HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-4631POPPY J. NATALIE,
Plaintiff
ROBERT S. NATALIE,
Defendant
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
: IN DIVORCE
NOTICE TO DEFEND AND CLAIM RIGHTS
YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT. If you wish to defend against the claims s~t forth
in the following pages, you must take prompt action. You are warned that if you fail to do so, the
case may proceed without you and a decree of divorce or annulment may be entered against you by
the Court. A judgment may also be entered against you for any other claim or relief requested in
these papers by the Plaintiff. You may lose money or property or other fights important to you,
including custody or visitation of your children.
When the ground for divorce is indignities or irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, you
may request that the court require you and your spouse to attend marriage counseling prior to a
divorce decree being handed down by the Court. A list of marriage counselors is available in the
Office of the Prothonotary at the Cumberland County Courthouse, Carlisle. You are advised that this
list is kept as a convenience to you and you are not bound to choose a counselor bom the list. All
necessary arrangements and the cost of counseling sessions are to be borne by you and your spouse.
IF YOU DO NOT FILE A CLAIM FOR ALIMONY, DIVISION OF PROPERTY,
LAWYER'S FEES OR EXPENSES BEFORE A DIVORCE OR ANNULMENT IS GRANTED,
YOU MAY LOSE THE RIGHT TO CLAIM ANY OF THEM.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOUDO NOT
HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET
FORTH BELOW WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
Cumberland County Bar Association
2 Liberty Avenue
Carlisle, PA 17013
717-249~3166
POPPY J. NATALIE,
Plaintiff
ROBERT S. NATALIE,
Defendant
: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
: No.
: CIVIL ACTION - LAW
: IN DIVORCE
COMPLAINT IN DIVORCE
AND NOW comes the Plaintiff, POPPY J. NATALIE, by and through her counsel, Kollas
and Kennedy, and respectfully represents as follows in support of the within Complaint:
1. Plalntiffis Poppy J. Natalie, an adult individual currently residing at 39 Oneida Road,
Shiremanstown, PA 17011. PlalntiWs Social Security Number is 106-684644. Plaintiffretired
from the U.S. Army on June 18, 2001.
2. Defendant is Robert S. Natalie, an adult individual with a last known address of 405
Meadow Lane, Shermansdale, PA 17090. Defendant's Social Security Number is 315-90-2201.
Defendant is a member of the U.S. Army and is currently stationed at the Carlisle Barricks,
Carlisle, PA.
3. Plalntiffand Defendant have been bona fide residents in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania for at least six (6) months immediately previous to the filing of this Complaint.
4. Plaintiff and Defendant were married on October 26, 199t, in Norfolk, Virginia.
5. There have been no prior actions of divorce or for annulment between the parties.
6. P~has been advised that counseling is available and that Plaintiffmay have the
right to request that the court require the parties to participate in counseling.
7. Piaintiffand Defendant are both citizens of the United States.
COUNT ! - DIVORCE PURSUANT TO §3301¢c) OR (d)
OF THE DIVORCE CODE
8. Paragraphs 1 through 7 of this Comphint are incorporated herein by reference as though
set forth in full.
9. The marriage of the parties is irretrievably broken.
COUNT II
REQUEST FOR EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION
PURSUANT TO SECTION 3502 OF THE DIVORCE CODE
10. Paragraphs 1 through 9 are incorporated herein by reference as though set forth
in full below.
11. The parties are owners of marital property subject to equitable dism~oution.
12. Plaintiffrequests this Honorable Court to equitably divide, distribute or assign marital
property between the parties and to assign the marital debts of the parties without regard to marital
misconduct in such proportions as the Court deems just after consideration of all relevant factors.
COUNT HI
ALIMONY, ALIMONY pENDENTE LITE~
COUNSEL FEES AND COSTS
13. Paragraphs 1 through 12 are incorporated herein by reference as though set forth in full
14. Phintifflacks sufficient property to provide for her reasonable means and is unable to
support herself through appropriate employmem.
15. plaintiff requires reasonable support to adequately maintain herself in accordance with
the standard of living established during the marriage.
16. Defendant has assets which have not yet been ascertained.
17. Plaintiff has employed counsel, but is unable to pay the necessary and reasonable
attorney's fees for said counsel.
18. Plaintiff is unable to sustain herself during the course of this litigation.
COUNT IV - CUSTO1)y
19. Paragraphs 1 through 18 of this Complaint are incorporated herein by reference as though
set forth in full.
20. Minor children have been bom to the marriage between Plaintiff and Defendant:
(a) A Daughter, Kelsea Noel Natalie, was bom on December 31, 1992
(b) A Daughter, Meghan Elizabeth Natalie, was bom on December 4, 1996.
