HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-3441Paul J. Esposito, Esquire
I.D. #25454
GOLDBERG KATZMAN, P.C.
320 Market Street
P. O. Box 1268
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1268
(717) 234-4161; (717) 234-6808 (facsimile)
Counsel for Plaintiff
JAMES A. SMITH, IV, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V.
NO.
Civil Term
TAMMY HERR, CIVIL ACTION - LAW
Defendant IN CUSTODY
COMPLAINT FOR CUSTODY
1. Plaintiff is JAMES A. SMITH, IV, who currently resides at 131 E. Locust Street,
Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17055.
2. Defendant is TAMMY HERR, who currently resides at an unknown location in
Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17055.
3. Plaintiff seeks shared legal and equal shared physical custody of:
Name: Alanah Raye Smith; DOB: 9/3/2007
Present
Residence: Unknown location in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania
The child was born out of wedlock.
4. The Child resides with the Defendant herein at an unknown location in
Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
5. Since birth, the Child has resided at the following addresses with the individuals
listed:
Birth to July 2008
440 S. York Street, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
with Plaintiff, Defendant and stepbrother, James A. Smith, V
July 2008 to February 26, 2009
131 E. Locust Street, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
with Plaintiff, Defendant and stepbrother, James A. Smith, V
February 26, 2009 to April 2009
41 Beech Cliff Drive, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
with Defendant, maternal grandmother, Linda Herr and maternal grandfather, Frank Herr
April 2009 to Present
Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
with Defendant and her boyfriend
6. The Father of the Child is James A. Smith, IV, Plaintiff herein, who currently
resides at 131 E. Locust Street, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
7. The Mother of the Child is Tammy Herr, Defendant herein, who currently resides
at an unknown location in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania.
8. The relationship of Plaintiff to the Child is that of Father. Plaintiff currently
resides with his girlfriend, Taryn Weaver, and his son, James A. Smith V, who resides with
Plaintiff one-half of the time pursuant to an Order of Court.
9. The relationship of Defendant to the Child is that of Mother. Defendant currently
resides with her boyfriend and the Child.
10. Plaintiff has no information of a custody proceeding concerning the Child
pending in a court of this Commonwealth.
2
11. Plaintiff does not know of any person who is not a party to these proceedings who
has physical custody of the Child or claims to have custody or visitation rights with respect to the
Child.
12. Plaintiff has not participated as a party, witness or in another capacity or in other
litigation concerning the custody of the Child in this or another Court.
13. Each parent whose parental rights to the child have not been terminated and the
persons who have physical custody of the Child have been named as a party to this action.
14. The best interests and permanent welfare of the Child will be served by the relief
requested.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests that this Honorable Court grant him
shared legal and equal shared physical custody of the parties' Child, ALANAH RAYE SMITH,
on a basis so that his two (2) children are together as frequently as possible.
Respectfully submitted,
GOL ERG TZMAN, P.C.
Paul J. vposjg
Attorney I.D. #25454
320 Market Street
P.O. Box 1268
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1268
(717) 234-4161
Date: , 2009 Attorney for Plaintiff
VERIFICATION
I verify that the statements contained in the foregoing COMPLAINT FOR CUSTODY are true
and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I understand that false statements
contained herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. Section 4904 relating to unsworn
falsification to authorities.
Date: S ?S 6 y
S S. SMITH, IV
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JAMES A. SMITH IV
PLAINTIFF
V.
TAMMY HERR
DEFENDANT
. IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
. CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
2009-3441 CIVIL ACTION LAW
. IN CUSTODY
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, Tuesday, June 02, 2009 , 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 Friday, July 10, 2009 at 1:00 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 . Man n r. Es .
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
OF T' E r r ' ?tinti4
209 JUN --2 PH I P d
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Paul J. Esposito, Esquire
I.D. #25454
Goldberg Katzman, P.C.
320 Market Street, Strawberry Square
Post Office Box 1268
Harrisburg, PA 17108-1268
(717) 234-4161, (717) 234-6808 (facsimile)
Attorneys for Plaintiff
JAMES A. SMITH, IV, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V. : NO. 09-3441 Civil Term
TAMMY HERR, : CIVIL ACTION - LAW
Defendant : IN CUSTODY
AFFIDAVIT OF SERVICE
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
SS:
COUNTY OF DAUPHIN
Personally appeared before me, a Notary Public, in and for said Commonwealth and
County, PAUL J. ESPOSITO, ESQUIRE, who being duly sworn according to law deposes and
says that on June 8, 2009, he sent a copy of Complaint for Custody by certified mail, return
receipt, to Defendant, Tammy Herr, at 1100 Ridge Drive, Pennsylvania 17055, and the return
receipt card signed by Tammy Herr is attached here and ma part hereof.
