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Theresa Barrett Male
Supreme Court 146439
10 South Market Square
Suite 500
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 233-3220
Attorney For Plaintiff
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
STEVEN ARENA, .
.
Plaintiff .
.
.
.
v. .
.
CHRISTOPHER SNYDER, .
.
MARIE SNYDER, and
NORA FOSTER, .
.
.
.
Defendants :
NO. 9~-.I5'fI Civil Term 1995
CIVIL ACTION - CUSTODY
COMPLAINT FOR CUSTODY
1. The plaintiff is Steven Arena, residing at R.D. #6, Box
66 B, York, York County, Pennsylvania 17404.
2. The defendants are Christopher and Marie Snyder, residing
at 114 South 2nd Street, Wormleysburg, Cumberland County, Pennsyl-
vania 17043 and Nora Foster, whose last known address was the 1200
block of Main street, Oberlin, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.
3. Plaintiff seeks custody of the following child:
Name
Present Residence
Age
10
Christine Marie Foster
(DOB: 12/18/84)
114 South 2nd Street
Wormleysburg, PA
The child was born out of wedlock.
The child presently is in the custody of defendants Christo-
pher and Marie Snyder, who reside at 114 South 2nd Street,
Wormleysburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17043.
Plaintiff believes and therefore avers that during the past
five years, the child has resided with the following persons at the
following addresses:
Name
Christopher Snyder
Marie Snyder &
Steven Anthony Arena
Address
114 2nd street
Wormleysburg, PA
Date
6/94 to
Present
Nora Foster
a female roommate, Jesse
Jesse's husband and
two children, Nora's
baby
Unknown
Oberlin, PA
1991-6/94
The mother of the child is Nora Foster, whose last known
address was the 1200 block of Main street, Oberlin, PA.
She is single.
The father of the child is Steven Arena, currently residing at
R.D. #6, Box 66 B, York, York County, Pennsylvania 17404.
He is married.
4.
The relationship of plaintiff to the child is that of
The plaintiff currently resides with the following
father.
persons: Betty Myers and her two children, Jamie Myers and Clinton
Myers.
5. The relationship of defendants Christopher and Marie
Snyder to the child is that of maternal step-grandfather and
maternal grandmother. The defendants currently reside with the
following persons: Steven Anthony Arena (no relation to plaintiff)
and the subject child.
2
The relationship of defendant Nora Foster to the child is that
of mother. The defendant currently resides with the following
persons: Nora's baby (name unknown); a female roommate named Jesse;
Jesse's husband (name unknown); and Jesse's two children (names
unknown).
6. plaintiff has not participated as a party or witness, or
in another capacity, in litigation concerning the custody of the
child in this or another court. The court, term and number, and
its relationship to this action is: N/A.
Plaintiff has no information of a custody proceeding concern-
ing the child pending in a court of this Commonwealth. The court,
term and number, and its relationship to this action is: N/A.
Plaintiff does not know of a person not a party to the
proceeding who has physical custody of the child or claims to have
custody or visitation rights with respect to the child. The name
and address of such person is: N/A.
7. The best interest and permanent welfare of the child will
be served by granting the relief requested because: a) plaintiff
desires to and is capable of providing a stable and secure family
environment for the child; b) the child's mother recently was
picked up by the Harrisburg Police Department and charged with
prostitution; and c) Defendants Christopher and Marie Snyder have
been unable to enroll the child in the West Shore School District.
concurrently with this custody complaint, Plaintiff is filing an
3
Theresa Barrett Male
Supreme Court 146439
10 South Market Square
Suite 500
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 233-3220
Attorney For Plaintiff/Petitioner
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
STEVEN ARENA, :
Plaintiff/Petitioner .
.
.
.
v. .
.
:
CHRISTOPHER SNYDER,
MARIE SNYDER and .
.
NORA FOSTER, .
.
.
.
Defendants/Respondents .
.
NO. Civil Term 1995
CIVIL ACTION - CUSTODY
ORDER GRANTING PLAINTIFF'S APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL RELI~
AND NOW, upon consideration of plaintiff's application for
special relief, this Court ORDERS and DECREES as follows:
1. Pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1915.13, the court awards
plaintiff custody of Christine Marie Foster pending further order
of court.
2. Within ten (10) days of the date of this order, Defendant
Nora Foster is directed to produce at the offices of plaintiff's
counsel the child's birth certificate, or alternatively, to execute
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Application for Certified Copy of
Birth Record.
3. Within five (5) days of the date of this order, Defen-
dants Christopher and Marie Snyder are directed to produce at the
offices of plaintiff's
d's birth certificate, or
I
PLAINTIFF'S
EXHIBIT
A
3. Beginning in September 1994, Defendant Marie Snyder
transported the child to school in the Steelton-Highspire School
District.
4. In or around February 1995, Defendant Marie Snyder's car
was repossessed and she was unable to continue transporting the
child to the Steelton school.
5. On or about March 3, 1995, Defendant Marie Snyder gave to
Plaintiff "Parent Questionnaire" which the West Shore School
District requires parents to complete in order to enroll children
in that district. A true and correct copy of the questionnaire is
attached as Exhibit "B".
6. Following a telephone conference with the school
district's attorneys, Plaintiff's counsel forwarded his reply to
the questionnaire to counsel on March 14, 1995. A true and correct
copy of the letter is attached as Exhibit "C".
7. By letter dated March 16, 1995, the school district's
counsel advised Plaintiff's counsel that the child was ineligible
for enrollment. A true and correct copy of the letter is attached
as Exhibit "D".
a. The child has not attended school since sometime in
February 1995.
9. Plaintiff believes and therefore avers that he can enroll
the child in the Spring Grove School District in which he resides
but requires her school and immunization records and her birth
certificate in order to do so.
2
10. Title 22 of the Pennsylvania Code of Regulations entitles
parents to secure certain categories of school data upon written
request by the parent and/or upon court order. 22 Pa. Code S 12.33
at Exhibit A.
11. Plaintiff has attempted to secure his daughter's birth
certificate but was advised by the Commonwealth's Vital Records
Office staff that it will release it only to the child's mother.
12. On March 10, 1995, the child's mother was arrested by
undercover officers of the Harrisburg Police Department and charged
with prostitution.
13. Plaintiff believes and therefore avers that the condi-
tions in the Snyder home are not those which would serve the
child's best interests.
,
14. This court has authority pursuant to Rule of Civil
Procedure 1915. 13 to award temporary custody of the child to
plaintiff.
42 Pa.C.S.A. S 1915.13 (Purdon 1987).
See also
Choplosky v. Choplosky, 400 Pa. Super. 590, 584 A.2d 340 (1990)
(even absent modification petition, court may modify custody order
if temporary modification will preserve children's well-being while
resolution of more permanent custody decision is pending).
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests this court to enter
a temporary order:
a. granting him custody of Christine Marie Foster pending
further order of court;
3
b. directing Defendant Nora Foster to provide the child's
birth certificate, or alternatively, to execute the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania Application for Certified Copy of Birth Record;
c. directing Defendants Christopher and Marie Snyder to
produce the child's birth certificate, or alternatively, a copy of
the birth certificate;
d. authorizing plaintiff, pursuant to 22 Pa. Code S 12.33,
to secure copies of the child's Category "A", "B" and "C" school
data and records necessary to enroll her in the Spring Grove School
District.
In the alternative, plaintiff requests thG court to enter an
order prohibiting Defendants Christopher and Marie Snyder from
,
relocating the child or transferring custody of the child pending
further order of court.
Respectfully submitted,
L ,;:8-M-aC /?i~ _
Theresa Barrett Male, Esquire
Supreme Court # 46439
20 North Market Sq. - Suite 500
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101
(717) 233-3220
Attorney for Plaintiff/Petitioner
Date: $\'Z'l'f\5
4
Theresa Barrett Male
Supreme Court #46439
10 South Market Square
Suite 500
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 233-3220
Attorney For Plaintiff
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
STEVEN ARENA, .
.
Plaintiff .
.
:
v. .
.
:
CHRISTOPHER SNYDER, .
.
MARIE SNYDER and .
.
NORA FOSTER, .
.
Defendants .
.
