HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-5644
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
By: Mark C. Duffie
1.0. No. 75906
301 Market Street
P. O. Box 109
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania 17043-0109
(717) 761-4540
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
THOMASR.GROOMEand
CHERYL A. GROOME,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 04- S"1..44 C/~c:.L ~€a....~
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
IN CUSTODY
v.
ROMAINE STANSFIELD,
Defendant
COMPLAINT FOR CUSTODY
1. Plaintiffs, Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome, husband and wife,
reside at 1824 Newport Road, Duncannon, Perry County, Pennsylvania 17020.
2. Defendant, Romaine Stansfield, resides at 505 Third Street, West
Fairview, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17025.
3. The Defendant, Romaine Stansfield, is the biological mother of the minor
child, ZANE THOMPSON, born May 27,2004.
4. Plaintiffs seek custody or partial custody of the following child:
Name Present Residence
Zane C. Thompson
505 Third Street
West Fairview, PA 17025
5. The child was born out of wedlock.
6. The child is presently in the custody of Defendant, Romaine Stansfield,
who resides at 505 Third Street, West Fairview, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
17025.
7. Since birth, the child has resided with the following persons at the
following addresses:
Name
Address
Dates
Romaine Stansfield 505 Third Street
Lexus Marie Stansfield West Fairview, PA 17025
(Born February 2001 - half sister)
Birth to Present
Christopher Thompson
(Late Father)
Birth to 7/6/04
8. The Mother of the child is Romaine Stansfield. She is believed to be
single.
9. The Father of the child was Christopher Thompson.
10. The relationship of Plaintiffs to the child is that of Paternal Grandparents.
11 . Plaintiffs current reside with the following persons: None.
12. The relationship of the Defendant to the child is that of Mother. The
Defendant currently resides with the fOllowing persons:
Name
Address
Romaine Stansfield
Lexus Marie Stansfield
(Born February 2001 - half sister)
505 Third Street
West Fairview, PA 17025
13. The Plaintiffs have not participated as a party or a witness, or in any other
capacity, in other litigation concerning the custody of the child in this or any other court.
14. Plaintiffs do not know of a person not a party to the proceedings who has
physical custody of the child or claims to have custody or visitation rights with respect to
this child.
15. The best interest and permanent welfare of the child will be served by
granting the Paternal Grandparents, Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome, liberal
partial custody rights because:
A. The child has enjoyed frequent and continuing contact with
the Paternal Grandparents since the death of his father in July 2004.
Defendant has supported this relationship and has frequently used
Plaintiffs as weekend babysitters.
B. It is in the best interest of the child to maintain these
relationships.
C. In the past, the Defendant Mother has threatened to cut off
all contact between the Paternal Grandparents and the subject child and
has threatened to move out of state.
16. The Plaintiffs have standing under 23 Pa.C.S.A. S5313(b) and under 23
Pa. C.S.A. ~5311.
17. The child's parents were never married.
18. The child's father was murdered in July 2004.
19. Subsequent to Father's death, the Defendant Mother has facilitated
frequent and continuing contact, including periods of partial custody, with the Paternal
Grandparents.
20. Each parent whose parental rights to the child have not been terminated
and the person who has physical custody of the child has been named as a party to this
action.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiffs, Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome, request
the Court to grant liberal partial custody of the minor child, ZANE C. THOMPSON, to
them.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & lONER
Date:
" /5/ p Y
By: ~~ ~
Mark C. Duffie
:238273
VERIFICA TION
We, Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome, verify that the statements made in the foregoing
Complaint for Custody are true and correct to the best of our knowledge, information and belief. We
understand that false statements made herein are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. ~4904 relating to
unsworn falsification to authorities.
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Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
By: Mark C. Duffie
I.D. No. 75906
301 Market Street
P. O. Box 109
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania 17043-0109
(717) 761-4540
Attomeys for Plaintiffs
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. eJ-l- Sf.,I./'-I 8uL 7'VL'"1.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
IN CUSTODY
THOMASR.GROOMEand
CHERYL A. GROOME,
v.
ROMAINE STANSFIELD,
Defendant
STIPULA TION FOR CUSTODY
WHEREAS, Defendant, Romaine Stansfield (hereinafter "Mother"), is the
biological mother of a minor child, Zane Thompson, born May 27, 2004 (hereinafter
"Child"); and
WHEREAS, the natural father of the minor child, Christopher Thompson, passed
away on July 6, 2004; and
WHEREAS, the Plaintiff, Cheryl A. Groome, is the paternal grandmother of the
minor child (hereinafter "Grandmother"); and
WHEREAS, the Plaintiff, Thomas R. Groome, the husband of Cheryl A. Groom,
is the paternal step-grandfather of the minor child (hereinafter "Grandfather")
Grandmother and Grandfather shall be hereinafter collectively referred to as
"Grandparents"; and
WHEREAS, Plaintiffs herein filed a Complaint For Custody on November 9,
2004; and
WHEREAS, the parties have reached an agreement for a parenting plan which
they believe reflects the best interests of the child.
NOW THEREFORE, intending to be legally bound, the parties stipulate and
agree as follows:
1. Mother shall have legal custody of the Child. She shall, subject to rights
conferred upon Grandparents and set forth herein, have the right to make all major non-
emergency decisions effecting the child's general well being including, but not limited to,
all decisions regarding his health, education, and religion.
Grandparents shall have the right to make all emergency and non-emergency
medical decisions when the Child is in their care, custody, and control. In the event that
any decision as described herein is made, the Grandparents agree to notify Mother
immediately. It is the intent of the parties hereto that the Grandparents have the ability
to proceed with any medical decision making whether notification to Mother has been
affected. The Grandparents agree to use their every and best efforts to immediately
notify Mother in the event any medical decisions are made.
Grandparents shall also have shared legal custody for the limited purpose of
major long-term, life altering medical care or the administration of medication for such
purpose.
2. Physical Custody. Mother shall have primary physical custody of the Child
subject to periods of partial custody in favor of the Grandparents, which are outlined as
follows:
a. Grandparents shall enjoy partial custody of the minor child every weekend
defined as Friday, at 7:00 a.m. until Sunday, at 7:00 p.m. or Saturday, at 7:00 a.m. until
Monday, at 7:00 p.m. The parties shall communicate with respect to their schedules to
determine which timeframe shall be utilized for each particular weekend.
b. The Grandparents' periods of partial custody are subject to occasional
weekends wherein the Child shall spend time with Mother. These weekends wherein
Mother shall retain custody shall be discussed and determined at the discretion of the
parties. It is the intent of the parties that Mother will never have more than two (2)
consecutive weekends thereby precluding any custodial time with the Grandparents for
that same period.
3. Vacation. Both Mother and Grandparents shall be entitled to up to six (6)
weeks of uninterrupted vacation custodial time with the Child with no more than two (2)
consecutive weeks of custodial time being exercised. Both parties shall give the other
advance notice of their intent to exercise periods of vacation/partial custody, as
provided herein, as well as, provide the custodial party(s) a destination and contact
number should the Child and leave the area.
4. Holidays.
A. Christmas. Christmas shall have two segments, Segment A and Segment
B. Segment A shall be December 24, from 5:00 p.m. until December 25, at 11 :00 a.m.
Segment B shall be from December 25, at 11 :00 a.m. until December 26, at 9:00 a.m.
when the ordinary custodial schedule resumes. Commencing in 2004 and subsequent
even numbered years, Mother shall have custody for Segment A and Grandparents
shall have custody for Segment B. In 2005 and subsequent odd numbered years,
Mother shall have Segment B and Grandparents shall have Segment A.
B. On holidays during even numbered years, the child will be with Mother on
News Years Eve, Easter, Independence Day, and Halloween. In odd numbered years,
the child will be with Mother on New Years Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and
Thanksgiving. Birthdays will be celebrated with the party having custody on the
ordinary schedule. Mother's Day will be spent with Mother. The holiday schedule
supercedes the ordinary schedule.
5. Neither party will relocate a distance of greater than a thirty (30) minute
drive without the consent of the other party. In the event that a change in the custodial
schedule is needed by reason of the desired relocation of one party, and in the absence
of an agreement of the parties, the relocating party will provide the other party no less
than sixty (60) days notice of their intent to relocate. It is the intention of this paragraph
to give the parties an opportunity to modify the custodial agreement if one becomes
necessary by a desired relocation.
6. The parties intend that this Stipulation be made into an Order of Court.
7. The parties may vary from the Stipulation by their mutual agreement. In
the absence of a mutual agreement, the terms of the Stipulation and Order shall control.
Witness:
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Thomas R.