PAUL J. E O O
Sworn to and subs ibed before me
AvyA. y of 2009.
s , Notary Public
My Commission Expires: 9/17/2010
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Notarial Seal
Sally A. Marsh, Notary Public
:0DMAIPCD0CSID0CS197938U City Of Harrisburg, Dauphin County
My Commission Expires Sept. 17, 2010
Member, Pennsylvania Associa° w c,+ hlotades
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° al Tammy Herr
c; 1100 Ridge Drive
Mechanic Wrg, PA 17055
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item 4 If Fiestricled Delivery Is desired.
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so that we can return the card to you.
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or on the front If space permits.
1. Article Addressed to:
Tammy Herr
1100 Ridge Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
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4. Restricted Delivery? (Extra Fee) 0 Yes
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JAMES A. SMITH IV, IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
~• No. 09-3441 CIVIL ACTION LAW
TAMMY HERR, 1N CUSTODY
Defendant :
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW this l L ~ day of August 2009, upon consideration of the attached Custody
Conciliation Report, it is Ordered and Directed as follows:
1. Legal Custody: The Father, James Smith IV, and the Mother, Tammy Herr, shall have shared
legal custody of Alanah Raye Smith, born 09/03/2007. The parties shall have an equal right to
make all major non-emergency decisions affecting the Child's general well-being including,
but not limited to, all decisions regarding her health, education and religion. Pursuant to the
terms of 23 Pa.C.S. §5309, each parent shall be entitled to all records and information
pertaining to the Child including, but not limited to, medical, dental, religious or school
records, the residence address of the Child 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: Mother shall have primary physical custody of the Child subject to Father's
physical custody on a repeating two week schedule as follows:
a. In week one, Father shall have physical custody of Alanah Tuesday evening
from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Wednesday from 5:00 pm until Thursday morning
7:00 am, Thursday evening from 5:00 pm unti18:00 pm and Saturday morning
from 8:30 am until Sunday 8:00 pm.
b. In week two, Father shall have physical custody of Alanah Tuesday 5:00 pm
until Wednesday morning 7:00 am, Wednesday evening from 5:00 pm until 8:00
pm and Thursday from 5:00 pm until Friday morning 7:00 am.
c. The non-custodial parent shall pick up Alanah at agreed upon locations.
d. Father shall have physical custody of the Child at such other times as the parties
may mutually agree.
Telephone calls: Both parties shall use common sense in scheduling telephone calls to talk to
the Child. Both parties are hereby directed to refrain from preventing the parent who maybe
calling from talking to the Child or preventing the Child from calling the other parent, provided
that the phone calls are not excessively frequent nor too long in duration that they disrupt the
Child's schedule. The non-custodial parent shall have liberal telephone contact with the Child
on a reasonable basis.
4. Holidays:
a. Christmas:
1. In the odd-numbered years, Mother shall have a period of partial physical custody
with the Child on 12/24 at 11:00 am until 12/25 at 11:00 am; Father shall have a
period of partial physical custody with the Child from 12/25 at 11:00 am until 12/26
at 11:00 am.
2. In the even-numbered years, Mother shall have a period of partial physical custody
on 12/24 from 11:00 am until 8:00 pm; Father shall have physical custody of the
Child from 12/24 at 8:00 pm until 12/25 at 2:30 pm; Mother shall have physical
custody with the Child 12/25 at 2:30 pm until 12/26 at 11:00 am.
b. Thanksgiving:
1. In the odd-numbered years, Mother shall have physical custody with the Child from
Thanksgiving Day 8:00 am unti12:30 pm; Father shall have physical custody from
Thanksgiving Day at 2:30 pm unti18:00 pm.