NO. Civil Term 1995
CIVIL ACTION - CUSTODY
ORDER OF COURT
,
AND NOW, this day of
consideration of the attached Complaint for Custody, it is
the parties and their respective counsel appear before
, Esquire, the Conciliator,
, 1995, upon
hereby directed that
at his office,
on the
day of , 1995, 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 the entry of a temporary or permanent Order.
For the Court,
Date of Order:
By:
Custody Conciliator
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE.
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE,
GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO
FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
Court Administrator
Cumberland County Courthouse - 4th Floor
1 Courthouse Avenue
Carlisle, PA 17013-3387
717 240-6200
rPLAlNTlFF'S ..,
'!~' ~EXHIBIT"".'
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:.. . "_"'),~,A:..')~.
Theresa Barrett Male
Supreme Court 146439
10 South Market Square
Suite 500
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 233-3220
Attorney For Plaintiff
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
STEVEN ARENA,
Plaintiff
.
.
.
.
v.
CHRISTOPHER SNYDER,
MARIE SNYDER, and
NORA FOSTER,
NO.
.
.
Civil Term 1995
.
.
.
.
.
.
Defendants
.
.
CIVIL ACTION - CUSTODY
COMPLAINT FOR CUSTODY
.
.
1. The plaintiff is Steven Arena, residing at R.D. #6, Box
66 B, York, York County, Pennsylvania 17404.
2. The defendants are Christopher and Marie Snyder, residing
at 114 South 2nd Street, Wormleysburg, Cumberland County, Pennsyl-
vania 17043 and Nora Foster, whose last known address was the 1200
block of Main Street, Oberlin, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.
3. Plaintiff seeks custody of the fOllowing child:
Name
Present Residence
Age
10
Christine Marie Foster
(DOB: 12/18/84)
114 South 2nd Street
Wormleysburg, PA
The child was born out of wedlock.
The child presently is in the custody of defendants Christo-
pher and Marie Snyder, who reside at 114 South 2nd Street,
Wormleysburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17043.
Plaintiff believes and therefore avers that during the past
five years, the child has resided with the following persons at the
following addresses:
Name
Christopher Snyder
Marie Snyder &
steven Anthony Arena
Address
114 2nd Street
Wormleysburg, PA
Date
6/94 to
Present
Nora Foster
a female roommate, Jesse
Jesse's husband and
two children, Nora's
baby
Unknown
Oberlin, PA
1991-6/94
The mother of the child is Nora Foster, whose last known
address was the 1200 block of Main Street, Oberlin, PA.
She is single.
The father of the child is steven Arena, currently resiaing at
R.D. #6, Box 66 B, York, York County, Pennsylvania 17404.
He is married.
4.
The relationship of plaintiff to the child is that of
The plaintiff currently resides with the following
father.
persons: Betty Myers and her two children, Jamie Myers and Clinton
Myers.
5. The relationship of defendants Christopher and Marie
Snyder to the child is that of maternal step-grandfather and
maternal grandmother. The defendants currently reside with the
following persons: steven Anthony Arena (no relation to plaintiff)
and the subject child.
2
The relationship of defendant Nora Foster to the child is that
of mother.
The defendant currently resides with the following
persons: Nora's baby (name unknown); a female roommate named Jesse;
Jesse's husband (name unknown); and Jesse's two children (names
unknown) .
6. Plaintiff has not participated as a party or witness, or
in another capacity, in litigation concerning the custody of the
child in this or another court. The court, term and number, and
its relationship to this action is: N/A.
Plaintiff has no information of a custody proceeding concern-
ing the child pending in a court of this Commonwealth. The court,
term and number, and its relationship to this action is: N/A.
"
Plaintiff does not know of a person not a party to the
proceeding who has physical custody of the child or claims to have
custody or visitation rights with respect to the child. The name
and address of such person is: N/A.
7. The best interest and permanent welfare of the child will
be served by granting the relief requested because: a) plaintiff
desires to and is capable of providing a stable and secure family
environment for the child; b) the child's mother recently was
picked up by the Harrisburg Police Department and charged with
prostitution; and c) Defendants Christopher and Marie Snyder have
been unable to enroll the child in the West Shore School District.
Concurrently with this custody complaint, Plaintiff is filing an
3
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".
We~. Shore School Disi. .ct 3/-jf'..J-
507 Fishing Creek Road . Lewisoerry, Pennsylvania '7339.94"
Excellence ill Educatioll . . .
A West Shore TraditiOIl
PARENT QUESTIONNAIRE
/l~'I'c. ,5.y""-< has contacted tl)e West Sh.or~ School District
seeking admission for your child C'''''''':>/''''~ /--c>$/'r'~ to attend
school in the West Shore School District. Your child's proposed new
address is //~..5 5e~n/ ..r/-n--T .ti.;J",,,,~:>~~.# . /7."'.]
You must complete the following form and return it immediately to the
Office of Pupil Services in order that the request for your child's
admission to the school district may be processed for possible
admission.
Admission Information
1. Are you the natural parent of the above named child?
Yes
No
.
.
2. Do you have legal guardianship or legal custody for this child?
Yes
No
3 .
Please provide your
security number, last
the school's telephone
birth, social
attended and
child's full name, date of
school district and school
number.
Child's Full Name
Birth Date
Social Security Number
School District
School Attended
School's Telephone Number
-",.;., 1~,,,,I,('....r-< RE'nIlIN 'lQ:
LARRY A. SA \'IlE Direct
S.pmnJ'n.UnJ 507 Fishln tlPLAlNTIFF'S /,
,',EXHIBIT- . t.
New C I ~,~~~"",,,.,",.)\"7
p~' r1l~ .....1~_~~
ez, A'l"l'fKW<<:E SUPERVIOOR
e 0: IIARRY L, MESSICK
, Box 803 P,t.SultnJ 01'''' OOlJld
0-0803
77
II. II. FINKEI.STON
VA VIIl E, FRANTZ
Statl,J/'11O 'M 8()U,11
Amrfc.W SU{'tt",un.lt'nJ
PArent Questionnaire
Page 3
10. Will your child spend eveningli or weekends with you?
Yes No
11. Will your child spend vacations or summers with you?
Yes No
12. Are you presently financially supporting your child?
$
Per Month or Per Week
13. will you provide financial support for your child when he or she
resides in the West Shore School District?
$
Per Month or per Week
14. Are you providing clothing or other items for your child?
Yes
No
,
15. ~~q claimed your child as a dependent for state and federal income
tax purposes last year?
16. Who will claim your child as a dependent for federal income tax
purposes for the current year? (This information will be reported
to the Internal Revenue Service.)
17. Is there presently in existence any support order entered by a
court or any written agreement concerning the support of your
child?
Yes
No
If yes, please answer the following questions:
Who pays support?
Support amount?
To whom is the support being paid?
THERESA BARRETT MALE COIJN~1.I0"At LAW
10 Snulft MAfUU.:t SQUAHI . 511I11 500
H^",u<;,uJUc., Pr:NNC,VIVANI^ 17101
(717) 233,3220
FAX (717) 233.6662
March 14, 1995
Nancy McCann, Esquire
Steele & Hoffman
422 Frick Building
pittsburgh, PA 17219
Re: steven Arena, Natural Father ot Christine Marie Foster (DOB:
12/18/84
Dear Ms. McCann:
This will confirm our telephone conversation yesterday
regarding my client, steven Arena and his daughter, Christine Marie
Foster. As I advised you, Christine's mother, Nora Foster, placed
her privately last summer with Ms. Foster's mother, Marie Snyder,
who resides with her husband Christopher at 114 South 2nd street,
Wormleysburg, Pennsylvania 17043. It is my understanding that
Marie Snyder transported the child to and from the Steelton School
District in which the child had been enrolled prior to the 1994-95
schoot year. Approximately 4-6 weeks ago, Ms. Snyder lost the use
of her vehicle, and now has initiated efforts to enroll the child
in the West Shore School District.
I have enclosed a copy of the five-page parent questionnaire
which Mr. Arena received and was directed to complete and return to
the district in order to allow Christine to be enrolled. As I
indicated to you yesterday, my client does not have sufficient
information available to complete the questionnaire. Mr. Arena
does want the child enrolled in the district, however, for the
completion of the 1994-95 school year. The following represents
our best efforts to comply with the requested information:
1.