21. The children are presently in the custody of Plaintiff.
22. a. In the past five years, Kelsea Noel Natalie has resided with the following persons and
at the following addresses:
Robert and Poppy Natalie
Robert and Poppy Natalie
Robert and Poppy Natalie
Poppy Natalie
7404 E. Kenmore Drive
Norfolk, VA
1117-B Macomb Road
Honolulu, HI
39 Oneida Road
Shiremanstown, PA
39 Oneida Road
Shiremanstown, PA
Birth - 6/93
6/93-6/96
6/96 - 6/24/01
6/24/01 -Present
b. In the past five years, Meghan EliTsbeth Natalie has resided with the following persons
and at the following addresses:
Robert and Poppy Natalie
Poppy Natalie
39 Oneida Road
Shiremanstown, PA
39 Oneida Road
Shiremanstown, PA
Birth- 6/29/01
6/29/01-Present
23. Plaintiffis aware of no pending custody proceeding concerning the children in a court of
this Commonwealth.
24. The Plaintiff seeks primary physical and shared legal custody of the children, Kelsea Noel
Natalie and Meghan Elizabeth Natalie.
25. The best interests and permanent welfare of the children will be served by granting the
relief requested because:
(a) Plaintiffhas maintained the role ofprimary caregiver to the child.
(b) Plaintiffis more likely to facilitate a relationship between the other parent and
the child.
(c) Plaintiff can provide a nurturing, stable, and loving environment for the child.
COUNT V - REOUEST FOR APPROVAL OF ANY SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
AND INCORPORATION THEREOF IN DIVORCE DECREE
26. Paragraphs 1 through 25 ofthis Complaint are incorporated herein by reference as though
set forth in full.
27. The public policy of the Coiiiriionwealth of Pennsylvania encourages parties to a marital
dispute to negotiate a settlement of their differences.
4
28. While no settlement bas been reached as of the date of the filing of this Complaint,
Plaintiff is willing to negotiate a fair and reasonable settlement of all matters with Defendant and is
hopeful that Defendant may also be willing to enter into a marital settlement agreement.
29. To the extent that a written settlement agreement might he entered into between the
parties, Plaintiff desires that such written agreement he approved by the Court and incorporated in
any divorce decree which may be entered dissolving the marriage between the parties.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiffpmys that Judgmem and Decree he entered as follows:
(a) As to Count I, that a decree be entered divorcing Plaintiff from the bonds
of matrimony with the Defendant pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S. Section 3301 (c)
or (d); and
(b) As to Count II, that an Order he entered equitably distributing property of
the marriage; and
(c) As to Count III, that your Honorable Court enter an award of Alimony
Pendente Lite, interim counsel fees and costs followed by a hearing and final
award of Alimony, cost and fees as deemed appropriate; and
(d) AS to Count IV, that primaxy physical and shared legal custody he granted to
PLaintiffi and
(e) AS to Count V, that any settlement agreement reached between the parties
he incorporated but not merged into the decree in divorce.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,
Mary Ko ll~K~q~a~iy7 Esquire ~
KOLLAS ~ KENNEDY
I.D. No. 69ff46
1104 Fernwood Avenue, Suite 104
Camp Hill, Pennsylvania 17011
Telephone: (717) 7314600
ATTORNEY l~OR PLAINTIFI~
6
POPPY J. NATALIE,
Plaintiff
ROBERT S. NATALIE,
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
IN DIVORCE
VERIFICATION
I, POPPY J. NATALIE, verify that the statements made in the foregoing COMPLAINT
are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I understand that false
statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S.A. 4904, relating to unswom
falsification to authorities.
DATE: 3 / ,9'UL. 0 i
Z
z~
POPPY J. NATALIE
PLAINTIFF
V.
ROBERT S. NATALIE
DEFENDANT
1N THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
01-4631 CIVIL ACTION LAW
IN CUSTODY
AND NOW, Monday, August 06, 2001 , 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, Meehaniesburg, PA 17055 on Tuesday, September 04, 2001 at 1:00 p.m.
for a Pre-Hearing Custody Conference. At such conference, an effort will be made to resolve the issues in dispute; or
if this cannot be accomplished, to define and narrow the issues to be heard by the court, and to enter into a temporary
order. All children age five or older may also be present at the conference. Failure to appear at the conference may
provide grounds for entry of a temporary or permanent order.
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/
Damon 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 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 ri'HE OFFICE SET
FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WI-I~RE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
Cumberland County Bar Association
2 Liberty Avenue
Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013
Telephone (717) 249-3166
POPPY J. NATALIE,
Plaintiff
ROBERT S. NATALIE,
Def~ndlmt
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO. 01-4631 Civil Term
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
IN DIVORCE
PRAECIPE
To the Protl~notary:
Please withdraw the Complaint in Divorce in the above-rcfereneed ease on behalfofPlaintiff.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED:
KOLLAS AND KENNEDY
1104 Femwood Avenue
Camp Hill, PA 17011
(717) 731-1600
ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFF
~ o
&
LISA A. STRUTHERS
Plaintiff
DONALD STRUTHERS, JR.
