19920930
VIDE BY CT J BLACKWELL
19920924 04089 NOTICE GIVEN RE: PA R. C. P. 236 19920930
(2)First (8)Position File (15)Judgment (16)Exit (32)Case Lookup
C I V I L C O U R T C A S E I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M
York County Prothonotary's office
(88/07/22) PROT-05A
Case No. 1991 - SU - 03555 - 03 Comment 1: RODGER D JOHNSON AND
Commenced... 19910723 by APQ 2: JOSEPHINE L JOHNSON H/W
Case Status. A Active 3: VERSUS
Case Type... Custody Impound Flag 4: MICHELLE L LOUTHIAN AND
Last updated 19910724 by APQ 5: SHANE M LOUTHIAN H/W
DOCKETS ENTERED
X Filed Code D O C K E T D E S C R I P T I O N Index Updated
19920924 04928 CONCILIATION CONFERENCE MEMORANDUM 19920930
19920924 04928 CONCILIATION CONFERENCE MEMORANDUM 19920930
19921006 04626 PETITION 19950607
TO DISMISS AND/OR FOR HEARING FILED ON BEHALF
OF SHANE M LOUTHIAN
(2)First (8)Position File (15)Judgment (16)Exit (32)Case Lookup
C I V I L C O U R T C A S E I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M
York County Prothonotary's office
(88/07/22) PROT-05A
Case No. 1991 - SU - 03555 - 03 Comment 1: RODGER D JOHNSON AND
Commenced... 19910723 by APQ 2: JOSEPHINE L JOHNSON H/W
Case Status. A Active 3: VERSUS
Case Type... Custody Impound Flag 4: MICHELLE L LOUTHIAN AND
Last Updated 19910724 by APQ 5: SHANE M LOUTHIAN H/W
DOCKETS ENTERED
------------------------
X Filed Code D 0 C K E T D E S C R I P T I O N Index Updated
19921019 04104 ORDER RE: CUSTODY 19921020
VIDE BY CT J BLACKWELL
19921019 04089 NOTICE GIVEN RE: PA R. C. P. 236
19921026 04626 PETITION
TO HAVE RESPONDENT HELD IN CONTEMPT FOR
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH CUSTODY ORDER
(2)First (8)Position File (15)Judgment (16)Exit (32)Case Lookup
19921020
19921118
C I V I L C O U R T C A S E I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M
York County Prothonotary's Office
(88/07/22)
PROT-05A
Case No. 1991 - SU - 03555 - 03 Comment 1: RODGER D JOHNSON AND
Commenced... 19910723 by APQ 2: JOSEPHINE L JOHNSON H/W
Case Status. A Active 3: VERSUS
Case Type... Custody Impound Flag 4: MICHELLE L LOUTHIAN AND
Last Updated 19910724 by APQ 5: SHANE M LOUTHIAN H/W
DOCKETS ENTERED =___ ________-
- -----------
----------------
X Filed Code D 0 C K E T D E S C R I P T I O N Index Updated
19921026 04929 DIRECTIVE APPOINTING CUSTODY CONC ILIATOR 19921118
STEVEN M CARR ASSIGNED TO CON DUCT A
CONFERENCE ON NOV 10 1992 AT 1:00
19921110 04931 REPORT OF CONCILIATOR 19921116
JAMES A HOLTZER ESQUIRE
19921118 04104 ORDER RE: CUSTODY 19921120
AGREEMENT MAKE PETITION WITHDRAWN DEFT TO PAY
$100.00 TO ATTY VEDDER (VIDE) BLACKWELL J
(2)First (8)Position File (15)Judgment (16)Exit (32)Case Lookup
C I V I L C 0 U R T C A S E I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M
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PROT-05A
Case No. 1991 - SU - 03555 - 03 Commen t 1: RODGER D JOHNSON AND
Commenced.. . 19910723 by APQ 2: JOSEPHINE L JOHNSON H/W
Case Status . A Active 3: VERSUS
Case Type.. . Custody Impound Flag 4: MICHELLE L LOUTHIAN AND
Last update d 19910724 by APQ 5: SHANE M LOUTHIAN H/W
DOCKETS ENTERED
X Filed
1 Code D O C K E T D E S C R I P T I O N Index Updated
9921118 04089 NOT ICE GIVEN RE: PA R. C
P 236
BY .
.
THE PROTHONOTARY 19921120
19921118 04928 CON CILIATION CONFERENCE MEMORANDUM 19921120
FOR DEFT SHANE LOUTHIAN
19930304 04803 CERTIFICATION 19930305
OF COMPLETION OF EFFECTIVE PARENTING SKILLS
COURSE W/ CERT OF SERV
(2)First (8)Position File (15)Judgment (16)Exit (32)Case Lookup
C I V I L C 0 U R T C A S E I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M
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PROT-05A
Case No. 1991 - SU - 03555 - 03 Comment 1: RODGER D JOHNSON AND
Commenced... 19910723 by APQ 2: JOSEPHINE L JOHNSON H/W
Case Status. A Active 3: VERSUS
Case Type... Custody Impound Flag 4: MICHELLE L LOUTHIAN AND
Last Updated 19910724 by APQ 5: SHANE M LOUTHIAN H/W
DOCKETS ENTERED - _
X Filed Code D O C K E T D E S C R I P=T=1=O=N==eevlndex= Updated
19930625 04626 PETITION
TO MODIFY PARTIAL CUSTODY/WITH CERTIFICATE OF 19930628
SERVICE
19930625 04929 DIRECTIVE APPOINTING CUSTODY CONCILIATOR
STEVEN M CARR CONFERENCE TO BE HELD ON JULY 19930628
13 1993 AT 9:00 AM
19930714 04928 CONCILIATION CONFERENCE MEMORANDUM
WITH CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE 19930719
(2)First (8)POSition File (15)Judgment (16)Exit (32)Case Lookup
C I V I L C 0 U R T C A S E I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M
York County Prothonotary's Office
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Case No. 1991 - SU - 03555 - 03 Comment 1: RODGER D JOHNSON AND
Commenced... 19910723 by APQ 2: JOSEPHINE L JOHNSON H/W
Case Status. A Active 3: VERSUS
Case Type... Custody Impound Flag 4: MICHELLE L LOUTHIAN AND
Last Updated 19910724 by APQ 5: SHANE M LOUTHIAN H/W
DOCKETS ENTERED
X Filed Code D O C K E T D E S C R I P T I O N Index Updated
19930716 04931 REPORT OF CONCILIATOR 19930716
STEVEN CARR ESQ
19930716 04104 ORDER RE: CUSTODY 19940804
VIDE BY CT J BLACKWELL (CAPTION AMENDED TO
PROVIDE PLTF MICHELLE L LOUTHIAN & DEFT
19940716 04104 ORDER RE: CUSTODY 19940804
SHANE M LOUTHIAN/RODGER D JOHNSON & JOSEPHINE
L JOHNSON NO LONGER PARTIES
(2)First (8)Position File (15)Judgment (16)Exit (32)Case Lookup
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York County Prothonotary's office
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Case No. 1991 - SU - 03555 - 03 Comment 1:
Commenced... 19910723 by APQ 2:
Case Status. A Active 3:
Case Type... Custody Impound Flag 4:
Last Updated 19910724 by APQ 5:
DOCKETS ENTERED -
X Filed Code D O C K E T D E S C R I. P
19940716 04089 NOTICE GIVEN RE: PA R. C. P. 236
PROT-05A
RODGER D JOHNSON AND
JOSEPHINE L JOHNSON H/W
VERSUS
MICHELLE L LOUTHIAN AND
SHANE M LOUTHIAN H/W
-------------------------
T I 0 N Index Updated
19940804
19940803 04507 PETITION TO MODIFY CUSTODY ORDER 19940804
W/CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
19940803 04929 DIRECTIVE APPOINTING CUSTODY CONCILIATOR 19940604
STEVEN M CARR ESQ ASSIGNED TO COND CONC CONF
08/16/94 11:00 A.M. GOV CTR P L BLACKWELL JUD
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Case No. 1991 - SU - 03555 - 03 Comment l: RODGER D JOHNSON AND
Commenced... 19910723 by APQ 2: JOSEPHINE L JOHNSON H/W
Case Status. A Active 3: VERSUS
Case Type... Custody Impound Flag 4: MICHELLE L LOUTHIAN AND
Last Updated 19910724 by APQ 5: SHANE M LOUTHIAN H/W
DOCKETS ENTERED
X Filed Code D 0 C K E T D E S C R I P T I O N Index Updated
19940810 04025 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE OF 19940811
PETITION TO MODIFY CUSTODY BY CERTIFIED MAIL
ON AUG 6 1994
19940831 04931 REPORT OF CONCILIATOR 19940906
STEVEN M CARR ESQ
19940906 04928 CONCILIATION CONFERENCE MEMORANDUM 19940908
(2)First (8)Position File (15)Judgment (16)Exit (32)Case Lookup
C I V I L C O U R T C A S E I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M
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PROT-05A
Case No.
