Q. What is the Education Program for Separated Parents?
A. The Education Program for Separated Parents began with new custody and divorce cases filed as of May 1, 2000. This four-hour educational seminar was initiated/coordinated by Judge Searer and Jennifer Mastrofski, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Penn State Justice and Safety Institute. Classes are held monthly at the Regional Business Center. The primary goals of the program are to educate parties as to the effects of divorce and separation upon children and to provide guidance to parties in helping their children adjust to the consequences of separated parents. It also benefits persons related to or working with children of divorce including grandparents, stepparents, foster parents, extended families, remarried individuals, adult children of divorced parents, educators, mental health professionals and family service providers. There are over 500 comparable programs throughout the United States. A fee of $50.00 will be assessed each individual attending the seminar.
Q. Who can answer my questions and help me file a Petition for Protection from
Abuse?
A. Contact counsel of your choice.
If you cannot afford counsel,
Contact: The Abuse Network
31 S Dorcas St
Lewistown, PA.
24 Hour Hotline 717-242-2444
Q. How do I dismiss my Petition for Protection from Abuse?
A. Contact your counsel.
Contact The Abuse Network.
Q. How do I file for divorce?
A. Contact counsel of your choice.
If you cannot afford counsel, the following office may be able to provide legal assistance to you.
Contact: MidPenn Legal Services
2054 East College Avenue
State College, PA 16801
Call Toll free 800-326-9177 (within PA) and 814-238-4958 (outside PA)
You may also complete and file the required pleadings yourself. Please note you are required to comply with the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure. Be sure to read and follow all instructions.
Contact: Prothonotary's Office
Mifflin County Courthouse
20 North Wayne Street
Lewistown, PA 17044
Telephone: (717) 248-8146
Q. How do I file for custody modification?
A. Contact counsel of your choice.
If you cannot afford counsel, the following office may be able to provide legal assistance to you.
Contact: MidPenn Legal Services
2054 East College Avenue
State College, PA 16801
Call Toll free 800-326-9177 (within PA) and 814-238-4958 (outside PA)
You may also complete and file the required pleadings yourself. Please note you are required to comply with the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure. Be sure to read and follow all instructions.
Contact: Prothonotary's Office
Mifflin County Courthouse
20 North Wayne Street
Lewistown, PA 17044
Telephone: (717) 248-8146
Q. How do I file a petition for contempt in a custody action?
A. Contact counsel of your choice.
If you cannot afford counsel, the following office may be able to provide legal assistance to you.
Contact: MidPenn Legal Services
2054 East College Avenue
State College, PA 16801
Call Toll free 800-326-9177 (within PA) and 814-238-4958 (outside PA)
You may also complete and file the required pleadings yourself. Please note you are required to comply with the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure. Be sure to read and follow all instructions.
Contact: Prothonotary's Office
Mifflin County Courthouse
20 North Wayne Street
Lewistown, PA 17044
(717) 248-8146
Q. In Criminal matters, how do I apply for a public defender?
A. An application may be obtained through the office of the Public Defender.
Contact: Robert R. Ferguson, Esquire
15 North Dorcas Street
Lewistown, PA 17044
Telephone: (717) 242-2591
Q. How do I file a summary appeal?
A. Contact counsel of your choice.
If you cannot afford counsel, you may also complete and file the required pleadings yourself.
Contact: Clerk of Courts
Mifflin County Courthouse
20 North Wayne Street
Lewistown, PA 17044
Telephone: (717) 248-8146
Q. Who do I contact if I cannot afford an attorney in civil matters?
A. The following office may be able to provide legal assistance to you.
Contact: MidPenn Legal Services
2054 East College Avenue
State College, PA 16801
Call Toll free 800-326-9177 (within PA) and 814-238-4958 (outside PA)
Q. How do I obtain a transcript?
A. You must put the request in writing to the Court Reporter and state court date, case caption and what part of the proceeding you wish to have transcribed. If you desire a transcript of the complete proceeding, state so. Also, be sure to include your name, address and telephone number. The Court Reporter will notify you of the amount of deposit required prior to typing the transcript.
Contact: Court Reporter
Judge's Chambers
Mifflin County Courthouse
20 North Wayne Street
Lewistown, PA 17044
If you like, you may make your request online at 
.
Q. Who can perform marriages?
A. Members of the clergy
Magisterial District Judges
Mayors
Judges of the Court of Common Pleas
Q. Where can I obtain a list of local attorneys?
A. Contact: Prothonotary's Office
Mifflin County Courthouse
20 North Wayne Street
Lewistown, PA 17044
Telephone: (717) 248-8146
Local telephone directory.