Rule 1910.25-1.Civil Contempt. Hearing by Court. Conference by Officer.
Adopted May 31, 2000 · Not amended since adoption · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1910.25-1 routes a support contempt petition first to an office conference before a conference officer and then, if unresolved, to a hearing before the court.
(a)After service of the petition and order of court upon the respondent, there shall be (1) an office conference conducted by a conference officer, as provided by Rule 1910.25-2, or (2) an immediate hearing by the court, if permitted by the court.
(b)If, at any time during a contempt proceeding, including proceedings under Rules 1910.25-2, 1910.25-3 and 1910.25-4, the hearing officer or conference officer determines that the failure to comply with the support order is willful and there is present ability to comply, the petition for contempt shall be heard by the court for consideration of incarceration and other appropriate sanctions.
End
Plain-English Summary
A contempt case follows a two-step path. After the petition and order are served, this rule has the matter go first to an office conference before a conference officer under Rule 1910.25-2, where the parties may resolve it. If they cannot, the case proceeds to a hearing before the court. The structure tries to settle the arrears before reaching a contempt finding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after a support contempt petition is filed?
An office conference before a conference officer and, if unresolved, a hearing before the court — or an immediate hearing by the court, if it permits one.
Official Note
Official Note: The determination required by subdivision (b) shall be made by a conference officer in counties adopting the procedure of Rule 1910.25-3 (conference and hearing de novo) or by a hearing officer in counties adopting the alternative procedure of Rule 1910.25-4 (record hearing and exceptions). Courts should strive to hear these cases promptly, on the same day if possible.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 1910.25-1 adopted May 31, 2000, effective July 1, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 3155.
Source & verification. Rule text, the Official Note, and the amendment
history are reproduced verbatim from the Pennsylvania Code, Title 231, the official compilation
of rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. This rule has not been amended since its adoption. Last verified June 30, 2026. ·
Official text
Also known as:contempt conference supportcontempt hearing supportconference officer contempt