JUDGE: Family law cases are now administratively guided by the new judge, the Honorable Gary Gilman. Judge Gilman generally hears all family law motions and is also the final trier of fact for family law matters, such as divorce, custody, support and PFA’s. Judge Gilman has been assigned Courtroom #4 in the Washington County Courthouse. Judge Gilman's "chambers" (office) are located on the 3rd floor of the Washington County Courthouse.
DIVORCE MASTERS: Appointed by the Court are two Divorce Masters: Eric J. Held, Esquire; and D. Stephen Ferito, Esquire, to expedite the resolution of contested divorce actions. Your attorney can explain the role of Divorce Masters in your case. A case is assigned to a Divorce Master when it has become "ripe".
CHILD CUSTODY CONFERENCE OFFICERS: Child Custody Conference Officers are utilized to hear complaints for the establishment or modification of custody. However, they first seek to achieve an agreement. Presently, there are four attorneys serving as Child Custody Conference Officers; they are: William E. Speakman, Jr., Esquire; R. Maureen Myers, Esquire, L. Dawn Haber, Esquire and John D. Richards, Esquire. A custody case is assigned to one of these Officers when it is first filed.
DOMESTIC RELATIONS: The Domestic Relations Section of the Court of Common Pleas of Washington County, Pennsylvania is responsible for the establishment, collection, and enforcement of child and spousal support obligations. The Domestic Relations Section does not deal with divorce, custody, visitation, or any other family law-related matter.
Family Court Center 29 West Cherry Avenue
Suite 311
Washington, PA 15301
Primary Phone: 724-228-6756
Secondary Phone: 1-888-619-9907
If you require information about your specific case or cases, you must contact either the Domestic Relations Section (DRS) or the Pennsylvania State Collection and Disbursement Unit.
COURT ADMINISTRATION: The Court Administrator's Office is charged with the management of divorce and custody cases and other matters.
Christine L. Weller
Court Administrator
Washington County Courthouse
1 South Main Street Suite 2004
Washington, PA 15301
Primary Phone: 724-228-6797
Secondary Phone: 724-229-5929
wellerc@co.washington.pa.us
Motions for the appointment of a master in divorce actions and motions for the appointment of a child custody conference officer in custody actions should be left in the Court Administrator Civil Division, Suite G006. Primary Phone: 724-229-5929.
Remember that none of these departments is permitted to give you any legal advice whatsoever. If you have legal questions concerning your divorce, custody, PFA or support case you should contact an attorney.
