HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-2256IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MARY BETH SIMONIC,
Plaintiff )
V. ) NO. 2008- CIVIL TERM
DAVID E. SIMONIC, ) CIVIL ACTION - LAW
Defendant ) DIVORCE / CUSTODY
NOTICE TO DEFEND AND CLAIM RIGHTS
You have been sued in court. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the
following pages, you must take prompt action. You are warned that if you fail to do so, the case
may proceed without you and a decree of divorce or annulment may be entered against you by the
court. A judgment may also be entered against you for any other claim or relief requested in
these papers by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other rights important to you,
including custody or visitation of your children.
When the ground for divorce is indignities or irretrievable breakdown of the marriage,
you may request marriage counseling. A list of marriage counselors is available in the Office of
the Prothonotary, Cumberland County Courthouse, 1 Courthouse Square, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
17013.
IF YOU DO NOT FILE A CLAIM FOR ALIMONY, DIVISION OF PROPERTY,
LAWYER'S FEES OR EXPENSES BEFORE A DIVORCE OR ANNULMENT IS GRANTED,
YOU MAY LOSE THE RIGHT TO CLAIM ANY OF THEM.
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
32 South Bedford Street, Carlisle, PA 17013
Telephone: (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.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MARY BETH SIMONIC, )
Plaintiff )
V. )
DAVID E. SIMONIC, )
Defendant )
NO. 2008- CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
DIVORCE / CUSTODY
COMPLAINT IN DIVORCE
AND NOW, comes Plaintiff, Mary Beth Simonic, by and through her counsel, Howett,
Kissinger & Holst, P.C., who states the following in support of the within Complaint:
1. Plaintiff is Mary Beth Simonic, an adult individual who currently resides
at 909 Charles Street, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, 17055.
2. Defendant is David E. Simonic, an adult individual who currently resides
at 523 Devon Road, Camp Hill, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, 17011.
3. Both the Plaintiff and the Defendant have been bona fide residents in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for a period of at least six months immediately preceding the
filing of this Complaint.
4. Plaintiff and Defendant were married on November 12, 1988 in Niagara
Falls, New York.
5. Neither Plaintiff nor Defendant is in the military or naval service of the
United States or its allies within the provisions of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.
6. There have been no prior actions for divorce or annulment of the marriage
instituted by either of the parties in this or any other jurisdiction.
7. Plaintiff has been advised that counseling is available and that Plaintiff
may have the right to request that the Court require the parties to participate in counseling.
COUNT I - DIVORCE PURSUANT TO &3301(c) or (d)
OF THE DIVORCE CODE
8. The prior paragraphs of this Complaint are incorporated herein by
reference thereto.
9. The marriage of the parties is irretrievably broken.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests the Court to enter a Decree of Divorce
pursuant to §3301(c) or (d) of the Divorce Code.
COUNT II - EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION
10. The prior paragraphs of this Complaint are incorporated herein by reference
thereto.
11. Plaintiff and Defendant have legally and beneficially acquired property,
both real and personal, during their marriage, which property is "marital property."
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff requests the Court to equitably divide all marital property.
COUNT III - ALIMONY AND ALIMONY PENDENTE LITE
12. The prior paragraphs of this Complaint are incorporated herein by reference
thereto.
13. Plaintiff lacks sufficient property to provide for her reasonable means and
is unable to support herself through appropriate employment and requires reasonable support to
adequately maintain herself in accordance with the standard of living established during the
marriage.
14. Plaintiff is unable to sustain herself during the course of this litigation.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff requests the Court to enter an award of reasonable temporary
alimony until final hearing and permanently thereafter.
2
COUNT 1V - COUNSEL FEES EXPENSES AND COSTS OF SUIT
15.
thereto.
16.
him a reasonable fee.
17.
action.
18.
The prior paragraphs of this Complaint are incorporated herein by reference
Plaintiff has retained an attorney to bring this action and has agreed to pay
Plaintiff has incurred and will incur costs and expenses in prosecuting this
Plaintiff is not financially able to meet either the expenses and costs of
prosecuting this action or the fees to which her attorney will be entitled in this case.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff requests the Court to enter an award of interim counsel fees,
costs and expenses until final hearing and thereupon award such additional counsel fees, costs and
expenses as deemed appropriate.
COUNT V - REQUEST FOR CUSTODY AWARD UNDER
§31040(2) ANDS3323(b) OF THE DIVORCE CODE
19. The prior paragraphs of this Complaint are incorporated herein by reference
thereto.
20. The parties are the parents of the following unemancipated children:
Name
Theodore Simonic
Maura Simonic
Date of Birth
December 29, 1990
July 9, 1992
3
21. During the past five years, the children have resided with the parties and at
the addresses herein indicated:
From To With Whom Addresses
Birth 3/1/08 Mother and Father 909 Charles Dr.
Mechanicsburg, PA
3/1/08 Present Mother 909 Charles Dr.