Commenced.. 1991 - SU
. 19910723 - 03555 - 03
b
APQ Comment 1: RODGER D JOHNSON AND
Case Status
. A Active y 2: JOSEPHINE L JOHNSON H/W
Case Type..
. Custody
Impou
nd Flag 3:
4: VERSUS
MICHELLE
L LOUTHIAN
Last
Update
d
19910724
by
APQ AND
- - 5: SHANE M L OUTHIAN H/W
DOCKETS ENTERED =-- -----
X Filed Code D 0 C K E T D E S C R I P T I O N Ind
19940906
04104 ORDER
RE: CUSTODY ex Updated
BY THE CT: PENNY L BLACKWELL JUDGE 19940908
19940906 04089 NOTICE GIVEN RE: PA R. C. P. 236
19940908
19940906 05022 ORDER FOR MEDIATION
BY THE COURT: PENNY L BLACKWELL JUDGE 19940908
(STANLEY E SCHNEIDER ED D MEDIATOR)
(2)First (8)Position File (15)Judgment (16)Exit (32)Case Lookup
C I V I L C O U R T C A S E I N F O R M A T I O N S Y S T E M
York County Prothonotary's Office
(88/07/22) PROT-05A
Case No. 1991 - SU
Commenced... 19910723
Case Status. A Active
Case Type... Custody
Last Updated 19910724
X Filed Code
19940906 04089 NO'
- 03555 - 03 Comment 1:
by APQ 2:
3:
Impound Flag 4:
by APQ 5:
_______= DOCKETS ENTERED =__
D O C K E T D E S C R I P
FILE GIVEN RE: PA R. C. P. 236
RODGER D JOHNSON AND
JOSEPHINE L JOHNSON H/W
VERSUS
MICHELLE L LOUTHIAN AND
SHANE M LOUTHIAN H/W
------------------------
T I 0 N Index Updated
19940908
19950120 04104 ORDER RE: CUSTODY
BY THE CT: PENNY L BLACKWELL J (PRE-TRIAL
CONF ON TUES 2/14/95 COMMENCING AT 9:30AM)
19950120 04089 NOTICE GIVEN RE: PA R. C. P. 236
19950125
19950125
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Case No. 1991 - SU - 03555 - 03 Comment 1: RODGER D JOHNSON AND
Commenced... 19910723 by APQ 2: JOSEPHINE L JOHNSON H/W
Case Status. A Active 3: VERSUS
Case Type... Custody Impound Flag 4: MICHELLE L LOUTHIAN AND
Last Updated 19910724 by APQ 5: SHANE M LOUTHIAN H/W
DOCKETS ENTERED
X Filed Code D O C K E T D E S C R I P T I O N Index Updated
19950213 04292 PETITION TO WITHDRAW APPEARANCE 19950214
OF JERRY BROWN ON BEHALF OF DEFEN DANTS
W/CERT OF SERVICE
19950214 04123 APPEARANCE ENTERED 19950214
N CHRISTOPHER MENGES ESQ FOR PLAI NTIFF W/
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
19950227 04106 WITHDRAWAL OF APPEARANCE 19950301
OF JERRY W BROWN ESQ ON BEHALF OF THE
PLAINTIFFS IN THE ABOVE MATTER
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Case No. 1991 - SU - 03555 - 03 Comment 1: RODGER D JOHNSON AND
Commenced... 19910723 by APQ 2: JOSEPHINE L JOHNSON H/W
Case Status. A Active 3: VERSUS
Case Type... Custody Impound Flag 4: MICHELLE L LOUTHIAN AND
Last Updated 19910724 by APQ 5: SHANE M LOUTHIAN H/W
DOCKETS ENTERED
X Filed Code D O C K E T D E S C R I P T I O N Index Updated
19950306 04843 PRAECIPE 19950307
TO WITHDRAW PETITION FOR LEAVE TO WITHDRAW
APPEARANCE OF J BROWN FOR MICHELLE W/CERT SVC
19950412 04379 PETITION FOR CONTEMPT 19950413
& OR MODIFICATION OF ORDER W/CERT OF SVC
19950605 04025 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE OF 19950607
OF PLTFS ANSWER TO DEFTS REQUEST FOR
ADMISSION (FIRST SET)
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Case No. 1991 - SU - 03555 - 03 Comment 1: RODGER D JOHNSON AND
Commenced.. . 19910723 by APQ 2: JOSEPHINE L JOHNSON H/W
Case Status . A Active 3: VERSUS
Case Type.. . Custody Impound Flag 4: MICHELLE L LOUTHIAN AND
Last Update d 19910724 by APQ 5: SHANE M LOUTHIAN H/W
----------- ------------------ DOCKETS ENTERED =_______----- ----------------
X Filed Code D 0 C K E T D E S C R I P T I O N Index Updated
19950623 04358 ORDER OF CO URT SCHEDULING HEARING 19950626
HRG SCH FOR OCT 30 & 31 1995 LOAM
BY THE CT: PENNY L BLACKWELL JUDGE
19950623 04089 NOTICE GIVEN RE: PA R. C. P. 236 19950626
19950804 04185 MEMORANDUM FOR PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCE 19950817
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Case No. 1991 - SU - 03555 - 03 Comment 1: RODGER D JOHNSON AND
Commenced... 19910723 by APQ 2: JOSEPHINE L JOHNSON H/W
Case Status. A Active 3: VERSUS
Case Type... Custody Impound Flag 4: MICHELLE L LOUTHIAN AND
Last Updated 19910724 by APQ 5: SHANE M LOUTHIAN H/W
DOCKETS ENTERED
X Filed Code D 0 C K E T D E S C R I P T I O N Index Updated
19950908 04025 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE OF 19950911
COPY OF INT ERROGATORIES
19950929 04358 ORDER OF COURT SCHEDULING HEARING 19951004
HRG SCH FOR NOV 16 & 17 1995 @ 9:30AM CT RM 3
BY THE CT: PENNY L BLACKWELL JUDGE
19950929 04089 NOTICE GIVEN RE: PA R. C. P. 236 19951004
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Case No. 1991 - SU - 03555 - 03 Comment 1: RODGER D JOHNSON AND
Commenced... 1.9910723 by APQ 2: JOSEPHINE L JOHNSON H/W
Case Status. A Active 3: VERSUS
Case Type... Custody Impound Flag 4: MICHELLE L LOUTHIAN AND
Last Updated 19910724 by APQ 5: SHANE M LOUTHIAN H/W
DOCKETS ENTERED
X Filed Code D O C K E T D E S C R I P T I O N Index Updated
19951020 04358 ORDER OF CO URT SCHEDULING HEARING 19951025
RESCHEDULED FOR NOV 15 & 16 1995 9:30AM CT
RM 3 BY THE CT: JOHN T MILLER JUDGE
19951020 04089 NOTICE GIVE N RE: PA R. C. P. 236 19951025
19951108 04358 ORDER OF CO URT SCHEDULING HEARING 19951113
RESCHEDULED FOR DEC 7 & 8 1995 9:30AM
BY THE CT: PENNY L BLACKWELL JUDGE
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Case No. 1991 - SU - 03555 - 03 Comment 1: RODGER D JOHNSON AND
Commenced... 19910723 by APQ 2: JOSEPHINE L JOHNSON H/W
Case Status. A Active 3: VERSUS
Case Type... Custody Impound Flag 4: MICHELLE L LOUTHIAN AND
Last Updated 19910724 by APQ 5: SHANE M LOUTHIAN H/W
DOCKETS ENTERED
X Filed Code D O C K E T D E S C R I P T I O N Index Updated
19951108 04089 NOTICE GIVEN RE: PA R. C. P. 236 19951113
19951204 04120 SUBPOENA ISSUED 19951204
19960119 04104 ORDER RE: CUSTODY 19960123
MATTER CONTINUED UNTIL 2/8196 9AM
BY THE CT: PENNY L BLACKWELL JUDGE
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Case No. 1991 - SU
Commenced... 19910723
Case Status. A Active
Case Type... Custody
Last Updated 19910724
X Filed Code
19960119 04089 NO'
03555 - 03 Comment 1:
by APQ 2:
3:
Impound Flag 4:
by APQ 5:
-======= DOCKETS ENTERED ===
D O C K E T D E S C R I P
LICE GIVEN RE: PA R. C. P. 236
PROT-05A
RODGER D JOHNSON AND
JOSEPHINE L JOHNSON H/W
VERSUS
MICHELLE L LOUTHIAN AND
SHANE M LOUTHIAN H/W
-----------------------
T I 0 N Index Updated
19960123
19960830 04096 OPINION AND ORDER 19960903
PETITION TO MODIFY EXISTING ORDER DENIED
BY THE CT: JOHN T MILLER JUDGE
19960830 04089 NOTICE GIVEN RE: PA R. C. P. 236 19960903
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PROT-05A
Case No. 1991 - SU - 03555 - 03 Comment 1:
Commenced... 19910723 by APQ 2:
Case Status. A Active 3:
Case Type... Custody Impound Flag 4:
Last Updated 19910724 by APQ 5:
DOCKETS ENTERED =__
X Filed Code D 0 C K E T D E S C R I P
19980311 04030 PETITION FOR CONTEMPT OF CUSTODY
FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY W/CERT OF
RODGER D JOHNSON AND
JOSEPHINE L JOHNSON H/W
VERSUS
MICHELLE L LOUTHIAN AND
SHANE M LOUTHIAN H/W
-----------------------
T I 0 N Index Updated
ORDER 19980312
3VC
19980311 04929 DIRECTIVE APPOINTING CUSTODY CONCILIATOR 19980312
STEVEN M CARR ESQ TO CONDUCT CONFERENCE ON
3/24/98 02:OOPM
19980323 04052 PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS 19980324
TO PETITION FOR CONTEMPT WITH CERTIFICATE OF
SERVICE
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PROT-05A
Case No. 1991 - SU - 03555 - 03 Comment 1: RODGER D JOHNSON AND
Commenced... 19910723 by APQ 2: JOSEPHINE L JOHNSON H/W
Case Status. A Active 3: VERSUS
Case Type... Custody Impound Flag 4: MICHELLE L LOUTHIAN AND
Last Updated 19910724 by APQ 5: SHANE M LOUTHIAN H/W
DOCKETS ENTERED
X Filed Code D O C K E T D E S C R I P T I O N Index Updated