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THOMAS R. GROOME and
CHERYL A. GROOME,
Plaintiffs/Petitioners
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 04-5644 CIVIL TERM
v.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
ROMAINE STANSFIELD,
IN CUSTODY
Defendant/Respondent
EMERGENCY PETITION FOR SPECIAL
RELIEF PURSUANT TO Pa.R.C.P. 1915.13
PETITIONERS, Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome, by and through their
attorneys, Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner, hereby file this Emergency Petition For
Special Relief and in support thereof, avers as follows:
1. Petitioners, Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome, husband and wife,
reside at 1824 Newport Road, Duncannon, Perry County, Pennsylvania 17020.
2. Respondent, Romaine Stansfield, resided at 505 Third Street, West
Fairview, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17025, until her recent incarceration in
Cumberland County Prison.
3. The Respondent, Romaine Stansfield, is the biological mother of a minor
child, Zane Thompson, born May 27,2004.
4. The natural father of the minor child was Christopher Thompson, is
deceased.
5. The Petitioners are the paternal grandparents of the same minor child.
6. On November 9, 2004, the Petitioners filed a Complaint for Custody
wherein they requested liberal partial custody of the minor child, Zane Thompson. A
true and correct copy of said Complaint is attached hereto and incorporated herein as
Exhibit "A".
7. By Stipulation by and among the parties hereto, the Petitioners were
conferred partial custody according to the terms and conditions contained therein. Said
Stipulation was entered and incorporated as an Order of Court dated December 17,
2004. A true and correct copy of said Stipulation and Order is attached hereto and
incorporated herein as Exhibit "B".
8. The minor child is currently in the care, custody and control of the
Petitioners as mother has been recently incarcerated for a number of probation
violations and other charges, which may include and may not be limited to the following:
(a) driving under the influence of alcohol;
(b) driving under a suspended license;
(c) driving an unregistered uninsured vehicle;
(d) utilizing illegal drugs during her term of probation; and
(e) forgery.
9. Counsel for the undersigned has attempted to contact Respondent's
probation officer, Tiffany Ryan, in Cumberland County but has been unable, to date, to
ascertain the precise nature of these charges.
10. The Petitioners have contacted Children and Youth Services in
Cumberland County and indicated that they, as they paternal grandparents, have had a
frequent and continuing relationship involving significant custodial time, overnight
custodial visits, as well as the current Order entered by Stipulation which is attached
hereto as Exhibit "8".
11. Children and Youth Services of Cumberland County directed Petitioners to
consult with counsel and file an Emergency Petition for Special Relief in lieu of their
proceeding with a dependency hearing for this child. Respondent has indicated to
Cumberland County Children & Youth Services that it is her desire that the minor child
be placed in the care, custody and control of Petitioners.
12. The best interest and permanent welfare of the child will be served by
confirming the status quo of physical custody in the Petitioners during Respondent's
incarceration due to the following:
(a) The Petitioners have participated in raising this child, as they have
enjoyed frequent and continuing contact on an overnight basis and said relationship has
been memorialized by the Stipulation of the parties hereto and the incorporating Order.
(b) The Petitioners currently enjoy a partial shared legal custody arrangement
with Respondent as they have participated in decision making with respect to the said
child who has extraordinary medical needs and have assisted in obtaining medical care
for the child.
(c) The Petitioners have prepared for some time and are currently prepared to
accept the role of sole physical and legal custodians of the minor child.
WHEREFORE, the Petitioners, Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome
request the Court to grant them sole physical and legal custody of the minor child, Zane
Thompson, subject to the following:
Petitioners shall have the right to make all decisions attendant to legal custody
including, but not limited to, medical decisions. In the event that any decision, medical
or otherwise, is made, the Petitioners agree to use all best efforts to notify Respondent
immediately. With respect to major long term, life-altering medical care or the
administration of medication for such purposes, the parties shall share equally in that
decision making process.
At such time as the Respondent is released from incarceration and files a
Petition to Modify this Order, a conciliation conference will promptly be scheduled .
Respectfully submitted,
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
Date: 1:2 - .:J.I-,Jt.f
BY:~ ~
/I~c. Du ie Esquire
VERI FICA rlON
We, Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome, verify that the statements made
in the foregoing Emergency Petition for Special Relief are true and correct to the best of
our knowledge, information and belief. We understand that false statements made
herein are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. 94904 relating to unsworn falsification
to authorities.
---/;/~W1
Thomas R. Groo e
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CherylY Groome
DATE:
1~-d.I-0<1
:241446
CERTIFICA TE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this 21 st day of December, 2004, the undersigned does hereby certify
that she did this date serve a copy of the foregoing document upon the other parties of
record by causing same to be deposited in the United States Mail, first class postage
prepaid, at Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, addressed as follows:
Romaine Stansfield
Cumberland County Prison
1101 Claremont Road
Carlisle, PA 17013
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
BY:~
Deborah Zie
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:241456
THOMAS R. GROOME and
CHERYL A. GROOME,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. CY-l- SI-44 C; uL '--r~
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
v.
ROMAINE STANSFIELD,
IN CUSTODY
Defendant
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this day of , 2004, it is hereby directed that
the parties and their respective counsel appear before
the Conciliator, at
on the day of , 2004 at _.m. for a Custody
Conciliation 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 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:
Custody Conciliator
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 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
Dist: Mark C. Duffie, Esquire, PO Box 109, Lemoyne, PA 17043
Romaine Stansfield, 505 Third Street, West Fairview, PA 17025
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
By: Mark C. Duffie
1.0. No. 75906
301 Market Street
P. O. Box 109
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania 17043-0109
(717) 761-4540
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
THOMAS R. GROOME and
CHERYL A. GROOME,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO.
ROMAINE STANSFIELD,
IN CUSTODY
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COMPLAINT FOR CUSTODY
1. Plaintiffs, Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome, husband and wife,
reside at 1824 Newport Road, Duncannon, Perry County, Pennsylvania 17020.
2. Defendant, Romaine Stansfield, resides at 505 Third Street, West
Fairview, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17025.
3. The Defendant, Romaine Stansfield, is the biological mother of the minor
child, ZANE THOMPSON, born May 27,2004.
4. Plaintiffs seek custody or partial custody of the following child:
Name Present Residence
Zane C. Thompson
505 Third Street
West Fairview, PA 17025
5. The child was born out of wedlock.
6. The child is presently in the custody of Defendant, Romaine Stansfield,
who resides at 505 Third Street, West Fairview, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
17025.
7. Since birth, the child has resided with the following persons at the
following addresses:
Name
Address
Dates
Romaine Stansfield 505 Third Street
Lexus Marie Stansfield West Fairview, PA 17025
(Born February 2001 - half sister)
Birth to Present
Christopher Thompson
(Late Father)
Birth to 7/6/04
8. The Mother of the child is Romaine Stansfield. She is believed to be
single.
9. The Father of the child was Christopher Thompson.
10. The relationship of Plaintiffs to the child is that of Paternal Grandparents.
11. Plaintiffs current reside with the following persons: None.
12. The relationship of the Defendant to the child is that of Mother. The
Defendant currently resides with the following persons:
Name
Address
Romaine Stansfield
Lexus Marie Stansfield
(Born February 2001 - half sister)
505 Third Street
West Fairview. PA 17025
13. The Plaintiffs have not participated as a party or a witness, or in any other
capacity, in other litigation concerning the custody of the child in this or any other court.
14. Plaintiffs do not know of a person not a party to the proceedings who has
physical custody of the child or claims to have custody or visitation rights with respect to
this child.
15. The best interest and permanent welfare of the child will be served by
granting the Paternal Grandparents, Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome, liberal
partial custody rights because:
A. The child has enjoyed frequent and continuing contact with
the Paternal Grandparents since the death of his father in July 2004.
Defendant has supported this relationship and has frequently used
Plaintiffs as weekend babysitters.
B. It is in the best interest of the child to maintain these
relationships.
C. In the past, the Defendant Mother has threatened to cut off
all contact between the Paternal Grandparents and the subject child and
has threatened to move out of state.
16. The Plaintiffs have standing under 23 Pa.C.S.A. 95313(b} and under 23
Pa. C.S.A. 95311.
17. The child's parents were never married.
18. The child's father was murdered in July 2004.
19. Subsequent to Father's death, the Defendant Mother has facilitated
frequent and continuing contact, including periods of partial custody, with the Patemal
Grandparents.
20. Each parent whose parental rights to the child have not been terminated
and the person who has physical custody of the child has been named as a party to this
action.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiffs. Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome, request
the Court to grant liberal partial custody of the minor child. ZANE C. THOM~SON, to
them.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHNSON, DUFFIE. STEWART & lONER
Date:
,I I :s/t? /
By: ~~ /?
Mark C. Duffie
:238273
VERIFICA TION
We, Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome, verify that the statements made in the foregoing
Complaint for Custody are true and correct to the best of our knowledge, information and belief. We
understand that false statements made herein are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. 94904 relating to
unsworn falsification to authorities.
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THOMAS R. GROOME and
CHERYL A. GROOME,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 04- ~l-LfLf (JuL'L ~7YL.~
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
v.