Foster.
Yes, Mr. Arena is the natural father of Christine Marie
2. To the best of Mr. Arena's knowledge, information and
belief, there are no custody orders in place, nor has Nora Foster
signed any guardianship papers for or on behalf of her mother,
Marie Snyder.
3. The child's full name is
date of birth is December 18, 1984.
School District.
Christine Marie Foster and her
She last attended the Steelton
LAlNT1FF'S;
'~;' ~~~~J,'~
~~ " .,.,., ~ ..
Nancy McCann, Esquire
Page 2
March 14, 1995
4. Mr. Arena is unaware of the mechanism by which Marie
snyder withdrew the child from the Steel ton School District.
5.
full-time
Arena.
The child has not resided with Mr. Arena on any type of
basis; however, she does spend time on weekends with Mr.
6.
See the answer to ! 5 above.
7.
Not applicable.
8. Christine Marie Foster is residing in the West Shore
School District because her mother, Nora Foster, privately arranged
the child's placement with the maternal grandmother, Marie Snyder.
9. Not applicable.
10. The child does spend time outside of school with Mr.
Arena.
11. See the answer to , 10.
12. Mr. Arena provides support for the child when she is in
his custody, care and control. ,
,
13. See the answer to ! 12.
14. See the answer to , 12.
15. This information is unknown to Mr. Arena.
16. See the answer to , 15.
17. The Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas entered a
support order in 1989 directing Mr. Arena to pay support to Nora
Foster, the child's mother. That support order is currently under
review based on the child's living circumstances at present.
18. Mr. Arena does not have any information regarding this
question.
19. Mr. Arena desires the child to complete the 1994-95
school year in the West Shore School District.
20. Mr. Arena currently resides at R.D. 6, Box 66-B, York,
pennsyl vania 17404. He is employed at Brandon Systems Corporation.
Any further inquiries regarding Mr. Arena should be directed to
counsel.
21. See the answer to ! 20.
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STEELE &.. HOFFMAN
NANCY A. McCANN
A'nOIHIY IJI.AW
4U 1'\Ue( IIUIUllNO
PI'lT8IIUIlOH. PIlNNlYINANIA Inlt
'IlIlII'II0NI(4U/ 16104411 . rACSIIoIItI14IIj16I.a1l
March 16. 1995
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II'tIllCIUI (JIS)~"
1beresaBarreuMalc, Esquire
10 SouthMarla:t Square
Suite 500
Harrimutg. PA 17107
BE: Christine Marie Foster
Dear MJ. Male:
Based on the answers provided to me in your 1etter ofMarcl114, 1995, the West Shan:
SdIooI District has detennined that Christine Foster is not eligible for admission to the Distric:t.
Mr. Arena has responded that the child spends time with him on weda:nds, that be provides ,
support fur the child at times, &lid that Mr. Arena plans that the child complete the school year
in the District. Such answers suggest that Miss Fosters grandmother docs not "lccc:p and
support the child continuously" and that Mr. Arena int"""s that the cbiId leave the District at
the eud oldie school year. In order to be eligible for ,rlmi'lSion to the District, die child DDISt
live with the 8I"'Mmntber coDtinuously and not just for the school term.
'Recause the application 8CIIt to me wu \IIlSigned, die District does not intend to treat it
as a fbrmal application fur o1fmi"-'lion &lid thus a formal denial will not be issued. If your client
wishes to have a fbrmal response from the District, he sbouId file a signed copy orbis affidavit
cIirectly with the District.
If you have any questions about this matter, please give me a can.
srr r.}1:
.. l!cC (~L /1/)!/ /~
I ,
Nancy A Mi:Caun '
NAM:dmb
cc: Dr. Daniel Sheats, Director of Pupil Senices
Jttn~~~~~'~AAI/l1
. S1EElE~
TE: 3>--/~ ~ PHONE. (412) 281~1I
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3. Beginning in September 1994, Defendant Marie Snyder
transported the child to school in the Steelton-Highspire School
District.
4. In or around February 1995, Defendant Marie Snyder I scar
was repossessed and she was unable to continue transporting the
child to the Steel ton school.
5. On or about March 3, 1995, Defendant Marie Snyder gave to
Plaintiff "Parent Questionnaire" which the West Shore School
District requires parents to complete in order to enroll children
in that district. A true and correct copy of the questionnaire is
attached as Exhibit "B".
6. Following a telephone conference with the school
district's attorneys, Plaintiff's counsel forwarded his reply to
the questionnaire to counsel on March 14, 1995. A true and correct
copy of the letter is attached as Exhibit "C".
7. By letter dated March 16, 1995, the school district's
counsel advised Plaintiff's counsel that the child was ineligible
for enrollment. A true and correct copy of the letter is attached
as Exhibit "D".
8. The child has not attended school since sometime in
February 1995.
9. Plaintiff believes and therefore avers that he can enroll
the child in the spring Grove School District in which he resides
but requires her school and immunization records and her birth
certificate in order to do so.
2
10. Title 22 of the pennsylvania Code of Regulations entitles
parents to secure certain categories of school data upon written
request by the parent and/or upon court order. 22 Pa. Code S 12.33
at Exhibit A.
11. plaintiff has attempted to secure his daughter's birth
certificate but was advised by the commonwealth's Vital Records
Office staff that it will release it only to the child's mother.
12. On March 10, 1995, the child's mother was arrested by
undercover officers of the Harrisburg police Department and charged
with prostitution.
13. plaintiff believes and therefore avers that the condi-
tions in the snyder home are not those which would serve the
child's best interests.
14. This court has authority pursuant to Rule of civil
Procedure 1915.13 to award temporary custody of the child to
plaintiff. 42 Pa.C.S.A. S 1915.13 (purdon 1987). See also
Choplosky v. Choplosky, 400 Pa. Super. 590, 584 A.2d 340 (1990)
(even absent modification petition, court may modify custody order
if temporary modification will preserve children I s well-being while
resolution of more permanent custody decision is pending).
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests this court to enter
a temporary order:
a. granting him custody of Christine Marie Foster pending
further order of court;
3
Theresa Barrett Male
Supreme Court 146439
10 South Market Square
Suite 500
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 233-3220
Attorney For Plaintiff
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
STEVEN ARENA,
Plaintiff
:
v.
NO.
Civil Term 1995
CHRISTOPHER SNYDER,
MARIE SNYDER and
NORA FOSTER,
.
.
Defendants
CIVIL ACTION - CUSTODY
ORDER OF COURT
,
,
AND NOW, this day of
consideration of the attached Complaint for Custody, it is
the parties and their respective counsel appear before
, Esquire, the Conciliator,
, 1995, upon
hereby directed that
at his office, _____
on the _____
day of , 1995, 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 the entry of a temporary or permanent Order.
For the Court,
-Date of Order.
By.
Custody Conciliator
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE.
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE,
GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO
FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
Court Administrator
Cumberland County Courthouse - 4th Floor
1 Courthouse Avenue
Carlisle, PA 17013-3387
717 240-6200
Plaintiff believes and therefore avers that during the past
five years, the child has resided with the following persons at the
following addresses:
Name
Christopher Snyder
Marie Snyder &
Steven Anthony Arena
Address
114 2nd street
Wormleysburg, PA
Date
6/94 to
Present
Nora Foster
a female roommate, Jesse
Jesse's husband and
two children, Nora's
baby
Unknown
Oberlin, PA
1991-6/94
The mother of the child is Nora Foster, whose last known
address was the 1200 block of Main street, Oberlin, PA.
She is single.
The father of the child is Steven Arena, currently residing at
.
R.D. #6, Box 66 B, York, York County, Pennsylvania 17404.
He is married.
4. The relationship of plaintiff to the child is that of
father.
The plaintiff currently resides with the following
persons: Betty Myers and her two children, Jamie Myers and Clinton
Myers.
5. The relationship of defendants Christopher and Marie
Snyder to the child is that of maternal step-grandfather and
maternal grandmother. The defendants currently reside with the
following persons: Steven Anthony Arena (no relation to plaintiff)
and the subject child.
