HomeMy WebLinkAbout95-01610
.:\.milhdou,pel me /I 46-\9-95.01
NOW comes Douglas A. Smith, by and through his counsel, FLOWER, MORGENTHAL,
FLOWER & LINDSAY, and prays this Honorable Court as follows:
1. The Plaintiff is Douglas A. Smith, residing at 138 Beetem Hollow Road, Newville,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17241.
2. The Defendant is Theresa A. Shank, whose last known address was Conodoguinet
Mobile Estates, Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17241.
3. The Plaintiff seeks custody of the following children.
Name
Present Residence
~
Amber Lynn Smith
Joseph Allen Smith
Unknown
5 years
4 years
Unknown
The children were born out of wedlock.
The children are presently in the custody of Theresa A. Shank, whose address is unknown.
During the past five years, the children have resided with the following persons and at the
following addresses:
s:\.mllhdou.pcl file II 464,9-95-01
8. The Plaintiff does not know of a person not a party to the proceedings who has
physical custody of the children or cialms to have custody or visitation rights with respect to the
children.
9. The best Interest and permanent welfare of the children will be served by granting
the relief requested because:
a) The Plaintiff can provide the more stable and wholesome environment for the
children.
b) Father can best provide for the children's spiritual, emotional and social well-
being.
c) Mother has removed the children from the family home, and refused to advise
father of the children's whereabouts or to permit him contact with the
children.
10. Each parent whose parental rights to the children have not been terminated and the
person who has physical custody of the children has been named as parties to this action.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff requests this Court to grant primary physical custody of the
children to the Plaintiff.
Respectfully submitted,
FLOWER, MORGENTHAL FLOWER & UNDSAY
Attorneys for
By:
Carol J, ndsay. Esquire
10 (I 44693
11 East HIgh Street
CarlIsle. PA 17013
(717) 243.5513
3
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNA.
NO. 95 - ''''0 CIVIL TERM
IN CUSTODY
I1~R 29 I 20 1'11'95
Plaintiff
c - ;
.
,:i nt:
DOUGLAS A. SMITH,
CoL' pi'
'- "'",' ',j'Y
,'~. ~ t~- ,~
v.
THERESA A. SMITH,
Defendant
""L/tJ, So
S-. -
f'd.~'
",,(~)
COMPLAINT FOR CUSTODY
FLOWER, MORGENTHAL,
FLOWER & LINDSAY
A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
11 EAST HIGH STREET
CARLISLE, PENNSYLVANIA 17013
( ) JAMES 0, FLOWER 06272
( ) ROGER M. MORGENTHAL 17143
( ) JAMES D. FLOWER, JR, 27742
(X) CAROL J. LINDSAY 44693
'~.---.,,~
DOUGLAS A. SMITH,
Plaintiff/Petitioner
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
v.
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
THERESA A. SHANK,
Defendant/Respondent
NO. 95-1610 CIVIL TERM
DEFENDANT/RESPONDENT'S RESPONSE TQ
PETITION FOR SPEQla4-R~~I~F
AND NOW COMES the Defendant/Respondent, THERESA A. SHANK by
and through her attorney, Richard L. Webber, Jr. and responds to
the Petition for Special Relief filed by Plaintiff/Petitioner as
follows:
1 .
DENIED.
Petitioner is residing at 3591 Carlisle Road,
Gardners, Adams County, Pennsylvania 17324.
2. DENIED. Respondent is residing at 138 Beetem Hollow Road,
Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17241.
3. ADMITTED in part and DENIED in part. It is admitted that the
parties are the parents of the two listed children. It is denied
that their birth dates are correct. The said AMBER LYNN SMITH was
born May 20, 1989. The said JOSEPH ALLEN SMITH was born April 28,
1991.
4. ADMITTED in part and DENIED in part. It is admitted that the
children have resided at 138 Beetem Hollow Road since September
1992 and that maternal grandfather, uncle and aunt reside in the
neighborhood. It is denied that the children have lived there
from birth to September 1992.
5. ADMITTED.
6. DENIED. Petitioner, not Respondent permanently vacated the
parties' home on March 19, 1995. Respondent temporarily left the
home shortly thereafter because Petitioner threatened to return
to the home for purposes of taking his son with him. Petitioner
had made constant threats to take the children to Michigan prior
to vacating the home. Respondent therefore believed that
Petitioner intended to act in accordance with his threats.
7. DENIED. Respondent remains employed by Hardee's Restaurant.
At no time did she quit her employment.
8. DENIED. Proof of the allegations is demanded at trial.
9. To the best knowledge of Respondent, the said Theresa Martin
did make the alleged statements to Petitioner. Any implication
that any of the statements were true, that Respondent
instructed her to make those statements and/or that Respondent
was aware that Ms. Martin was planning to make such statements is
hereby denied. The statements were made by her (Theresa Martin)
based on information that Ms. Martin received from Respondent's
mother Mary Jane Row. Ms. Row feared that Petitioner would carry
through on his threat to take the children to Michigan and
therefore wanted Petitioner to believe that Respondent was not in
the area.
10. ADMITTED.
11. ADMITTED.
12. DENIED. Petitioner is not residing at 138 Beetem Ilollow Road;
therefore, granting primary custody to him would not maintain the
status quo.