2. In the even-numbered years, Father shall have physical custody with the Child from
Thanksgiving Day 8:00 am unti12:30 pm; Mother shall have physical custody from
Thanksgiving Day at 2:30 pm until 8:00 pm.
c. Easter:
1. In the odd-numbered years, Mother shall have physical custody with the Child
Easter Sunday from 8:00 am unti12:30 pm; Father shall have physical custody
with the Child Easter Sunday from 2:30 pm unti18:00 pm.
2. In the even-numbered years, Father shall have physical custody with the Child
Easter Sunday from 8:00 am unti12:30 pm; Mother shall have physical custody
with the Child Easter Sunday from 2:30 pm unti18:00 pm.
d. Mother's Day and Father's Day:
Each parent shall have physical custody on their respective Sunday holiday from 9:00
am until 8:00 pm.
5. Vacation: Until Alanah is of school age, each parent shall have two non-consecutive weeks of
vacation with the Child per year. When Alanah is of school age, the parents shall have two
non-consecutive weeks during the summer break. Summer break is defined as the first Friday
evening following the last day of school and if Friday is the last day of school, then the
following Friday, to two full weeks prior to the first day of school (unless mutually agreed by
the parties, the parents shall refer to the Mechanicsburg Area School District calendar for
guidance with respect to this provision).Such periods of vacation shall be exercised to include
the custodial parent's weekend period of custody. The requesting parent shall give the other
parent 30 days advance notice of the requested time and this vacation week shall supersede the
regular physical custody schedule. In the event the parties schedule conflicting vacations, the
party first providing written notice shall have the choice of vacation. Prior to departure, the
parties will provide each other with information regarding the intended vacation destination and
a telephone number at which they can be reached during their vacation. The parties may
expand this vacation time by mutual agreement. For 2009, Mother has requested July 27
through August 3.
6. Priority: The holiday schedule shall take priority. The periods of partial physical custody for
holidays, vacations, or other special days as forth herein shall be in addition to and take
precedence over, but shall not alter the schedule or sequence of regular periods of partial
physical custody for that parent as set forth herein. Holidays and other special days for custody
shall take precedence over vacations.
7. Right of first refusal: Mother and Father agree that should either parent be unable to exercise a
period of partial custody with the Child, that parent shall contact the other parent of such and
offer the other parent the first opportunity to exercise that period of partial physical custody
with the Child.
8. Transportation: Transportation shall be shared by the parties, with the parent who is to receive
custody at the time of the exchange to provide for transportation from the residence of the other
parent. At all times, the Child shall be secured in appropriate passenger restraints. No person
transporting the Child shall consume alcoholic beverages prior to transporting the Child. No
person transporting the Child shall be under the influence of any alcoholic beverages while
transporting the Child. The Child shall be transported only by licensed drivers.
9. Late for exchange: In the event that either party is more than twenty minutes late for a
scheduled custody visitation and/or custody exchange, in the absence of a telephone call or
other communication from the parent picking up the Child, the other party may assume that the
parent who is late has chosen not to exercise that period of custody. The period shall be
forfeited, and the other party will be free to make other plans with the Child.
10. Extracurricular activities: Each party shall provide to the other at least forty-eight hours
advance notice of school or other activities, whenever possible. Both parties shall agree to
honor and participate in the activities that the Child wishes to engage in. During the times that
the parents have custody of the Child, they will make certain that the Child attends any
extracurricular activities. The parties agree that they will be supportive of the activities and
will transport the Child to and from such activities and the preparations and practices for the
activities that are scheduled, in such time so that the Child is able to participate in those events.
Neither parent, however, shall sign up the Child for any activity unless the Child
definitely desires to attend that activity. Participation in activities which take place during the
school year is contingent upon the Child maintaining passing grades in school.
Neither parent shall sign the Child up for activities that fall on the other parent's period
of custody, without the consent of the other parent, which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld. If the Child is involved in an activity which occurs during both parents' periods of
custody, both parents shall cooperate in providing transportation of the Child to the activity.
However, the custodial parent shall not be required to take the Child to that activity if the
custodial parent and the Child are out of town during that activity, for a previously scheduled
vacation.
In the event that the custodial parentis unable to deliver the Child to the particular
activity, the parent who has custody of the Child at that time shall notify the non-custodial
parent, who shall be entitled to pick up and deliver the Child to the designated activity. The
custodial parent shall make certain that the Child is ready for pickup in time sufficient to enable
the Child to timely attend the activity.