2
The relationship of defendant Nora Foster to the child is that
of mother.
The defendant currently resides with the following
persons: Nora's baby (name unknown); a female roommate named Jesse;
Jesse's husband (name unknown); and Jesse's two children (names
unknown) .
6. Plaintiff has not participated as a party or witness, or
in another capacity, in litigation concerning the custody of the
child in this or another court. The court, term and number, and
its relationship to this action is: N/A.
Plaintiff has no information of a custody proceeding concern-
ing the child pending in a court of this Commonwealth. The court,
term and number, and its relationship to this action is: N/A.
.
Piaintiff does not know of a person not a party to the
proceeding who has physical custody of the child or claims to have
custody or visitation rights with respect to the child. The name
and address of such person is: N/A.
7. The best interest and permanent welfare of the child will
be served by granting the relief requested because: a) plaintiff
desires to and is capable of providing a stable and secure family
environment for the child; b) the child's mother recently was
picked up by the Harrisburg Police Department and charged with
prostitution; and c) Defendants Christopher and Marie Snyder have
been unable to enroll the child in the West Shore school District.
Concurrently with this custody complaint, Plaintiff is filing an
3
application for special relief pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1915.13, a
true and correct copy of which is attached as Exhibit "A".
8. Each parent whose parental rights to the child have not
been terminated and the person who has physical custody of the
child have been named as parties to this action.
All other
persons, named below, who are known to have or claim a right to
custody or visitation of the child will be given notice of the
pendency of this action and the right to intervene: N/A.
WHEREFORE, plaintiff requests the court to grant him custody
of the child.
.
i'
A
/J ~7-
/. .,' v ~ 1'-J2.,( u.7.( ~-
Theresa Barrett Male, Esquire
Suprome Court I 46439
10 South Market Sq. - suite 500
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101
(717) 233-3220
Attorney For Plaintiff
Date: ~f'l/'1..("
4
It, It. FINK ELSTON
ASSUTant SupUlfu'fI4lrnl
Parent Questionnaire
4. Has the'student been formally withdrawn from school?
Page 2
Yes No
Provide exact date
The West Shore School District does not encourage withdrawal from
the child's present school until formal West Shore admission has
been granted.
5. Did your child ever live in your home?
Yes
No
If your answer is yes, please provide the dates.
6. When did the child first leave your home?
Date
7. Since leaving your home, please provide the address of his or her
temporary residence(s), person or persons with whom the child has
lived and the dates of each temporary residence.
..
A. Head of Household
Address
Dates
B. Head of Household
Address
Dates
8.
Is your child currently residing in West Shore
your child may get a better education in the
District than in the school district where you
because you
West Shore
reside?
believe
School
Yes
No
9. Why has your child left your home?
Parent Questionnaire
Page 3
10. Will your ch ild spend evenings or weekends with you?
Yes No
11- Will your child spend vacations or summers with you?
Yes No
12. Are you presently financially supporting your child?
$
Per Month or Per Week
13. Will you provide financial support for your child when he or she
resides in the West Shore School District?
$
Per Month or per Week
14. Are you providing clothing or other items for your child?
Yes
No
15.
h~o claimed your child as a dependent for state and federal income
. .
tax purposes last year?
16.
Who will claim your child as a dependent for federal income tax
purposes for the current year? (This information will be reported
to the Internal Revenue Service.)
17. Is there presently in existence any support order entered by a
court or any written agreement concerning the support of your
child?
Yes
No
If yes, please answer the following questions:
Who pays support?
Support amount?
To whom is the support being paid?
Parent Questionnaire
I grant the West Shore School District
investigate the information I have presented
discussing the presented information with all
necessary, to confirm the factual accuracy.
Yes
No
Page 5
officials permission
in this questionnaire
appropriate parties,
to
by
as
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA)
) SSe
COUNTY OF )
Before me, the undersigned officer,
resident of the
being duly sworn according to law deposes and says
the foregoing statements are true and correct.
personally appeared the above named
School District, who
that the set forth in
"
Sworn to and subscribed before me
this day of , 19___.
Signature and seal of Executing Officer
DWS:vch
affid
04-08-92
Parent signature
Parent Signature
THERESA BARRETT MALE ClIlIN'.IIC>I' AI LAW
. .
10 SOU1fi MAUKl.:l SUUAfH . SUllI 500
H^HHI',IlIJIHI, Pr.NN...VlVANIA 17101
(7"') 233.3220
FAX (7"') 233.6862
March 14, 1995
Nancy McCann, Esquire
Steele & Hoffman
422 Frick Building
pittsburgh, PA 17219
Re: steven Arena, Natural Father of Christine Marie Foster (DOB:
12/18/84
Dear Ms. McCann:
This will confirm our telephone conversation yesterday
regarding my client, steven Arena and his daughter, Christine Marie
Foster. As I advised you, Christine's mother, Nora Foster, placed
her privately last summer with Ms. Foster's mother, Marie Snyder,
who resides with her husband Christopher at 114 South 2nd street,
wormleysburg, Pennsylvania 17043. It is my understanding that
Marie Snyder transported the child to and from the Steelton School
District in which the child had been enrolled prior to the 1994-95
schootyear. Approximately 4-6 weeks ago, Ms. Snyder lost the use
of her vehicle, and now has initiated efforts to enroll the child
in the West Shore School District.
I have enclosed a copy of the five-page parent questionnaire
which Mr. Arena received and was directed to complete and return to
the district in order to allow Christine to be enrolled. As I
indicated to you yesterday, my client does not have sufficient
information available to complete the questionnaire. Mr. Arena
does want the chi ld enrolled in the district, however, for the
completion of the 1994-95 school year. The following represents
our best efforts to comply with the requested information:
1-
Foster.
Yes, Mr. Arena is the natural father of Christine Marie
2. To the best of Mr. Arena's knowledge, information and
belief, there are no custody orders in place, nor has Nora Foster
signed any guardianship papers for or on behalf of her mother,
Marie Snyder.
3. The child's full name is
date of birth is December 18, 1984.
School District.
Christine Marie Foster and her
She last attended the Steelton
Nancy McCann, Esquire
Page 2
March 14, 1995
4. Mr. Arena is unaware of the mechanism by which Marie
Snyder withdrew the child from the Steel ton School District.
5.
full-time
Arena.
The child has not resided with Mr. Arena on any type of
basis; however, she does spend time on weekends with Mr.
6.
See the answer to ! 5 above.
7.
Not applicable.
8. Christine Marie Foster is residing in the West Shore
School District because her mother, Nora Foster, privately arranged
the child's placement with the maternal grandmother, Marie Snyder.
9. Not applicable.
10. The child does spend time outside of school with Mr.
Arena.
11. See the answer to ! 10.
12. Mr. Arena provides support for the child when she is in
his custody, care and control.
"
13. See the answer to ! 12.
14. See the answer to ! 12.
15. This information is unknown to Mr. Arena.
16. See the answer to ! 15.
17. The Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas entered a
support order in 1989 directing Mr. Arena to pay support to Nora
Foster, the child's mother. That support order is currently under
review based on the child's living circumstances at present.
18. Mr. Arena does not have any information regarding this
question.
19. Mr. Arena desires the child to complete the 1994-95
school year in the West Shore School District.
20. Mr. Arena currently resides at R.D. 6, Box 66-B, York,
Pennsylvania 17404. He is employed at Brandon systems Corporation.
Any further inquiries regarding Mr. Arena should be directed to
counse 1.
21. See the answer to , 20.
.
-
~ ....-"
:' -! .....
THI!RESA BARRETI' MALE
COUN_~ATUl,.""
10SOUTH MARKETSQUARI!
SUITI! BOO
HARRISBURG,PA 17101
i
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11AR281995
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No. _________________ Tem1. 19______
-------------------------------
VI.
-----------------------------------------
PRAECIPE
F"~ed ___________________________ 19._____
__________________________________, ,~lry.
-----------------------------------------
BATURIN & BATURIN
717 North Second Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102
(717)234-2427
,"
.
. "_.- ---
... ..... . ",," _.
. -.-
...
Theresa Barrett Hale
Supreme Court #46439
10 South Harket Square
Suite 500
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 233-3220
Attorney For plaintiff/Petitioner
.