13. DENIED. Respondent has no intention of relocating to
Virginia.
14. ADMITTED.
WHEREFORE, Respondent respectfully requests that
Petitioner's request for primary custody be denied.
COUNTERPETITION FOR SPECIAL RELIEF
AND NOW comes Respondent/CounterPetitioner, Theresa A.
Shank, by and through her attorney, Richard L. Webber. Jr., and
files this CounterPetition for Special Relief, averring the
following:
,15. Paragraphs 1 through 14 above are incorporated by reference
herein as though set forth in full.
16. Respondent/CounterPetitioner seeks temporary primary custody
of the children for the following reasons:
a. Plaintiff has relatives in Michigan and has
threatened to take both children to Michigan.
b. Defendant has maintained physical custody since the
parties separated.
c. Presently, Plaintiff's driving privileges are
suspended as a result of a conviction for driving
while under the influence of alcohol;
d. Defendant is better able to care for the physical,
emotional. educational and medical needs of the
children;
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS FOR
CUM8ERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
THERESA A. SHANK,
DEFENDANT/
COUNTERPLAINTIFF
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
V.
NO. 95-1610
CIVIL TERM
DOUOLAS A. SMITH,
PLAINTIFF/
COUNTERDEFENDANT
CUSTODY
ORDER OF COURT
,
AND NOW, , 1995 upon consideration
of the attached complaint/counterclaim it is hereb~ directed that
lhe parties and their respective counsel appear before Hubert X.
Gilro~1 lhe conciliator, at the Cumberland Count~ Courthouse,
Carlisle, PA, Fourth Floor, on the 4th day of May,1995, at 8:30
a.m., for a Pre-Hearing Custody Conference. At such conference,
an efforl will be made to resolve the issues in dispute; or if
this cannol be accomplished, to define and narrow the issues to
be heard by lhe court, and to enter into a temporary order. All
children a~e five or older may also be present at the conference.
Failure lo appear at the conference may provide grounds for entry
of a temporary or permanent order.
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
accomodations available to disabled individuals having business
before the court, please contact our office. All arrangements
musl be made al least 72 hours prior to any hearing or business
before lhe court. You must attend the scheduled conference or
hearing.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER
DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO
OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN
AT ONCE. IF YOU
OR TELEPHONE THE
GET LEGAL HELP.
Office of the Court Administrator
Courthouse, 4th Floor
Carlisle, PA 17013
Telephone (717) 240-6200
Exhibit "A"
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS FOR
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
THERESA A. SHANK,
DEFENDANT/
COUNTERPLAINTIFF
CIVIL ACTION'- LAW
V.
NO. 95-1610
CIVIL TERM
DOUGLAS A. SMITH,
PLAINTIFFI
COUNTERDEFENDANT
CUSTODY
DEFENDANT'S RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFF'S
COMPLAINT FOR CUSTODY
1. DENIED. Plaintiff Douglas A. Smith resides at 3591 Carlisle
Road, Gardners, Adams County, Pennsylvania 17324.
2. DENIED. Defendant Theresa A. Shank resides at 138 Beetem
HoLlow Road. Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17241.
3. DENiED. The correct biographi~al information is as follows:
Name
Present Residence
All:e
Amber Lynn Smith
138 Beetem Hollow Road
Newville, PA 17241
5 years
IDOB 5/20/891
Joseph Allen Smith
138 Beetem Hollow Road
Newville, PA 17241
3 years
IDOB 4/211/911
Both children were born out of wedlock.
The children are
Shank, who resides
17241.
presently in the custody of Theresa
at 138 Beetem Hollow Road, Newville,
A.
PA
During the past five years the children have resided with the
following persons and at the following addresses:
Name
Theresa Shank
Theresa Shank nnd
Douglas Smi th
Theresa Shank and
Douglas Smith
List all Addresses
Dates
138 Beetem Hollow Road
Newville, PA 17241
3/19/95 to present
138 Beetem Hollow Road
Newville, PA 17241
9/92 to 3/19/95
1 Cedar Lane
Plainfield, PA 17081
9/91 to 9/92
Exhibit "A" - 2
Theresa Shank and
Douglas Smith
Betty Nelson Trailer
Carlisle, PA 17013
Spring 90 to 9/91
The mother of the children is Theresa A. Shank, currentlY
residing at 138 Beetem Hollow Road, Newville, PA 17241.
She is single.
The father of the children is Douglas A. Smith, currently
residing at 3591 Carlisle Road, Gardners, Pennsylvania 17324.
He is single.
4. ADMITTED in part and DENIED in part. It is admitted that
Plaintiff is the natural father of the children. It is denied
that he resides alone. To the contrary, he resides with David
Reed.