19980323 04576 AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE 19980330
OF PETITION TO HAVE RESPONDENT HELD IN CONTE-
MPT OF CT
19980330 04931 REPORT OF CONCILIATOR 19980331
FILED BY STEVEN M CARR
19980402 04619 CONSENT TO ENTRY OF COURT ORDER 19980403
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Case No. 1991 - SU - 03555 - 03 Comment 1:
Commenced... 19910723 by APQ 2:
Case Status. A Active 3:
Case Type... Custody Impound Flag 4:
Last Updated 19910724 by APQ 5:
DOCKETS ENTERED ===
X Filed Code D 0 C K E T D E S C R I P
19980402 04928 CONCILIATION CONFERENCE MEMORANDi
OF DEFENDANT
RODGER D JOHNSON AND
JOSEPHINE L JOHNSON H/W
VERSUS
MICHELLE L LOUTHIAN AND
SHANE M LOUTHIAN H/W
------------------------
T I 0 N Index Updated
im 19980408
19980402 04104 ORDER RE: CUSTODY 19980407
PARTIES SHALL CONTINUE TO SHARE LEGAL CUSTODY
BY THE COURT RICHARD K RENN JUDGE
19980402 04089 NOTICE GIVEN RE: PA R. C. P. 236 19980407
(2)First (8)Position File (15)Judgment (16)Exit (32)Case Lookup
`v
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHELLE L. LOUTHIAN No. 91-SU-03555-03
VS.
SHANE M. LOUTHIAN Custody
APPEARANCES:
Clyde W. Vedder, Esquire
For Shane M. Louthian
w
N. Christopher Menges, Esquire -?
For Michelle L. Louthian
r * ?
O R D E R
In this matter the parties appeared before Steven M. Carr,
Conciliator, with regard to Father's Contempt Petition regarding this
Court's Order of July 13, 1993 involving the parties' child, Zachary J.
Louthian, born October 19, 1990. The parties were able to reach an
agreement at the conciliation conference, which agreement is hereby
adopted as an order of this Court. As a result of the agreement, the
Preliminary Objections filed by Mother shall be deemed to be withdrawn.
Further, the Contempt Petition filed by Father shall be deemed to be
withdrawn.
As a result of the agreement of the parties, this Court's
Order of July 13, 1993 shall remain in full force and effect except as
modified in this Order. Accordingly, the parties shall continue to share
legal custody of the child and Mother shall continue to have majority
physical custody of the child subject to Father's rights of partial
custody. Qgf QQU'1500i•'I I Annex "B"
CR D from the re-o Is of the Court of Co r9?r Pleas a York rm , Pennsylvania
thi f
s0 - day of A.D..19 TT ?
Stwia N. Gates, Prothonotary
F'ather's rights of partial custody on alternate weekends shall
henceforth be from 6:00 p.m. Friday until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday,
commencing Friday, April 3, 1998.
Father shall continue to have the additional rights of partial
custody set forth in the previous Court Order.
With regard to shared legal custody, the Court reemphasizes
that shared legal custody requires that the parties discuss matters
involving the child's health, education, and welfare. Specifically,
Father shall be given advance notice of Mother's desire for the child to
see a doctor, dentist, psychologist/psychiatrist or other healthcare
professional on a non-emergency basis. Father shall then have the
opportunity to express his opinion with regard to the necessity for
seeing such a healthcare professional. Father shall also be given
advance notice of any desire to prescribe any medications for the child.
Certainly, Father has the ability to discuss potential medications with
the healthcare professionals and to discuss counseling directly with the
healthcare professionals. Father shall also be notified of any
appointments so that he has the ability to participate in those
appointments when scheduled.
In addition, Mother has agreed and is therefore ordered to pay
Father's attorney's fees of $400.00 within 60 days of March 24, 1998.
Payment shall be made directly to Attorney Vedder.
With regard to extracurricular activities for the child while
the child is in Father's custody and control, Father has agreed and is
therefore ordered to ensure that the child attends at least one
extracurricular activity per month that is regularly scheduled during
Father's period of partial custody. In other words, if the child has a
T-ball game, a soccer match, a swim meet, or a scout event, Father shall
ensure that the child attends at least one extracurricular event per
month that is regularly scheduled. Mother shall provide Father with
copies of the child's schedule so that Father can comply with this
requirement.
In addition, Father shall be granted a make-up weekend for a
missed weekend in February, 1998. This weekend shall be the weekend of
April 24, 1998.
Finally, the Court notes that Father has expressed a desire to
exercise partial custody for one half of each summer which would be a
increase of the four weeks currently granted. The parties were unable to
reach an agreement in this regard. The entry of the present Order is
without prejudice to Father to request a further modification with
regard to that provision or any other provision in the event he seeks to
modify the' Order in the future. Of course, the Order is also without
prejudice to Mother to seek a modification in the event future
circumstances warrant.
The parties are commended by the Court for reaching an
agreement on this matter. It is hoped that parties will somehow
continue to agree and cooperate with the view toward the best interests
of their child.
We direct that copies of this order be provided to Attorneys
Vedder and Menges.
L31/ Fe
Date
By the_,CGd
D
R `fr?"x?At ()Uemn, Judge
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHELLE L. LOUTHIAN
VS.
:i
SHANE M. LOUTHIAN
jAPPEARANCES:
,
No. 91-SU-03555-03
Civil Action - Law
Action in Custody - Petition for Modification
CLYDE W. VEDDER, Esquire
For Petitioner %.0 T
it r.. ,n •?
ii N. CHRISTOPHER MENGES, Esquire
i; For Respondent
rte:
_ _
ii OPINION r
I
This matter comes before the Court on a Petition filed by Shane M . Louthian,
hereinafter called Father, asking that the Order of this Court, dated July 13, 1993, per
Penny L. Blackwell, Judge, be modified so as to transfer majority custody to Father, and
grant partial custody in the nature of visitation, to Michelle L. Louthian, hereinafter called
Mother.
Zachary J. Louthian was born on October 19, 1990, to Michelle L. Louthian and
j Shane M. Louthian, who were then husband and wife. The parties separated shortly before
Zachery was born. After Zachery's birth, Mother had custody of the child and Father had
limited visitation. About one (1) year later, Zachery's maternal grandparents, Rodger and
i
Josephine Johnson, assumed custody and kept the child for approximately one (1) year
until Father filed a Petition to modify his partial custody rights. On July 16, 1993, Judge
Annex "C"
Blackwell entered an Order giving Mother and Father shared legal custody, and giving
Mother majority physical custody of the child subject to Father's rights of partial custody as
set forth in that Order. On August 3, 1994, Father filed the instant Petition to modify the
custody Order by transferring majority physical custody to him, alleging that Mother has
attempted to disrupt the Father's custodial rights with the child, that the child should be
raised with his other sibling who resides with Father, and that Mother is incapable of
properly parenting the child and suffers from psychologically inappropriate behavior which
creates an inappropriate dependent relationship with the child. Not to be outdone, Mother
filed a Petition to modify the existing Order and to hold Father it,, contempt of Court for his
alleged failure to properly administer medication to the child during visitation periods.