,
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
STEVEN ARENA,
Plaintiff/petitionsr
.
.
v.
.
.
CHRISTOPHER SNYDER,
MARIE SNYDER and
NORA FOSTER,
.
.
.
.
:
Defendants/Respondents
NO. 95-1581 civil Term
CIVIL ACTION - CUSTODY
M ORDER
AND NOW, APril~' 1995, upon consideration of plaintiff's
application for special relief in the nature of an order confirming
custody, the court awards plaintiff primary physical custody of
Christine Marie Foster pending the conciliation conference
scheduled for May 9, 1995 pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1915.13.
BY THE COURT:
offer
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.
Defendant Marie Snyder, abused her after receiving notice from the
oourt of the date and time for the conciliation conference.
4. As a result of the abuse, Plaintiff has taken custody of
the child for her protection.
5. This court has scheduled a conciliation conference for
May 9, 1995 at 4:00 p.m. at the offices of Samuel L. Andes,
Esquire.
6. Cumberland County Children & Youth Services is currently
investigating the abuse allegations.
7. To date, Plaintiff's counsel has not been able to secure
a current address for Defendant Nora Foster, despite contacting the
following authorities: 1) Dauphin County Clerk of Courts; 2)
Dauphin County criminal Investigation Division; 3) Harrisburg City
Police Records Department; and 4) the Steelton Post Office.
8. Plaintiff has enrolled his daughter in Thomasville
Elementary School in the spring Grove School District.
9. This court has authority pursuant to Rule of Civil
Procedure 1915.13 to award temporary custody of the child to
plaintiff. 42 Pa.C.S.A. S 1915.13 (Purdon 1987). See also
Choplosky v. Choplosky, 400 Pa. Super. 590, 584 A.2d 340 (1990)
(even absent modification petition, court may modify custody order
if temporary modification will preserve children's well-being while
resolution of more permanent custody decision is pending).
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests this court to enter
an order granting him primary physical custody of Christine Marie
2
"
,
.
Theresa Barrett Male
Supreme Court 146439
10 South Market Square
Suite 500
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 233-3220
Attorney For Plaintiff/Petitioner
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
STEVEN ARENA,
Plaintiff/Petitioner
.
.
:
v.
Civil Term 1995
NO.
CHRISTOPHER SNYDER,
MARIE SNYDER and
NORA FOSTER,
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Defendants/Respondents :
CIVIL ACTION - CUSTODY
PLAINTIFF'S APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL RELIEF
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of civil Procedure 1915.13,
Plaintiff Steven Arena, by his attorney Theresa Barrett Male,
presents this Application For Special Relief as follows:
1. Plaintiff files this application concurrently with his
complaint seeking custody of his daughter Christine Marie Foster
(DOB: 12/18/84). A true and correct copy of the complaint for
custody is attached as Exhibit "A".
2. In or around June, 1994, Defendant Nora Foster, natural
mother of Christine Foster, relinquished physical custody of the
child to Defendants Christopher and Marie Snyder, the child's
maternal stepgrandfather and maternal grandmother, respectively.
,
PLAINTIFF'S
EXHIBIT
A
.
"
.
3. Beginning in September 1994, Defendant Marie Snyder
transported the child to school in the Steelton-Highspire School
District.
4. In or around February 1995, Defendant Marie Snyder's car
was repossessed and she was unable to continue transporting the
child to the Steel ton school.
5. On or about March 3, 1995, Defendant Marie Snyder gave to
Plaintiff "Parent Questionnaire" which the West Shore School
District requires parents to complete in order to enroll children
in that district. A true and correct copy of the questionnaire is
attached as Exhibit "B".
6. Following a telephone conference with the school
district's attorneys, Plaintiff's counsel forwarded his reply to
the questionnaire to counsel on March 14, 1995. A true and correct
copy of the letter is attached as Exhibit "C".
7. By letter dated March 16, 1995, the school district's
counsel advised Plaintiff's counsel that the child was ineligible
for enrollment. A true and correct copy of the letter is attached
as Exhibit "0".
8. The child has not attended school since sometime in
February 1995.
9. Plaintiff believes and therefore avers that he can enroll
the child in the Spring Grove school District in which he resides
but requires her school and immunization records and her birth
certificate in order to do so,
2
..
..
.
10. Title 22 of the Pennsylvania Code of Regulations entitles
parents to secure certain categories of school data upon written
request by the parent and/or upon court order. 22 Pa. Code S 12.33
at Exhibit A.
11. Plaintiff has attempted to secure his daughter's birth
certificate but was advised by the Commonwealth's Vital Records
Office staff that it will release it only to the child's mother.
12. On March 10, 1995, the child's mother was arrested by
undercover officers of the Harrisburg Police Department and charged
with prostitution.
13. Plaintiff believes and therefore avers that the condi-
tions in the Snyder home are not those which would serve the
child's best interests.
14. This court has authority pursuant to Rule of civil
Procedure 1915. 13 to award temporary custody of the child to
plaintiff. 42 Pa.C.S.A. S 1915.13 (Purdon 1987). See also
Choplosky v. Choplosky, 400 Pa. Super. 590, 584 A.2d 340 (1990)
(even absent modification petition, court may modify custody order
if temporary modification will preserve children's well-being while
resolution of more permanent custody decision is pending).
WHEREFORE, Plaintiff respectfully requests this court to enter
a temporary order:
a. granting him custody of Christine Marie Foster pending
further order of court;
3
.
.
Theresa Barrett Male
Supreme Court 146439
10 South Market Square
Suite 500
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 233-3220
Attorney For Plaintiff
I,
I
,
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
STEVEN ARENA,
Plaintiff
V.
NO.
Civil Term 1995
CHRISTOPHER SNYDER,
MARIE SNYDER and
NORA FOSTER,
Defendants
CIVIL ACTION - CUSTODY
ORDER OF COURT
,
AND NOW, this day of
consideration of the attached Complalnt for Custody, it is
the parties and their respective counsel appear before
, Esquire, the Conciliator,
, 1995, upon
hereby directed that
at his office,
on the
day of , 1995, m. for a Pre-Hearing Custody
Conference. At such Conference, an effort will be made to resolve the issues in
disputel 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 the entry of a temporary or permanent Order.
For the Court,
Date of Orderr
By:
Custody Conciliator
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE.
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE,
GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO
FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP,
Court Admlnistrator
Cumberland County Courthouse - 4th Floor
1 Courthouse Avenue
Carlisle, PA 17013-3387
717 240-6200
'.
Theresa Barrett Male
Supreme Court #46439
10 south Market Square
Suite 500
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 23:S-3220
Attorney For Plaintiff
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
STEVEN ARENA,
Plaintiff
:
:
v.
CHRISTOPHER SNYDER,
MARIE SNYDER, and
NORA FOSTER,
NO.
Civil Term 1995
:
.
.
Defendants
.
.
CIVIL ACTION - CUSTODY
COMPL~INT FOR CUSTODY
,
1. The plaintiff is Steven Arena, residing at R.D. /6, Box
66 B, York, York County, Pennsylvania 17404.
2. The defendants are Christopher and Marie Snyder, residing
at 114 South 2nd Street, Wormleysburg, Cumberland County, Pennsyl-
vania 17043 and Nora Foster, whose last known address was the 1200
block of Main street, Oberlin, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.
3. Plaintiff seeks custody of the following child:
Name
Present Residence
Age
10
Chriotine Marie Foster
(DOB: 12/18/84)
114 South 2nd Street
Wormleysburg, PA
The child was born out of wedlock.
The child presently is in the custody of defendants Christo-
pher and Marie Snyder, who reside at 114 South 2nd street,
Wormleysburg, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17043.
'c.,>,,\'\
"..:....;.'
'.
Plaintiff believes and therefore avers that during the past
five years, the child has resided with the following persons at the
following addresses:
Name
Christopher Snyder
Marie Snyder &
steven Anthony Arena
Address
114 2nd Street
Wormleysburg, PA
Date
6/94 to
Present
Nora Foster
a female roommate, Jesse
Jesse's husband and
two children, Nora's
baby
Unknown
Oberlin, PA
1991-6/94
The mother of the child is Nora Foster, whose last known
address was the 1200 block of Main Street, Oberlin, PA.