5. ADMITTED.
6. ADMITTED.
7. ADMITTED.
8. ADMITTED.
9. DENIED, for the following reasons:
a. Defendant, not Plaintiff, can provide a more stable
and wholesome environment for the children;
b. Defendant, not Plaintiff, can best provide for the
children's spiritual, emotional and social well-being;
c. Defendant has not removed the children from the family
home. To the contrary, Plaintiff, on the other hand. has
threatened to do so.
d. Plaintiff has relatives in Michigan and has threatened
to take both children to Michigan.
e. Defendant has maintained physical custody since the
parties separated.
f. Presently, Plaintiff's driving privileges are suspended
as a result of a conviction for driving while under the
influence of alcohol;
g. Defendant is better able to care,for the physical,
emotional, educational and medical needs of the
children;
h. Defendant has been the primary caretaker
Exhibit "A" - 3
since birth;
i. Plaintiff has shown a minimal interest in the children;
j. Plaintiff has used alcohol excessively on numerous
occasions;
k. Plaintiff has exhibited violent propensities; and
1. Plaintiff is currently residing at 3591 Carlisle Road,
Gardners, Adams County, Pennsylvania, not the address
alleged in his Complaint. Defendant, on the other hand,
has maintained the same "pre-separation" residence.
10. ADMITTED.
WHEREFORE, the Defendant requests this court to deny Plaintiff's
request for primary physical custody of the children.
COUNTERCLAIM FOR CUSTODY
AND NOW comes the Defendant/CounterPlaintiff, Theresa A.
Shank, and filp~ this Counterclaim for Custody, averring the
following:
11. Paragraphs 1 through 10 above are incorporated by reference
herein as though set forth in full.
12. The best interests of the children would be served by
granting primary custody to Defendant/CounterPlaintiff for
reasons stated in Paragraph 9 above, subject to reasonable
visitation for Plaintiff/CounterDefendant:
WHEREFORE, Defendant/CounterPlaintiff respectfully
order granting her primary custody of the children,
reasonable visitation by Plaintiff/CounterDefendant.
request an
subject to
Respectfully submitted,
4U4Vi(~
Richard L. Webber, J .
Attorney for Defendant
366 Green Spring Road
P.O. Box 40
Newville, PA 17241-0040
(717) 776-6566
Exhibit "1\" - 4
I verify that the statements
CounterPetition are true and correct.
statements h~rein are made subject
Pa.C.S.A. S~ction 4904 relating to
authorities.
made in this Response!
I understand that false
to the penalties of 18
unsworn falsification to
oate:-:~~~'~ i ~
~~" \{ ~---I(
Theresa A. Shank~ .
qs'
Exhibit "A" - 5
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6 9 lS AK '95
mEv-OfflOE
Of THE Pf'.OTtlOHnT AhY
CU140EI<LAHO COUHTY
PE~HSYLV"'l!A
.~l,
DOUGLAS A. SMITH,
Plaintiff/Petitioner
v.
THERESA A. SHANK,
Defendant/Respondent
...rr::..-'"'........~
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 95-1610 CIVIL TERM
PRAECIPE FOR ENTRY OF APPEARANCE OF COUNSEL
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please enter our appearances for the Defendant/Respondent.
Theresa A. Shank.
Dated: At,,1 b )('i~!t
Dated: April 6, 1995
.4t./ A-t1-/~
Richard L. Webber. Jr.
Attorney for Defendant/Respondent
366 Green Spring Road
P.O. Box 40
Newville. PA 17241-0040
(717) 776-6566
Street. Sui te 2
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.:\.m~lhdou,pcl m. (I 4649-~1
DOUGLAS A. SMITH,
Plaintiff/Petitioner
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION. LAW
NO. 95. CIVIL TERM
.
.
vs.
THERESA A. SHANK,
Defendant/Respondent :
.
.
IN CUSTODY
AND now this
day of
, 1995, upon consideration of
the within Petition, temporary primary physical and legal custody of Amber Lynn Smith, born May
22, 1989, and Joseph Allen Smith, born March 28, 1991 is granted to Petitioner, Douglas A. Smith,
with reasonable rights of visitation in the Respondent pending further Order of this Court upon
Petition or after conciliation.
By the Court,
J.
.:\lll\lthdoll.pcl m., 464!l-~1
DOUGLAS A. SMITH,
Plalntlff/Petltloner
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 95 - CIVIL TERM
IN CUSTODY
vs.
THERESA A. SHANK,
Defendant/Respondent :
NOW comes Douglas A. Smith, by and through his counsel, FLOWER, MORGENTHAL,
FLOWER & LINDSAY, and petitions this Honorable Court as follows:
1. Petitioner is Douglas A. Smith, who resides at 138 Beetem Hollow Road, Newville,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17241.
2. Respondent is Theresa A. Shank whose present address is unknown, but whose last
address was c/o her mother, Mary Jane Rowe, at Conodoguinet Mobile Estates, Newville,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17241.
3. The parties are parents of two children: Amber Lynn Smith, born May 22,1989; and
Joseph Allen Smith, born March 28, 1991.
4. Since the children's birth, they have resided with the parties at 138 Beetem Hollow
Road, Newville, Pennsylvania, in a neighborhood in which the maternal grandfather, an uncle and
aunt reside.
5. The child, Amber, is a kindergarten student at Oakflat Elementary School in Newville,
Pennsylvania.
.:\.mlthdou,PCI file i1 4649-9S-01
6. On March 19, 1995, without notice to Petitioner and without any cause of which
Petitioner Is aware, Respondent left the parties' home, taking with her the parties' children and
removed herself to an address which she did not reveal to Petitioner.
7. On or about the same day, Petitioner quit her employment at Hardee's Restaurant.
8. For two months prior to her leave taking, Respondent had been out late at night,
returning the children to bed well past their bedtime.
