HomeMy WebLinkAbout99-06929KEEFER WOOD ALLEN & RAHAL, LLP
210 WALNUTSTREET
P.O. Box 11083
HARRI8BURO. PA 17108.1000
Nov 1.819th'
CYNTHIA L. HARRIS, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiff
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
V.
CUSTODY
PAUL R. HARRIS, JR.,
99- NO. (21C (`T
Defendant
AND NOW, this X51 day of W6.4,.a6c 1999, IT IS
HEREBY ORDERED that the plaintiff's motion for leave of court to
allow service of original process by publication pursuant to Pa.
R. Civ. P. 430 is granted. Notice shall be published in the
Cumberland Legal Journal and in one newspaper of general
circulation in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
?i
BY THE COURT:
CYNTHIA L. HARRIS,
Plaintiff
V.
PAUL R. HARRIS, JR.,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CUSTODY
MOTION FOR LEAVE OF COURT TO ALLOW
SERVICE OF ORIGINAL PROCESS BY PUBLICATION
PURSUANT TO PA. R. CIV. P. 430
NOW COMES plaintiff, Cynthia L. Harris, by and through her
attorneys, Keefer Wood Allen & Rahal, LLP, and files this motion
for leave of court to allow service of original process by
publication pursuant to Pa. R. Civ. P. 430, averring as follows:
1. The plaintiff is Cynthia L. Harris (the "Mother").
2. The defendant is Paul R. Harris, Jr. (the "Father").
3. The parties were married on June 6, 1992, in Cumberland
County, Pennsylvania.
4. There are two minor children of the couple, Morgan Lee
Harris, born October 17, 1991, and Matthew Chad Harris, born
August 25, 1993 (collectively referred to herein as the
"Children").
5. From approximately 1991 until October 18, 1999, the
Father resided with the Mother and the Children at 1106 Easy
Road, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania (the
"Residence").
6. The Father abandoned the Mother and Children on or
about October 18, 1999 when he voluntarily left the Residence
without informing the Mother or Children of his intent to do so
or his destination.
7. Since his departure on October 18, 1999, the Father has
not contacted the Mother and/or children, and his whereabouts are
unknown. It is believed, and therefore averred, that the Father
may have left the jurisdiction of this State to pursue a
relationship with a woman he met through the Internet; however,
the Father has lived and worked in Cumberland County since 1991,
and his location, whether within Pennsylvania or outside
Pennsylvania, is unknown. Moreover, the Father has family
members that live in the Central Pennsylvania area.
8. Prior to his departure, it is believed, and therefore
averred, that the Father had been communicating over the Internet
with women in various states, including, but not limited to, Ohio
and Oklahoma.
9. The Father left behind numerous creditors who also seek
to know his whereabouts.
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¦l-
10. A bankruptcy hearing to dismiss a Chapter 13 bankruptcy
filed by the Father was scheduled for November 10, 1999, and he
failed to appear.
11. The Father left the Residence in a rented car which has
not been returned, and the car rental company also seeks to know
his whereabouts; it is believed, and therefore averred, that a
warrant has been issued for his arrest relating to the stolen
rental car.
12. It is believed, and therefore averred, that the Father
stated on the rental car documents that his destination was
Arkansas.
13. The Mother has filed a complaint for custody
simultaneously with the filing of this motion for leave of court
to allow service of original process by publication pursuant to
Pa. R. Civ. P. 430, and incorporates by reference the averments
in the complaint.
14. Original service cannot be accomplished pursuant to Pa.
R. Civ. P. 402, 403 or 404, because the defendant/ Father has left
his last known address and has purposefully concealed his
whereabouts from plaintiff and others.
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P?
15. Service of original process by publication is permitted
pursuant to Pa. R. Civ. P. 430 upon motion for leave of court
"when service cannot be made under the applicable rule."
16. An affidavit by plaintiff stating the nature and extent
of the investigation which has been made to determine the
whereabouts of the defendant and the reasons why service cannot
be made is attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein
by reference.
17. Should the Court grant the relief requested herein, the
publication will be identical or substantially similar to that
attached hereto as Exhibit "B" and incorporated herein by
reference.
WHEREFORE, plaintiff respectfully requests this Honorable
Court to grant her motion for leave of court to allow service of
original process by publication pursuant to Pa. R. Civ. P. 430
and enter an order permitting such service, and providing such
further relief as may be just and proper.