She is single.
The father of the child is Steven Arena, currently residing at
R.D. #6, Box 66 B, York, York County, Pennsylvania 17404.
He is married.
4.
The relationship of plaintiff to the child is that of
The plaintiff currently resides with the following
father.
persons: Betty Myers and her two children, Jamie Myers and Clinton
Myers.
5. The relationship of defendants Christopher and Marie
Snyder to the child is that of maternal step-grandfather and
maternal grandmother. The defendants currently reside with the
following persons: Steven Anthony Arena (no relation to plaintiff)
and the subject child.
2
,
The relationship of defendant Nora Foster to the child is that
of mother.
The defendant currently resides with the following
persons: Nora's baby (name unknown); a female roommate named Jesse;
Jesse's husband (name unknown); and Jesse's two children (names
unknown).
6. Plaintiff has not participated as a party or witness, or
in another capacity, in litigation concerning the custody of the
child in this or another court. The court, term and number, and
its relationship to this action is: N/A.
Plaintiff has no information of a custody proceeding concern-
ing the child pending in a court of this Commonwealth. The court,
term and number, and its relationship to this action is: N/A.
,
Plaintiff does not know of a person not a party to the
proceeding who has physical custody of the child or claims to have
'custody or visitation rights with respect to the child. The name
and address of such person is: N/A.
7. The best interest and permanent welfare of the child will
be served by granting the relief requested because: a) plaintiff
desires to and is capable of providing a stable and secure family
environment for the child; b) the child's mother recently was
picked up by the Harrisburg Police Department and charged with
prostitution; and c) Defendants Christopher and Marie Snyder have
been unable to enroll the child in the West Shore School District.
Concurrently with this custody complaint, Plaintiff is filing an
3
.
application for special relief pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1915.13, a
true and correct copy of which is attached as Exhibit "A".
8. Each parent whose parental rights to the child have not
been terminated and the person who has physical custody of the
i
\
"
I.
child have been named as parties to this action.
All other
persons, named below, who are known to have or claim a right to
custody or visitation of the child will be given notice of the
pendency of this action and the right to intervene: N/A.
WHEREFORE, plaintiff requests the court to grant him custody
of the child.
11:1'-~A-UZt ~
Theresa Barrett Male, Esquire
supreme Court # 46439
10 South Market Sq. - suite 500
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101
(717) 233-3220
Attorney For Plaintiff
Date: ~f'llf~
4
. '
,...-. . .
I~ ....- ...... .
, .
We~. Shore School DisL.cf 3/jlf'J-
507 Fishing Creek Road . Lewisberry, Pennsylvania 17339-9411
Excellence in Education. , .
A West Shore Tradition
PARENT QUESTIONNAIRE
"9'7.?,,,e, ,5.y~,(, has contacted tl)e West mtore School District
seeking admission for your child ct"".:>;><".."", /-"U/{.~ to attend
school in the West Shore School District. Your child's proposed new
address is //1/..s 5e~... nI' ...r/..........,.. ~L:J.,~,..~,. ~,P.# . /;'dt'.1
You must complete the following form and return it immediately to the
Office of Pupil Services in order that the request for your child's
admission to the school district may be processed for possible
admission.
Admission Information
1. Are you the natural parent of the above named child?
Yes
No
.
2. Do you have legal guardianship or legal custody for this child?
Yes
No
3. Please provide your child's full name, date of birth, social
security number, last school district and school attended and
the school's telephone number.
Child's Full Name
Birth Date
Social Security Number
School District
School Attended
School's Telephone NUmber
-r..'.... /3..,.,1,,..,,,,.-<. RETUllN 'lQ:
LARRY A. SA YRE Direct
S"ptfU1ltndL", 507 Flshln
NewC
Ph
tlR. III1U -. -
ez. ~ SUPERVIOOR
e 0: IIARRY L. MESSICK
. Box 803 Prt.ndtll/ of 1M Bo<vd
0-0803
77
II. II. HNKE\.STON
DAV\[) E. FRANTZ
Stcrelar'! 101M BOdfd
A.HISlanI Supuln]il1il,.,aJ
Parent Questionnaire
page 2
4. Has the student been formally withdrawn from school?
Yes No
Provide exact date
The West Shore School District does not encourage withdrawal from
the child's present school until formal West Shore admission has
been granted.
5. Did your child ever live in your home?
Yes
No
If your answer is yes, please provide the dates.
6. When did the child first leave your home?
Date
7. Since leaving your home, please provide the address of his or her
temporary residence(s), person or persons with whom the child has
lived and the dates of each temporary residence.
A. Head of Household
Address
. .
Dates
B. Head of Household
Address
Dates
8.
Is your child currently residing in West Shore
your child may get a better education in the
District than in the school district where you
because you
West Shore
reside?
believe
School
Yes
No
9. Why has your child left your home?
.'
.
Parent Questionnaire
paqe 3
10, Will your child spend evenings or weekends with you?
Yes No
11. will your child spend vacations or summers with you?
Yes No
12. Are you presently financially supporting your child?
$
Per Month or Per Week
13. will you provide financial support for your child when he or she
resides in the West Shore School District?
$
Per Month or per Week
14. Are you providing clothing or other items for your child?
Yes
No
15. h~q claimed your child as a dependent for state and federal income
tax purposes last year?
16. Who will claim your child as a dependent for federal income tax
purposes for the current year? (This information will be reported
to the Internal Revenue service.)
17. Is there presently in existence any support order entered by a
court or any written agreement concerning the support of your
child?
Yes
No
If yes, please answer the following questions:
Who pays support?
Support amount?
To whom is the support being paid?
Parent Questionnaire
I grant the West Shore School District
investigate the information I have presented
discussing the presented information with all
necessary, to confirm the factual accuracy.
Yes
No
Page 5
officials permission
in this questionnaire
appropriate parties,
to
by
as
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA)
) SSe
COUNTY OF )
Before me, the undersigned officer,
resident of the
being duly sworn according to law deposes and says
the foregoing statements are true and correct.
personally appeared the above named
School District, who
that the set forth in
.
Sworn to and subscribed before me
this day of , 19___
'. . .
Signature and seal of Executing Officer
DWS:vch
affid
04-08-92
Parent Signature
Parent Signature
THERESA BARRETT MALE COUNSELOR AT LAW
10 SoutH MARKET 5QUARI: . SUl1l. 500
HAHUISnUnc., PENNsvLVANIA 17101
(717) 233-3220
FAX (717) 233-6862
March 14, 1995
Nancy McCann, Esquire
Steele & Hoffman
422 Frick Building
pittsburgh, PA 17219
Re: steven Arena, Natural Father of Christine Marie Foster (DOB:
12/18/84
Dear Ms. McCann:
This will confirm our telephone conversation yesterday
regarding my client, steven Arena and his daughter, Christine Marie
Foster. As I advised you, Christine's mother, Nora Foster, placed
her privately last summer with Ms. Foster's mother, Marie Snyder,
who resides with her husband Christopher at 114 South 2nd Street,
Wormleysburg , Pennsylvania 17043. It is my under.standing that
Marie Snyder transported the child to and from the Steel ton School
District in which the child had been enrolled prior to the 1994-95
schoot year. Approximately 4-6 weeks ago, Ms. Snyder lost the use
of her vehicle, and now has initiated efforts to enroll the child
in the West Shore School District,
"I have enclosed a copy of the five-page parent questionnaire
which Mr. Arena received and was directed to complete and return to
the district in order to allow Christine to be enrolled. As I
indicated to you yesterday, my client does not have sufficient
information available to complete the questionnaire. Mr. Arena
does want the child enrolled in the district, however, for the
completion of the 1994-95 school year. The following represents
our best efforts to comply with the requested information:
l.
Foster.
Yes, Mr. Arena is the natural father of Christine Marie
2. To the best of Mr. Arena's knowledge, information and
belief, there are no custody orders in place, nor has Nora Foster
signed any guardianship papers for or on behalf of her mother,
Marie snyder.
3. The child's full name is
date of birth is December 18, 1984.
School District,
Christine Marie Foster and her
She last attended the Steel ton
,.
