Common Questions
COPE
How do I register for COPE?
Click on the COPE page at the top. Follow the instructions to pick an event.
How do I reschedule if I cannot attend the event I selected?
To reschedule, please use the COPE page again and register for the event you wish to attend. Please select the "Previously Paid" ticket option, if applicable.
Do I have to pay again if I cannot attend the event I registered for?
No. Your payment will carry over until you can attend class. However, if the fee increases before you attend a class, you will need to pay the additional fee owed before you may attend.
Do I have to attend with the other party/person/parent?
No. You are able to attend on your own.
Can I bring my children to the COPE class?
Children may not be brought to the courthouse for In Person classes. We do recommend that children not be present for the Zoom class also. The topics discussed are for parents, and may not be appropriate for children, especially as we encourage parents to not involve their children in custody matters. Children are often distracting, for the class and for you. You are required, in the Zoom class, to be on screen the entire time and your children may interfere with your ability to do so. Please arrange childcare during the Zoom class.
Can I use Zoom?
If your case is in Monroe or Northampton County, yes. If your case is in Lehigh County, probably not. Unless you live over 90 miles away from the Lehigh County Courthouse, you must attend a class in person. The court makes the rules and we cannot offer exceptions for anyone for any other reason. If you want permission to attend Zoom for any other reason other than living over 90 miles away from the Lehigh County Courthouse, you must file a petition with the court. Please send us an email with your name, docket number, and the address you have on file with the court so we can verify you are eligible to attend via Zoom before you complete the registration form.
What are my options if my case is in Lehigh County?
The Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas sets the rules for the COPE Class. They require all parties to attend In Person unless the address on file with the court is over 90 miles away from the courthouse. The only distance option they allow is the Zoom Class. Lehigh County litigants are not allowed to use the DVD and Online Video options. A New Dawn Family Solutions is only the provider and cannot change the requirements of the court order. Any special requests must be made to the Family Court. We cannot provide legal advice and cannot help you petition the court.
Where do I park?
There is no free parking at the Lehigh County Courthouse. Street parking is metered through ParkMobile. There is a meter you can use outside, or you can use the ParkMobile app to pay for parking. ParkMobile will only allow you to pay for two (2) hours of parking at a time. We do take a break halfway through the class. There is also a parking garage next to City Hall within walking distance to the courthouse.
Is there a way to waive the fee for the COPE class?
Only if your case is in Lehigh County. If your case is in Lehigh County, you can petition the court for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) order. The court will evaluate your finances and determine whether or not you should receive IFP status. If you have an IFP, please send a copy to rana@andfs.com when you register so your fee can be waived. If the IFP is from any other county, we do not waive the fee.
How do I get a Certificate of Attendance?
It generally takes two to three weeks for certificates to be processed. Our apologies if it has taken longer. Check your email for questions from me about payment or docket numbers. Also, check your junk mail for your certificate. Sometimes it ends up there because of the attachment.
What is the docket number and how do I find it?
The docket number can also be called the file number or case number depending on your county. It's the number the Court uses to identify you in their record system. Please look at one of the Custody or Divorce petitions or the Court Order you received about the COPE Class.
In Lehigh County, it will have -FC- in the middle.
In Monroe County, you have two numbers. We need the one with -DR- in the middle.
In Northampton County, it starts with C-48-CV-.
Please list the entire docket number, including all letters, when you register. It helps us to identify the county your case is in. We do not need the Child Support docket number. That is a separate system with its own way of tracking cases. They usually start with DR-.
Visitation
What is supervised visitation?
Supervised visitation is a process aimed at helping children be and feel safe with their parents. It is our goal to create a neutral setting where each party can be treated with equal respect for the best interest of their children.
How do I get started?
You will need to contact Tom at 484-577-1394 or tom@andfs.com. He will explain the process and schedule an intake so you can visit the facility and so he can get a better understanding of your unique custody situation.
How much does it cost?
At this time, it costs $65 per hour for supervised visits. Payment is due at the time of the visit. The court order will usually say who is responsible to pay for the supervised visitation. It may be split or the responsibility of only one of you. We do not have the authority to change the court order.
We decided in court what days and times the visits would be, is this possible?
Visits are currently held only on Sunday through Friday. We do not provide visitation on Saturdays. Unless the court contacted our office to pre-arrange the time with us, you will need to agree upon a time that works for everyone with the visitation supervisor. We will not bump other visits that have already been scheduled. The court does not determine our availability. We will work with you to make sure that the visits are as long as they are supposed to be when an amount of time is specified. The day and time, however, must be scheduled with your visitation supervisor.
What are the rules for supervised visitation?
During the intake, you will meet the person who will provide the supervision for all of your visits. The rules and expectations will be explained and you will be able to ask questions during that time. If rules or expectations are not followed, visits will be terminated early. No refunds will be issued if a visit is terminated early.
Can I record the visitation?
No.
Forms
Click here for a copy of the current COPE Handout.
COPE Registration Form - Choose the County where your case is being heard.
Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas
Monroe County Court of Common Pleas
Northampton County Court of Common Pleas
Rules for Supervised Visitation
Click here for a copy of the Rules for Supervised Visitation at A New Dawn Family Solutions, LLC.