Allegheny County judge details how to pay child support, handle custody and district judge's matters

Allegheny County’s residents with legal proceedings while the courts are closed were given additional guidance Thursday on how to do business when the county courtrooms are closed during the coronavirus pandemic.

President Judge Kim Berkeley Clark amended her March 16 order shutting down the courtrooms and district judges offices, to put procedures in place for making child support payments and detail how those payments can be made at the district judge’s office.

As of now, no child support payments will be taken in person.

Child supports payments may be made by credit card, check and money order. Payment coupons and instructions are available on the Fifth Judicial District website: www.alleghenycourts.us.

Those with emergency matters involving child support and other emergency custody matters should call 412-350-1500 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Emergency custody motions will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. For emergency custody motions, contact the court by email at emergencycustody@alleghenycourts.us.

Clark revised matters relating the operation of the Magisterial District Court, stating that summary traffic and non-traffic and/or summary private warrants must not be served or processed by police agencies or state constables while the order is in effect.

The order is to remain in effect until April 14, but it may be modified as the situation develops further, Clark stated.

The judge said all court proceedings during this time will be conducted by teleconference. No inmates or juveniles will be transported from state prisons, county jails, the Shuman Detention Center or the Hartman Shelter.