Mechanicsburg, PA
22. Plaintiff has not participated in any other litigation concerning the children
in this or any other state.
23. There are no other proceedings pending involving custody of the children in
this or in any other state.
24. Plaintiff knows of no person not a party to these proceedings who has
physical custody of the children or who claims to have custody, partial custody or visitation rights
with respect to the children.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that, pursuant to §3104(a)(2) and 3323(b)
of the Divorce Code, the Court enter an order awarding joint legal custody of the children to
Mother and Father, and primary physical custody of the children to Mother, with Father having
partial physical custody.
COUNT VI - EXCLUSIVE POSSESSION OF MARITAL RESIDENCE
25. The prior paragraphs of this Complaint are incorporated herein by
reference thereto.
26. Plaintiff continues to reside in the Marital Residence with the parties'
two minor children.
4
27. Due to several recent incidents, as more fully detailed in the Motion for
Exclusive Possession of the Marital Residence filed contemporaneously herewith, Plaintiff and
the children have been caused great emotional distress by Husband's actions in entering the
dwelling unannounced and at odd times.
28. Based on the foregoing, Plaintiff believes that it is appropriate for
the Court to grant her exclusive use and possession of the Marital Residence during the pendency
of the divorce action.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests this Honorable Court to grant her
exclusive possession of the Marital Residence, pending resolution of the economic issues
surrounding dissolution of the marriage.
Date:
Resp LCH subm' VEu owet t, ?JrHOWETT
, KISSINGER & HOLST, P.C.
130 Walnut Street, P.O. Box 810
Harrisburg, PA 17108
Telephone: (717) 234-2616
Counsel for Plaintiff, Mary Beth Simonic
5
VERIFICATION
I, Mary Beth Simonic, hereby swear and affirm that the facts contained in the
foregoing Complaint in Divorce are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and
belief and are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. §4904 relating to unsworn falsification
to authorities.
Date: L4 g _
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MARY BETH SIMONIC, )
Plaintiff )
V. )
DAVID E. SIMONIC, )
Defendant )
NO. 2008-
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
IN DIVORCE
-CIVIL TERM
MOTION FOR EXCLUSIVE POSSESSION OF MARITAL RESIDENCE
PURSUANT TO 23 Pa.C.S.A. §3502(c) AND FOR
SPECIAL RELIEF PURSUANT TO Pa.R.C.P.1920.43
AND NOW comes Plaintiff, Mary Beth Simonic, by and through her counsel, Howett,
Kissinger & Holst, P.C., and files this Motion for Exclusive Possession of Marital Residence
Pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S.A. §3502(c), and for Special Relief Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1920.43, and in
support thereof states as follows:
Plaintiff, Mary Beth Simonic, is an adult individual who currently resides
at 909 Charles Road, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, 17055 (hereinafter
referred to as the "Marital Residence").
2. Defendant, David E. Simonic, pro se, is an adult individual who currently
resides at 523 Devon Road, Camp Hill, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, 17011.
3. Plaintiff and Defendant were married on November 12, 1988 in Niagra
Falls, New York, and separated within the home in the Fall of 2007 when the parties first decided
to divorce, with physical separation occurring on March 8, 2008 when Defendant moved out of
the Marital Residence into a property owned by the parties for the purpose of renovation and
resale.
4. Plaintiff and Defendant have two minor children, Theodore David
Simonic, D.O.B. 12/29/90, who suffers from a rare condition known as Trisomy 15, and Maura
Catherine Simonic, D.O.B. 7/9/92.
5. Plaintiff is filing contemporaneously with this petition a Complaint in
Divorce requesting, inter alia, a divorce from the bonds of matrimony, and custody of the above-
named minor children.
6. Following separation, Wife has continued to reside in the Marital
Residence with the parties' son and daughter.
7. Since the parties' separation, Husband has repeatedly entered the Marital
Residence unannounced at times when Wife is not present in violation of the parties' oral
understanding, and in contravention of Husband's assurances to Wife's counsel, that Husband
would not enter such premises without advance notice and the presence of Wife.
8. Husband's many unannounced visits have caused, and continue to cause
Wife great emotional distress.
9. In particular, on March 18, at 11 p.m., Husband entered a darkened Marital
Residence after Wife and her children were asleep, and brazenly entered Wife's bedroom,
disrobed, and laid down in bed with Wife, insisting that it was his house and he would sleep
there if he so desired. It was after this incident, and intervention of Wife's counsel, that Husband
agreed not to visit the Marital Residence except during reasonable hours and with advance notice
to Wife.
2
10. On April 7, 2008, Husband entered the Marital Residence, without
advance notice or permission, while Plaintiff was at work and the children were at school, and
emptied the family room by taking, inter alia, a wall-mounted 55" flat screen television, with a
surround sound system, leaving wires dangling from holes in the walls, a DVD player, a VCR
player, and a leather couch and recliner.