After hearing, we have reviewed the testimony in light of our evaluation of the
witnesses, and make the following:
FINDINGS OF FACT
1. Zachary J. Louthian was born on October 19, 1990, at Polyclinic Hospital in
Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.
2. Mother and Father were married on May 15, 1990, and divorced on September
i 23, 1992.
II
3. After the child lived with the maternal grandparents (maternal grandmother and
I?
li her husband) for about one (1) year, Mother regained custody and the child has lived with
i
her since that time subject to partial custody in the nature of visitation with Father. Legal
ii custody is shared between Mother and Father.
2
4. During the time when the maternal grandparents had custody, Mother began
ii a live-in relationship with a paramour, Leroy Ash. This continued for a period of
approximately two (2) years during which Mother regained custody of the child.
5. During the relationship with Leroy Ash, Mother was taking college courses on
weekends. In May of 1994, Mother separated from Leroy Ash. It appears that their
relationship was a physically abusive one.
6. Sometime after separating from Leroy Ash, Mother began a relationship with
David Harbaugh, with whom she now lives in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania. In the household the following persons reside: Mother, David Harbaugh, Mr.
Harbaugh's seven-year-old daughter by a prior relationship, the one-year-old child of
Mother and Mr. Harbaugh, and Zachary.
i
ji; 7. Mother received her bachelors degree in behavorial science in 1995 from Penn
I?
State Harrisburg. She is a caseworker with York County Children and Youth Services. Mr.
Harbaugh is employed at Mechanicsburg Naval Depot.
8. Father remarried on October 31, 1992, to Carla Louthian. They reside in West
a
i York Borough, York County, Pennsylvania.
9. Father and his wife have no children of their marriage. However, Father has
I!
a seven-year-old daughter named Amanda, born of a prior relationship. Father has
weekend visitation with Amanda.
i
10. The present custody Order gives Father partial custody on alternate weekends
from Friday at 5:00 P.M. until Sunday at 5:00 P.M., an alternating schedule of holiday
visitation, and a total of four (4) weeks of summer custody.
3
11. Mother and Father have been unable to maintain either civility or rationality in
their relationship with each other. Mother has reported Father to York County Children and
Youth Services for child abuse in that the child received at least a first degree sunburn and
perhaps more than that during a weekend when Father had partial custody. Mother also
has complained throughout the time when custody has been shared that Father refused to
give the child his prescribed medication when Father has the child in his custody. Father
denies any abuse and contends that Mother has been totally uncooperative and has failed
to explain either the type of medication or the need for the medication. it is also clear that
Mother denigrates Father in the child's presence.
?i
12. Mother has not made it easy for Father to exercise visitation or partial custody.
13. Both Mother and Father have extended family available, all of whom are
a
valuable resources for the child's development.
li
Ij DISCUSSION
it
i It is obvious that Mother and Father dislike each other and that it is unlikely that they
!i
will ever cooperate in raising the child in such a way that he can develop normally. We
I?
11 believe that this will be true no matter who has majority custody. While it appears that
i
Mother may be more emotionally unstable than Father. it does not appear that this
!I difference is significant. Nor are the family groupings significantly different except that
i
i Father and Carla are married, whereas Michelle and David are not married, although they
seem to be considering the taking of such a step. The family units are "blended" in each
case, but there is little that the Court can do to insure that Zachery will grow up in a stable
nuclear family. It is indeed unfortunate that the parties seem to be unable to understand
what they are doing to their child, but ascribe to themselves pure motives; coversely they
demonize the other parent. We have had the opportunity to observe both parents in-the--,-
4
courtroom and to see and hear their testimony on the witness stand. We have heard the
it
1 testimony of Janet S. Bliss, a licensed psychologist, and Dr. Richard E. Carlson, Ph.D., also
a licensed psychologist. While Ms. Bliss recommended a change in primary custody from
Mother to Father based upon what she perceives to be a Parental Alienation Syndrome in
i
Michelle. Dr. Carlson, on the other hand, recommends that no change in primary custody
be made, finding that each parent has essentially the same parenting abilities.
We are satisfied that each of the parties, Mother and Father, sincerely love Zachery.
ii
We are satisfied that both Mother and Father dislike each other, and that Mother's dislike
of Father is perhaps more deeply held. We believe that Mother would not be unhappy if
j Father had no contact with the child, but we cannot say that she is actively trying to alienate
the child from his Father to such an extent as to make necessary the rather drastic step of
a change in primary custody. We understand that mediation has been attempted but both
Mother and Father seem to feel that it has been ineffective and will probably not be
successful.
Based upon the evidence in our assessment and evaluation of that evidence, we
make the following:
FINDINGS OF FACT
1. This Court has jursidiction to decide the issues before it.
I' 2. Father has failed to sustain the burden of proving that the best interests of the
child require the change of primary custody from Mother to Father.
5
i
i
3. The best interests of the child will be promoted by the continuance of the present
custodial arrangement.
Accordingly, we enter the following Order.
BY THE COURT,
II _
r? John . Mill r, Judge
i
i!I Dated: ?;I30/60
I?
i!
6
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHELLE L. LOUTHIAN : No. 91-SU-03555-03
vs. : Civil Action - Law
SHANE M. LOUTHIAN : Action in Custody - Petition for Modification
jAPPEARANCES
CLYDE W. VEDDER, Esquire
For Petitioner
i;
N. CHRISTOPHER MENGES, Esquire
is For Respondent
ii
i?
jj ORDER
AND NOW, this 4j day of aLl? 1996, we refuse the Petition
to modify the existing custody Order and direct that the Order of July 13, 1993, shall
continue in effect until further Order of Court.
BY THE COURT,
l
John T. filler, Judge
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
RODGER D. JOHNSON and
JOSEPHINE L. JOHNSON
VS.
MICHELLE L. LOUTHIAN
and SHANE M. LOUTHIAN
No. 91-SU-03555-03
Custody
York, Pa., Tuesday, July 13, 1993
Before Honorable Penny L. Blackwell, Judge
JAPPEARANCES:
Clyde W. Vedder, Esquire
For Shane M. Louthian
Christina M. Veltri, Esquire W
For Michelle L. Louthian
ORD ER
N
This matter is before the Court on the Father's Vetition
to modify partial custody rights with regard to Zachary J.
Louthian, born October 19, 1990. The parties have been able to
reach an agreement, which agreement is hereby adopted as an Order
of this Court, and which agreement and Order replaces all previous
orders of this Court with regard to this matter.
Accordingly, it is ordered that the parties shall share
legal custody of the child, and the Mother shall have majority
physical custody of the child subject to Father's rights of partial
custody as set forth herein.
Father shall have rights of partial custody as follows:
1
Annex "D"
1. On alternate weekends from Friday at 5:00 p.m. until
Sunday at 5:00 p.m. beginning Friday, July 16, 1993.
2. On alternate holidays, said holidays being New
Year's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and
Thanksgiving Day from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 P.M. commencing with
Father's exercise of partial custody on Labor Day, 1993. In the
event the holiday is a Monday holiday, and said holiday coincides
with Father's regularly scheduled weekend exercise of partial
custody, in that event, Father shall be entitled to retain the
child over the entire three-day weekend. It is also noted by the
Court that holidays supersede any other rights of custody or
partial custody set forth in this Order.
3. On Father's Day from 8:00 a.m until 8:00 p.m.
Conversely, Mother shall have rights of custody on Mother's Day
from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., which rights shall supersede any
other rights of custody or partial custody as set forth herein.
4. For Christmas, in odd numbered years, Father shall
be entitled to custody from 12:00 noon on Christmas Eve until 12:00
noon on Christmas Day with Mother having custody from 12:00 noon on
Christmas Day until 12:00 noon on December 26. In even numbered
years, Mother shall be entitled custody from 12:00 noon on
Christmas Eve until 12:00 noon on Christmas Day with Father having
partial custody from 12:00 noon on Christmas Day until 12:00 noon
on December 26. Again, the rights of custody on Christmas shall
supersede any other regularly scheduled rights of weeklong or
weekend custody or partial custody.
2
5. For the summer, Father shall be entitled to four
weeks to be exercised in two-one week periods and one-two week
periods upon 30-days written notice to Mother. In addition, Mother
shall be entitled to three weeks of uninterrupted custody during
the summer for purposes of vacation, although no more than two of
those weeks may be consecutive. Again, Mother's exercise of her
rights of weeklong visitation during the summer shall be made with
30-days written notice to Father. In the event of a conflict, the
party first providing notice shall prevail. Mother acknowledges
that she has been given notice for three weeks for the summer of
1993. Father shall provide Mother with notice for the fourth week
of the summer of 1993 within 10 days of July 13, 1993. As for
Mother, mother has selected the week of August 29, 1993 for her
weeklong exercise.
With regard to transportation, the parties shall share
transportation with there being a designated pick-up point. The
designated pick-up point shall be the Rutter's at the Strinestown
exit of Interstate 83. Specifically, the pick-up point shall be
inside the said Rutter's. Neither Father's wife or Father's Mother
shall participate in the actual transfer of the child inside the
Rutter's.