KEEFER WOOD ALLEN & RAHAL, LLP
Dated: November 16, 1999 By
Brenda L. Gacki
I.D. # 75912
210 Walnut Street
P. O. Box 11963
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1963
717-255-8037
Attorneys for plaintiff
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_.- ¦AR??11??17
CYNTHIA L. HARRIS,
Plaintiff
V.
PAUL R. HARRIS, JR.,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CUSTODY
NO.
AFFIDAVIT PURSUANT TO PA. R. CIV. P. 430
OF PLAINTIFF CYNTHIA L• IiARR7S
1. I, Cynthia L. Harris, am the plaintiff in the above-
referenced action.
2. I am married to Paul R. Harris, Jr., defendant in the
above-referenced action.
3. Mr. Harris and I are the parents of two minor children,
Morgan Lee Harris, born October 17, 1991, and Matthew Chad
Harris, born August 25, 1993.
4. Mr. Harris abandoned the me and my sons on or about
October 18, 1999, when he voluntarily left the family's residence
without informing me or anyone else of his intent to do so or his
destination.
5. Since his departure on October 18, 1999, to my
knowledge Mr. Harris has not contacted anyone regarding his
location. I have spoken with various individuals regarding this
EXHIBIT "A"
matter, and they have had no communication from him or
information regarding his whereabouts since the date of his
departure. The individuals with whom I have spoken include, but
are not limited to, the following: Nevada McDonald (Mr. Harris'
aunt, business partner in a partnership called McDonald & Harris,
and office manager for the Paul Harris Company, Inc., a
corporation solely owned by Mr. Harris), Priscilla Harris (mother
of Mr. Harris), Keith Miner (Mr. Harris' nephew), Sara Hawn (Mr.
Harris' cousin and secretary for the Paul Harris Company, Inc.),
Shawn Ellis, C.P.A. (Mr. Harris' business and personal
accountant), Dorothy Mott, Esquire (Mr. Harris' attorney
regarding a bankruptcy proceeding in which a hearing was
scheduled for November 10, 1999, for which Mr. Harris failed to
appear), representatives from the Middletown and Carlisle
locations of Enterprise Rent-A-Car (the company from which Mr.
Harris rented the car he was driving when he left, which was
never returned), employees of the Paul Harris Company, Inc., all
my family members, and various friends, acquaintances and bowling
team members.
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6. Nevada McDonald made inquiries of other family members
of Mr. Harris, and they informed her that they had not heard from
him and did not know where he was or how to contact him.
7. I was informed that a warrant has been issued for his
arrest relating to the rental car, discussed above, and I have
contacted several law enforcement offices to determine whether
the warrant has been served or whether he has been arrested, but
they have no information regarding his whereabouts.
8. I attempted to contact him on his cellular phone on
numerous dates, but he never answered the cellular phone. It has
since been disconnected.
9. I do not know where Mr. Harris is and do not know how
he can be reached.
10. The foregoing statements are true and correct to the
best of my knowledge, information and belief.
11. I am aware that false statements herein are made
subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A. § 4904, relating to
unsworn falsification to authorities.
Dated: November 16, 1999 v
clynlia L. Harris
• Y'?
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CYNTHIA L. HARRIS, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiff
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
V.
CUSTODY
PAUL R. HARRIS, JR.,
NO.
Defendant
This matter relates to the custody of Morgan Lee Harris and
Matthew Chad Harris, the minor children of the parties.
If you wish to defend, you must enter a written appearance
personally or by attorney and file your defenses or objections in
writing with the court. You are warned that if you fail to do so
the case may proceed without you and an order or judgment may be
entered against you without further notice for the relief
requested by the plaintiff. You may lose money or property or
other rights important to you, including custody of children.
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.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
2 Liberty Avenue
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-3166
EXHIBIT "B"
KEEFER WOOD ALLEN & RAHAL, LLP
110 WALNUT STREET
P. O. BOX 11063 A
HARRISBURG. PA 17108.10E3 Nov 7 8 'IOm{JI
1R/
CYNTHIA L. HARRIS, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Petitioner
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
V.
CUSTODY
PAUL R. HARRIS, JR., NO. Q9- L
Respondent
Q=R
AND NOW, this /1? day of /flout G? , 1999, IT IS
HEREBY ORDERED that the petitioner's emergency petition for
custody to prevent removal of children from jurisdiction pursuant
to Pa. R. Civ. P. 1915.13 is granted. It is FURTHER ORDERED that
Cynthia L. Harris shall be granted sole legal custody and sole
physical custody of Morgan Lee Harris and Matthew Chad Harris
until such time that this Court may make a determination
regarding the disposition of the complaint for custody filed in
this matter or until further order of this Court.