11. Most significantly, Husband took a Wife's personal laptop computer,
containing confidential communications between Wife and her legal counsel, as well as school
work belonging to the parties' daughter Maura, who uses Wife's computer for school
assignments and who is now unable to do so due to Husband's actions.
12. After this last incident, when Wife returned home to find her home had
been ransacked, Husband called Wife and threatened that "this was just the beginning of how
ugly it can get and if you do not do things amicably and work it out with me, it will get worse."
Husband further stated that if Wife does things "my way, you could have all the things back in a
few days" but that if she continued her legal representation by "using your unethical money-
grubbing lawyer," he would continue to "play dirty." In this call, Husband also threatened that if
Wife did not tell the children that she had authorized the removal of these items temporarily as a
convenience to Husband, "things would get ugly."
13. With regard to the laptop computer, Husband told Wife that if she did not
give him the password, that he would have a technician get into it as it contains his business
software. Although Husband alleges that the laptop is a business asset of his company, Premier
Funding, Wife had no idea of that as he gave it to her personally in January of 2007, and Wife
has no knowledge that Husband has ever used this computer for his business. Further, Premier
Funding is wholly owned by Husband, and is itself a marital asset.
14. On April 8, 2008, Husband returned the laptop computer to the Marital.
Residence, and admitted to Wife that he had utilized the services of a computer technician to
break into the laptop and allegedly only removed his business software and data therefrom, a
statement that defies belief inasmuch as he has had no need to use the computer for business
purposes since January of 2007.
15. Since physically separating, the parties have been in the process of
amicably dividing their personalty, and Wife has boxed many items as a convenience to
Husband, with only a few pieces of personalty remaining in the Marital Residence. Wife fully
intends to continue to permit Husband to retrieve such personalty during reasonable hours upon
proper advance notice, as has been the procedure adopted by the parties for Husband to obtain his
personalty.
COUNT I - EXCLUSIVE POSSESSION OF MARITAL RESIDENCE
16. The prior paragraphs of this Motion are incorporated herein by reference
thereto.
17. 23 Pa.C.S.A. §3502(c) provides as follows:
Family home. - The court may award, during the pendency of the
action or otherwise, to one or both of the parties the right to reside
in the marital residence.
18. Based on the foregoing, Wife believes that it is appropriate for
the Court to grant her exclusive use and possession of the Marital Residence during the pendency
of the divorce action.
4
WHEREFORE, Wife requests that the Court schedule an emergency hearing on this
Motion to determine Wife's right to exclusive possession of the Marital Residence, and
Husband's right to retrieval of the remaining items of his personalty, but that pending such
hearing, Husband shall be enjoined from entry into the Marital Residence.
COUNT II - SPECIAL RELIEF
19. The prior paragraphs of this Motion are incorporated herein by
reference thereto.
20. Pa.R.C.P. 1920.43(a) provides, inter alia, as follows:
(a) At anytime after the filing of the complaint, on petition setting forth
facts entitling the party to relief, the court may, upon such terms and
conditions as it deems just, including the filing of security,
3. grant other appropriate relief
21. Based on the foregoing, Wife believes that it is appropriate for
the Court to grant special relief as requested below.
WHEREFORE, Wife therefore requests that after hearing, the Court order:
(1) that Husband immediately return all items taken from the Marital
Residence, including the leather furniture, the flat-screen televison with surround sound system,
the DVD and VCR players, and to reinstall them in proper working order;
(2) that Husband provide a notarized statement as to all information that he
obtained from said laptop computer and identifying any information copied therefrom by any
means, or onto any medium, including CD-ROM or flash drives, and including transmission to
other computers, as well as the names and addresses of any persons who assisted Husband with
such endeavors.
5
COUNT III - COUNSEL FEES AND COSTS
22. The prior paragraphs of this Motion are incorporated herein by
reference thereto.
23. Pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S.A. §2503(7), a sanction for counsel fees
may be imposed by a court for obdurate and vexatious behavior in the course of litigation.
24. Pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S.A. Section 3702, the court is permitted to award
counsel fees on an interim basis.
25. Wife has incurred, and will continue to incur, counsels fees in the
preparation and prosecution of this Motion solely due to Husband's obdurate and vexatious
behavior.
26. Based on the foregoing, Wife believes it is appropriate for the
Court to impose counsel fees.
WHEREFORE, Wife respectfully requests this Honorable Court to impose upon
Husband the legal fees and costs incurred in defending against Husband's belligerent and
wrongful actions taken in the Marital Residence, which caused emotional distress to Wife and
her children (especially to Teddy, the parties' emotionally and physically retarded son).
Respectfully submitted,
Date: Ib v
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Jo 4CHowett, Jr., quire
HOWETT, KISSINGER & HOLST, P.C.
130 Walnut Street, P.O. Box 810
Harrisburg, PA 17108
Telephone: (717) 234-2616
Counsel for Plaintiff, Mary Beth Simonic
6
VERIFICATION
I, Mary Beth Simonic, hereby swear and affirm that the facts contained in the foregoing
MMCN KR EXLZi1SIW pCSM3SICN CF MRITAL RESIDEMM RF-9U Nr TO 23 PA.C.S.