9. Theresa Martin, a friend of the Respondent, has advised Petitioner that Respondent
is preparing to leave for Virginia, to take the children with her, and that she has a Job lined up In
Virginia, and that she will be staying with her cousin, whose address is unknown to Petitioner.
10. When she left the parties' home, Respondent left the children's clothing, school
supplies, toys and other articles Important to them.
11. Petitioner is employed by Carter Plumbing and Heating, in Chambersburg,
Pennsylvania, and has been so employed for 3 1h years. Prior to that, he worked for four years
at Hoffman Mills in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. During the period when he and Respondent
worked, child-care for the children was provided by Respondent's family in the Beetem Hollow
Road area, that Is Respondent's grandmother, father, brother and sister-In-law. Presently,
Respondent is not permitting these child-care providers to continue providing care for the children,
nor has she provided them any knowledge about the children's whereabouts. Nevertheless,
Respondent's family is willing to continue to provide child-care if the children return to their home.
%
a:\.mithdou,pcl me # 4649-~1
DOUGLAS A. SMITH, . IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
.
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
V8. . CIVIL ACTION - LAW
.
. NO. 95 - CIVIL TERM
.
THERESA A. SHANK,
Defendant . IN CUSTODY
.
NOW comes Douglas A. Smith, by and through his counsel, FLOWER, MORGENTHAL,
FLOWER & LINDSAY, and prays this Honorable Court as follows:
1. The Plaintiff is Douglas A, Smith, residing at 138 Beetem Hollow Road, Newville,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17241.
2. The Defendant is Theresa A. Shank, whose last known address was Conodogulnet
Mobile Estates, Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17241.
3. The Plaintiff seeks custody of the following children.
Name
Present Residence
.&m
Amber Lynn Smith
Unknown
5 years
4 years
Joseph Allen Smith
Unknown
The children were born out of wedlock.
The children are presently In the custody of Theresa A. Shank, whose address is unknown.
During the past five years, the children have resided with the following persons and at the
following addresses:
EXHIBIT
!,
I
.A
.:\.mi'hdou,pol m. I 4649-95-01
8. The Plaintiff does not know of a person not a party to the proceedings who has
physical custody of the children or claims to have custody or visitation rights with respect to the
children.
9. The best Interest and permanent welfare of the children will be served by granting
the relief requested because:
a) The Plaintiff can provide the more stable and wholesome environment for the
children.
b) Father can best provide for the children's spiritual, emotional and social well-
being.
c) Mother has removed the children from the family home, and refused to advise
father of the children's whereabouts or to permit him contact with the
children.
10. Each parent whose parental rights to the children have not been terminated and the
person who has physical custody of the children has been named as parties to this action.
WHEREFORE, the Plaintiff requests this Court to grant primary physical custody of the
children to the Plaintiff.
Respectfully submitted,
FLOWER, MORGENTHAL FLOWER & UNDSAV
Attorneys for
By:
Carol J. ndsay. Esquire
ID /I 44693
11 East High Street
Carlisle. PA 17013
(717) 243-5513
3
a:\smllhdou.poC 1lIe' 4649-95-111
~
I, ths undsr5igned, hereby verify that the statsments made hsrein are true and correct.
understand that false statsments herein are made subject to the penaltiss of 18 Pe. C.S. ~ 4904,
relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
D~~ A.~
uglas A: Smith
Date:
~l"l.'g'{qs-
5. ADMITTED.
6. DENIED. Petitioner, not Respondent permanently vacated the
parties' home on March 19, 1995. Respondent temporarily left the
home shortly thereafter because Petitioner threatened to return
to the home for purposes of taking his son with him. Petitioner
had made constant threats to take the children to Michigan prior
to vacating the home. Respondent therefore believed that
Petitioner intended to act in accordance with his threats.
7. DENIED. Respondent remains employed by Hardee's Restaurant.
At no time did she quit her employment.
8. DENIED. Proof of the allegations is demanded at trial.
9. To the best knowledge of Respondent, the said Theresa Martin
did make the alleged statements to Petitioner. Any implication
that any of the statements were true, that Respondent
instructed her to make those statements and/or that Respondent
was aware that Ms. Martin was planning to make such statements is
hereby denied. The statements were made by her (Theresa MartinI
based on information that Ms. Martin received from Respondent's
mother Mary Jane Row. Ms. Row feared that Petitioner would carry
through on his threat to take the children to Michigan and
therefore wanted Petitioner to believe that Respondent was not in
the area.
10. ADMITTED.
11. ADMITTED.
12. DENIED. Petitioner is not residing at 138 Beetem Hollow Road;
therefore, granting primary custody to him would not maintain the
status quo.
13. DENIED. Respondent has no intention of relocating to
Virginia.
14. ADMITTED.
WHEREFORE, Respondent respectfully requests that
Petitioner's request for primary custody be denied.
COUNTERPETITION FOR SPECIAL RELIEF
AND NOW comes Respondent/CounterPetitioner, Theresa A.
Shank, by and through her attorney, Richard L. Webber, Jr., and
files this CounterPetition for Special Relief, averring the
following:
,15. Paragraphs 1 through 14 above are incorporated by reference
herein as though set forth in full.