In addition, each party shall be entitled to reasonable
telephone privileges with the child while the child is in the
custody and control of the other.
The parties are commended by the Court for reaching an
agreement on this matter. It is hoped that the parties will be
3
able to cooperate in the future with a view toward the best
interest of their son.
We direct that copies of this order be provided to
Attorneys Vedder and Veltri.
Finally, the Court notes that Rodger D. Johnson and
Josephine L. Johnson are no longer parties to this matter.
Accordingly, the caption of the case should hereby be amended to
provide that the Plaintiff shall be Michelle L. Louthian and the
Defendant, Shane M. Louthian.
By the Court,
?-Pe y-L. Blackwe ,edge
A i9y3
4
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF YOR COUNTY, PENNSYLVAINIA
MICHELLE L. LOUTHIAN,
Plaintiff
NO.: 91-SU-03555-03
V.
SHANE M. LOUTHIAN,
Defendant
CWIL ACTION - LAW
i
co
3
CUSTODY °::
?ETITION FOR CONTEMPT
CIO
ate
AND NOW, comes MENGES, QENT & McLAUGHLIN, attorneys for Michelle L.
fouthian, Plaintiff/Mother, before your Honorable Court with these Preliminary Objections, the
following which is a statement:
1. On March 11, 1998 the Defendant/Father, Shane M. Louthian filed the above-
referenced Petition for Contempt in the York County Court of Common Pleas.
2. The Plaintiff/Mother, Michelle L. Louthian was served with a copy thereof on or
about March 16, 1998.
3. Jurisdiction and venue in York County, Pennsylvania, is improper in this matter
pursuant to PA R.C.P. 1915.2(a)(2) and 1915.2(a)(1)(I). The action should have been brought
and filed in Cumberland County inasmuch as the child has lived with Plaintiff/Mother, Michelle L.
Louthian, in Cumberland County for approximately the last four (4) years.
Annex "E"
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff/Mother, Michelle L. Louthian prays your Honorable Court for a
transfer of the above-captioned action to Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
Respectfully submitted,
MENGES, GENT & MCLAUGHLIN, LLP ?K' __7?
N. stopher nges, Esquire
Sup. Ct. I.D.#23;66
145 East Market Street
York, Pennsylvania 17401
(717) 843-8046
Attorneys for Plaintiff/Mother
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHELLE L. LOUTHIAN, NO: 99-4879
Plaintiff,
V.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
SHANE M. LOUTHIAN, CUSTODY
Defendant.
I, N. Christopher Menges, Esquire, do hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the
Order Of Court, was served upon the below named, by placing same in the United States Mail,
first-class postage prepaid thereon, addressed as follows:
Clyde W. Vedder, Esquire
32 North Duke Street
York, PA 17401
And
Shane M. Louthian
1447 Monroe Street
York, PA 17404
MENGES, GENT & McLAUGHLIN, LLP
Dated:
N. )Christopher nges, Esquire
Sup. Ct. I.D. No. 23166
145 East Market Street
York, PA 17401
(717) 843-8046
Attorneys for Plaintiff
SEP - 8
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL DIVISION: LAW
MICHELLE L. LOUTHIAN,
Plaintiff
VS.
SHANE M. LOUTHIAN,
Defendant
No. 4494-C of 1999
Custody Action
DEFENDANT'S BRIEF IN SUPPORT
OF PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS
AND NOW, TO WIT, this 7`h day of September, 1999, comes the
Defendant, Shane M. Louthian, by his attorneys, Morris & Vedder,
and files this brief in support of his preliminary objections of
which the following is a statement:
I - STATEMENT OF FACTS
Plaintiff initiated the instant action on August 12, 1999, by
the filing of a Petition to Modify Custody Order, seeking to
modify an existing Court order dated July 16, 1993, entered by the
Court of Common Pleas of York County, Pennsylvania.
Plaintiff's Complaint admits that, "The applicable Order in
this matter, concerning the child, is an order issued by the York
County Court of Common Pleas per the Honorable Penny L. Blackwell,
Judge, on July 16, 1993." See paragraph 3 of Plaintiff's
petition.
Not only has such order been entered but the parties are also
MORRIS& VEDDER currently under and subject to two (2) subsequent Court orders
]2 N. DUKE ST.
YORK. PA. entered by the Court of Common Pleas in York County, Pennsylvania
MORRIS 6 VEDDER
32 N. DUKE ST
YORK. PA.
and dated March 31, 1998, and August 30, 1996, respectively)
(Annexes "B" and "C" to Defendant's Preliminary Objections).
The York County action was commenced on July 23 , 1991, and
remains active and pending. Such action has never been stayed no
has the Court of Common Pleas of York County, Pennsylvania
declined to assume jurisdiction to modify its decree. On the
contrary, the Court of Common Pleas of York County, Pennsylvania
accepted jurisdiction to hear modification petitions filed on
March 24, 1992, June 25, 1993, August 3, 1994, April 12, 1995, and
although Plaintiff filed preliminary objections to jurisdiction
and venue on March 23, 1998, by Order dated March 31, 1998, (Annex
"B") Plaintiff's preliminary objections were deemed withdrawn.
See Docket Entries (Annex "A" to Defendant's Preliminary
Objections).
Plaintiff's complaint admits that Defendant, the father of
the child, lives in York, York County, Pennsylvania. See
paragraph 2 of Plaintiff's complaint. Likewise, Mother is
employed full-time by the York County Children and Youth Services
and works daily in York County.
II. LEGAL ISSUE INVOLVED
1. SHOULD THE PENDING PETITION TO MODIFY CUSTODY BE
DISMISSED FOR LACK OF JURISDICTION AND PENDENCY OF PRIOR ACTION? i
SUGGESTED ANSWER: Yes.
I
III. LEGAL ARGUMENT
The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act (UCCJA) was;
2
enacted in Pennsylvania (with only insubstantial changes in
wording) by the Act of June 30, 1977, P.L. 29, No. 20, now found
at 42 Pa.C.S.A. S 5341, et seq.
Section 5364(h)(1) entitled "Modification of custody decrees"
allocates jurisdiction between Pennsylvania counties in the same
manner as the UCCJA allocates jurisdiction between states. It
provides:
(1) If another court has made a custody decree, a court
before which a petition for modification is pending shall not
modify the decree of the other court unless it appears to the
court before which the petition is pending that the other court
which rendered the decree does not have jurisdiction under
jurisdictional prerequisites substantially in accordance with this
subchapter or has declined to assume jurisdiction to modify its
decree and the provisions of subsection (f) (2) will not be
violated by an exercise of jurisdiction by the court before which
the petition is pending.
42 Pa.C.S.A. S 5364(h) (1)
As previously related, at the time the custody proceeding was
initiated before your Honorable Court in Cumberland County, the
York County court had already entered three active custody orders,
all of which continue to be active, binding and enforceable upon
the parties.
The mother's petition candidly acknowledges that she is
seeking to modify one of the York County orders and nothing more.
Though Cumberland County may have proper venue and
jurisdiction if no previous custody action concerning the child
existed, your Honorable Court should refuse to exercise
MORRIS C VEDDER
32 N. DUKE ST. jurisdiction in this case. Doing so assures compliance with
YORK. PA.
Section 5364(h)(1) as it limits Cumberland County's assertion of
3
MORRIS & VIED DER
]3 N. DUKE 5T.
YORK. PA
jurisdiction where a proceeding is already pending in another
county exercising jurisdiction. Under these circumstances, the
Act provides that the your Honorable Court "shall not modify thel
decree of the other court." 23 Pa.C.S. S 5364(h)(1); See also'
1
Simpkins v. Disney, 416 Pa.Super. 243, 610 A.2d 1062 (1992); Grunl
v. Grun, 344 Pa.Super. 432, 496 A.2d 1183 (1985), affirmed, 5111
Pa. 374, 514 A.2d 1372 (1986), which cases deal with 23 Pa.C.S. S!
5347 relating to simultaneous proceedings in other states. Sincel
your Honorable Court has no authority to modify the York County
orders it would be a useless exercise for it to accept
jurisdiction of mother's petition to modify.
Refusing to accept jurisdiction clearly facilitates many of
the stated purposes of the UCCJA as it applies "intrastate."
Section 5364(a) entitled "Intrastate application" provides:
(a) General rule.-Except as otherwise provided in this
section, the provisions of this subchapter allocating
jurisdiction and functions between and among courts of
different states shall also allocate jurisdiction and
functions between and among courts of common pleas of this
Commonwealth.
23 Pa.C.S. S 5364(a).
The stated purposes of the UCCJA are found at section 5342(a)
which provides (amended to reflect intrastate instead of
interstate):
(a) Purposes.--The general purposes of this subchapter are;
to:
(1) Avoid jurisdictional competition and conflict with:
courts of other (counties) in matters of child custody which;
have in the past resulted in the shifting of children from
(county) to (county) with harmful effects on their well - I
4
being.