ROMAINE STANSFIELD,
IN CUSTODY
Defendant
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this F7-1-L.eay of ~S::-("
, 2004, upon agreement of the
above-captioned parties, the attached Stipulation For Custody is hereby made into an
Order of Court effective immediately.
BY:jS~fr )O~~ d -t.1"
Dist: Mark C. Duffie, Esquire, PO Box 109, Lemoyne, PA 17043
Romaine Stansfield, 505 Third Street, West Fairview, PA 17025
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Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
By: Mark C. Duffie
I.D. No. 75906
301 Market Street
P. O. Box 109
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania 17043-0109
(717) 761-4540
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO.
THOMAS R. GROOME and
CHERYL A. GROOME,
v.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
ROMAINE STANSFIELD,
IN CUSTODY
Defendant
STIPULATION FOR CUSTODY
WHEREAS, Defendant, Romaine Stansfield (hereinafter "Mother"), is the
biological mother of a minor child, Zane Thompson, born May 27, 2004 (hereinafter
"Child"); and
WHEREAS, the natural father of the minor child, Christopher Thompson, passed
away on July 6, 2004; and
WHEREAS, the Plaintiff, Cheryl A. Groome, is the paternal grandmother of the
minor child (hereinafter "Grandmother"); and
WHEREAS, the Plaintiff, Thomas R. Groome, the husband of Cheryl A. Groom,
is the paternal step-grandfather of the minor child (hereinafter "Grandfather")
Grandmother and Grandfather shall be hereinafter collectively referred to as
"Grandparents"; and
WHEREAS, Plaintiffs herein filed a Complaint For Custody on November 9,
2004; and
WHEREAS, the parties have reached an agreement for a parenting plan which
they believe reflects the best interests of the child.
NOW THEREFORE, intending to be legally bound, the parties stipulate and
agree as follows:
1. Mother shall have legal custody of the Child. She shall, subject to rights
conferred upon Grandparents and set forth herein, have the right to make all major non-
emergency decisions effecting the child's general well being including, but not limited to,
all decisions regarding his health, education, and religion.
Grandparents shall have the right to make all emergency and non-emergency
medical decisions when the Child is in their care, custody, and control. In the event that
any decision as described herein is made, the Grandparents agree to notify Mother
immediately. It is the intent of the parties hereto that the Grandparents have the ability
to proceed with any medical decision making whether notification to Mother has been
affected. The Grandparents agree to use their every and best efforts to immediately
notify Mother in the event any medical decisions are made.
Grandparents shall also have shared legal custody for the limited purpose of
major long-term, life altering medical care or the administration of medication for such
purpose.
2. Phvsical Custody. Mother shall have primary physical custody of the Child
subject to periods of partial custody in favor of the Grandparents, which are outlined as
follows:
a. Grandparents shall enjoy partial custody of the minor child every weekend
defined as Friday, at 7:00 a.m. until Sunday, at 7:00 p.m. or Saturday, at 7:00 a.m. until
Monday, at 7:00 p.m. The parties shall communicate with respect to their schedules to
determine which timeframe shall be utilized for each particular weekend.
b. The Grandparents' periods of partial custody are subject to occasional
weekends wherein the Child shall spend time with Mother. These weekends wherein
Mother shall retain custody shall be discussed and determined at the discretion of the
parties. It is the intent of the parties that Mother will never have more than two (2)
consecutive weekends thereby precluding any custodial time with the Grandparents for
that same period.
3. Vacation. Both Mother and Grandparents shall be entitled to up to six (6)
weeks of uninterrupted vacation custodial time with the Child with no more than two (2)
consecutive weeks of custodial time being exercised. Both parties shall give the other
advance notice of their intent to exercise periods of vacation/partial custody, as
provided herein, as well as, provide the custodial party(s) a destination and contact
number should the Child and leave the area.
4. Holidavs.
A. Christmas. Christmas shall have two segments, Segment A and Segment
B. Segment A shall be December 24, from 5:00 p.m. until December 25, at 11 :00 a.m.
Segment B shall be from December 25, at 11 :00 a.m. until December 26, at 9:00 a.m.
when the ordinary custodial schedule resumes. Commencing in 2004 and subsequent
even numbered years, Mother shall have custody for Segment A and Grandparents
shall have custody for Segment B. In 2005 and subsequent odd numbered years,
Mother shall have Segment B and Grandparents shall have Segment A.
B. On holidays during even numbered years, the child will be with Mother on
News Years Eve, Easter, Independence Day, and Halloween. In odd numbered years,
the child will be with Mother on New Years Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and
Thanksgiving. Birthdays will be celebrated with the party having custody on the
ordinary schedule. Mother's Day will be spent with Mother. The holiday schedule
supercedes the ordinary schedule.
5. Neither party will relocate a distance of greater than a thirty (30) minute
drive without the consent of the other party. In the event that a change in the custodial
schedule is needed by reason of the desired relocation of one party, and in the absence
of an agreement of the parties, the relocating party will provide the other party no less
than sixty (60) days notice of their intent to relocate. It is the intention of this paragraph
to give the parties an opportunity to modify the custodial agreement if one becomes
necessary by a desired relocation.
6. The parties intend that this Stipulation be made into an Order of Court.
7. The parties may vary from the Stipulation by their mutual agreement. In
the absence of a mutual agreement, the terms of the Stipulation and Order shall control.
Witness:
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Thomas R. Gro me
Witness:
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Cheryl ~oome
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THOMAS R. GROOME & CHERYL A.
GROOME
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
PLAINTIFF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V.
04-5644 CIVIL ACTION LAW
ROMAINE STANSFIELD
DEFENDANT
IN CUSTODY
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW,
Tuesday, November 16, 2004
, upon consideration of the attached Complaint,
it is hereby directed that parties and their respective counsel appear before Dawn S. Sunday, Esq. , the conciliator,
at 39 West Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 on Tuesday, December 07, 2004 at 9:00 AM
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 a,ge five or older may also be present at the conference. Failure to appear at the conference may
provide grounds for entry of a temporary or permanent order.
The court hereby directs the parties to furnish any and all existing Protection from Abuse orders,
Special Relief orders. and Custody orders to the conciliator 48 hours prior to scheduled hearine:.
FOR THE COURT.
By: /s/
Dawn S. Sunday. Esq.
Custody Conciliator
mhc
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 thc~ 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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THOMAS R. GROOME & CHERYL A.
GROOME
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
Plaintiff
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
vs.
04-5644
CIVIL ACTION LAW
ROMAINE STANSFIELD
Defendant
IN CUSTODY
ORDER
AND NOW, this 15th day of December.2004 , the conciliator, being advised by
plaintiffs counsel that all custody issues have been resolved by agreement ofthe parties, hereby
relinquishes jurisdiction. The Custody Conciliation Conference scheduled for December 16, 2004 is
cancelled.
FOR THE COURT,
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Dawn S. Sunday, Esquire
Custody Conciliator
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THOMAS R. GROOME and
CHERYL A. GROOME,
Plaintiffs/Petitioners
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 04-5644 CIVIL TERM
v.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
ROMAINE STANSFIELD,
IN CUSTODY
Defendant/Respondent
TEMPORARY ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this M day of
ye-e- #
, 2004, it is hereby
Ordered and decreed that the Petitioners, Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome,
shall have sole physical and legal custody of the minor child, Zane Thompson subject to
the following:
Petitioners shall have the right to make all decisions attendant to legal custody
including, but not limited to, medical decisions. In the event that any decision, medical
or otherwise, is made, the Petitioners agree to use all best efforts to notify Respondent
immediately. With respect to major long term, Iife-c:lltering medical care or the
administration of medication for such purposes, the partiets agree that the parties shall
share equally in that decision making process.
,j At such time I fis the REf~P9ndent is released from incarceration and files a
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Counsel for Petitioners shall promptly provide a copy of this Order to the
Respondent.
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THOMAS R. GROOME and
CHERYL A. GROOME,
Plaintiffs/Petitioners
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 04-5644 CIVIL TERM
v.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
ROMAINE STANSFIELD,
IN CUSTODY
Defendant/Respondent
RULE TO SHOW CAUSE
AND NOW, this _ day of December, 2004, upon consideration of the
Emergency Petition for Special Relief Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1915.13, it is hereby
directed that Respondent show cause why the Emergency Petition should not be
issued, providing the relief requested by Petitioners. R.ule returnable in days
from the date of this Order.
J.
:241452
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
By: Mark C. Duffie
I.D.No.75906
301 Market Street
P. O. Box 109
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania 17043-0109
(717) 761-4540
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO.
