§ Rule 1910.25-1 Civil Contempt Hearing By Court Conference by Officer

Codes > Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure > Actions for > Rule 1910.25-1

Rule 1910.25-1. Civil Contempt. Hearing By Court. Conference by Officer

    (a) After service of the petition and order of court upon the respondent, there shall be (1) an office conference conducted by a conference officer, as provided by Rule 1910.25-2, or (2) an immediate hearing by the court, if permitted by the court.

    (b) If, at any time during a contempt proceeding, including proceedings under Rules 1910.25-2, 1910.25-3 and 1910.25-4, the hearing officer or conference officer determines that the failure to comply with the support order is willful and there is present ability to comply, the petition for contempt shall be heard by the court for consideration of incarceration and other appropriate sanctions.

    Note: The determination required by subdivision (b) shall be made by a conference officer in counties adopting the procedure of Rule 1910.25-3 (conference and hearing de novo) or by a hearing officer in counties adopting the alternative procedure of Rule 1910.25-4 (record hearing and exceptions).

    Courts should strive to hear these cases promptly, on the same day if possible.