BY THE COURT:
CYNTHIA L. HARRIS,
Petitioner
V.
PAUL R. HARRIS, JR.,
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CUSTODY
NO.
Respondent
ORDER
AND NOW, this day of , 1999, upon
consideration of petitioner's emergency petition for custody to
prevent removal of children from jurisdiction pursuant to Pa. R.
Civ. P. 1915.13, it is hereby directed that the parties and their
respective counsel appear before
at on
the day of , at m., for a
hearing regarding the matters addressed therein.
BY THE COURT:
J.
CYNTHIA L. HARRIS,
petitioner
v.
PAUL R. HARRIS, JR.,
Respondent
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CUSTODY
NO.
EMERGENCY PETITION FOR CUSTODY
TO PREVENT REMOVAL OF CHILDREN FROM JURISDICTION
PURSUANT TO PA R GIV P . 191 9 ,1 3
NOW COMES petitioner, Cynthia L. Harris, by and through her
attorneys, Keefer Wood Allen & Rahal, LLP, and files this
emergency petition for custody to prevent removal of children
from jurisdiction pursuant to Pa. R. Civ. P. 1915.13, averring as
follows:
1. The petitioner is Cynthia L. Harris (the "Mother"),
plaintiff in the above-captioned action.
2. The respondent is Paul R. Harris, Jr. (the "Father"),
defendant in the above-captioned action.
3. The parties were married on June 6, 1992, in Cumberland
County, Pennsylvania.
4. There are two minor children of the couple, Morgan Lee
Harris, born October 17, 1991, and Matthew Chad Harris, born
August 25, 1993 (collectively referred to herein as the
"Children").
5. The Father abandoned the Mother and children on or
about October 18, 1999, when he removed certain personal items
from the family's residence (the "Residence") and voluntarily
left the Residence without informing the Mother or Children of
his intent to do so or his destination.
6. Since his departure on October 18, 1999, the Father has
not contacted the Mother and/or Children, and his whereabouts are
unknown; it is believed, and therefore averred, that the Father
has left the jurisdiction of this State to pursue a relationship
with a woman that he met through the Internet.
7. The Father left the Mother and the Children with little
or no money, no source of income, and numerous bills that were
due or past due.
8. The Mother has filed a complaint for custody and motion
for leave of court to allow service of original process by
publication pursuant to Pa. R. Civ. P. 430 simultaneously with
the filing of this petition, and incorporates by reference the
averments in the complaint and motion.
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9. The Mother is concerned that the Father may
unexpectedly return and remove the Children from the jurisdiction
of this Court and the State of Pennsylvania without her consent
and/or knowledge, particularly as the holiday season approaches.
10. In addition, the Mother has requested that the School
(identified below) not release the Children to the Father if he
arrives at the School and attempts to remove the Children without
her consent and/or knowledge; however, the School states that it
is unable to do so without an order granting the Mother sole
custody of the Children.
11. The Mother seeks a temporary order granting her sole
physical custody and sole legal custody of the children until the
disposition of the complaint for custody or until further order
of this Court.
12. The Mother requests that this matter proceed ex parte,
as she does not know the whereabouts of the Father and cannot
serve him with this emergency petition.
13. The Children have lived in Cumberland county their
entire lives.
14. The Children attend Big Springs School District (the
"School") in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
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15. The Children's pediatrician and dentist are both in
Cumberland County.
16. Members of the Mother's extended family, including
maternal grandparents and other family members who frequently
babysit for the children., reside in Cumberland and Dauphin
Counties.
17. The Children have affection and close bonds with their
extended family.
18. The Children's friends and playmates all reside in the
Cumberland County area, and the Children are involved in area
sports.
19. Due to the abandonment by the Father, the Mother is
solely responsible for the care, support and maintenance of the
Children at this time.
20. If a temporary order granting the Mother sole physical
custody and sole legal custody of the Children is not granted,
then there is a risk that the Father will remove the Children
from the jurisdiction of this Court and the State of
Pennsylvania, and that the Children may never again be seen by
the Mother and the extended family.
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21. The removal of the Children is not in the best
interests and welfare of the Children, particularly under the
circumstances described above.
22. The Mother and Children will be irreparably harmed
should the Father be permitted to remove the Children from this
jurisdiction.