=CN 3502(c) AID RP SPECIAL FE= Rl? TO PA.R.C.P. 1920.43 are true and
correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief and are made subject to the penalties
of 18 Pa.C.S. §4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
Date: 4/10/08
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MARY BETH SIMONIC, )
Plaintiff )
V. )
DAVID E. SIMONIC, )
Defendant )
NO. 2008-
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
IN DIVORCE
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
-CIVIL TERM
I, John C. Howett, Jr., Esquire, counsel for Mary Beth Simonic, Plaintiff in the above-
captioned action, hereby certify that a true and correct copy of the foregoing Motion for
Exclusive Possession of Marital Residence Pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S.A. §3502(c) and for Special
Relief Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1920.43 was served upon David E. Simonic, by depositing same in
the United States mail, first class, on April 10, 2008, addressed as follows:
Mr. David E. Simonic
523 Devon Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Date: y/io /p
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Howett, Jr., E6juire
H WETT, KISSINGER & HOLST, P.C.
130 Walnut Street, P.O. Box 810
Harrisburg, PA 17108
Telephone: (717) 234-2616
Counsel for Plaintiff, Mary Beth Simonic
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MARY BETH SIMONIC, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. 08-2256 CIVIL
DAVID E. SIMONIC
Defendant IN DIVORCE
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 11th day of April, 2008, upon consideration of the Petition for
Exclusive Possession and Special Relief filed by the Plaintiff,
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED AND DIRECTED that:
1. A rule is issued upon the Defendant, David E. Simonic to show cause why the
Plaintiff is not entitled to the relief requested;
2. The Defendant will answer this Petition on or before May 2, 2008
3. The Prothonotary will forward said Answer to this Court.
4. A hearing shall be held on Friday, June 13, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom
No. 5 of the Cumberland County Courthouse, Carlisle, PA.
5. Pending said hearing IT IS FURTHER ORDERED AND DIRECTED that the
parties are enjoined from encumbering, dissipating, selling or otherwise alienating any
and all marital assets of the parties unless agreed upon by both parties.
By the Court,
?John C. Howett, Jr., Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
v /"David E. Simonic, Defendant
523 Devon Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
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MARY BETH SIMONIC IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
PLAINTIFF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V.
DAVID E. SIMONIC
DEFENDANT
2008-2256 CIVIL ACTION LAW
IN CUSTODY
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, Tuesday, April 15, 2008 __, upon consideration of the attached Complaint,
it is hereby directed that parties and their respective counsel appear before John J. Mangan, Jr., Esq. , the conciliator,
at 4th Floor, Cumberland County Courthouse, Carlisle on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 1:010 PM
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. Failure to appear at the conference may provide grounds for entry of a temporary or permanent order.
The court hereby directs the parties to furnish any and all existing Protection from Abuse orders,
Special Relief orders, and Custody orders to the conciliator 48 hours prior to scheduled hearing.
FOR THE COURT,
By: /s/ ohn . Mangan, r. &q.
Custody Conciliator
The Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County is required by law to comply with the Americans
with Disabilites Act of 1990. For information about accessible facilities and reasonable accommodations
available to disabled individuals having business before the court, please contact our office. All arrangements
must be made at least 72 hours prior to any hearing or business before the court. You must attend the scheduled
conference or hearing.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR ATTORNEY AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT
HAVE AN ATTORNEY OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET
FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
Cumberland County Bar Association
32 South Bedford Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
Telephone (717) 249-3166
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MARY BETH SIMONIC, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. : 08-2256 CIVIL
DAVID E. SIMONIC
Defendant IN DIVORCE
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 24th day of April, 2008, upon consideration of the request of
Defendant for an extension of time to file the Answer,
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED AND DIRECTED that the Defendant may
have an extension until Friday, May 9, 2008, to file the Answer required. The remainder
of the Order of Court dated April 11, 2008, shall remain in full force and effect.
By the Court,
hn C. Howett, Jr., Esquire
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Attorney for Plaintiff
?David E. Simonic, Defendant
523 Devon Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MARY BETH SIMONIC,
Plaintiff
V.
DAVID E. SIMONIC,
Defendant
NO. 2008-2256-CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
IN DIVORCE
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
John C. Howett, Jr., Esquire, being duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that he
is an attorney at law authorized to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and that on
the 10`h day of April, 2008, he sent the original of the attached letter, with which was enclosed a
certified, time-stamped copy of the Complaint in Divorce in the above-captioned matter, properly
endorsed, to the Defendant, David E. Simonic, by certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt
requested, restricted delivery, pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1930.4, to 523 Devon Road, Camp Hill, PA,
17011, the Defendant's last known address, and that the return receipt card which was signed by
David Simonic, marked as having been delivered to him on April 16, 2008, is attached hereto
and made a part hereof.