16. Respondent/CounterPetitioner seeks temporary primary custody
of the children for the following reasons:
a. Plaintiff has relatives in Michigan and has
threatened to take both children to Michigan.
b. Defendant has maintained physical custody since the
parties separated.
c. Presently, Plaintiff's driving privileges are
suspended as a result of a conviction for driving
while under the influence of alcohol;
d. Defendant is better able to care for the physical,
emotional, educational and medical needs of the
children;
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS FOR
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNS~LVANIA
THERESA A. SHANK,
DEFENDANT!
COUNTERPLAINTIFF
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
V.
NO. 95-1610
CIVIL TERM
DOUGLAS A. SMITH,
PLAINTIFF/
COUNTERDEFENDANT
CUSTODY
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, , 1995 upon consideration
of the attached complaint/counterclaim it is hereby directed that
the parties and their respective counsel appear before Hubert X.
Gilroy, the conciliator, at the Cumberland County Courthouse,
Carlisle, PA, Fourth Floor, on the 4th day of May,1995, at 8:30
R.m., for R Pre-Hearing Custody Conference. At such conference,
an effort will be made to resolve the issues in dispute; or if
this cannol be accomplished, to define and narrow the issues to
bp heard by the court, and to enter into a temporary order. All
children age five or older may also be present at the conference.
Fllilllre 1.0 I\ppel\r at the conference may provide grounds for entry
of a temporary or permanent order.
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
accomodations 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 LAWYER
DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE, GO TO
OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN
AT ONCE. IF YOU
OR TELEPHONE THE
GET LEGAL HELP.
Office of the Court Administrator
Courthouse, 4th Floor
Carlisle, PA 17013
Telephone (717) 240-6200
Exhibit "A"
THERESA A. SHANK,
DEFENDANTI
COUNTERPLAINTIFF
v.
DOUGLAS A. SMITH,
PLAINTIFFI
COUNTERDEFENDANT
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS FOR
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION'- LAW
NO. 95-1610
CIVIL TERM
CUSTODY
DEFENDANT'S RE~PONSE TO PLAINTIFF'S
COMPLAINT FOR CUSTODY
1. DENIED. Plaintiff Douglas A. Smith resides at 3591 Carlisle
Road, Gardners, Adams County, Pennsylvania 17324.
2. DENIED. Defendant Theresa A. Shank' resides at 138 Beetem
Hollow Road, Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17241.
3. DENIEU. The correct biographieal information is as follows:
Name
Amber Lynn Smith
Joseph Allen Smith
Present Residence
AlI:e
138 Beetem Hollow Road
Newville, PA 17241
5 years
IDOB 5/20/891
138 Beetem Hollow Road
Newville, PA 17241
3 years
IDOB 4/28/911
Both children were born out of wedlock.
The
Shank,
17241.
children are
who resides
presently in the custody of Theresa
at 138 Beetem Hollow Road, Newville,
A.
PA
Durin~ the past five years the children have resided with the
follOWing persons and at the follOWing addresses:
HIDge
Theresa Shank
Theresa Shank nnd
Douglas Smith
Theresa Shank and
Oou~las Sm i t h
List all Addresses
Dates
138 Beetem Hollow Road
Newville, PA 17241
3/19/95 to present
138 Beetem Hollow Road
Newville, PA 17241
9/92 to 3/19/95
1 Cedar Lane
Plainfield, PA 17081
9/91 to 9/92
Exhibit "A" - 2
Th~resa Shank and
Douglas Smith
Betty Nelson Trailer
Carlisle, PA 17013
Spring 90 to 9/91
The mother of the children is Theresa A. Shank, currently
residing at 138 Beetem Hollow Road, Newville, PA 17241.
She is single.
The father of the children is Douglas A. Smith, currently
residin~ at 3591 Carlisle Road, Gardners, Pennsylvania 17324.
He is single.
4. ADMITTED in part and DENIED in part. It is admitted that
Plaintiff is the natural father of the children. It is denied
that h~ resides alone. To the contrary, he resides with David
Reed.
5. ADMITTED.
6. ADMITTED.
7. ADMITTED.
8. ADMITTED.
9. DENIED, for the following reasons:
a. Defendant, not Plaintiff, can provide a more stable
and wholesome environment for the children;
b. Defendant, not Plaintiff, can best provide for the
children's spiritual, emotional and social well-being;
c. Defendant has not removed the children from the family
home. To the contrary, Plaintiff, on the other hand, has
threatened to do so.
d. Plaintiff has relatives in Michigan and has threatened
to take both children to Michigan.
e. Defendant has maintained physical custody since the
parties separated.
f. Presently, Plaintiff's driving privileges are suspended
as a result of a conviction for driving while under the
influence of alcohol;
g. Defendant is better able to care,for the physical,
emotional, educational and medical needs of the
children:
h. Defendant has been the primary caretaker of the children
Exhibit "A" - 3
since birth;
i. Plaintiff has shown a minimal interest in the children;
J. Plaintiff has used alcohol excessively on numerous
occasions;
k. Plaintiff has exhibited violent propensities; and
1. Plaintiff is currently residing at 3591 Carlisle Road,
Gardners, Adams County, Pennsylvania, not the address
alleged in his Complaint. Defendant, on the other hand,
has maintained the same "pre-separation" residence.
lO. ADMITTED.