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Docket No. 01-468 I
CIVIL ACTION - I,AW
IN CUSTODY
ENTRY OF APPEARANCE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY OF THE SAID COURT:
Please enter the appearance of the LAW OFIqC[~S OF RICI IARI) C. GAFFNEY as counsel of
record for the Defendant, Donald Struthcrs, Jr.
Rcspectfully submitted,
LAW OFFICES OF R. ICI lARD C. GAFFNEY
Laura A. Gargiulo?Esqt~t'e
PA Supreme Court ID No. 86128
2120 Market Street, Suite 101
Camp llill. PA 17011
Telephone: 717-975-9033
Facsimile: 717-975-9034
LISA A. STRUTHERS
Plaintiff
DONALD STRUTHERS, JR.
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Docket No. 01-4681
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
IN CUSTODY
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Laura A. Gargiulo, Esquire hereby certify that on the ~ rtl day of August, 2001, I
served a tree and correct copy of the foregoing Entry of Appearance to the individuals hereinafter
named by depositing a copy of same in United States First Class Mail, postage prepaid, addressed as
follows:
Gregory S. HazieR, Esquire
Hazlett & Oesterling
20 South Market Street
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
PA ~7011
Il,
LAW OFFICES
OF
RICHARD C. GAFFNEY
T~i~p lone (717) 975-9033
i Ffic 975-9034
LISA A. STRUTHERS
Plaintiff
DONAI.D STRUTHERS, JR.
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERI.AND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Docket No. 01-4681
CIVIL ACTION LAW
IN CUSTODY
TO:
NOTICE TO PLEAD
I,isa A. Struthcrs, Plaintiff and
Gregory S. Hazlett, Esquirc, Attorney for Plaintiff
YOU ARE IIEREBY NOTIFIED to file a written response to the enclosed Answer and
Counterclaim to Complaint tbr Custody within twenty (20) days from service hereof or a
judgment may be entered against you.
LAW OFFICES OF RICHARD C. GAFFNEY
Laura A. Garlg/-flo?F~squire
PA Supreme Court ID No. 86128
2120 Markct Street, Suite 101
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Telephonc: 717-975-9033
Facsimile: 717-975-9034
LISA A. STRUTHERS
Plaintiff
DONALD STRUTHERS, JR.
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Docket No. 014681
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CUSTODY
ANSWER AND COUNTERCLAIM
AND NOW, comes Defendant, Donald Stmthers, Jr., by and through his attorneys, Law
Offices of Richard C. Gaffney, who files the following Answer and Counterclaim to Plaintiff's
Complaint for Custody, and who in support thereof states as follows:
ANSWER
Admitted.
Admitted.
No response required. To the extem a response to paragraph 3 is required, the
same is denied. It is further denied that Devon Struthers address is the same as mother's. To the
contrary, Devon Stmthers currently resides with his father at 2270 Pine Road, Newville,
Pennsylvania 17241.
4. Admitted.
5. Admitted in part and denied in part. Defendant admits that Meagan and Rebecca
Stmthers presently reside with Plaintiff; however, Defendant denies that all the children are
presently in the custody of Plaintiff. To the contrary, the parties' eldest child, Devon Stmthers,
currently resides with Defendant at 2270 Pine Road, Newville, Pennsylvania 17241.
7.
8.
9.
Denied for the reasons set forth in paragraph 5 above.
Admitted.
Admitted.
Admitted.
10. Admitted that the parties are separated and that they currently remain married.
11. Admitted in part and denied in part. Admitted that Plaintiff is the biological
mother of the children. Denied that Devon Stmthers resides with Plaintiff. Devon Struthers
currently resides with his father, Defendant herein. By way of further answer, Defendant has
reason to believe that other individuals may also be residing with Plaintiff, to wit, Mikah Cox, an
adult male, and his son, Legend Cox, a child of approximately 5 years of age.
12. No response required.
13. No response required.
14. No response required.
15. Denied. It is denied that the best interest and permanent welfare of the children
will be served by granting the relief requested by Plaintiff.
(a) Denied. It is denied that all the children curremly reside with their
mother. To the contrary, Devon Stmthers, resides with his father. It is denied that Plaintiff has
been the primary caretaker and caregiver to the children, and further denied that Plaintiff will
provide the children with comfort, permanency and familiarity.
(b) Denied. It is denied that Plaintiff can provide a predictable and stable
lifestyle for the children and that it is in their best interest to reside with Plaintiff.
WHEREFORE, Defendant, Donald Stmthers, respectfully requests that this Honorable
Court DENY Plaintiff's request for primary physical custody of the children.