<',"
THOMAS R. GROOME and
CHERYL A. GROOME,
v.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
ROMAINE STANSFIELD,
IN CUSTODY
Defendant
STIPULATION FOR CUSTODY
WHEREAS, Defendant, Romaine Stansfield (hHreinafter "Mother"), is the
biological mother of a minor child, Zane Thompson, bom May 27, 2004 (hereinafter
"Child"); and
WHEREAS, the natural father of the minor child, Christopher Thompson, passed
away on July 6, 2004; and
WHEREAS, the Plaintiff, Cheryl A. Groome, is the paternal grandmother of the
minor child (hereinafter "Grandmother"); and
WHEREAS, the Plaintiff, Thomas R. Groome, the husband of Cheryl A. Groom,
is the paternal step-grandfather of the minor child (hereinafter "Grandfather")
Exhibit A
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Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 04- r;l-LfLf dUL'L~7YL0f
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
THOMASR.GROOMEa~
CHERYL A. GROOME,
v.
ROMAINE STANSFIELD,
IN CUSTODY
Defendant
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this F7~ay of -JJ~c
, 2004, upon agreement of the
above-captioned parties, the attached Stipulation For Custody is hereby made into an
Order of Court effective immediately.
By:~lo~frrJ~J
Dist: Mark C. Duffie, Esquire, PO Box 109, Lemoyne, PA 17043
Romaine Stansfield, 505 Third Street, West Fairview, PA 17025
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Plaintiffs/Petitioners
IN THE COUI~T OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 04-5644 CIVIL TERM
THOMAS R. GROOME and
CHERYL A. GROOME,
v.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
ROMAINE STANSFIELD,
IN CUSTODY
Defendant/Respondent
EMERGENCY PETITION FOR SPECIAL
RELIEF PURSUANT TO Pa.R.C.P. 1915.13
PETITIONERS, Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome, by and through their
attorneys, Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner, hereby file this Emergency Petition For
Special Relief and in support thereof, avers as follows:
1. Petitioners, Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome, husband and wife,
reside at 1824 Newport Road, Duncannon, Perry County, Pennsylvania 17020.
2. Respondent, Romaine Stansfield, resided at 505 Third Street, West
Fairview, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17025, until her recent incarceration in
Cumberland County Prison.
3. The Respondent, Romaine Stansfield, is the biological mother of a minor
child, Zane Thompson, born May 27,2004.
4. The natural father of the minor child was Christopher Thompson, is
deceased.
5. The Petitioners are the paternal grandparents of the same minor child.
6. On November 9, 2004, the Petitioners filed a Complaint for Custody
wherein they requested liberal partial custody of the minor child, Zane Thompson. A
true and correct copy of said Complaint is attached hereto and incorporated herein as
Exhibit "A",
7. By Stipulation by and among the parties hereto, the Petitioners were
conferred partial custody according to the terms and conditions contained therein. Said
Stipulation was entered and incorporated as an Order of Court dated December 17,
2004. A true and correct copy of said Stipulation and Order is attached hereto and
incorporated herein as Exhibit uB".
8. The minor child is currently in the care, custody and control of the
Petitioners as mother has been recently incarcerated for a number of probation
violations and other charges, which may include and may not be limited to the following:
(a) driving under the influence of alcohol;
(b) driving under a suspended license;
(c) driving an unregistered uninsured vehicle;
(d) utilizing illegal drugs during her term of probation; and
(e) forgery.
9. Counsel for the undersigned has attempted to contact Respondent's
probation officer, Tiffany Ryan, in Cumberland County but has been unable, to date, to
ascertain the precise nature of these charges.
10. The Petitioners have contacted Childrem and Youth Services in
Cumberland County and indicated that they, as they paternal grandparents, have had a
frequent and continuing relationship involving significant custodial time, overnight
custodial visits, as well as the current Order entered by Stipulation which is attached
hereto as Exhibit "8".
11. Children and Youth Services of Cumberland! County directed Petitioners to
consult with counsel and file an Emergency Petition for Special Reiief in lieu of their
proceeding with a dependency hearing for this child. Respondent has indicated to
Cumberland County Children & Youth Services that it is her desire that the minor child
be placed in the care, custody and control of Petitioners.
12. The best interest and permanent welfare of the child will be served by
confirming the status quo of physical custody in the Petitioners during Respondent's
incarceration due to the following:
(a) The Petitioners have participated in raising this child, as they have
enjoyed frequent and continuing contact on an overnight basis and said relationship has
been memorialized by the Stipulation of the parties hereto and the incorporating Order.
(b) The Petitioners currently enjoy a partial shared legal custody arrangement
with Respondent as they have participated in decision making with respect to the said
child who has extraordinary medical needs and have assisted in obtaining medical care
for the child.
(c) The Petitioners have prepared for some timE~ and are currently prepared to
accept the role of sole physical and legal custodians of tho minor child.
WHEREFORE, the Petitioners, Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome
request the Court to grant them sole physical and legal custody of the minor child, Zane
Thompson, subject to the following:
Petitioners shall have the right to make all decisions attendant to legal custody
including, but not limited to, medical decisions. In the event that any decision, medical
or otherwise, is made, the Petitioners agree to use all best efforts to notify Respondent
immediately. With respect to major long term, life..altering medical care or the
administration of medication for such purposes, the parties shall share equally in that
decision making process.
At such time as the Respondent is released from incarceration and files a
Petition to Modify this Order, a conciliation conference will promptly be scheduled .
Respectfully submitted,
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
Date: 1:2 - ;1.1-11'1
VERIFICATION
We, Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome, verify that the statements made
in the foregoing Emergency Petition for Special Relief are true and correct to the best of
our knowledge, information and belief. We understand that false statements made
herein are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. 94904 relating to unsworn falsification
to authorities.
-?;/""M (
Thomas R. Groo~ e
/~~2~
. Groom/3
DATE:
I 'J.- d-I - 0<1
:241446
CERT/F/CA TE OF SERVICE
AND NOW, this 21 st day of December, 2004, the undersigned does hereby certify
that she did this date serve a copy of the foregoing document upon the other parties of
record by causing same to be deposited in the United States Mail, first class postage
prepaid, at Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, addressed as follows:
Romaine Stansfield
Cumberland County Prison
1101 Claremont Road
Carlisle, PA 17013
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
BY:~~
Deborah Zie n /
:241456
Exhibit B
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. CY-I-SI-44 C;CJ,L~~
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
THOMAS R. GROOME and
CHERYL A. GROOME,
v.
ROMAINE STANSFIELD,
IN CUSTODY
Defendant
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this day of , 2004, it is hereby directed that
the parties and their respective counsel appear before
the Conciliator, at
on the day of , 2004 at _.m. for a Custody
Conciliation 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 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 Ordelli and Custody Orders to the
Conciliator 48 hours prior to scheduled hearing.
FOR THE COURT:
BY:
Custody Conciliator
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 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
Dist: Mark C. Duffie, Esquire, PO Box 109, Lemoyne, PA 17043
Romaine Stansfield, 505 Third Street, West Fairview, PA 17025
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
By: Mark C. Duffie
I.D. No. 75906
301 Market Street
P. O. Box 109
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania 17043-0109
(717) 761-4540
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO.
THOMAS R. GROOME and
CHERYL A. GROOME,
v.
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GIVIL ACTION - LAW,::;
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COMPLAINT FOR CUSTODY
1. Plaintiffs, Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome, husband and wife,
reside at 1824 Newport Road, Duncannon, Perry County, Pennsylvania 17020.
2. Defendant, Romaine Stansfield, resides at 505 Third Street, West
Fairview, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17025.
3. The Defendant, Romaine Stansfield, is the biological mother of the minor
child, ZANE THOMPSON, born May 27,2004.
4. Plaintiffs seek custody or partial custody of the following child:
Name Present Residence
Zane C. Thompson
505 Third Street
West Fahview, PA 17025
5. The child was born out of wedlock.
6. The child is presently in the custody of Defendant, Romaine Stansfield,
who resides at 505 Third Street, West Fairview, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
17025.
7. Since birth, the child has resided with the following persons at the
following addresses:
Name
Address
Dates
Romaine Stansfield 505 Third Street
Lexus Marie Stansfield West Fairview, PA 170:25
(Born February 2001 - half sister)
Birth to Present
Christopher Thompson
(Late Father)
Birth to 7/6/04
8. The Mother of the child is Romaine Stansfield. She is believed to be
single.
9. The Father of the child was Christopher Thompson.
10. The relationship of Plaintiffs to the child is that of Paternal Grandparents.
11. Plaintiffs current reside with the following pt~rsons: None.
12. The relationship of the Defendant to the child is that of Mother. The
Defendant currently resides with the following persons:
Name
Address
Romaine Stansfield
Lexus Marie Stansfield
(Born February 2001 - half sister)
505 Third Street
West Fairview, PA 17025
13. The Plaintiffs have not participated as a party or a witness, or in any other
capacity, in other litigation concerning the custody of the child in this or any other court.
14. Plaintiffs do not know of a person not a party to the proceedings who has
physical custody of the child or claims to have custody or visitation rights with respect to
this child.