WHEREFORE, the Defendant requests this court to deny Plaintiff's
request for primary physical custody of the children.
COUNTERCLAIM FOR CUSTODY
AND NOW comes the Defendant/CounterPlaintiff, Theresa A.
Shank, and filrs this Counterclaim for Custody, averring the
following:
11. Paragraphs 1 through 10 above are incorporated by reference
herein as though set forth in full.
12. The best interests of the children would be served by
granting primary custody to Defendant/CounterPlaintiff for
reasons stated in Paragraph 9 above, subject to reasonable
visitation for Plaintiff/CounterDefendant:
WHEREFORE, Defendant/CounterPlaintiff respectfully
order granting her primary custody of the children,
reasonable visitation by Plaintiff/CounterDefendant.
request an
subject to
Respectfully submitted,
RiC~4~~
Attorney for Defendant
366 Green Spring Road
P.O. Box 40
Newville, PA 17241-0040
(717) 776-6566
Exhibit "A" - 4
I verify that the statements
CounterPetition are true and correct.
statements h~rein are made subject
Pa.C.S.A. Section 4904 relating to
authorities.
made in this Response!
I understand that false
to the penalties of 18
unsworn falsification to
Da te: .~.....?:--"- "~ i 'S'
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Theresa A. Shank~ .
Exhibit "1\" - 5
.;'.milhdr..,.<t m., 4649.9S.o1
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.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNlY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION. LAW
NO. 95. 1610 CIVIL TERM
IN CUSTODY
DOUGLAS A. SMITH,
Plaintiff/Petitioner
vs.
THERESA A. SHANK,
Defendant/Respondent
ACCEPTANCE OF SER~ICE
I accept service of the Petition for Special Relief on behalf of Theresa A. Shank and certify
that I am authorized to do so in the above captioned matter.
jJ ,,~ I S-, I~~'-
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Date
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Richard L We ber, Jr., Esquire
366 Green Spring Road
P. O. Box 40
Newville, PA 17241
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FLOWER. MORGENTHAL. FLOWER &. LINDSAY
A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
11 EAST HIGH STREET. CARLISLE. PENNSYLVANIA 11013-3016
.MAR 2 8 \92~d~
DOUGLAS A. SMITH,
Plaintiff
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
v.
.
.
.
.
THERESA A. SHANK,
Defendant
.
.
.
.
NO. 95- Ju,IO CIVIL TERM
AND NOW, this
ORDER OF COURT
2.)si,(day of March, 1995,
upon consideration of
Plaintiff's Petition for Special Relief, a hearing is scheduled for
Thursday, April 6, 1995, at 10:30 a.m., in Courtroom No.5,
Cumberland County Courthouse, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED AND DIRECTED that pending the above-
scheduled hearing, the children shall not be removed from the State
of Pennsylvania.
BY THE COURT,
J.
. ,
J.
Carol J. Lindsay, Esq.
11 East High Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
Attorney for Plaintiff
Ms. Theresa A. Shank
c/o Mary Jane Rowe
Conodoguinet Mobile Estates
Newville, Pa 17241
Defendant
TRUE copy FROM RECORD
In Testimony WhBfeot, , here unto set my hIM
and the seal of said Court at Carlisle. ~. -
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7 ProthonOtlfY
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
NO. 95 - CIVIL TERM
IN CUSTODY
DOUGLAS A. SMITH,
Plaintiff/Petitioner
THERESA A. SHANK,
Defendant/Respondent
P-ETITION FOR SPECIAl.....BE.!.JfE
NOW comes Douglas A. Smith, by and through his counsel, FLOWER, MORGENTHAL,
FLOWER & LINDSAY, and petitions this Honorable Court as follows:
1. Petitioner is Douglas A, Smith, who resides at 138 Beetem Hollow Road, Newville,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17241.
2. Respondent is Theresa A. Shank whose present address is unknown, but whose last
address was c/o her mother, Mary Jane Rowe, at Conodoguinet Mobile Estates, Newville,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17241.
3. The parties are parents of two children: Amber Lynn Smith, born May 22, 1989; and
Joseph Allen Smith, born March 28, 1991.
4. Since the children's birth, they have resided with the parties at 138 Beetem Hollow
Road, Newville, Pennsylvania, in a neighborhood in which the maternal grandfather, an uncle and
aunt reside.
5. The child, Amber, Is a kindergarten student at Oakflat Elementary School In Newville,
.
Pennsylvania.
6.
On March 19" 1995, without notice to Petitioner and without any cause 01 which
I
I I
Respondent Is not permitting these child-care providers to continue providing care for the children,
nor has she provided them any knowledge about the children's whereabouts. Nevertheless,
Respondent's family Is willing to continue to provide child-care If the children return to their home.
Petitioner is aware, Respondent left the parties' home, taking with her the parties' children and
removed herself to an address which she did not reveal to Petitioner.
7. On or about the same day, Petitioner quit her employment at Hardee's Restaurant.
8. For two months prior to her leave taking, Respondent had been out late at night,
returning the children to bed well past their bedtime.
9. Theresa Martin, a friend of the Respondent, has advised Petitioner that Respondent
is preparing to leave for Virginia, to take the children with her, and that she has a job lined up In
Virginia, and that she will be staying with her cousin, whose address Is unknown to Petitioner.