(2) Promote cooperation with the courts of other
(counties) to the end that a custody decree is rendered in
that (county) which can best decide the case in the interest
of the child.
(3) Assure that litigation concerning the custody of a
child takes place ordinarily in the (county) with which the
child and his family have the closest connection and where
significant evidence concerning his care, protection,
training, and personal relationships is most readily
available, and that courts of this Commonwealth decline the
exercise of jurisdiction when the child and his family have a
closer connection with another state.
(4) Discourage continuing controversies over child
custody in the interest of greater stability of home
environment and of secure family relationships for the child.
(5) Deter abductions and other unilateral removals of
children undertaken to obtain custody awards.
(6) Avoid relitigation of custody decisions of other
(counties) insofar as feasible.
(7) Facilitate the enforcement of custody decrees of
other (counties).
(8) Promote and expand the exchange of information and
other forms of mutual assistance between the courts of this
Commonwealth.
MORRIS Q VEDDER
]1 N. DUNE ST
YORK. PA.
42 Pa. C.S.A. S 5342 (a) .
Finally, the child has had and continues to have a
significant connection to York County. Mother admits that father
continues to live in York County. In fact, (it was mother who
initiated the pending and active custody action in York County
while both parties were living there. It is also true that mother
is employed by a York County agency where she works full-time.
Clearly, these contacts are sufficient to warrant the continuing
exercise of jurisdiction by York County. See Moffitt v. Moffitt,
5
356 Pa.Super. 142, 514 A.2d 184 (1986).
In addition, mother should be collaterally estopped from
objecting to York County's continuing jurisdiction over the
child's custody. She raised the issues of jurisdiction and venue
by filing preliminary objections to father's petition filed on
March 11, 1998, and the Court of Common Pleas of York County,
Pennsylvania entered its order of March 31, 1998, (Annex "B")
stating that her preliminary objections were deemed withdrawn.
IV. CONCLUSION
By virtue of the foregoing, your Honorable Court should
decline to exercise jurisdiction of this matter.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Shane M. Louthian, respectfully
requests your Honorable Court to dismiss Plaintiff fIs Petition for
Modification of Custody for lack of jurisdiction and pendency of
prior action.
Respectfully submitted,
MORRIS & VEDDER
BY:
Clyde W. Vedd r, Esquire
32 N. Duke St.
PO Box 544
York, Pennsylvania 17405
(717) 843-9815
Supreme Court No. 32098
Doc. No. Cwv1445
MORRIS C VEDOER
32 N. DUNE ST.
YORK. PA.
6
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL DIVISION: LAW
MICHELLE L. LOUTHIAN, No. 4494-C of 1999
Plaintiff
VS.
SHANE M. LOUTHIAN,
Defendant Custody Action
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Sophia L. Hollis, secretary to Clyde W. Vedder, Esquire,
of the law firm of Morris & Vedder, 32 North Duke Street, City of
York, York County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby certify
that on this 7"' day of September, 1999, I served a true and
correct copy of Defendant's Brief in Support of Preliminary
objections by placing the same in the United States mail, postage
prepaid to:
N. Christopher Menges, Esquire Dawn S. Sunday, Esquire
145 E. Market St. 39 W. Main St.
York, PA 17401 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
MORRIS & VEDDER
! , * A
BY:'-. 4.1J1VA-/ I {II J
Sophia L. Hollis, Secretary to
Clyde W. Vedder, Esquire
MORRIS Q VEDDER
32 N. DUKE IT.
YORK. PA.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL DIVISION - LAW
MICHELLE L. LOUTHIAN, No. 4494-C-1999
Plaintiff
V.
SHANE M. LOUTHIAN, CUSTODY ACTION
Defendant
PLAINTIFF'S BRIEF IN OPPOSITION TO DEFENDANT'S PRFI IMAov
OBJECTIONS
AND NOW, TO WIT, this 7`h day of October 1999, comes the Plaintiff, Michelle
L. Louthian, by her attorneys, MENGES, GENT & McLAUGHLIN, LLP and files this
brief in opposition to the Defendant's Preliminary Objections of which the following is a
statement:
The Plaintiff adopts the Defendant's Statement Of Facts as her Statement Of
Facts.
SHOULD THE PENDING PETITION TO MODIFY CUSTODY BE
DISMISSED FOR LACK OF JURISDICTION?
SUGGESTED ANSWER: NO.
While most of the argument set forth in Defendant's brief is accurate, Defendant
has forgotten one very important part of the U.C.C.J.A.
The U.C.C.J.A. at Section 5348 allows Cumberland County to accept jurisdiction
because York County, Pennsylvania is an inconvenient forum and Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania clearly is not an inconvenient forum.
U.C.C.J.A. in Section 5348 (C) provides five factors that are to be considered in
determining whether Cumberland County is a snore convenient forum:
(1) If another county is or recently was the home county of the state.
(2) If another county has a closer connection with the child and his family or
with the child and one or more of the contestants.
(3) If substantial evidence concerning the past or future care, protection,
training and personal relationships of the child is more readily available in another
county.
(4) If the parties have agreed on another forum which is no less appropriate.
(5) If the exercise ofjurisdiction by a court of this county would contravene
any of the purposes stated in Section 5342 (relating to purposes and construction of sub
chapter).
("Has been changed from state to county because of applicability of Section
5364(A) which gives intrastate application".)
The pleadings clearly indicate that the child has not resided in York County,
Pennsylvania since approximately 1995. It is clear that York County does not have a
closer connection with the child in this family, since both the child and his mother reside
in Cumberland County and has resided so for quite some time now. While York County
has a closer connection with one of the contestants (rather), sub section 2 specifically
reads "closer connection with the child and his family or with the child Md (added) one
or more of the contestants". Without the child having a closer connection to York
County than Cumberland County, sub section 2 is clearly not fulfilled.
Clearly substantial evidence concerning the child is not more readily available in
York County than in Cumberland County, since the child and his mother have resided in
Cumberland County for such a long time. Clearly the parties have not agreed on another
forum, since these Preliminary Objections clearly indicate that there has not been an
agreement between the parties as to forum.
Finally, the exercise of jurisdiction by Cumberland County would not contravene
any of the purposes stated in Purposes Statement of the U.C.C.J.A. (Section 5342). It is
perfectly clear that the Purpose Statement of the U.C.C.J.A. are talking about
jurisdiction/venue conflicts between states where state law varies from state to state and
there is a general conflict of law and procedure from state to state. The law and
procedure in Cumberland County is identical to that of York County and vice versa.
Nothing could be clearer than the fact that Cumberland County, Pennslyvania, has
more contacts with the child and is a more convenient jurisdiction. That is exactly the
purpose of Section 5348 (C ) of the U.C.C.J.A. therefore, it is submitted that it is in the
best interests of the child as well as judicial economy for Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania, to not decline, but rather to accept jurisdiction in this case.
Finally, the case is relied on by the Defendant in his brief, are all cases dealing
with interstate jurisdictional conflicts, not interceunty within the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, jurisdiction conflicts. There is a case in Pennsylvania which deals with
child custody and intercounty but within the Commonwealth ol'Pennsylvania,
jurisdiction conflicts. The case is em v Beni ; 16 Pa Cn
er390d6't 7116 (1983)
Interestingly, that case contains a very excellent analysis of intercounty jurisdiction
conflicts. It is submitted that using the three pronged analysis contain in B=, the more
convenient forum and the best forum for the child was clearly Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania and not York County, Pennsylvania.
As a result of the foregoing, it is submitted that the Honorable Court of Common
Pleas of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, though perhaps not mandated to accept
jurisdiction of this case, should accept jurisdiction of this case, since it is in the best
interests of the child, it is in the best interests ofjtldicial economy, and that will be in
accord with the U.C.C.J.A. and prior case law.
Respectfully Submitted:
MENGES, GENT & McLAUGHLIN, LLP
Date: -#-l Al /
N. Christopher Menges, Es?/
Sup. Ct. LD.# 23166
145 East Market Street
York, PA 17401
(717) 843-8046
Attorneys for Plaintiff
Br101199
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL DIVISION: LAW
4J 74
MICHELLE L. LOUTHIAN, No. 4444-C of 1999
Plaintiff
Vs.
SHANE M. LOUTHIAN,
Defendant Custody Action
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Sophia L. Hollis, secretary to Clyde W. Vedder, Esquire,
of the law firm of Morris & Vedder, 32 North Duke Street, City of
York, York County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby
certify that on this if day of September, 1999, I served a true
and correct copy of Preliminary Objections by placing the same in
the United States mail, postage prepaid to:
N. Christopher Menges, Esquire Dawn S. Sunday, Esquire
145 E. Market St. 39 W. Main St.
York, PA 17401 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
MORRIS & VEDDER
BY:] Jl
Sophia L. lis, Secr ary to
Clyde W. edder, Esquire
40RRIS Q VEDDER
]2 N. OUKE ST
YORK. PA.
