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Domestic Relations

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1. What services does Domestic Relations provide?

Bucks County Domestic Relations Section, a department within the Family Court Division, enters, modifies, and enforces orders for child support, spousal support, and alimony pendente lite, and establishes paternity for children on support cases who were born out of wedlock.

To address custody, visitation, protection from abuse, or divorce, contact the Prothonotary Office at 215-348-6822.

2. Do I have to come to Domestic Relations in person to file for support?

No, you can file online on the Pennsylvania Child Support website or through the mail.  Learn more about Filing for Support.

3. What information do I need to provide before my support conference?

Print the Conference Documents Checklist and submit all required documents at least one week prior to your scheduled conference.  Learn more about Conferences and Hearings.

4. How do I submit documents to Domestic Relations?

Complete the Contact My DRS Form (.PDF, .tif, .tiff  formats only).

5. What is the difference between a conference and a hearing?

Conferences are held with officers and if an agreement is reached, a final order is entered.  If no agreement is reached, a temporary order may be entered and a hearing will be scheduled in front of a Judge, who will enter a final order.

6. Do I have to appear in person for my conference?

Beginning April 18, 2022, all Domestic Relations Section (DRS) conferences are being conducted in person.

7. Do I have to appear in person for my hearing?

All Domestic Relations Section (DRS) hearings are being conducted in person. If you would like to participate virtually, contact our office.

8. Can I pay my child support at the Domestic Relations Office?

Day of Conference, Purge, and Contempt payments that are ordered at a conference or a hearing are accepted at our Doylestown and Bristol office locations.  View payment options for all other payments. Learn more about Paying Support.

9. How will I receive my support payments?

Support payments are paid via direct deposit into a checking or savings account or loaded onto a stored value debit MasterCard. Learn more about Receiving Support.

10. How long will my child support order be in effect?

In most cases, a child support order in Pennsylvania terminated when the child emancipates (turns 18 years old and has graduated from high school).  Any arrears that remain due after a child has emancipated continue to be collected until paid in full.

11. Are translation or interpreter services available?

Yes, email or call Domestic Relations at 215-340-8068 for assistance.

12. How do I get reimbursed for the medical expenses that are included in my support order?

Print the Unreimbursed Expense Instructions and complete the form(s) that applies to your request, Summary of Additional Expenses or the Summary of Medical and/or Dental Bills.

13. How can I check my balance?

Visit the Pennsylvania Child Support website or call PA SCDU at 877-727-7238

14. How do I request enforcement of my case?

Complete the Contact My DRS Form, to request enforcement.

15. How do I request a payment history?

Complete the Contact My DRS Form, to request a payment history.

16. How do I request a copy of my order?

Complete the Contact My DRS Form, to request a copy of your order.

17. I have a Domestic Relations Bench Warrant. What should I do?

Contact our office immediately at 215-348-6843.  Learn more about Warrants.

18. How does paternity testing work?

Paternity testing is done using a buccal swab (swabbing inside the cheek). Learn more about Paternity.

19. When there is family violence, can personal information be kept confidential?

Yes, your personal information, such as your address, telephone number, and employer can be kept confidential from the other party. Email or call Domestic Relations at 215-340-8068 for additional information.

20. Why am I being charged $35?

Learn more about the Annual Federal User Fee.