15. The best interest and permanent welfare of the child will be served by
granting the Paternal Grandparents, Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome, liberal
partial custody rights because:
A. The child has enjoyed frequent and continuing contact with
the Paternal Grandparents since the death of his father in July 2004.
Defendant has supported this relationship and has frequently used
Plaintiffs as weekend babysitters.
B. It is in the best interest of the ch~ld to maintain these
relationships.
C. In the past, the Defendant Mother has threatened to cut off
all contact between the Paternal Grandparents and the subject child and
has threatened to move out of state.
16. The Plaintiffs have standing under 23 Pa.C.S.A. ~5313{b) and under 23
Pa. C.S.A. ~5311.
17. The child's parents were never married.
18. The child's father was murdered in July 2004.
19. Subsequent to Father's death, the DefEmdant Mother has facilitated
frequent and continuing contact, including periods of partial custody, with the Paternal
Grandparents.
20. Each parent whose parental rights to the child have not been terminated
and the person who has physical custody of the child has been named as a party to this
action.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiffs, Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome, request
the Court to grant liberal partial custody of the minor child, ZANE C. THOMPSON, to
them.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & lONER
Date:
,,/S/o/
By: i -f~
Mark C. Duffie
:238273
VERIFICA TION
We, Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome, verify that the statements made in the foregoing
Complaint for Custody are true and correct to the best of our knowledge, information and belief. We
understand that false statements made herein are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. S4904 relating to
unsworn falsification to authorities.
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C ryl A. Groome
Dated:
/l"15/~Y
Grandmother and Grandfather shall be hereinafter collectively referred to as
"Grandparents"; and
WHEREAS, Plaintiffs herein filed a Complaint For Custody on November 9,
2004; and
WHEREAS, the parties have reached an agreement for a parenting plan which
they believe reflects the best interests of the child.
NOW THEREFORE, intending to be legally bound, the parties stipulate and
agree as follows:
1. Mother shall have legal custody of the Child. She shall, subject to rights
conferred upon Grandparents and set forth herein, have the right to make all major non-
emergency decisions effecting the child's general well being including, but not limited to,
all decisions regarding his health, education, and religion.
Grandparents shall have the right to make all emergency and non-emergency
medical decisions when the Child is in their care, custody, and control. In the event that
any decision as described herein is made, the Grandparents agree to notify Mother
immediately. It is the intent of the parties hereto that the Grandparents have the ability
to proceed with any medical decision making whether notification to Mother has been
affected. The Grandparents agree to use their every and best efforts to immediately
notify Mother in the event any medical decisions are made.
Grandparents shall also have shared legal custody for the limited purpose of
major long-term, life altering medical care or the administration of medication for such
purpose.
2. Phvsical Custody. Mother shall have primary physical custody of the Child
subject to periods of partial custody in favor of the Grandparents, which are outlined as
follows:
a. Grandparents shall enjoy partial custody of the minor child every weekend
defined as Friday, at 7:00 a.m. until Sunday, at 7:00 p.m. or Saturday, at 7:00 a.m. until
Monday, at 7:00 p.m. The parties shall communicate with respect to their schedules to
determine which timeframe shall be utilized for each particular weekend.
b. The Grandparents' periods of partial custody are subject to occasional
weekends wherein the Child shall spend time with Mother. These weekends wherein
Mother shall retain custody shall be discussed and determined at the discretion of the
parties. It is the intent of the parties that Mother will never have more than two (2)
consecutive weekends thereby precluding any custodial time with the Grandparents for
that same period.
3. Vacation. 80th Mother and Grandparents shall be entitled to up to six (6)
weeks of uninterrupted vacation custodial time with the Child with no more than two (2)
consecutive weeks of custodial time being exercised. 80th parties shall give the other
advance notice of their intent to exercise periods of vacation/partial custody, as
provided herein, as well as, provide the custodial party(s) a destination and contact
number should the Child and leave the area.
4. Holidavs.
A. Christmas. Christmas shall have two segments, Segment A and Segment
8. Segment A shall be December 24, from 5:00 p.m. until December 25, at 11 :00 a.m.
Segment 8 shall be from December 25, at 11 :00 a.m. until December 26, at 9:00 a.m.
when the ordinary custodial schedule resumes. Commencing in 2004 and subsequent
even numbered years, Mother shall have custody for Segment A and Grandparents
shall have custody for Segment B. In 2005 and subsequent odd numbered years,
Mother shall have Segment 8 and Grandparents shall hewe Segment A.
B. On holidays during even numbered years, the child will be with Mother on
News Years Eve, Easter, Independence Day, and Halloween. In odd numbered years,
the child will be with Mother on New Years Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and
Thanksgiving. Birthdays will be celebrated with the party having custody on the
ordinary schedule. Mother's Day will be spent with Mother. The holiday schedule
supercedes the ordinary schedule.
5. Neither party will relocate a distance of gmater than a thirty (30) minute
drive without the consent of the other party. In the event that a change in the custodial
schedule is needed by reason of the desired relocation of one party, and in the absence
of an agreement of the parties, the relocating party will provide the other party no less
than sixty (60) days notice of their intent to relocate. It is the intention of this paragraph
to give the parties an opportunity to modify the custodial agreement if one becomes
necessary by a desired relocation.
6. The parties intend that this Stipulation be made into an Order of Court.
7. The parties may vary from the Stipulation by their mutual agreement. In
the absence of a mutual agreement, the terms of the Stipulation and Order shall control.
Witness:
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Mark . Duffie ,
Witness:
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Mark C. Duffie /
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THOMAS R. GROOME and
CHERYL A. GROOME,
Plaintiffs/Petitioners
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 04-5644 CIVIL TERM
v.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
ROMAINE STANSFIELD,
IN CUSTODY
Defendant/Respondent
EMERGENCY PETITION FOR SPECIAL
RELIEF PURSUANT TO Pa.R.C.P. 1915.13
PETITIONERS, Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome, by and through their
attorneys, Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner, hereby 1me this Emergency Petition For
Special Relief and in support thereof, avers as follows:
1. Petitioners, Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome, husband and wife,
reside at 1824 Newport Road, Duncannon, Perry County" Pennsylvania 17020.
2. Respondent, Romaine Stansfield, resided at 505 Third Street, West
Fairview, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17025, until her recent incarceration in
Cumberland County Prison.
3. The Respondent, Romaine Stansfield, is the biological mother of a minor
child, Zane Thompson, born May 27,2004.
4. The natural father of the minor child was Christopher Thompson, is
deceased.
5. The Petitioners are the paternal grandparents of the same minor child.
6. On November 9, 2004, the Petitioners filed a Complaint for Custody
wherein they requested liberal partial custody of the minor child, Zane Thompson. A
true and correct copy of said Complaint is attached hereto and incorporated herein as
Exhibit "A".
7 . By Stipulation by and among the parties hereto, the Petitioners were
conferred partial custody according to the terms and conditions contained therein. Said
Stipulation was entered and incorporated as an Order of Court dated December 17,
2004. A true and correct copy of said Stipulation and Order is attached hereto and
incorporated herein as Exhibit "B".
8. The minor child is currently in the care, custody and control of the
Petitioners as mother has been recently incarcerated for a number of probation
violations and other charges, which may include and may not be limited to the following:
(a) driving under the influence of alcohol;
(b) driving under a suspended license;
(c) driving an unregistered uninsured vehicle;
(d) utilizing illegal drugs during her term of probation; and
(e) forgery.
9. Counsel for the undersigned has attempted to contact Respondent's
probation officer, Tiffany Ryan, in Cumberland County but has been unable, to date, to
ascertain the precise nature of these charges.
10. The Petitioners have contacted Children and Youth Services in
Cumberland County and indicated that they, as they paternal grandparents, have had a
frequent and continuing relationship involving signifiGant custodial time, overnight
custodial visits, as well as the current Order entered by Stipulation which is attached
hereto as Exhibit "S".
11. Children and Youth Services of Cumberland County directed Petitioners to
consult with counsel and file an Emergency Petition fOIr Special Relief in lieu of their
proceeding with a dependency hearing for this child. Respondent has indicated to
Cumberland County Children & Youth Services that it is her desire that the minor child
be placed in the care, custody and control of Petitioners.
12. The best interest and permanent welfare of the child will be served by
confirming the status quo of physical custody in the Pe!titioners during Respondent's
incarceration due to the following:
(a) The Petitioners have participated in raising this child, as they have
enjoyed frequent and continuing contact on an overnight basis and said relationship has
been memorialized by the Stipulation of the parties hereto and the incorporating Order.
(b) The Petitioners currently enjoy a partial shared legal custody arrangement
with Respondent as they have participated in decision making with respect to the said
child who has extraordinary medical needs and have assisted in obtaining medical care
for the child.
(c) The Petitioners have prepared for some time and are currently prepared to
accept the role of sole physical and legal custodians of the minor child.