MENGES, GENT & MCLAUGHLIN, LLP
ATTORNEYS-A,r-LA W
N. CHRISTOPHER MENGES DOUGLAS H. GENT SHAWN P. MCLAUGHLIN JOSEPH A. KALASNIK SCOTT ALAN MITCHELL
October 11, 1999
Office of the Prothonotary
Cumberland County Court House
1 Courthouse Square
Carlisle, PA 17013
Re: Michelle L. Louthian v. Shane M. Louthian
No.: 99-4879 Civil
Dear Prothonotary:
Enclosed herewith please find for filing find an original and three copies of the Plaintiffs Brief In
Opposition To Defendant's Preliminary Objections in the above referenced matter.
Kindly file the original and return the copy, time-stamped, in the enclosed return envelope.
This case is listed for argument on Wednesday, October 13, 1999 in front of your honorable Cumberland
County Argument Court. Please also note that due to a medical situation, I am unable to attend this argument,
therefore, I respectfully request the Court allow my brief to stand.
Thank you for your continued cooperation in this matter.
Very truly yours,
MENGES GENT & MCLAUGHLIN, LL
N. C ristopher Menges, Esquire
NCM/ajc
PC: Office of the Prothonotary w/enc.
Office of the Court Administrator w/enc.
Clyde Vedder, Esquire w/enc.
Dawn S. Sunday, Esquire w/enc.
PLEASE REPLY To:
{(L.WS r.AST MARKET STREET
YORK, PA 17401
TELEPHONE(717)843.8046
FAX (717) 854-4362
? 1157EICHr:I.H1:1whRSUHar
HANovr.R, PA 17131
TELEPHOSe(717) 632-17S4
FAX (717) 632.2413
? 600-J EDEN ROAD, SUITE 4
LANCASTER, PA 17601
TELEPHONE(717)560.5068
FAX (717)519-1978
Plaintiff
VS.
SHANE M. LOUTHIAN,
Defendant Custody Action
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL DIVISION: LAW
4 QaR
MICHELLE L. LOUTHIAN, No. 4A9-4-C of 1999
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
In accordance with C.C.R.P. Rule No. 210-2, kindly list
Defendant's Preliminary objections filed on September 3, 1999,
for argument.
Date: September 22. 1999
Respectfully submitted,
MORRIS && VEDDER
BY:
Clyde W. Veddfir, Esquire
32 N. Duke St.
PO Box 544
York, Pennsylvania 17405
(717) 843-9815
Supreme Court No. 32098
4ORRIS & VEDDER
33 N. DUKE ST.
YORK. PA.
Doc. No. CWv1379-2
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL DIVISION: LAW
MICHELLE L. LOUTHIAN, No. 4494-C of 1999
Plaintiff
VS.
SHANE M. LOUTHIAN,
Defendant Custody Action
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Sophia L. Hollis, secretary to Clyde W. Vedder, Esquire,
of the law firm of Morris & Vedder, 32 North Duke Street, City of
York, York County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby
certify that on this 22nd day of September, 1999, I served a true
and correct copy of Praecipe to List Preliminary Objections for
Argument by placing the same in the United States mail, postage
prepaid to:
N. Christopher Menges, Esquire Dawn S. Sunday, Esquire
145 E. Market St. 39 W. Main St.
York, PA 17401 Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
MORRIS & VEDDE` IR
BY: f lf
Sop 'a L. Hollis, Secretary to
Clyde W. Vedder, Esquire
4ORRIS & VEDDER
32 N. DUKE ST.
YORK. PA.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
MICHELLE L. LOUTHIAN, CIVIL ACTION - LAW
Plaintiff
NO.: 42*N% }-1"qP
SHANE M. LOUTHIAN, 99- zl?79 C. f V 1 l
Defendant
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this _A? day of August, 1999, upon consideration of the attached
complaint, it is hereby directed that the parties and their respective counsel appear before
_ZEhj(? .SX_W_V.1'squire,the conciliator, at_?q ??, MQt? ?l( jtl (01
\
Pennsylvania, on the $ day of n, 1999, at
o'clock _.M., for a Pre-Hearing Custody Conference. As 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. Either party
may bring the child who is the subject of this custody action to the conference, but the children's
attendance is not mandatory. Failure to appear at the conference may 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
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.
OFFICE OF THE COURT ADMINISTRATOR
COURTHOUSE, 4T" FLOOR
CARLISLE, PA 17013
(717) 240-6200
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY,
PENNSYLVANIA
MICHELLE L. LOUTHIAN, NO.:
Plaintiff
CIVIL DIVISION - LAW
V.
ACTION IN CUSTODY
SHANE M. LOUTHIAN,
Defendant
PETITION TO MODIFY CUSTODY ORDER
Your Petitioner is Michelle L. Louthian, the above captioned plaintiff and
mother of the child of this action, he being Zackary J. Louthian, a male, born October 19,
1990. Her address is 32 East Keller Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. She and the child
have resided in Cumberland County since 1994.
2. The Respondent is Shane M. Louthian, the above captioned defendant
and father of said child. His address is 1447 Monroe Street, York, PA 17404, York
County.
3. The applicable Order in this matter, concerning this child, is an Order
issued by the York County Court of Common Pleas per the Honorable Penny L.
Blackwell, Judge, on July 16, 1993; a true and correct copy of which is attached hereto,
marked exhibit "A" and incorporated herein by reference.
4. Said Order should be modified as follows and for the following reasons:
1. There is no non-disparaging clause in the order. Father has made
disparaging comments to and in front of son and, therefore, the Court Order needs
modified to include a non-disparaging clause.
2. The child of this matter needs certain
behavioral/social/emotional/educational needs, including but not limited to "wrap around
services". Father of child will not agree to have the child signed up for these services and
these services are very much needed for the best interests of the child. Therefore, the
Court Order needs to be modified to include that these services that are necessary for the
child be done and the father be ordered to cooperate with signing the child up for same.
WHEREFORE, your Petitioner/Plaintiff(Mother of the child petitions the
Honorable Court to modify the existing Order as set forth hereinabove.
ccr
Date:
11419)
Christopher Pees, Esquire
MENGES, GE & McLAUGHLIN, LLP
Sup. Ct. I.D. No. 23166
145 East Market Street
York, PA 17403
(717) 843-8046
Attorneys for Plaintiff
PMOD899
I verify that the statements made in this Petition are true and correct. I understand
that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. Section 4904,
relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Date:-q`.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF YORK COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
RODGER D. JOHNSON and
JOSEPHINE L. JOHNSON
VS.
MICHELLE L. LOUTHIAN
and SHANE M. LOUTHIAN
No. 91-SU-03555-03
Custody
York, Pa., Tuesday, July 13, 1993
Before Honorable Penny L. Blackwell, Judge
APPEARANCES:
Clyde W. Vedder, Esquire
For Shane M. Louthian
I.o 2
Christina M. Veltri, Esquire
For Michelle L. Louthian
r * * -o °.c
=
yC 3 n
0
O R D E R m r o
N
This matter is before the Court on the Father's VetTtion
to modify partial custody rights with regard to Zachary J.
Louthian, born October 19, 1990. The parties have been able to
reach an agreement, which agreement is hereby adopted as an order
of this Court, and which agreement and 'Order replaces all previous
Orders of this Court with regard to this matter.
Accordingly, it is ordered that the parties shall share
legal custody of the child, and the Mother shall have majority
physical custody of the child subject to Father's rights of partial
custody as set forth herein.
Father shall have rights of partial custody as follows:
1
A CI G. X11
I . On alternate weekends from Friday at 5:00 p.m. until
Sunday at 5:00 p.m. beginning Friday, July 16, 1993.
2. on alternate holidays, said holidays being New
Year's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and
Thanksgiving Day from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. commencing with
Father's exercise of partial custody on Labor Day, 1993. In the
event the holiday is a Monday holiday, and said holiday coincides
with Father's regularly scheduled weekend exercise of partial
custody, in that event, Father shall be entitled to retain the
child over the entire three-day weekend. It is also noted by the
Court that holidays supersede any other rights of custody or
partial custody set forth in this Order.
3. On Father's Day from 8:00 a.m until 8:00 p.m.
Conversely, Mother shall have rights of custody on Mother's Day
from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., which rights shall supersede any
other rights of custody or partial custody as set forth herein.
4. For Christmas, in odd numbered years, Father shall,
be entitled to custody from 12:00 noon on Christmas Eve until 12:00
noon on Christmas Day with Mother having custody from 12:00 noon on
Christmas Day until 12:00 noon on December 26. In even numbered
years, Mother shall be entitled custody from 12:00 noon on
Christmas Eve until 12:00 noon on Christmas Day with Father having
partial custody from 12:00 noon on Christmas Day until 12:00 noon
on December 26. Again, the rights of custody on Christmas shall
supersede any other regularly scheduled rights of weeklong or
weekend custody or partial custody.