Esq
ohn HoVS?SIN?GER
OWETT,
OLST, P.C.
130 Walnut Street, P. O. Box 810
Harrisburg, PA 17108
Telephone: (717) 234-2616
Counsel for Plaintiff Mary Beth Simonic
SWORN TO AND SUBSCRIBED
me this 29
of April, 2008.
DEBRA M.
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HOWETT, KISSINGER & HOLST, P.C.
130 WALYLT STREET
POST OFFICE BOX 810
HARRISBURG. Pex%'SYLVA..Nta 17108
JOHN C. HOWE'iT. JR.
DONALD T. KISSINGER
DARREN 1. HOLST
REBECCA M.DARR
DEBRA M. SHIMP
Legal Assistant April 10, 2008
VIA CERTIFIED MAIL
RESTRICTED DELIVERY
RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED
AND FIRST CLASS MAIL
Mr. David E. Simonic
523 Devon Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Re: Simonic v. Simonic
Dear Mr. Simonic:
[71712.4-2616
FAX 17171 233-SM2
Enclosed for service upon you please find a certified copy of a Complaint
in Divorce along with a time-stamped copy of a Motion for Exclusive Possession
of Marital Residence Pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S.A. §3502(c) and for Special Relief
Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1920.43, which pleadings were filed with the Cumberland
County court today on Mary Beth's behalf.
,
S7:erely
John C. Howett, Jr.
JCH/dms
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MARY BETH SIMONIC, )
Plaintiff )
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VS. )
DAVID E. SIMONIC, )
Defendant )
IN THE COURT OF COMMON
PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND
COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 2008-2256 CIVIL TERM
IN DIVORCE
DEFENDANT'S ANSWER TO PLAINTIFF'S MOTION FOR
EXCLUSIVE POSSESSION OF RESIDENCE AND FOR SPECIAL RELIEF
AND NOW comes the above-named Defendant, by his attorney, Samuel L. Andes, and
makes the following Answer to the Plaintiff's Motion:
1. Admitted.
2. Admitted.
3. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that the parties were married in
November of 1988 in New York. It is denied that they separated in the fall of 2007 and stated
that the parties separated on or about 22 March 2008 when Defendant, at Wife's demand, moved
from the family home and took up temporary residence at a house the parties were in the process
of renovating for resale.
4. Admitted.
5. Admitted.
6. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that Plaintiff resides in the marital
residence but stated that the children reside with both parents in a shared custody arrangement.
7. Denied. There was no oral understanding, or formal agreement, that Husband would
not return to the marital residence. To the contrary, Defendant made known to Plaintiff and her
attorney that he reserved his right to return to the residence to retrieve items from the residence
that he needed. The house in which Defendant has taken temporary residence does not have an
operating kitchen and Defendant has not moved to that residence all of his personal property. As
a result, Defendant has reasonable needs to return to the house to retrieve items, to check on the
condition of the property, and to see his children.
8. Denied as stated. Defendant has no way of knowing whether his visits have caused
Plaintiff emotional distress. He denies, however, that anything in his conduct justifies or caused
such distress and states that, to the extent that Plaintiff suffers actual distress, it is as a result of
the marital breakup itself and not a result of Defendant's occasional visits to the marital
residence. Defendant has not returned to the house without advance reasonable notice to
Plaintiff and has attempted to avoid confrontations with her at the house.
9. Denied as stated. The parties were not separated on 18 March 2008 and Defendant
was, at that time, still residing in the marital home. Defendant's conduct was not brazen but
merely represented a continuation of his living in the marital residence at that time. Defendant
acknowledges that he had spent some nights sleeping in another room in the house but states that
he also slept frequently in his bed in the bedroom with Plaintiff. In the night in question, he
simply continued that practice. In fact, both Plaintiff and Defendant slept the entire night in the
bed on that occasion. Further, Defendant denies that he ever agreed not to return to the marital
residence without advance notice to Plaintiff. He has given her reasonable advance notice when
he has returned to the residence but it has never promised not to return without that notice.
10. It is admitted that Defendant entered the residence and removed certain electronic
equipment and furniture. Plaintiff had previously stated to Defendant that he could take what he
wanted from the residence and Defendant advised Plaintiff that he would be taking the items that
he did, in fact, remove. By way of further answer, Defendant states that he left household
furnishings worth far more than the items he removed for Plaintiff and the children's use. To
date, the parties have not divided the household furnishings and other tangible personal property.
11. Defendant admits that he removed a laptop computer but denies that it was wife's
personal computer and states that it was a computer provided and owned by his company that the
entire family used and that Defendant himself used with certain licensed business software and
on which he kept certain confidential business information. Defendant has no way of knowing
whether Plaintiff kept confidential communications on the computer because he has never
reviewed any of Plaintiff's files or other data within the computer. Defendant denies that he has
violated Plaintiff's confidential communications with her attorney through his possession of the
computer.