WHEREFORE, the Petitioners, Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome
request the Court to grant them sole physical and legal custody of the minor child, Zane
Thompson, subject to the following:
Petitioners shall have the right to make all decisions attendant to legal custody
including, but not limited to, medical decisions. In the event that any decision, medical
or otherwise, is made, the Petitioners agree to use all best efforts to notify Respondent
immediately. With respect to major long term, life-altering medical care or the
administration of medication for such purposes, the parties shall share equally in that
decision making process.
At such time as the Respondent is released from incarceration and files a
Petition to Modify this Order, a conciliation conference will promptly be scheduled .
Respectfully submitted,
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
Date: 1:2-'::';-0'1
VERIFICATION
We, Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome, verify that the statements made
in the foregoing Emergency Petition for Special Relief are true and correct to the best of
our knowledge, information and belief. We understand that false statements made
herein are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. e.s. ~4904 relating to unsworn falsification
to authorities.
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Thomas R. Grao e
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. Groome
DATE:
i~-d.I-O<1
:241446
CERTIFICA TE OF SERVICE
AND NO~ this 21st day of December, 2004, the undersigned does hereby certify
that she did this date serve a copy of the foregoing document upon the other parties of
record by causing same to be deposited in the United States Mail, first class postage
prepaid, at Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, addressed as follows:
Romaine Stansfield
Cumberland County Prison
1101 Claremont Road
Carlisle, PA 17013
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & WEIDNER
BY:~
Deborah Zie, n /
:241456
Exhibit A
. 1....., .
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERU~ND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. CY-l-SI-44 C;(J,L~~
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
THOMAS R. GROOME and
CHERYL A. GROOME,
v.
ROMAINE STANSFIELD,
IN CUSTODY
Defendant
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this day of , 2004, it is hereby directed that
the parties and their respective counsel appear before
the Conciliator, at
on the day of , 2004 at _.m. for a Custody
Conciliation Conference. At such Conference, an effort will be made to resolve the
issues in dispute; or if this cannot be accomplished, to dlefine and narrow the issues to
be heard by the court, and to enter a temporary ordler. Failure to appear at the
conference may provide grounds for entry of a temporary or permanent order.
The court hereby directs the parties to fUlrnish 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:
Custody Conciliator
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 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 Associcltion
32 South Bedford Street
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 1701 ~~
Telephone (717) 249-3166
Dist: Mark C. Duffie, Esquire, PO Box 109, Lemoyne. PA 17043
Romaine Stansfield, 505 Third Street, West Fairview, PA 17025
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
By: Mark C. Duffie
I.D. No. 75906
301 Market Street
P. O. Box 109
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania 17043-0109
(717) 761-4540
Attomeys for Plaintiffs
THOMASR.GROOMEa~
CHERYL A. GROOME,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY , PENNSYLVANIA
NO.
Defendant
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ROMAINE STANSFIELD,
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COMPLAINT FOR CUSTODY
1. Plaintiffs, Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome, husband and wife,
reside at 1824 Newport Road, Duncannon, Perry County, Pennsylvania 17020.
2. Defendant, Romaine Stansfield, resides at 505 Third Street, West
Fairview, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17025.
3. The Defendant, Romaine Stansfield, is the biological mother of the minor
child, ZANE THOMPSON, born May 27,2004.
4. Plaintiffs seek custody or partial custody of the following child:
Name Present F~esidence
Zane C. Thompson
505 Third Street
West Fairview, PA 17025
5. The child was born out of wedlock.
6. The child is presently in the custody of Defendant, Romaine Stansfield,
who resides at 505 Third Street, West Fairview, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
17025.
7. Since birth, the child has resided with the following persons at the
following addresses:
Name
Address
Dates
Romaine Stansfield 505 Third Street
Lexus Marie Stansfield West Fairview, PA 17025
(Born February 2001 - half sister)
Birth to Present
Christopher Thompson
(Late Father)
Birth to 7/6/04
8. The Mother of the child is Romaine Stansfield. She is believed to be
single.
9. The Father of the child was Christopher Thompson.
10. The relationship of Plaintiffs to the child is that of Paternal Grandparents.
11. Plaintiffs current reside with the following pE!rSons: None.
12. The relationship of the Defendant to the child is that of Mother. The
Defendant currently resides with the following persons:
Name
Address
Romaine Stansfield
Lexus Marie Stansfield
(Born February 2001 - half sister)
505 Third Street
West Fairview, PA 17025
13. The Plaintiffs have not participated as a party or a witness, or in any other
capacity, in other litigation concerning the custody of the c:hild in this or any other court.
14. Plaintiffs do not know of a person not a party to the proceedings who has
physical custody of the child or claims to have custody or visitation rights with respect to
this child.
15. The best interest and permanent welfare of the child will be served by
granting the Paternal Grandparents, Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome, liberal
partial custody rights because:
A. The child has enjoyed frequent and Gontinuing contact with
the Paternal Grandparents since the death of his father in July 2004.
Defendant has supported this relationship and has frequently used
Plaintiffs as weekend babysitters.
B. It is in the best interest of the child to maintain these
relationships.
C. In the past, the Defendant Mother has threatened to cut off
all contact between the Paternal Grandparents and the subject child and
has threatened to move out of state.
16. The Plaintiffs have standing under 23 Pa.C.S.A. ~5313(b) and under 23
Pa. C.S.A. ~5311.
17. The child's parents were never married.
18. The child's father was murdered in July 2004.
19. Subsequent to Father's death, the Defemdant Mother has facilitated
frequent and continuing contact, including periods of partial custody, with the Paternal
Grandparents.
20. Each parent whose parental rights to the child have not been terminated
and the person who has physical custody of the child has; been named as a party to this
action.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiffs, Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome, request
the Court to grant liberal partial custody of the minor child, ZANE C. THOMF'SON, to
them.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHNSON, DUFFIE, STEWART & lONER
Date:
II /__0,/0 /
By: ~ J~
Mark C. Duffie
:238273
VERIFICA T/ON
We, Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome. verify that the statements made in the foregoing
Complaint for Custody are true and correct to the best of our knowledge, information and belief. We
understand that false statements made herein are subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. 94904 relating to
unsworn falsification to authorities.
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Thomas
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C ryl A. Groome
Dated:
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Exhibit B
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THOMAS R. GROOME and
CHERYL A. GROOME,
Plaintiffs
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERU\ND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 04- ~~'-ILf {JuL'L~?/L0f
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
v.
ROMAINE STANSFIELD,
IN CUSTODY
Defendant
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this /'7-11..aay of ~~C
, 2004, upon agreement of the
above-captioned parties, the attached Stipulation For Custody is hereby made into an
Order of Court effective immediately.
By:NN)o~!y{J~J-
Dist: Mark C. Duffie, Esquire. PO Box 109. Lemoyne. PA 17043
Romaine Stansfield, 505 Third Street, West Fairview, PA 17025
rt:,U:EC{:r~~{ ,': \),i \',
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
By: Mark C. Duffie
I.D. No. 75906
301 Market Street
P. O. Box 109
Lemoyne, Pennsylvania 17043-0109
(717) 761-4540
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLfAS of
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO.
THOMAS R. GROOME and
CHERYL A. GROOME,
v.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
ROMAINE STANSFIELD,
IN CUSTODY
Defendant
STIPULATION FOR CUSTODY
WHEREAS, Defendant, Romaine Stansfield (hereinafter "Mother"), is the
biological mother of a minor child, Zane Thompson, born May 27, 2004 (hereinafter
"Child"); and
WHEREAS, the natural father of the minor child, Christopher Thompson, passed
away on July 6, 2004; and
WHEREAS, the Plaintiff, Cheryl A. Groome, is the paternal grandmother of the
minor child (hereinafter "Grandmother"); and
WHEREAS, the Plaintiff, Thomas R. Groome, the husband of Cheryl A. Groom,
is the paternal step-grandfather of the minor child (hereinafter "Grandfather")
Grandmother and Grandfather shall be hereinafter collectively referred to as
"Grandparents"; and
WHEREAS, Plaintiffs herein filed a Complaint For Custody on November 9,
2004; and
WHEREAS, the parties have reached an agreement for a parenting plan which
they believe reflects the best interests of the child.
NOW THEREFORE, intending to be legally bound, the parties stipulate and
agree as follows:
1. Mother shall have legal custody of the Child. She shall, subject to rights
conferred upon Grandparents and set forth herein, have the right to make all major non-
emergency decisions effecting the child's general well being including, but not limited to,
all decisions regarding his health, education, and religion.
Grandparents shall have the right to make all emergency and non-emergency
medical decisions when the Child is in their care, custody, and control. In the event that
any decision as described herein is made, the Grandparents agree to notify Mother
immediately. It is the intent of the parties hereto that the Grandparents have the ability
to proceed with any medical decision making whether notification to Mother has been
affected. The Grandparents agree to use their every and best efforts to immediately
notify Mother in the event any medical decisions are made..