COUNTERCLAIM
AND NOW, comes Donald Stmthers, Jr., Defendant/Plaintiff in Countemlaim, by and
through his attorneys, Law Offices of Richard C. Gaffney, who avers as follows:
16. Defendant's responses as set forth in paragraphs 1 through 15 above are
incorporated by reference as though set forth at length herein.
17. Defendant/Plaintiff in Counterclaim is Donald Stmthers, Jr. ("Father"), who
resides at 2270 Pine Road, Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17241.
18.
Nottingham Drive, Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17050.
19. Father seeks custody of the following children:
Meagan Struthers
Rebecca Struthers
Plaintiff/Defendant in Counterclaim is Lisa Struthers ("Mother"), who resides at 1
Name Present Residence Age
Devon Stmthers 2270 Pine Road 11
Newville, PA 17241
1 Nottingham Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
1 Nottingham Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
9
6
20. The children were bom within wedlock. Devon Struthers currently resides with
Father. Meagan and Rebecca Struthers presently reside with Mother.
21. Prior to January 5, 2001, the children resided with both Mother and Father. From
January through June 2001, the children resided with Mother. From June to July 2001, the
children resided with Mother, Mikah Cox, an adult male, and his son, Legend Cox, a child of
approximately 5 years of age. In July 2001, Devon Stmthers moved in with Father and continues
to reside with Father. Meagan and Rebecca Stmthers presently reside with Mother, Mikah and
Legend Cox.
22. The biological father of the children is Donald Struthers, Jr., Defendant/Plaintiff
in Countemlaim. He is married to the mother of the children, Plaintiff/Defendant in
Countemlaim; however, the parties are living separate and apart. Father currently resides with
the following persons:
Name
Relationship
Devon Stmthers Son
Patricia Stmthers Mother
23. The biological mother of the children is Lisa Stmthers, Plaintiff/Defendant in
Counterclaim. She is married to Father; however, the parties are living separate and apart. Upon
information and belief Mother currently resides with the following persons:
Nanle
Meagan Stmthers
Rebecca Stmthers
Mikah Cox
Legend Cox
Relationship
Daughter
Daughter
Boyfriend
Boyfriend's Son
24. Father has not participated as a party or witness, or in another capacity, in other
litigation concerning the custody of the children in this or another court. Father has no other
information of a custody proceeding concerning the children pending in a Court of this
Commonwealth. Father does not know ora person not a party to the proceedings who has
physical custody of the children or who claims to have custody or visitation rights with respect to
the children.
25. The best interests and permanent welfare of the children will be served by
granting the relief requested because:
(a) Father can provide the children with stability and certainty, and a healthy and
loving environment.
(b) Father will promote communications and liberal access between the children and
their mother.
(c) It is believed that Mother is in an unstable, unpredictable and unhealthy
environment, which will negatively impact upon the children should Mother be granted primary
custody of the children.
(d) The children have expressed a desire to live with Father, and one child, Devon
Stmthers, has already moved into Father's residence.
26. Each parent whose parental rights to the children have not been terminated and
the persons who have physical custody of the children have been named as parties to this action.
WHEREFORE, Donald Struthers, Defendant/Plaintiff in Counterclaim, respectfully
requests that this Honorable Court grant and award him primary physical custody of the children.
Respectfully submitted,
LAW OFFICES OF RICHARD C. GAFFNEY
- Laura A. Gar[iul{~JEsquire
PA Supreme Court ID No. 86128
2120 Market Street, Suite 101
Camp Hill, PA 17011
Telephone: 717-975-9033
Facsimile: 717-975-9034
VERIFICATION
I, Donald Stmthers, Jr., verify that the statements contained in the foregoing pleading are
tree and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I understand that false
statements therein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 4904, relating to unswom
falsification to authorities.
Date: ~/0,,'~//~o,o,
LISA A. STRUTHERS
Plaintiff
DONALD STRUTHERS, JR.
Defendant
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Docket No. 01-4681
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CUSTODY
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Laura A. Gargiulo, Esquire hereby certify that on the"ac:~'/t'/~ day of August, 2001, I
served a true and correct copy of the foregoing Answer and Counterclaim to the individuals
hereinafter named by depositing a copy of same in United States First Class Mail, postage prepaid,
addressed as follows:
Gregory S. Hazlett, Esquire
Hazlett & Oesterling
20 South Market Street
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
POPPY NATALIE,
Plaintiff
VS.
ROBERT S. NATALIE,
Defendant
:IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
: CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
:
: NO. 01-4631 CIVIL TERM
:
: IN CUSTODY
.ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 28th day of August, 2001, the Conciliator, being advised by Plaintiff's
counsel that Plaintiff is withdrawing her Complaint in Divorce, including her claim for Custody,
hereby relinquishes jurisdiction in this case. The Custody Conciliation Conference scheduled for
September 19, 2001 is canceled.
FOR THE COURT,
Custody Conciliator