WHEREFORE, the petitioner respectfully requests this
Honorable Court to enter a temporary order granting sole legal
custody and sole physical custody of Morgan Lee Harris and
Matthew Chad Harris to Cynthia L. Harris until such time that
this Court may make a determination regarding the disposition of
the complaint for custody filed in this matter or until further
order of this Court, and providing such further relief as may be
just and proper.
KEEFER WOOD ALLEN & RAHAL, LLP
Dated: November 16, 1999 By 7 ? / ,/A"
Brenda L. Gacki
I.D. # 75912
210 Walnut Street
P. O. Box 11963
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1963
717-255-8037
Attorneys for petitioner
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3
VERIFICATION
I verify that the statements made in the foregoing emergency
petition for custody to prevent removal of children from
jurisdiction pursuant to Pa. R. Civ. P. 1915.13 are true and
correct based upon my personal knowledge, information and belief.
I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the
penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. §4904, relating to unsworn falsification
to authorities.
Dated: November 16, 1999 `?-
YNTHIA L. HA RIS, petitioner
I OT-
c_ -
Li '
KEEFER WOOD ALLEN & RAHAL, LLP
210 WALNUT STREET
P. O. BOX 11883
HARRISBURG. PA 17108-iG83
Novi 8 1999
CYNTHIA L. HARRIS, : IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Plaintiff
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
V.
CUSTODY
PAUL R. HARRIS, JR.,
NO. 97-
Defendant
YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT. If you wish to defend against
the claims set forth in the following pages, you must take action
within twenty (20) days after this Complaint and Notice are
served, by entering a written appearance personally or by
attorney and filing in writing with the Court your defenses or
objections to the claims set forth against you. You are warned
that if you fail to do so the case may proceed without you and a
judgment may be entered against you by the Court without further
notice for any money claimed in the Complaint or for any other
claim or relief requested by the Plaintiff. You may lose money
or property or other rights important to you.
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.
Lawyer Referral Service
Cumberland County Bar Association
2 Liberty Avenue
Carlisle, PA 17013
717-249-3166
NOTI`CIA
Le han demandado a usted en la corte. Si usted quiere
defenderse de estas demandas expuestas en las paginas siguientes,
usted tiene viente (20) dias de plazo al partir de la fecha de la
demanda y la notifcacion. Usted debe presentar una apariencia
escrita o en persona o por abodago y archivar en la corte en
forma escrita sus defensas o sus objeciones a las demandas en
contra de su persona. Sea avisado que si usted no se defiende,
la corte tomara medidas y puede entrar una orden contra usted sin
previo aviso o notificacion y por cualquier queja o alivio que es
pedido en la peticion de demanda. Usted puede perder dinero o
sus propiedades o ostros derechos importantes para usted.
LLEVE ESTA DEMANDA A UN ABODAGO IMMEDIATAMENTE. SI NO TIENT
ABOGADO 0 SI NO TIENE EL DINERO SUFICIENTE DE PAGAR TAL SERVICIO,
VAYA EN PERSONA O LLAME POR TELEFONO A LA OFICINA CUYA DIRECCION
SE ENCUENTRA ESCRITA ABAJO PARA AVERIGUAR DONDE SE PUEDE
CONSEGUIR ASISTENCIA LEGAL.
Lawyer Referral Service
Cumberland County Bar Association
2 Liberty Avenue
Carlisle, PA 17013
717-249-3166
M
CYNTHIA L. HARRIS,
Plaintiff
V.
PAUL R. HARRIS, JR.,
Defendant
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CUSTODY
NO. YOU, PAUL R. HARRIS, JR., defendant, have been sued in court
to obtain custody of the children: Morgan Lee Harris and Matthew
Chad Harris.
You are ordered to appear in person at 3p.?1.?l k?a1rl j_ - T? .
Z h=?Ccc 1 o-n S CYIr Fn' on at J.*6,6) P M., for
a conciliation or mediation conference.
a pretrial conference.
a hearing before the court.
If you fail to appear as provided by this order, an order
for custody, partial custody or visitation may be entered against
you or the court may issue a warrant for your arrest.
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.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
2 Liberty Avenue
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-3166
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES
ACT OF 1990
The Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County is required
by law to comply with the 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.
BY THE COURT:
Date: ?1II?I ?`? ^1=+111M 5,1.1f11t?ECla,ual
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CYNTHIA L. HARRIS,
Plaintiff
v.
PAUL R. HARRIS, JR.,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CUSTODY
NO. %?° G9J CLG??