10. When she left the parties' home, Respondent left the children's clothing, school
supplies, toys and other articles Important to them.
11. Petitioner is employed by Carter Plumbing and Heating, in Chambersburg,
Pennsylvania, and has been so employed for 3 'h years. Prior to that, he worked for four years
at Hoffman Mills in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. During the period when he and Respondent
worked, child-care for the children was provided by Respondent's family In the Beetem Hollow
Road area, that is Respondent's grandmother, father, brother and sister-In-law. Presently,
2
12. If the relief requested Is granted. then, the children will be residing In the home in
which they have resided since birth, cared for before and after school by their usual caretakers,
the Respondent's family members, attending their usual school. In short, the status quo will be
13.
If the re'" requ"led Is not granted, p"Nonor laars Ihe loss of his children to an I
I
best preserved by granting the relief requested.
address unknown In Virginia, the loss of continuity In their lives, great expense In attempting to
locate the children In a Jurisdiction not the home state of the children.
14. Petitioner has filed a Complaint for Custody, a copy of which is attached hereto as
Exhibit "A". Although the conciliation date has not yet been set, Petitioner seeks relief pending that
date.
WHEREFORE, Petitioner prays this Honorable Court to enter an Order providing to
Petitioner primary physical custody of Amber Lynn Smith and Joseph Allen Smith pending further
Order of Court.
FLOWER, MORGENTHAL FLOWER & LINDSAY
Attorneys for plaintiff/petitioner
By:
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. ' - ' ~arol J. Unds~ Esquire
; ..---rt:> # 44693
11 East High Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 243-5513
Date:~(( ,'" ,t.,
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DOUGLAS A. SMITH,
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION. LAW
NO. 95. CIVIL TERM
IN CUSTODY
Plaintiff
VS.
THERESA A. SHANK,
Defendant :
.c.QMPLAINI FOR CUSTODY
NOW comes Douglas A. Smith, by and through his counsel, FLOWER, MORGENTHAL,
FLOWER & LINDSAY, and prays this Honorable Court as follows:
1. The Plaintiff Is Douglas A. Smith, residing at 138 Beetern Hollow Road, Newville,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17241.
2. The Defendant is Theresa A, Shank, whose last known address was Conodogulnet
Mobile Estates, Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 17241.
3. The Plaintiff seeks custody of the following children.
Name
Present Residence
.&m
Amber Lynn Smith
Joseph Allen Smith
Unknown
5 years
Unknown
4 years
The children were born out of wedlock.
The children are presently In the custody of Theresa A. Shank, whose address is unknown.
During the past five years, the children have resided with the following persons and at the
following addresses:
EXHIBIT
I
A
NAME
ADDRESS
FROMfTO
Douglas A. Smith and Theresa A. Shank
138 Beetem Hollow Road
Newville, PA 17013
Birth to
3/19/95
3/19/95 to
present
The mother of the children Is Theresa A. Shank whose present address Is unknown.
Theresa A. Shank
Unknown
She Is single.
The father of the children Is Douglas A. Smith, currently residing at 138 Beetem Hollow
Road, Newville, 17241.
He is single.
4. The relationship of the Plaintiff to the children Is that of father. The Plaintiff currently
resides with no other person.
5. The relationship of the Defendant to the children Is that of mother.
The Defendant currently resides with the children.
6. Plaintiff has not participated as a party or witness, or In any other capacity In other
litigation concerning the custody of the children in this or another jurisdiction.
7. The Plaintiff has no information of a custody proceeding concerning the children
pendIng in a court of the Commonwealth.
2
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS FOR
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
THERESA A. SHANK,
DEFENDANT/
COUNTERPLAINTIFF
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
V.
NO. 95-1610
CIVIL TERM
DOUGLAS A. SMITH,
PLAINTIFF/
COUNTERDEFENDANT
CUSTODY
DEFENDANT'S RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFF'S
COMPLAINT FOR CUSTODY
1. DENIED. Plaintiff Douglas A. Smith resides at 3591 Carlisle
Road, Gardners, Adams County, Pennsylvania 1732~.
2. DENIED. Defendant Theresa A. Shank resides at 13H Beetem
Hollow Road, Newville, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania 172~1.
3. DENIED. The correct biographical information is as follows:
Name
Present Residence
Alte
Amber Lynn Smith
138 Beetem Hollow Road
Newville, PA 172~1
5 years
I DOB 5/20/H9)
Joseph Allen Smith
138 Beetem Hollow Road
Newville, PA 172~1
3 years
I DOB ~/2H/!J1)
Both children were born out of wedlock.
The children are
Shank, who resides
17241.
presently in the custody of Theresa
at 138 Beetem Hollow Road, Newville,
A.
PA
During the past five years the children have resided with the
following persons and at the following addresses:
Name
_L i s t a II Add rill>se~
Dates
Theresa Shank
138 Beetem Hollow Road
Newville, PA 17241
3/19/95 to present
Theresa Shank nnd
Douglas Smith
138 Beetem Hollow Road
Newville. PA 17241
9/92 to 3/19/95
Theresa Shank and
Douglas Smith
I Cedar Lane
Plainfield. PA 17081
9/91 to 9/92
Theresa Shank and
Douglas Smith
Betty Nelson Trailer
Carlisle, PA 17013
Spring 90 to 9/91
The mother of the children is Theresa A. Shank, currently
residing at 138 Beetem Hollow Road, Newville, PA 17241.