Should the custodial parent elect not to take the Child to a defined activity period for
two times, then the non-custodial parent shall have the right to assume that he or she will be
responsible for transporting the Child to that activity until appropriate transportation is
provided.
11. Financial care of the Child: In the event that a significant matter arises with respect to the
medical care, education, or financial care of the Child, such as a change in occupation, health
insurance, education expenses, or residence of a party, those matters shall be discussed with the
other parent before any change is made by either parent.
12. Mutual consultation: Each party shall confer with the other on all matters of importance
relating to the Child's health, maintenance, and education with a view towards obtaining and
following a harmonious policy in the Child's education and social adjustments. Each party
agrees to keep the other informed of his or her residence and telephone number to facilitate
communication concerning the welfare of the Child and visitation. Each party agrees to supply
the name, address and phone numbers of any persons in whose care the Child will be for a
period in excess of 72 hours, and for each person or entity which may provide daycare for the
Child.
13. Illness of Child: Emergency decisions regarding the Child shall be made by the parent then
having custody. However, in the event of any emergency or serious illness of the Child at any
time, any party then having custody of the Child shall immediately communicate with the other
party by telephone or any other means practical, informing the other party of the nature of the
illness or emergency, so the other parent can become involved in the decision making process
as soon as practical. The term "serious illness" as used herein shall mean any disability which
confines the Child to bed for a period in excess of 72 hours and which places the Child under
the direction of a licensed physician.
14. Welfare of the Child to be considered: The welfare and convenience of the Child shall be the
prime consideration of the parties in any application of the provisions of this Order. Both
parents are directed to listen carefully and consider the wishes of the Child in addressing the
custodial schedule, any changes to the schedule, and any other parenting issues.
15. Special provisions:
a. Mother and Father agree that the childcare provider is Joan Homivich. Moreover, Mother
and Father agree that the childcare provider shall continue to be Joan Homivich until the
Child is four years of age and ready to attend pre-school. At that time, the parents will
review the childcare provider.
b. Mother and Father agree that neither party may take the Child out of the continental United
States unless mutually agreed in writing by the parties prior to such travel.
c. Mother and Father agree that the Child shall not be removed from the state of Pennsylvania
without 48 hours notice given to the other party and without the other party's consent. It is
mutually agreed by the parties that their respective consents shall not be unreasonably
withheld.
16. Neither party may say or do anything nor permit a third party to do or say anything that may
estrange the Child from the other party, or injure the opinion of the Child as to the other party,
or may hamper the free and natural development of the Child's love or affection for the other
party. To the extent possible, both parties shall not allow third parties to disparage the other
parent in the presence of the Child.
17. Smoking/drinking/illegal substances: Neither party shall smoke in a confined area when the
Child is present and neither party shall permit another person to smoke in a confined area when
the Child is present. Neither party shall consume alcoholic beverages to excess when in the
presence of the Child and neither party shall permit another person to consume alcoholic
beverages to excess when in the presence of the Child. Further, no party shall consume,
possess, or be under the influence of an illegal substance when in the presence of the Child nor
permit any other person to consume, possess, or be under the influence of an illegal substance
in the Child's presence.
18. 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.
Distribution:
~-leather Reynosa, Esq., 129 East Market Street, York, PA 17401
,/haul Esposito, Esq., 320 Market Street, P.O. Box 1268, Harrisburg, PA 17108
,~ohn J. Mangan, Esquire
V
By the Court,
JAMES A. SMITH IV,
Plaintiff
v.
TAMMY HERB,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
No. 09-3441
CIVIL ACTION LAW
IN CUSTODY
CUSTODY CONCILIATION SUMMARY REPORT
IN ACCORDANCE WITH CUMBERLAND COUNTY RULE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE
1915.3-8(b), the undersigned Custody Conciliator submits the following report:
1. The pertinent information pertaining to the Child who is the subject of this litigation is
as follows:
Name Date of Birth Currently in the Custody of
Alanah Raye Smith 09/03/2007 Primary Mother
2. A Conciliation Conference was held with regard to this matter on July 10, 2009 with the
following individuals in attendance:
The Mother, Tammy Herr, with her counsel, Heather Reynosa, Esq.
The Father, James Smith, with his counsel, Paul Esposito, Esq.
3. The parties agreed to the entry of an Order in the form as attached.
~l~d l
Date John an, squire
Custo C nciliator
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