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 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.
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.