2
5. For the summer, Father shall be entitled to four
weeks to be exercised in two-one week periods and one-two week
periods upon 30-days written notice to Mother. In addition, Mother
shall be entitled to three weeks of uninterrupted custody during
the summer for purposes of vacation, although no more than two of
those weeks may be consecutive. Again, Mother's exercise of her
rights of weeklong visitation during the summer shall be made with
30-days written notice to Father. In the event of a conflict, the
party first providing notice shall prevail. Mother acknowledges
that she has been given notice for three weeks for the summer of
1993. Father shall provide Mother with notice for the fourth week
of the summer of 1993 within 10 days of July 13, 1993. As for
Mother, Mother has selected the week of August 29, 1993 for her
weeklong exercise.
With regard to transportation, the parties shall share
transportation with there being a designated pick-up point. The
designated pick-up point shall be the Rutter's at the Strinestown
exit of Interstate 83. Specifically, the pick-up point shall be
inside the said Rutter's. Neither Father's wife or Father's Mother
shall participate in the actual transfer of the child inside the
Rutter's.
In addition, each party shall be entitled to reasonable
:elephone privileges with the child while the child is in the
:ustody and control of the other.
The parties are commended by the Court for reaching an
greement on this matter. It is hoped that the parties will be
3
able to cooperate in the future with a view toward the best
interest of their son.
We direct that copies of this order be provided to
IlAttorneys Vedder and Veltri.
Finally, the Court notes that Rodger D. Johnson and
Josephine L. Johnson are no longer parties to this matter.
Accordingly, the caption of the case should hereby be amended to
provide that the Plaintiff shall be Michelle L. Louthian and the
Defendant, Shane M. Louthian.
By the Court,
??Pe Blackwe , udge •
/G' lyy3
4
OCT 1 2 1sssI?
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHELLE L. LOUTHIAN, NO: 99-4879
Plaintiff,
V.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
SHANE M.LOUTHIAN, CUSTODY
Defendant.
CERTIFICATE OF ' RVI
I, N. Christopher Menges, Esquire, do hereby certify that a true and correct copy of
Plaintiffs Brief In Opposition To Defendant's Preliminary Objections, was served upon the
below named, by placing same in the United States Mail, first-class postage prepaid thereon,
addressed as follows:
Dawn S. Sunday, Esquire
39 West Main Street
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
MENGES, GENT & MCLAUGHLfN, LLP
Dated:1 G!!P ? A' 01,_
N. tristopher Menges, Esquire/ J
Sup. Ct. I.D. No. 23166
145 East Market Street
York, PA 17401
(717) 843-8046
Attorneys for Plaintiff
OCT 12 1999
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MICHELLE L. LOUTHIAN, NO: 99-4879
Plaintiff,
V.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
SHANE M. LOUTHIAN, CUSTODY
Defendant.
CFUTtFICATF OF SERVICE
I, N. Christopher Menges, Esquire, do hereby certify that a true and correct copy of
Plaintiffs Brief In Opposition To Defendant's Preliminary Objections, was served upon the
below named, by placing same in the United States Mail, first-class postage prepaid thereon,
addressed as follows:
Dawn S. Sunday, Esquire
39 West Main Slrcet
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
MENGES, GENT & McLAUGHLIN, LLP
Dated: N. ristopher Menges, Esquire
Sup. Ct. I.D. No. 23166
145 East Market Street
York, PA 17401
(717) 843-8046
Attorneys for Plaintiff
MICHELLE L. LOUTHIAN,
Plaintiff
V.
SHANE M. LOUTHIAN,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 99-4879 CIVIL TERM
AMENDED ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this ,`day of January, 2000, upon consideration of the attached letter
from N. Christopher Menges, Esq., attorney for Plaintiff, Michelle L. Louthian, at case
No. 99-4879 Civil Term (Cumberland County), the Order of Court entered in this matter
on December 1, 1999, is hereby amended to reflect that Plaintiff's action herein is to be
made a part of the Court of Common Pleas of York County case known by the caption of
Roger D. Johnson and Josephine L. Johnson v. Michelle L. Louthian and Shane Louthian,
No. 91-SU-03555-03.
BY THE COURT,
N. Christopher Menges, Esq
145 East Market Street
York, PA 17401
Attorney for Plaintiff
Michelle L. Louthian
(Cumberland County Case)
eeslle?yOle ., JJl. / -
-,ray "Qi?
c n
?J : -i
Clyde W. Vedder, Esq.
32 N. Duke Street
P.O. Box 544
York, PA 17405
Attorney for Defendant
Shane M. Louthian
(Cumberland County Case)
Prothonotary of York County
:rc
MENGES, GENT & MCLAUGHLIN, LLP
ATTORNEYS-AT-LAW
N. CHRISTOPHER MENGES DOUGLAS H. GENT SHAWN P. MCLAUGHLIN JOSEPH A. KALASNIK
January 20, 2000
SENT VIA FACSIMILE # 1-717-240-6462
The Honorable J. Wesley Oler, Jr., Judge
The Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County
Cumberland County Court House
Carlisle, PA 17013
RE: Michelle Louthian - Shane Louthian - Custody
NO:
Dear Judge Oler:
4879 CIVIL 1999
SCOTT ALAN MITCHELL
In the above referenced matter, Your Honor entered an Order on December 1, 1999 transferring the
action to the Court of Common Pleas of York County, a certified copy of which is attached hereto for your easy
reference.
Upon receiving the file from the Cumberland County Prothonotary, York County Prothonotary indicated
that they would not incorporate the documents into the current York County case, which is captioned as Roger
D. Johnson and Josephine L. Johnson, Plaintiffs v. Michelle L. Louthian and Shane Louthian, Defendants,
Number 91-SU-03555-03.
York County Prothonotary has requested that an Amended Order indicating that the Cumberland County
case is to be made a part of the Court of Common Pleas of York County case known by the caption of Roger D.
Johnson and Josephine L. Johnson, Plaintiffs v. Michelle L. Louthian and Shane Louthian, Defendants, Number
91-SU-03555-03.
Accordingly, enclosed herewith please find a proposed Amended Order. I am requesting that Your
Honor review same and if same is satisfactory, sign same and have same be made an Order of the Cumberland
County Court of Common Pleas, to then be forwarded to York County Court of Common Pleas so that the file
can be transferred.
(Continued on the next page)
?4*
PLEASE REPLY To:
145 EAST MARKET STREET
YORK, PA 17401
TELEPHONE (717) 843.8046
FAX (717) 854-4362
? 1157 EICHELEERGER STREET
HANOVER, PA 173 31
TELEPHONE(717) 632-1784
FAX (717) 632.2433
? 600-J EDEN ROAD, SUITE 4
LANCASTER, PA 17601
TELEPHONE (717) 560.5068
FAX(717)854-4362
Letter to Judge Oler
Page -2-
Dated January 20, 2000
Please be advised that I have contacted Attorney Clyde W. Vedder, counsel for the Defendant, and he
has indicated that he is in agreement with this request.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
Very truly yours,
MENGES, GENT & McLAUGHLIN, LLP
N. Christopher enges, Esquire
NCM/vls
Encl: as above mentioned
PC: Michelle Louthian
Clyde W. Vedder, Esquire
PLEASE REPLY To:
? 145 EAST MARKET STREET ? 1157 EICHELBERGER STREET ? 600-J EDEN ROAD, SUITE 4
YoRK,PA 17401 HANOVER, PA 17331 LANCASTER, PA 17601
TELEPHONE(717)843.8046 TELEPHONE (717) 632-1784 TELEPHONE (717) 560-5068
FAX(717)854-4362 FAX(717)632-2433 FAX(717)854-4362
MICHELLE L. LOUPHIAN IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
VS.
No. 99-4879 Civil Term G 0
SHANE M. LOUPHIAN p n
CIVIL ACTION - LAW n m ,"-,
o co
-<? ''•C•
-0 a ? o
vCn
w
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS CA
YORK COUNTY
Please acknowledge receipt of this case by signing and dating this document.
RECORD RECEIVED:
Date:
') W )a00
(signature & title)
Af ?
SEP 1 9 2000
MICHELLE L. LOUTHIAN, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff : CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
VS. NO. 99-4879 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
SHANE M. LOUTHIAN,
Defendant IN CUSTODY
AND NOW, this 11th day of September, 2000, the Conciliator,
being advised by counsel for the parties that Defendant's Preliminary
objections on the basis of jurisdiction have been granted by the Court,
hereby relinquishes jurisdiction in this case.
FOR THE COURT,
Dawn S. Sunday, Esquire
Custody Conciliator
ire
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