_01=R
AND NOW, this \q day of 1, 1999, upon
consideration of the attached complaint, it is hereby directed
that the parties and their respective counsel appear before
3q W. Nnl0sk-.
the conciliator, at?,kC ?:, ,Ckn
the J day of ,)(n,, (?? ?JC CU . at i-. 0 gym. , for a
Pre-Hearing Custody Conference. At such conference, an effort
will be made to resolve the issues in dispute; or if this cannot
be accomplished, to 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.
FOR THE COURT:
By-g?
Custody Conciliate. (?1
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C;
J?'•
'!iY
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1'LI?:I
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. 99 ?'?f 'cam ??, .,
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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.
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.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION
2 Liberty Avenue
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 249-3166
- 2 -
CYNTHIA L. HARRIS,
Plaintiff
V.
PAUL R. HARRIS, JR.,
Defendant
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CUSTODY
NO. 9rl L r-?
CDMPLAINT FOR CUSTODY
NOW COMES plaintiff, Cynthia L. Harris, by and through her
attorneys, Keefer Wood Allen & Rahal, LLP, and files this
complaint for custody against defendant Paul R. Harris, Jr.,
averring as follows:
1. The plaintiff is Cynthia L. Harris, an adult
individual, residing at 1106 Easy Road, Carlisle, Cumberland
County, Pennsylvania.
2. The defendant is Paul R. Harris, Jr., an adult
individual, who until October 18, 1999, resided at 1106 Easy
Road, Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
3. The plaintiff seeks sole physical custody and sole
legal custody of the following children (collectively referred to
herein as "the Children"):
Morgan Lee Harris 1106 Easy Rd., 10-17-91
Carlisle, PA 17013
8-25-93
Matthew Chad Harris 1106 Easy Rd.,
Carlisle, PA 17013
Morgan Lee Harris, a natural child of the plaintiff and the
defendant, was born out of wedlock, although the parties
subsequently married each other on June 6, 1992.
Matthew Chad Harris, a natural child of the plaintiff and
the defendant, was not born out of wedlock.
The Children are presently in the custody of the plaintiff
who resides at 1106 Easy Road, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
During the past five years, the Children have resided with
the following persons and at the following addresses:
(List All Persons) (List All Addresses) (Dates)
Cynthia
1 L. Harris & 1106 Easy Road 7/96 to
.
Paul R.
Harris, Jr.
Carlisle, PA 17013 resent
present
2. Cynthia L. Harris & 202 Silver Spring
5
7/95 to
7/96
Paul R. Harris, Jr. Mechanicsburg, PA 1705
3. Cynthia L. Harris & 1852 Holly Drive
1 1991 to
7/95
Paul R. Harris, Jr. Camp Hill, PA 1701
The mother of the Children is Cynthia L. Harris, plaintiff
herein, currently residing at 1106 Easy Road, Carlisle,
Pennsylvania.
She is married to the defendant, Paul R. Harris, Jr.
- 2 -
The father of the Children is Paul R. Harris, Jr., defendant
herein, and his last known address was 1106 Easy Road, Carlisle,
Pennsylvania; his whereabouts are currently unknown.
He is married to the plaintiff, Cynthia L. Harris.
4. The relationship of plaintiff to each of the Children
is that of mother and child. The plaintiff currently resides
with the following persons: Morgan Lee Harris (minor son) and
Matthew Chad Harris (minor son).
5. The relationship of defendant to each of the Children
is that of father and child. It is unknown where and with whom
the defendant currently resides.
6. The plaintiff has not participated as a party or
witness, or in another capacity, in other litigation concerning
the custody of the Children in this or another court.
The plaintiff has no information of a custody proceeding
concerning the Children pending in a Court in this Commonwealth.
The plaintiff does not know of a person not a party to the
proceedings who has physical custody of the Children and claims
to have custody or visitation rights with respect to the
Children.
- 3 -
IF-
7. The best interest and permanent welfare of the Children
will be served by granting the relief requested because: (1) on
October 18, 1999, the defendant abandoned the Children and
plaintiff without notice or explanation; (2) defendant has not
contacted the plaintiff or the Children since said date; (3) the
whereabouts of the defendant is unknown, although it is believed,
and therefore averred, that the defendant left the State of
Pennsylvania to pursue a relationship with a woman who lives
outside of Pennsylvania; (4) the defendant left the Children and
plaintiff with little or no money, no source of income, and
numerous bills that were due or past due; (5) the Children are
currently in the care of plaintiff; (6) the defendant is no
longer involved in the care, support or maintenance of the
Children or otherwise; (7) the Children will be provided a stable
and wholesome home environment with the plaintiff; (8) the
Children will be able to maintain a relationship with their
extended family, for whom they have love and affection; and (9)
the defendant legally will be prevented from unexpectedly
returning and removing the Children from the jurisdiction of this
Court and the family and community support and involvement that
they enjoy in this area, without first seeking Court involvement.