Grandparents shall also have shared legal custody for the limited purpose of
major long-term, life altering medical care or the administration of medication for such
purpose.
2. Physical Custody. Mother shall have primary physical custody of the Child
subject to periods of partial custody in favor of the Grandparents, which are outlined as
follows:
a. Grandparents shall enjoy partial custody of the minor child every weekend
defined as Friday, at 7:00 a.m. until Sunday, at 7:00 p.m. or Saturday, at 7:00 a.m. until
Monday, at 7:00 p.m. The parties shall communicate with respect to their schedules to
determine which timeframe shall be utilized for each particular weekend.
b. The Grandparents' periods of partial custody are subject to occasional
weekends wherein the Child shall spend time with Mother. These weekends wherein
Mother shall retain custody shall be discussed and determined at the discretion of the
parties. It is the intent of the parties that Mother will never have more than two (2)
consecutive weekends thereby precluding any custodial time with the Grandparents for
that same period.
3. Vacation. Both Mother and Grandparents shall be entitled to up to six (6)
weeks of uninterrupted vacation custodial time with the Child with no more than two (2)
consecutive weeks of custodial time being exercised. Both parties shall give the other
advance notice of their intent to exercise periods of vacation/partial custody, as
provided herein, as well as, provide the custodial party(s) a destination and contact
number should the Child and leave the area.
4. Holidays.
A. Christmas. Christmas shall have two segments, Segment A and Segment
B. Segment A shall be December 24, from 5:00 p.m. until December 25, at 11 :00 a.m.
Segment B shall be from December 25, at 11 :00 a.m. until December 26, at 9:00 a.m.
when the ordinary custodial schedule resumes. CommenGing in 2004 and subsequent
even numbered years, Mother shall have custody for Segment A and Grandparents
shall have custody for Segment B. In 2005 and subsequent odd numbered years,
Mother shall have Segment B and Grandparents shall have Segment A.
B. On holidays during even numbered years, ithe child will be with Mother on
News Years Eve, Easter, Independence Day, and Halloween. In odd numbered years,
the child will be with Mother on New Years Day, MHmorial Day, Labor Day, and
Thanksgiving. Birthdays will be celebrated with the party having custody on the
ordinary schedule. Mother's Day will be spent with Mother. The holiday schedule
supercedes the ordinary schedule.
5. Neither party will relocate a distance of grE~ater than a thirty (30) minute
drive without the consent of the other party. In the event that a change in the custodial
schedule is needed by reason of the desired relocation of one party, and in the absence
of an agreement of the parties, the relocating party will provide the other party no less
than sixty (60) days notice of their intent to relocate. It is the intention of this paragraph
to give the parties an opportunity to modify the custodial agreement if one becomes
necessary by a desired relocation.
6. The parties intend .that this Stipulation be made into an Order of Court.
7. The parties may vary from the Stipulation by their mutual agreement. In
the absence of a mutual agreement, the terms of the Stipulation and Order shall control.
Witness:
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Mark . Duffie ..
Witness:
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Mark C. Duffie
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roome
Witness:
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:239532
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<-ROmaine StansfieKr \)
Plaintiffs/Petitioners
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 04-5644 CIVIL TERM
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
THOMAS R. GROOME and
CHERYL A. GROOME,
v.
ROMAINE STANSFIELD,
IN CUSTODY
Defendant/Respondent
MOTION FOR RECONSIDERA TION OF EMERGENCY PETITION
FOR SPECIAL RELIEF PURSUANT TO Pa.R.C.P. 1915.13
MOV ANTS (hereinafter "Petitioners"), Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A.
Groome, by and through their attorneys, Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner, hereby
file this Motion For Reconsideration of Emergency Petition For Special Relief and in
support thereof, avers as follows:
1. On December 21, 2004, the undersigned, by and through their counsel,
filed an Emergency Petition For Special Relief Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1915.13. A true
and correct copy of said Petition For Special Relief is attached hereto and incorporated
herein as Exhibit "A".
2. The Petitioners have recently become privy to other facts and
circumstances involving Respondent and the minor child, Zane Thompson.
3. As a result, the Petitioners will supplement the provisions of the
Emergency Petition For Special Relief and paragraph 12 with respect to the best
interest and permanent welfare of the minor child as follows:
(d) Until her most recent incarceration, the Respondent was actively using
and dealing crack cocaine and heroine. The Respondent has also regularly abused
Oxycontin, Vicadan, Xanax and other sleeping medication. The Respondent has
admitted this to her parole officer, Lisa Finkenbinder.
(e) While supervising the minor child, she has utilized the drugs on a regular
basis causing her to be unable to properly supervise the minor child and is
compromising the minor child's safety and welfare.
(f) Due to her drug dependency, she has remained in bed until late in the
afternoon leaving the minor child unsupervised.
(g) The Respondent has failed to provide the minor child with the proper
health care and has fallen behind on the minor child's checkups, specifically shots and
immunizations. Due to the fact that the minor child was a premature baby, this failure to
provide proper medical care and treatment is of special concern with respect to this
minor child.
(h) The Respondent is unemployed and receives her only income from SSI,
which is earmarked for the care of the minor child. The Respondent utilizes the SSI
checks to purchase drugs for consumption and sale.
(i) Individuals with whom the Respondent has been associated have caused
the Respondent physical harm and have broken into Respondent's residence and
stolen property due to the fact that the Respondent owed them money for drugs that
were otherwise purchased and utilized by Respondent.
(j) The Respondent drives an unregistered and uninsured vehicle on a
suspended license and without properly secured car seats.
(k) The Respondent has failed to seek any treatment with respect to her drug
abuse and dependency.
(I) Respondent may loose her HUD I Section 8 assistance and her residence
and, therefore, be unable to provide appropriate shelter for the minor child.
Respondent's landlord has begun eviction proceedings.
(m) To allow the child to be returned to the care and custody of Respondent
without treatment for her drug dependency would place the child in a dangerous
environment and possibly one without adequate shelter.
4. This Honorable Court issued a Temporary Order of Court dated December
21,2004. A true and correct copy of said Temporary Order of Court is attached hereto
and incorporated herein as Exhibit liB".
5. Said Temporary Order of Court provides that it shall remain in effect until
such time as the Respondent is released from incarceration, at which time the Order
shall terminate.
WHEREFORE, Petitioners, Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome,
respectfully request that this Honorable Court reconsider the Petition For Special Relief
and modify the Temporary Order of Court providing that it shall remain in effect until
such time as the Respondent petitions for modification. In the alternative, Petitioners,
request this Honorable Court to modify the existing Temporary Order of Court to allow
the effective date to extend through the date of a conciliation to be scheduled
immediately upon Respondent's release from incarceration by Petitioners. In the
alternative, Petitioners request this Honorable Court to modify the existing Temporary
Order of Court by the issuance of a Rule to Show Cause upon the Respondent as to
why the Temporary Order of Court should not remain in effect until such time as
Respondent petitions for modification. In the alternative, Petitioners request this
Honorable Court to direct this matter to the appropriate custody conciliator and further
direct that it be heard on January 18, 2005, if possible, conciliator's schedule permitting.
Date:
Respectfully submitted,
Johnson, Duffie, Stewart & Weidner
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By: ~-/l: /1 AI)/
;lark c. ~~qUire
VERIFICATION
We, Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome, verify that the statements made
in the foregoing Petition are true and correct to the best of our knowledge, information
and belief. We understand that false statements made herein are subject to the
penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. ~4904 relating to unsworn falsification to au orities.
~#1~
Thomas R. Groome
(}.
Cheryl
DATE:
!- 7- C>S
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THOMAS R. GROOME
and CHERYL A. GROOME,
Plaintiffs
v.
ROMAINE STANSFIELD,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 04-5644 CIVIL TERM
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 10th day of January, 2005, upon consideration of Defendant's
Motion for Reconsideration of Emergency Petition for Special Relief Pursuant to Pa.
R.C.P. 1915.\3, this matter is referred to the custody conciliation process pursuant to
C.C.R.P. 1915.12-1, and the Court Administrator is requested to facilitate this referral so
that a conciliation conference can be held, if possible, on or before January 18, 2005.
IT IS NOTED that Defendant is presently incarcerated.
kk C. Duffie, Esq.
Attorney for Plaintiffs
~aine Stansfield
505 Third Street
West Fairview, PA 17025
Defendant, pro se
and
~mberland County Prison
BY THE COURT,
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Cumberland County Court
Administrator - -tuU1! d"'b/uo.:zA.4c'v
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THOMAS R. GROOME AND CHERYL A.