12. Denied. Defendant denies that he "ransacked" the marital house or that he made the
threatening comments and statements attributed to him in this paragraph. To the contrary,
Husband has attempted to resolve the disputes between the parties through good faith
negotiations and, as part of those negotiations, has made serious and reasonable offers of
financial settlement which Plaintiff and her attorney have refused to accept. To the contrary, it is
Plaintiff who has attempted to bully and threaten Defendant. She has threatened to file a
Petition for Protection of Abuse against him, for which she has no lawful grounds, and has
threatened him with other unspecified legal proceedings. In the recent past, Plaintiff has
physically assaulted Defendant. In fact, it was a result of these threats and assaults that
Defendant decided to move from the marital residence in late March of 2008.
13. Defendant admits that he requested the password to the computer and states that he
requires the password to have access to some of his personal and business records kept on the
computer. Defendant denies that the computer was ever given to Plaintiff as her personal
computer or for her exclusive use. To the contrary, Defendant entered certain business, licensed,
software on the computer and used it to conduct certain business transactions at the family home.
In the process of doing that, he entered confidential information regarding business associates
and clients and he had a duty to protect that confidential information as well as the licensor of
the software.
14. Defendant admits that he returned the computer the next day after removing his
business software and confidential business information. Defendant denies that he used the
computer or the information therein, to violate Wife's confidential communications with her
attorney. To the contrary, he did not access any of Wife's files or other data in the computer.
He obtained access to the licensed software and the confidential business records on the
computer, deleted that information, and promptly returned the computer to Plaintiff.
15. Admitted in part and denied in part. It is admitted that the parties have discussed
11 dividing the tangible household personal property. It is denied, however, that Defendant has
removed the majority of his share of the items from the home or that he is satisfied or will be
satisfied with the division of those items currently being made by Plaintiff.
COUNT I - EXCLUSIVE POSSESSION OF MARITAL RESIDENCE
16. No answer required. To the extent an answer is required, Defendant incorporates
herein the averments set forth in the first fifteen paragraphs of this Answer.
17. It is admitted that the Divorce Code contains that language. It is denied that any
factual response is required to this Paragraph which merely quotes the law.
18. Defendant denies that it is appropriate for this court to award Plaintiff exclusive
possession of the marital residence or that the Divorce Code, as repeatedly interpreted and
applied by the Courts of Pennsylvania, justifies or requires such an award.
WHEREFORE, Defendant prays this court to dismiss Plaintiff's Motion for Exclusive
Possession of the Marital Residence.
COUNT II - SPECIAL RELIEF
19. No answer required. To the extent that a factual response is required, Defendant
incorporates herein by reference the averments set forth in the preceding eighteen paragraphs of
his Answer.
20. It is admitted that the Divorce Code contains these provisions but denies that a
factual response is required because this Paragraph merely quotes the law.
21. Denied. Defendant denies that the averments in Plaintiff's Motion justify the relief,
or mandate the relief, which Wife seeks.
WHEREFORE, Defendant prays this court to dismiss Plaintiff's Motion for Special
Relief.
COUNT III - COUNSEL FEES AND COSTS
22. No answer required. To the extent that a factual response is deemed necessary,
Defendant incorporates herein, by reference, the averments set out in the first twenty one
paragraphs of this Answer.
23. Denied as stated. The statutory section cited by Plaintiff allows the court to award
attorneys fees when one party delays or interferes with the litigation, in bad faith, in an effort to
injure the other party. Defendant denies that any such conduct occurred or is even averred by
Plaintiff in her motion.
24. Admitted.
25. Denied. Plaintiff has incurred and continues to incur legal fees in her unreasonable
efforts to exclude Defendant from the marital residence and access to his children and his
property there and in an effort to coerce Defendant to accept an unreasonable financial
settlement. The fees incurred by Wife, both past and future, have not been and will not be
incurred because of improper conduct by Defendant.
26. Denied. There are substantial assets in this case from which each party will be able
to pay their attorneys fees and an award of interim fees, which are simply advance legal fees, are
more likely to promote litigation than to resolve it.
WHEREFORE, Defendant prays this court to dismiss Plaintiff's Motion for Counsel
Fees and Costs.
Samuel L. Andes
Attorney for Defendant
Supreme Court ID # 17225
525 North 12' Street
Lemoyne, Pa 17043
(717) 761-5361
true and correct. I understand that
1ties of 18 Pa. C. S. 4904 (unworn
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MARY BETH SIMONIC, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. No. 08-2256 CIVIL ACTION LAW
DAVID E. SIMONIC, IN CUSTODY
Defendant
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW this day of June 2008, upon consideration of the attached Custody
Conciliation Report, it is Ordered and Directed as follows:
1. Legal Custody: The Father, David E. Simonic, and the Mother, Mary Beth Simonic, shall have
shared legal custody of Theodore Simonic, born 12/29/1990 and Maura Simonic, born
07/09/1992. The parties shall have an equal right to make all major non-emergency decisions
affecting the Children's general well-being including, but not limited to, all decisions regarding
their health, education and religion. Pursuant to the terms of 23 Pa.C.S. §5309, each parent
shall be entitled to all records and information pertaining to the Children including, but not
limited to, medical, dental, religious or school records, the residence address of the Children
and of the other parent. To the extent one parent has possession of any such records or
information, that parent shall be required to share the same, or copies thereof, with the other
parent within such reasonable time as to make the records and information of reasonable use to
the other parent.
