Welcome to the Domestic Relations Section
Welcome to the Domestic Relations Section
About Us
The Domestic Relations Section (DRS) is a part of the Family Court. The Family Court is a division of the Berks County Court of Common Pleas. The Family Court is a part of the Court system which helps resolve problems such as divorce, child and spousal support, temporary and permanent alimony, division of marital property, custody of children, and protection from abuse. The Domestic Relations Section is mainly responsible for working with families to establish and collect support for children and spouses.
The Domestic Relations Section is made up of Judges, Managers, Hearing Officers, Establishment and Compliance Officers, an Attorney, and various technical and clerical staff. The staff of the Domestic Relations Section is assisted by a large computer system which is used to track cases, keep financial records, and help in the enforcement of support orders. The staff in the Domestic Relations Section is trained to help people make the best decisions possible about support and related issues.
When the parties involved in a case are unable to agree on a support order, the Domestic Relations Section staff will recommend the amount of support to be paid and other provisions such as medical insurance coverage to the parties and to the Court. These recommendations are based on state and federal laws and the experience of the Domestic Relations Section staff.
Informational Pamphlets
- Children in Placement (opens in a new window)
- Hearing Pamphlet (opens in a new window)
- Hearing Pamphlet - Spanish (opens in a new window)
- Intake Pamphlet (opens in a new window)
- Intake Pamphlet - Spanish (opens in a new window)
- IVR Brochure (opens in a new window)
- Locate Pamphlet (opens in a new window)
- Medical Expense Form (opens in a new window)
- Medical Pamphlet - Spanish (opens in a new window)
- Medical Pamphlet (opens in a new window)
Announcements
Important Information Regarding Payments
Credit/Debit cards are accepted at the kiosk located in the DRS Lobby, 6th Floor, County Services Center and online. Click on our Support Payment Options link below for more information.
NEW Information Regarding Medical Bills
Parties seeking medical expense reimbursement must first meet the CRITERIA TO SUBMIT FOR REIMBURSEMENT OF MEDICAL EXPENSES as explained on the Medical Pamphlet located under “Information Pamphlets.” Once this criteria has been met, parties may seek assistance from the DRS but no later than May 31st of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the final bill was received.
Purge Payments
Purge Payments must be made in CASH ONLY and are accepted in-person in the Docketing Office Monday through Friday, excluding Holidays, between the hours of 8:00AM and 4:30PM.
Unable to Appear in Person?
Parties or Counsel that are unable to appear in person for a Conference or Hearing may complete and submit a telephone application.
Filing for Support?
In-Person in the DRS available 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
A client MUST be ready to be seen by 3:30PM, due to the amount of time needed to do required research, interview the client, create the case and have a Complaint for Support signed.
Domestic Relations Units
The locate unit at the Berks County Domestic Relations is responsible for maintaining and updating critical information for our clients.