Nancy MCCann, Esquire
Page 2
March 14, 1995
4. Mr. Arena is unaware of the mechanism by which Marie
Snyder withdrew the child from the Stee1ton School District.
5.
fUll-time
Arena.
The child has not resided with Mr. Arena on any type of
basis; however, she does spend time on weekends with Mr.
6.
See the answer to ! 5 above.
7.
Not applicable.
8. Christine Marie Foster is residing in the West Shore
School District because her mother, Nora Foster, privately arranged
the child's placement with the maternal grandmother, Marie Snyder.
9. Not applicable.
10. The child does spend time outside of school with Mr.
Arena.
11. See the answer to ! 10.
12. Mr. Arena provides support for the child when she is in
his custody, care and control.
.
13. See the answer to ! 12.
14. See the answer to ! 12.
15. This information is unknown to Mr. Arena.
16. See the answer to ! 15.
17. The Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas entered a
support order in 1989 directing Mr. Arena to pay support to Nora
Foster, the child's mother. That support order is currently under
review based on the child's living circumstances at present.
18. Mr. Arena does not have any information regarding this
question.
19. Mr. Arena desires the child to complete the 1994-95
school year in the West Shore School District.
20. Mr. Arena currently resides at R.D. 6, Box 66-B, York,
Pennsylvania 17404. He is employed at Brandon Systems Corporation.
Any further inquiries regarding Mr, Arena should be directed to
counseL
21, See the answer to , 20,
, .
" .
Nancy McCann, Esquire
Page 3
March 14, 1995
22. The child's natural mother is Nora Foster, whose last-
known whereabouts was the 1200 block of Main street in Oberlin,
Pennsylvania.
23. The child currently resides with Marie Snyder, the
child's maternal grandmother at 114 South 2nd Street, Wormleysburg,
Pennsylvania 17043 and Ms. Snyder's husband.
Per our conversation, I am directing this information to you
via fax. Please advise at your earliest convenience as to the
district's decision on the child's school placement. As I
indicated, my client is concerned that the child continues to be
out of school and desires to have this matter resolved as soon as
possible for her benefit.
Thank you for your assistance in this regard.
Sl:
.Lsa B~~
TBM/sca
Enclokure
cc: Steven Arena
Via Fax - Hard Copy to Follow
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STEELE &.. HOFFMAN
NANCY A. McCANN
ATI'OIIlU IilI.AW
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Mard116, 1995
'Iberasa Barrett Male, Esquire
10 SouthMarbt Square
Suite SOO
Harrisbwg,PA 17107
RB: Christine Marie p~
Dear Ma. Male:
Based on the 8I\SWCI1I provided to me in your 1ettec ofMarch 14, 1995, the West Shore
SdIooI District has determined that Christine Poster is DOt eligible tor Rtlml...lon to the DIstrict..
Mr, Arena has responded that the child speads time with him on weekends, that he provides
support fur the child at times, 8Dd that Mr, Arena plana that the cbild c:omp\ctc the school year
in the Dislrict. SJK'hanswers suggest that Miss Foster's grm!mothcr does DOt ''keep Illd
aupport the child c:ontimJousIy" and that Mr, Arena intt-nd. that the child leave the District at
the cud of the school year, In order to be eligible tor Rtlmi..;on to the District, the child nmst
'. ,,-' 1ivewith the grandmother cootinuously 8Dd not just tbrthe achool term.
Because tho application IICIlt to me was WI-'liSJ'ed. the District does not intend to treat it
II a inmal applic:ation tor RtImi.oion and thus a fbnnal deoiaJ. will not be issued. ICyour cIieat
wishes to have a fbrmaI response from the District, he should file a signed copy orhis affidavit
directly with the District.
,
ICyou have any questions about this matter, please give me a call.
.t~'i7)IJ~
Nancy A MCCann .
NAMdmb
cc: Dr. Danid SheaIs, Director of Pupil 5cmces
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alternatively, a copy of the birth certificate.
4. Pursuant to 22 Pa. Code S 12.33, plaintiff is authorized
to secure copies of the child's Category "A", "B" and "C" school
data and records necessary to enroll her in the Spring Grove School
District.
In the alternative, Defendants Christopher and Marie Snyder
are enjoined from relocating the child or transferring custody of
the child to anyone other than plaintiff pending further order of
court.
BY THE COURT:
~(.,. ICjqS-
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TRUE C":'P'.' F;~"\~ RECORD
In Trs';,~ '~',' iI r' ,". !; 'U"'~ set my hand
ill,d the ~.ill oi sa:d (OJI: al (arli,le. Pa.
This ...t..!f. dilY ofap;;.g..., 19....1..?
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PROOP OP SBRVICB
I hereby certify that I am this day serving a copy of the
foregoing application for special relief upon the persons and in
the manner indicated below which service satisfies the requirements
of Pa. R.C.P. 440:
Via First-Class Mail Addressed as Follows:
Monika E. Baturin, Esquire
Baturin v. Baturin
717 North Second Street
Harrisburg, PA 17102-3202
Attorneys for Defendants Snyder
Nora Foster
c/o Mr. & Mrs. Christopher snyder
114 South Second street
Wormleysburg, PA 17043
Dated: April 12, 1995
fke~tV&tult"~
Theresa Barrett Male, Esquire
Supreme Court # 46439
10 South Market Sq. - Suite 500
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17101
(717) 233-3220
Attorney for Plaintiff
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Theresa Barrett Male
Supreme Court #46439
10 South Market Square
Suite 500
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 233-3220
Attorney For Plaintiff
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
STEVEN ARENA,
Plaintiff
v,
NO. 95-1581 Civil Term
CHRISTOPHER SNYDER,
MARIE SNYDER and
NORA FOSTER,
Defendants
CIVIL ACTION - CUSTODY
VERIFICATION OF SERVICE BY MAIL
I, Theresa Barrett Male, Esquire, verify that on April 11,
1995, I mailed the following documents by certified mail, return
receipt requested, restricted delivery to Defendant Marie Snyder:
1) the Complaint for Custody; 2) a certified copy of the order
scheduling the conciliation conference for May 9, 1995 at 4: 00
p.m.; 3) the Application for Special Relief; and 4) a certified
copy of the order of court dated April 6, 1995 granting the
application. Defendant acknowledged receipt on April 13, 1995, as
evidenced by the return receipt card attached as Exhibit "A".
I verify that the above statements are true and correct. I
understand that false statements herein are made subject to the
penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. S 4904, relating to unsworn falsification
to authorities.
rL./4~/J(~
Theresa Barrett Male, Esquire
Attorney for Plaintiff
Dated: April 17, 1995
, ~
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EXHIBIT "A"
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THERESA BARRETT MALE
COUNKLOR AT LAW
10SOUTH MARKET SQUARE
SUITE 100
HARRISBURG.PA 17101
~ ,.
Theresa Barrstt Male
Supreme Court 146439
10 South Market Square
suite 500
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 233-3220
Attorney For Plaintiff
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
STEVEN ARENA, .
.
plaintiff .
.
:
v. . NO. 95-1581 civil Term
.
CHRISTOPHER SNYDER,
MARIE SNYDER and .
.
NORA FOSTER, .
.
.
.
Defendants CIVIL ACTION - CUSTODY
PRAECIPE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please reinstate the complaint in the above-captioned action.
L/~JJt~
Theresa Barrett Male, Esquire
Supreme Court # 46439
10 South Market Sq., Suite 500
HarriSburg, Pennsylvania 17101
(717) 233-3220
Attorney For Plaintiff
Date: r/z ills
*
Theresa Barrett Male
Supreme Court #46439
10 South Market Square
Suite 500
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 233-3220
Attorney For Plaintiff
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
STEVEN ARENA,
Plaintiff
v.