She is single.
The father of the children is Douglas A. Smith, currently
residing at 3591 Carlisle Road, Gardners, Pennsylvania 17324.
He is single.
4. ADMITTED in part and DENIED in part. It is admitted that
Plaintiff is the natural father of the children. It is denied
that he resides alone. To the contrary, he resides with David
Reed.
5. ADMITTED.
6. ADMITTED.
7. ADMITTED.
8. ADMITTED.
9. DENIED, for the following reasons:
a. Defendant, not Plaintiff, can provide a more stable
and wholesome environment for the children;
b. Defendant, not Plaintiff, can best provide for the
children's spiritual, emotional and social well-being;
c. Defendant has not removed the children from the family
home. To the contrary, Plaintiff, on the other hand, has
threatened to do so.
d. Plaintiff has relatives in Michigan and has threatened
to take both children to Michigan.
e. Defendant has maintained physical custody since the
parties separated.
f. Presently, Plaintiff's driving privileges are suspended
as a result of a conviction for driving while under the
influence of alcohol;
g. Defendant is better able to care for the physical,
emotional, educational and medical needs of the
children;
h. Defendnnt has been the primary caretnker of the children
since birth;
i. Plaintiff has shown a minimal interest in the children;
j. Plaintiff has used alcohol excessively on numerous
occasions;
k. Plaintiff has exhibited violent propensities; and
1. Plaintiff is currently residing at 3591 Carlisle Road,
Gardners, Adams County, Pennsylvania, not the address
alleged in his Complaint. Defendant, on the other hand,
has maintained the same "pre-separation" residence.
10. ADMITTED.
WHEREFORE, the Defendant requests this court to deny Plaintiff's
request for primary physical custody of the children.
COUNTERCLAIM FOR CUSTODY
AND NOW comes the Defendant/CounterPlaintiff, Theresa A.
Shank, and files this Counterclaim for Custody, averring the
following:
11. Paragraphs 1 through 10 above are incorporated by reference
herein as though set forth in full.
12. The best interests of the children would be served by
granting primary custody to Defendant/CounterPlaintiff for
reasons stated in Paragraph 9 above, subject to reasonable
visitation for Plaintiff/CounterDefendant.
WHEREFORE, Defendant/CounterPlaintiff respectfully
order granting her primary custody of the children,
reasonable visitation by Plaintiff/CounterDefendant.
request an
subject to
Respectfully submitted,
Ric1J!!W~4i
Attorney for Defendant
366 Green Spring Road
P.O. Box 40
Newville, PA li241-0040
(i17) ii6-6566
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v.
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IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBE~D COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
DOUGLAS A. SMITH,
Plaintiff
THERESA A. SHANK,
Defendant
95-1610 CIVIL TERM
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 6th day of April, 1995, upon
consideration of Plaintiff's Petition for Special Relief and of
Defendant's Response to Petition for Special Relief, and
following a hearing, it is ordered with respect to custody of
the parties' two children, Amber Lynn smith, born May 20, 1989,
and Joseph Allen smith, born April 28, 1991, as follows:
1. Legal custody shall be shared by the parties.
2. Primary physical custody of the children
shall be in the mother. Temporary partial physical custody
shall be in the father on alternating weekends from Saturday
morning at 9:00 a.m. until Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m.,
commencing on Saturday, April 15, 1995.
3. By agreement of the parties, the children
shall at no time be removed from Cumberland County.
4. Plaintiff shall not drive a motor vehicle
with either child as a passenger while he does not have a valid
license to do so. Nothing in this provision is intended to
authorize operation of a vehicle by Plaintiff at other times
without a valid license.
l
s:\lIIIllbdou.p.. ru., 464IMl5-01
DOUGLAS A. SMITH, . IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
.
Plaintiff CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
.
.
VI. . CIVIL ACTION. LAW
.
. NO. 95. 1610 CIVIL TERM
.
THERESA A. SHANK, .
.
Defendant IN CUSTODY
ffiA.EC.lfE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please mark the captloned case settled and discontinued.
FLOWER, MORGENTHAL FLOWER & LINDSAY
Attorneys for Plaintiff
By: a
arol J. Un ay, Esquire
10 # 44693
11 East High Street
Carlisle, PA 17013
(717) 243-5513
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NO. 95-1610
CIVIL TERM
.c-.-.-~
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THERESA A. SHANK, :
DEFENDANT! :
COUNTERPLAINTIFF .
.
.
.
V. :
.
.
DOUGLAS A. SMITH, .
.
PLAINTIFF! .
.
COUNTERDEFENDANT .
.
IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL ACTION - LAW
CUSTODY
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4U~,hdLI
Richard L. Webber, Jr.
Attorney for Defendant!
CounterPlaintiff
366 Green Spring Road
P.O. Box 40
Newville, PA 17241-0040
Phone (7l7) 776-6566
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PRAECIPE TO DISCONTINUE
TO THE PROTHONOTARY:
Please mark the above matter discontinued.
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