- 4 -
8. Each parent whose parental rights to the Children have
not been terminated and the person who has physical custody of
the Children have been named as parties to this action. No other
parties are known to have or claim a right to custody or
visitation of the Children.
WHEREFORE, plaintiff Cynthia L. Harris requests this
Honorable Court to enter an order granting her sole legal custody
and sole physical custody of Morgan Lee Harris and Matthew Chad
Harris and providing such further relief as may be just and
proper.
Dated: November 16, 1999
KEEFER WOOD ALLEN & RAHAL. LLP
BY /? } fit/
da L. Gacki
B er n
I.D. # 75912
210 Walnut Street
P. O. Box 11963
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1963
7
717-255-8037
Attorneys for plaintiff
- 5 -
I verify that the statements made in the foregoing Complaint
for Custody are true and correct based upon my personal
knowledge, information and belief. I understand that false
statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.
§4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Dated: November 16, 1999
C THIA H P. IS, plaintiff
J i.
r. ?14
i
' i
s
CYNTHIA L. HARRIS,
Plaintiff
Vs.
PAUL R. HARRIS, JR.,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 99-6929 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CUSTODY
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 21 -1' day of -/i'jUe7- " . 2000, upon
consideration of the attached Custody Conciliation Report, it is ordered
and directed as follows:
1. The Mother, Cynthia L. Harris, shall have sole legal and primary
physical custody of Morgan Lee Harris, born October 17, 1991 and Matthew
Chad Harris, born August 25, 1993.
2. The Father, Paul R. Harris, Jr., may file a Petition with the
Court seeking to obtain any rights he may have with respect to custody of
the Children.
BY THE COURT,
Kevi Hess, ?,??p[yJ ?• d
cc: Brenda L. Gacki, Esquire - Counsel for Mother ; 7 ?0
Paul R. Harris, Jr., Father R K n
I:' J
CYNTHIA L. HARRIS,
Plaintiff
VS.
PAUL R. HARRIS, JR.,
Defendant
PRIOR JUDGE: Kevin A. Hess
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 99-6929 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CUSTODY
CUSTODY CONCILIATION SUMMARY REPORT
IN ACCORDANCE WITH CUMBERLAND COUNTY RULE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE
1915.3-8, the undersigned Custody Conciliator submits the following report:
1. The pertinent information concerning the Children who are the
subjects of this litigation is as follows:
DATE OF BIRTH
Morgan Lee Harris
Matthew Chad Harris
October 17, 1991
August 25, 1993
CURRENTLY IN CUSTODY OF
Mother
Mother
2. A Conciliation Conference was held on January 5, 2000, with the
following individuals in attendance: The Mother, Cynthia L. Harris, with
her counsel, Brenda L. Gacki, Esquire. The Father did not attend the
Conference or contact the Conciliator.
3. As the Mother has no information as to the Father's whereabouts,
the Mother obtained an Order from this Court dated November 19, 1999
permitting service by publication. The Mother's counsel provided
documentation at the Conciliation Conference of publication in the
Cumberland Law Journal and the Sentinel. This Court also previously
entered an Order on November 19, 1999 granting the Mother sole legal and
primary physical custody of the Children pending disposition of the
Mother's Complaint for Custody.
4. According to the Mother, the Father left the marital residence
without notice on October 18, 1999 and has not contacted the Mother or the
Children since that date with the exception of an E-Mail message on
December 30, 1999 which may have been from the Father. The Mother also
indicated that there are warrants currently pending for the Father's arrest
for matters unrelated to the parties' domestic situation and the Mother has
not been able to obtain any information concerning the Father through the
Father's family.
5. Based upon the representation made by the Mother at the time of
the Conference, the Conciliator recommends an Order in the form as
attached. As the Father's current location is unknown, a copy of the
proposed Order and Report are attached for mailing to the Father's last
known address, which was the marital residence.
Date C/ Dawn S. Sunday, Esquire
Custody Conciliator