NO. 95-1581 Civil Term
CHRISTOPHER SNYDER,
MARIE SNYDER and
NORA FOSTER,
Defendants
CIVIL ACTION - CUSTODY
AFFIDAVIT
In accordance with Pennsylvania Rule of civil Procedure
430(b), Theresa Barrett Male, Esquire, being duly sworn according
to law deposes and says that she makes this affidavit on behalf
Plaintiff Steven Arena, being authorized to do so; that Defendant
Nora Foster, presently cannot be located and her whereabouts are
unknown after a good faith and diligent effort, which included the
following inquiries concerning Defendant Nora Foster:
1. an examination of local telephone directories;
2. an examination of dockets in the office of the Dauphin
County Clerk of courts;
3. a telephone inquiry to the Dauphin County District
Attorney's Office, Criminal Investigation Division;
Theresa Barrstt Male
Supreme Court #46439
10 south Markst Square
suite 500
Harrisburg, PA 17101
(717) 233-3220
Attornsy For Plaintiff
COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
STEVEN ARENA, .
.
plaintiff .
.
:
v. .
.
.
.
CHRISTOPHER SNYDER, :
MARIE SNYDER and .
.
NORA FOSTER, .
.
.
.
Defendants .
.
NO. 95-1581 civil Term
CIVIL ACTION - CUSTODY
NOTl:CE
TO: NORA FOSTER
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT A CIVIL ACTION WAS BROUGHT
AGAINST YOU IN THE Court of Common Pleas of Cumberland County,
Pennsylvania, at Docket No. 85-1581 civil Term by Steven Arena,
seeking custody of Christine Marie Foster (DOB: 12/18/84).
NOTICE
If you wish to defend, you must enter a written appearance
personally or by attorney and file your defenses or objections in
writing with the court. You are warned that if you fail to do so
the case may proceed without you and a judgment may be entered
against you by the Court without further notice for the relief
requested by the plaintiff. You may lose money or property or
other rights important to you.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO
NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE
OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP.
Court Administrator
Cumberland county Courthouse - 4th Floor
1 Courthouse Avenue
Carlisle, PA 17013-3387
717 240-6200
EXHIBIT
I
A
II
...
offices of York and Cumberland Counties and. if the result of the investigations is not
to make a finding of child abuse against Marie Snyder. the parties will be expected to
expand Marie Snyder's time with the child,
3. On or before Monday. May 15. 1995. Marie Snyder and Crist Snyder shall return
to Christine all of her personal effects and belongings which were not purchased by
i
!
I
I
I
!Theresa Barrett Male, Esquire
iAttorney for Plaintiff
'Monica E, Baturin, Esquire
I' Attorney for Defendant
J.
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II
I STEVEN ARENA,
I Plaintiff
I vs.
I, CHRISTOPHER SNYDER, MARIE
ISNYDER and NORA FOSTER,
Defendants
I
II!JUDGE PREVIOUSLY ASSIGNED: The Honorable George E, Hoffer
(Temporary Order dated 4/13/95)
,I
I!
II
i
,
I IN ACCORDANCE WITH CUMBERLAND COUNTY RULE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE 1915,3-8(b), the
I undersigned Custody Conciliator submits the following report:
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
IN THE COURT OF COMMON
PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND
COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO, 95-1581 CIVIL TERM
CUSTODY
CONCILIATOR CONFERENCE SIOOtAllY REPORT
i 1, The pertinent information
i
I,ll tigation is as follows:
'I
I
,
i
concerning the child who is the SUbject of this
BIRTHDATE
CURRENTLY IN
CUSTODY OF
NAME
,Christine Marie Foster
18 December 1984
Marie Snyder and
Crist Snyder
2. A Conciliation Conference was held on 9 May 1995 and the following individuals
were present: the Plaintiff and his attorney, Theresa B. Male, Esquire; the
:;Defendants Marie Snyder and Crist Snyder and their attorney, Monica E. Baturin,
I,
'Esquire, The Defendant Nora Foster did not appear.
3. This is a very unusual case. The parents of the child were never married and
separated approximately 1 or 8 years ago, From that time on. the child resided with
the biological mother, Nora Foster, at various locations in and around Steelton, In
the meantime, the mother had a series of problems with the law and apparently had been
prosecuted for prostitution.
- -
In June of 1994. the mother placed the child with her own mother. the child's
maternal grandmother, Harie Snyder. and her new husband. Crist Snyder, The child lived
with them from June of 1994 until April of 1995 but continued to attend school in
Steelton, When Mrs. Snyder developed difficulty with her car and could no longer
transport the child to school in Steelton. the child was out of school for several
weeks. Marie Snyder was unable to enroll the child in the West Shore School District
where she resided. At that point the father became involved and sought custody, After
the child made some accusations that Harie Snyder had physically abused her. Judge
Hoffer granted the father custody pending the conciliation conference.
I At the conference in my office. Harie Snyder and Crist Snyder were able to quickly
I agree with the father to allow him to continue to have custody. He agreed to allow
Ithem to have five hours of visitation every other Saturday until such time as the child
I abuse accusations were resolved, The attached order was dictated in their presence and
accepted by the Plaintiff and two of the Defendants,
I
Iserve her with notice of these proceedings.
I
II she can be provided with notice of it later.
Ilcan ask the court to modify it.
'I
ii 4.
,i
II
l,time.
"
i'
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,
Nora Foster has apparently disappeared and no one has been able to locate her or
The attached order should be entered and
If she feels aggrieved by the order. she
With the entry of the attached order. no further action is necessary at this
::10 Hay 1995
~~A~~
Custody Conciliator
Ii
"
vs.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
IN THE COURT OF COMMON
PLEAS OF CUMBERLAND
COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
NO, 95-1581 CIVIL TERM
CUSTODY
STEVEN ARENA,
Plaintiff
,CHRISTOPHER SNYDER. MARIE
!SNYDER and NORA FOSTER,
Defendants
ORDER
AND NOW, this
day of
. 1995. upon receipt of the
conciliator's report, it appearing that the Plaintiff, Steven Arena, and the
Defendants, Marie Snyder and Crist Snyder, agreed to the terms and provisions of this
order which was dictated in their presence and approved by them and their attorneys, we
hereby order as follows:
1. The Plaintiff. Steven Arena, shall have legal custody of the minor children,
Christine Marie Foster, born December 18, 1984, Until further order of court, the
father shall also have primary physical custody of the said child,
2, Pending the conclusion of an investigation into accusations of child abuse by
the Children and Youth Services offices of York and Cumberland Counties, which
accusations are denied by Mr, and Mrs. Snyder, Marie Snyder shall enjoy periods of
temporary custody on alternating Saturdays from noon until 6:00 p.m., commencing on
Saturday, May 20, 1995. These periods of temporary custody are to be exercised in a
public place such a movie theatre, a restaurant. a park. or the like. During the times
that Marie Snyder has temporary custody of the child, she shall respect the child' s
wishes regarding any contact with the child's biological mother, Nora Foster, and with
her older brother, Steven. The parties will review the schedule of temporary custody
promptly upon the conclusion of the investigation by the Children and Youth Services
1
PROOF OF PUBLICATION OF NOTICE
IN CUMBERLAND LA W JOURNAL
(Under Act No. 587, approved May 16, 1929), P. L,I784
STATE OF PENNSYL VANIA :
55,
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND :
Roger M, Morgenthal, Koiqulre, Editor of the Cumberland Law Journal, of the County
and State aforesaid, being duly sworn, according to law, deposes and says that the Cumberland
Law Journal, a legal periodical published in the Borough of Carlisle in the County and State
aforesaid, wus established January 2, 1952, and designated by the local court.~ us the officiul
legal periodical for the publication of all legal notices, and has, since January 2, 1952, been
regularly issued weekly in the said County, and that the printed notice or publication attached
hereto is exactly the same us was printed in the regular editions and issue.~ of the said
Cumberland Law Journul on the following dates,
viz:
MAY 26.1995
Affiant further deposes that he is authorized to verify this statement by the Cumberland
Law Journal, a legal periodical of general circulation, and that he is not interested is the subject
matter of the aforesaid notice or advertisement. and that all allegations in the foregoing
statements us to time, place and character of publication are true.
r LQj)d/Z.~
Roger . Morgenthal, Editor ---
SWORN TO AND SUBSCRIBED before me this
26 day (If MAY ,1995
NOTARIAl. SEAl.
~ER1.ENE MARliEVKA. NcUIy Ni.
Ca~, CUmbotland CoII'Iy PL
u,eomm_ EIl)iI.So6a
I
PLAlNTIFPS
EXHIBIT
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