2. Physical Custody:
a. Mother shall have primary physical custody of Maura subject to Father's
physical custody of Maura for two days and overnights each week. The parties
shall arrange the scheduling of those times giving consideration to Maura's
schedule and will not take place on weekends without Maura's consent. The
exchange times, days and locations shall be by mutual agreement.
b. The parties shall share physical custody of Theodore on an equal basis. The
parties shall continue the current schedule whereby Father has Theodore every
Monday and Tuesday, Mother shall have physical custody of Theodore every
Wednesday and Thursday and the parties shall alternate Friday through Sunday.
The exchange times and locations shall be by mutual agreement.
3. The non-custodial parent shall have liberal telephone contact with the Children on a reasonable
basis.
4. Holidays, vacations and all other periods of physical custody: The parents shall arrange these
periods of time with their Children pursuant to mutual agreement. In the absence of mutual
agreement, the parties may contact the assigned Conciliator to establish said periods.
5. Neither party may say or do anything nor permit a third party to do or say anything that may
estrange the Children from the other party, or injure the opinion of the Children as to the other
party, or may hamper the free and natural development of the Children's love or affection for
the other party. To the extent possible, both parties shall not allow third parties to disparage
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the other parent in the presence of the Children.
6. In the event of a medical emergency, the custodial parry shall notify the other parties as soon
as practicable after the emergency is handled.
7. This Order is entered pursuant to a Custody Conciliation Conference. The parties may modify
the provisions of this Order by mutual consent. In the absence of mutual consent, the terms of
this Order shall control.
By the Court,
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istribution:
?ohn C. Howett, Jr., Esq.
uel L. Andes, Esq.
? John J. Mangan, Esq.
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MARY BETH SIMONIC, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. No. 08-2256 CIVIL ACTION LAW
DAVID E. SIMONIC, IN CUSTODY
Defendant
CUSTODY CONCILIATION SUMMARY REPORT
IN ACCORDANCE WITH CUMBERLAND COUNTY RULE OF CIVII, PROCEDURE
1915.3-8(b), the undersigned Custody Conciliator submits the following report:
1. The pertinent information pertaining to the Children who are the subject of this
litigation is as follows:
Name Date of Birth Currently in the Custody of
Theodore Simonic 12/29/1990 Mother
Maura Simonic 07/09/1992 Mother
2. The parties to this action have come to an agreement and the parties are as follows:
The Mother, Mary Beth Simonic, and her counsel, John C. Howett, Jr., Esq.
The Father, David E. Simonic, and his counsel, Samuel L. Andes, Esq.
3. The parties agreed to the entry of an Order in the form as attached.
Date Jo J. 'Mangan, Esquire
C sto Conciliator
MARY BETH SIMONIC, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. : 08-2256 CIVIL
DAVID E. SIMONIC
Defendant IN DIVORCE
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 9th day of July, 2008, upon consideration of Plaintiff's
Motion for Exclusive Possession of Marital Residence and for Special Relief, the
Defendant's Answer thereto, and after hearing, the Court finding that the Defendant has
returned the property in question and agreed to Plaintiff having exclusive possession of
the marital residence,
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED AND DIRECTED that Plaintiff's Motion for
Exclusive Possession of Marital Residence is GRANTED. Plaintiff's Motion for Special
Relief for Return of Items Taken from the Marital Residence is GRANTED; and Plaintiff's
Motion for Counsel Fees is GRANTED in part. Defendant shall pay counsel fees and
costs in the amount of $1,500.00
By the Court,
M. L. Ebert, Jr.,
John C. Howett, Jr., Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
Samuel Andes, Esquire
Attorney for Defendant
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MARY BETH SIMONIC, )
Plaintiff )
V. )
DAVID E. SIMONIC, )
Defendant )
NO. 2008-2256 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
IN DIVORCE
PRAECIPE WITHDRAWING ANCILLARY CLAIMS
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please withdraw all ancillary claims filed by the Plaintiff, Mary Beth Simonic, in the
above-captioned divorce action.
Date: 10 41?
130 Walnut Street
P. O. Box 810
Harrisburg, PA 17108
Telephone: (717) 234-2616
Counsel for Plaintiff Mary Beth Simonic
Respectfully submitted,
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MARY BETH SIMONIC,
Plaintiff
V.
DAVID E. SIMONIC,
Defendant
NO. 2008-2256 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
IN DIVORCE
PRAECIPE WITHDRAWING ANCILLARY CLAIMS
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please withdraw all ancillary claims filed by the Defendant, David E. Simonic, in the
above-captioned divorce action.