GROOME
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
PLAINTIFF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
04-5644 CIVIL ACTION LAW
ROMAINE ST ANSFlELD
DEFENDANT
IN CUSTODY
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW,
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
, upon consideration of the attached Complaint,
it is hereby directed that parties and their respective counsel appear before Dawn S. Sunday, Esq.
at 39 West Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 on Tnesday, January 18, 2005
, the conciliator,
at 12:30 PM
for a Pre-Hearing Custody Conference. At such conference, an eff0l1 will be made to resolve the issues in dispute; or
if this cannot be accomplished, to define and narrow the issues to be heard by the court, and to enter into a temporary
order. All children age five or older may also be present at the conference. Failure to appear at the conference may
provide grounds for entry of a temporary or permanent order.
The court hereby directs the parties to t'urnish any and all existing Protection t'rom Abuse orders,
Special Reliet' orders, and Custody orders to the conciliator 48 hours prior to scheduled hearin\(.
FOR THE COURT,
By: Isl
Dawn S. Sunday, Esq.
Custody Conciliator
The Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County is required by law to comply with the Americans
with Disabilites Act of] 990. For infonnation 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
HA VE 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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THOMAS R. GROOME AND
CHERYL A. GROOME
Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
vs.
04-5644
CIVIL ACTION LAW
ROMAINE STANSFIELD
Defendant
IN CUSTODY
ORDER OF COURT
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AND NOW, this Z5 day of 12.77uu ~' , ~ upon
consideration of the attached Custody Conciliation Report, it is orered and dIrected as follows:
1. The prior Order of this Court dated December 21,2004 shall continue in effect with the
exception of Paragraph 3 (addressing arrangements upon the Mother's release from incarceration),
which is modified by this Order.
2. Upon the Mother's release from incarceration, the Moth(:r shall contact the custody
conciliator to schedule a custody conciliation conference to be held approximately 30 days following
the Mother's date of release.
3. During the 30 day period following the Mother's release and prior to the conciliation
conference, the Mother shall have partial physical custody of the Child on Mondays, Wednesdays and
Fridays from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., for which the plaintiffs shall provide transportation at the
beginning of the periods of custody and the Mother shall arrange ~ar transportation of the Child back to
the plaintiffs at the end of the periods of custody. The Mother shall contact the plaintiffs upon her
release from incarceration to initiate this temporary partial custody schedule and the plaintiffs shall
cooperate in implementing the schedule promptly.
4. The Mother shall enroll in the parenting program with ParentWorks and in a drug and
alcohol program at Holy Spirit Hospital or comparable programs. The Mother shall authorize the
release of information concerning the Mother's attendance at program sessions and compliance with
program recommendations to the plaintiffs' counsel and shall facilitate transfer of that information on
an ongoing basis.
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5. This Order is entered pursuant to an agreement of the parties at 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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cc:Avrark C. Duffie, Esquire - Counsel for Plaintiffs
,..-Komaine Stansfield, Mother
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THOMAS R. GROOME AND
CHERYL GROOME
Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
vs.
04-5644
CIVIL ACTION LAW
ROMAINE STANSFIELD
Defendant
IN CUSTODY
Prior Judge: J. Wesley Oler, Jr.
CUSTODY CONCILIATION SUMMARY REPORT
IN ACCORDANCE WITH CUMBERLAND COUNTY RULE OF CIVIL
PROCEDURE 1915.3-8, the undersigned Custody Conciliator submits the following report:
I. The pertinent information concerning the Child who is the subject of this litigation is as
follows:
NAME
DATE OF BIRTH
CURRENTLY IN CUSTODY OF
Zane Thompson
May 27,2004
Plaintiff Paternal Grandparents
2. A custody conciliation conference was held on January 18, 2005, with the following
individuals in attendance: The Paternal Grandparents, Thomas R. Groome and Cheryl A. Groome, with
their counsel, Mark C. Duffie, Esquire. The Mother, Romaine Stansfield, is currently incarcerated in
the Cumberland County Prison and participated in the conference by telephone. The Mother is not
represented by counsel in this matter.
3. The plaintiffs, who are the parents of the deceased Father filed a Complaint for Custody on
November 9, 2004. The parties entered into a stipulation, which was incorporated into a Court Order
dated December 17, 2004, providing that the Mother had primary physical custody of the Child, the
plaintiffs had partial custody of the Child every weekend and the parties had shared legal custody.
Following the Mother's incarceration, the plaintiffs filed an Emergency Petition on December 21,2004
seeking primary custody of the Child. A temporary Order was entered on December 21, 2004 granting
the plaintiffs primary and legal custody until such time as the Mother was released from incarceration,
at which time the custody arrangements would revert back to the stipulated arrangements incorporated
by the December 17, 2004 Order. Subsequently, the plaintiffs filed a Motion for Reconsideration of
Emergency Petition on January 10, 2005 and the Court entered an Order dated January 10, 2005
referring this matter to conciliation to be held on or before January 18, 2005, the Mother's anticipated
date of release from incarceration. As the Mother was not yet released from prison on the date of the
conciliation conference and the release date was still to be determined, the conciliation conference was
held with the Mother participating by telephone.
4. The parties agreed to entry of an Order in the form as attached.
Jeulucu1
Date
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Dawn S. Sunday, Esquire (~
Custody Conciliator
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THOMAS R. GROOME AND
CHERYL A. GROOME
Plaintiff
MAR 0 4 2DlJ~f
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
vs.
04-5644
CNIL ACTION LAW
ROMAINE STANSFIELD
Defendant
IN CUSTODY
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this ~_ day of YL1 V I' L, , 2005,
consideration ofthe attached Custody Conciliation Report, it is ordered and directed as follows:
upon
1. The prior Order of this Court dated January 25,2005 is vacated and replaced with this Order.
2. The prior Order of this Court dated December 21,2004 shall continue in effect with the
exception of Paragraph 3 which is modified by this Order.
3. At such time as the Mother is released from incarceration and wishes to assert any custody
rights she may have with respect to the Child, the Mother may file a request with the Court for the
scheduling of an additional custody conciliation conference.
BY THE COURT,
cc: ...Mark C. Duffie, Esquire - Counsel for Plaintiff Paternal Grandparents
....-Romaine Stansfield, Mother
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MAR 0 4 2nn5~r"
THOMAS R. GROOME AND
CHERYL A. GROOME
Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
vs.
04-5644
CIVIL ACTION LA W
ROMAINE STANSFIELD
Defendant
IN CUSTODY
Prior Judge: J. Wesley Oler, Jr.
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 Child who is the subject of this litigation is as
follows:
NAME
DATE OF' BIRTH
CURRENTLY IN CUSTODY OF
Zane Thompson
August 27,2004
Plaintiff Paternal Grandparents
2. A conciliation conference was held on March 1, 2005, with the following individuals
participating: The Paternal Grandmother, Cheryl A. Groome, with her counsel, Mark C. Duffie,
Esquire. The Mother, Romaine Stansfield, was incarcerated at the time of the conference and did not
attend or contact the conciliator.
3. The plaintiffs, who are the parents of the deceased Father filed a Complaint for Custody on
November 9, 2004. The parties entered into a stipulation, which was incorporated into a Court Order
dated December 17, 2004 providing that the Mother had primary physical custody of the Child, the
plaintiffs had partial custody of the Child every weekend and the parties had shared legal custody.
Following the Mother's incarceration, the plaintiffs filed an Emergency Petition on December 21, 2004
seeking primary custody of the Child. A temporary Order was entered on December 21,2004 granting
the plaintiff's primary and legal custody until such time as the Mother was released from incarceration,
at which time the custody arrangements would revert back to the stipulated arrangements incorporated
by the December 17, 2004 Order. The plaintiffs filed a Motion for Reconsideration of Emergency
Petition on January 10, 2005 and the Court entered an Order dated January 10, 2005 referring this
matter to conciliation to be held on or before January 18, the Mother's anticipated release date. As the
.'
Mother was not yet released from prison on the date of the initial conciliation, the conference was held
with the Mother participating by telephone, The Order which was entered by agreement following the
January 18 conference, provided for the Paternal Grandparents to retain primary custody of the Child
with the Mother having periods of custody on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for a 3D-day period
following the Mother's release from prison and until an additional conciliation conference could be
held on March 1,2005.
4. At the time of the March I, 2005 conference, the conciliator was advised by the Paternal
Grandmother and her counsel that the Mother had been re-incarcerated for a parole violation. It was
also the understanding that the Mother was going to be charged with felony burglary which was likely
to extend her incarceration considerably.
5. The Paternal Grandmother's counsel indicated that the Mother had not responded to his
request for authorization to obtain attendance records for the Mother's counseling as required by the
prior Order. In addition, the Paternal Grandmother stated that although the Mother did obtain a job
and get on the waiting list with ParentWorks, it was not long before the Mother stopped going to work
regularly and lapsed back into drug related behaviors.
6. Based on the representations made by the plaintiff paternal grandmother and her counsel
during the conference and the fact that the Mother did not participate or contact the conciliator, the
conciliator recommends an Order in the form as attached.
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Date
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Dawn S. Sunday, Esquire
Custody Conciliator