%
Date:
?tj7b
Respectfully submitted,
L. Andes, squire
525 North Twelfth Street
P.O. Box 168
Lemoyne, PA 17043
Telephone: (717) 761-5361
Counsel for Defendant David E. Simonic
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MARY BETH SIMONIC,
Plaintiff
vs.
DAVID E. SIMONIC,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON
PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND
COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 2008-2256
IN DIVORCE
AFFIDAVIT OF CONSENT
1. A Complaint in Divorce under Section 3301(c) of the Divorce Code was filed on
and served upon the Defendant on or about
2. The marriage of Plaintiff and Defendant is irretrievably broken and ninety (90) days
have elapsed from the date of both the filing and service of the complaint.
3. 1 consent to the entry of a final decree in divorce after service of a Notice of
Intention to Request Entry of the Decree.
WAIVER OF NOTICE OF INTENTION TO REQUEST ENTRY
OF A DIVORCE DECREE UNDER SECTION 3301(c) OF THE DIVORCE CODE
1. 1 consent to the entry of a final decree in divorce without notice.
2. 1 understand that I may lose rights concerning alimony, division of property, lawyer's
fees, or expenses if I do not claim them before a divorce is granted.
3. 1 understand that I will not be divorced until a divorce decree is entered by the court
and that a copy of the decree will be sent to me immediately after it is filed with the
Prothonotary.
I verify that the statements made in this Affidavit are true and correct. 1 understand that
false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. Section 4904 relating
to unsworn falsification to authorities.
9. A9, o?
Dated: AVID E. S1M NI
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MARY BETH SIMONIC,
Plaintiff
V.
DAVID E. SIMONIC,
Defendant
NO. 2008-2256 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
DIVORCE
PLAINTIFF'S AFFIDAVIT OF CONSENT
1.
April 10, 2008.
2
A complaint in divorce under §3301(c) of the Divorce Code was filed on
The marriage of Plaintiff and Defendant is irretrievably broken, and ninety
days have elapsed from the date of filing and service of the complaint.
3. I consent to the entry of a final decree in divorce after service of notice of
intention to request entry of the decree.
WAIVER OF NOTICE OF INTENTION TO REQUEST
ENTRY OF A DIVORCE DECREE UNDER
§3301(-c) OF THE DIVORCE CODE
I consent to the entry of a final decree of divorce without notice.
2. I understand that I may lose rights concerning alimony, division of
property, lawyer's fees or expenses if I do not claim them before a divorce is granted.
3. I understand that I will not be divorced until a divorce decree is entered by
the Court and that a copy of the decree will be sent to me immediately after it is filed with the
prothonotary.
I verify that the statements made above are true and correct. I understand that
false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. §4904 relating to unsworn
falsification to authorities.
Date: 6
M Be SlmoMCI Plaintiff
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
MARY BETH SIMONIC, )
Plaintiff )
V. )
DAVID E. SIMONIC, )
Defendant )
NO. 2008-2256 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
IN DIVORCE
PRAECIPE TO TRANSMIT RECORD
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Transmit the record, together with the following information, to the court for entry of a divorce
decree:
1. Ground for divorce: Irretrievable breakdown under §3301(c) of the Divorce Code.
2. Date and manner of service of the complaint: Service by certified mail on April 16,
2008; Affidavit of Service filed April 30, 2008.
3. Date of execution of the affidavit of consent required by §3301(c) of the Divorce
Code: by plaintiff, September 29, 2008; by defendant, September 29, 2008.
4. Related claims pending: No related claims pending.
5. Date plaintiffs Waiver of Notice in §3301(c) Divorce was filed with the prothonotary:
contemporaneously herewith; date defendant's Waiver of Notice in §3301(c) Divorce
was filed with the prothonotary: contemporaneously herewith.
Date: /0 -9- 75
John C. I weft, H, Esq ire
HO , KISSINGER T, P.C.
130 Walnut Street, P. O. Box 810
Harrisburg, PA 17108
Telephone: (717) 234-2616
Counsel for Plaintiff Mary Beth Simonic
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY
STATE OF PENNA.
MARY BETH SIMONIC, _ N
I f 2008 2256 CIVIL TERM
Plaintiff
No.
v sus
DAVID E. SIMONE,
Defendant
AND NOW,
DECREED THAT
AND
DECREE IN
DIVORCE
O cA oho t r t ?
MARY BETH SIMONIC
DAVID E. SIMONIC
ARE DIVORCED FROM THE BONDS OF MATRIMONY.
2008
, IT IS ORDERED AND
, PLAINTIFF,
,DEFENDANT,
THE COURT RETAINS JURISDICTION OF THE FOLLOWING CLAIMS WHICH HAVE
BEEN RAISED OF RECORD IN THIS ACTION FOR WHICH A FINAL ORDER HAS NOT
YET BEEN ENTERED; None.
BY THE COURT:
PROTHONOTARY
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