Berks County Domestic Relation

About Berks County Domestic Relations

Nestled in the heart of Reading, PA, Berks County Domestic Relations serves as the county government office charged with administering child support, paternity establishment, and related family law services. With a mission to ensure that every family member has access to fair, timely, and accurate case management, our office combines experienced staff with structured processes—striving daily to uphold the rights and responsibilities of both custodial and non-custodial parents across Berks County.

Our Core Services

• Child Support Establishment & Enforcement – We help families formalize and enforce child support orders, collect payments, and monitor compliance.
• Paternity Proceedings – From genetic testing to legal documentation, our office guides unmarried parents through the paternity process.
• Case Management & Record Maintenance – We maintain detailed case files, track payment histories, and handle address updates and court scheduling.
• Hearings & Conferences – Whether for initial support orders or contempt hearings, we coordinate with the Berks County Court system to ensure due process.

What Clients Value Most

1. Responsive, Courteous Staff
   “I have always found them to be professional, courteous, and most importantly, informative,” notes one satisfied client. Whether you reach us by phone or in person, our goal is to treat you with respect, provide clear guidance on next steps, and help you feel confident in the process. When you connect with a knowledgeable representative, you’ll find your questions answered, your documents explained, and your concerns addressed.

2. Empathy in High-Pressure Moments
   Navigating family law can be stressful. That’s why interviewers like Brittani Walters stand out. Clients routinely praise Brittani for her patience, clarity, and calming presence:
   “She told me to just breathe and calm down … her calming voice calmed me.”
   It’s this rare combination of legal expertise and genuine empathy that transforms a daunting appointment into a moment of reassurance.

3. Swift In-Person Appointments
   For patrons able to visit our office in person, staffing permitting, the process can be remarkably fast. “Waited about 25 minutes … process was smooth and took less than 20 minutes,” shares one review—proof that when systems align, we deliver efficient, walk-in service that respects your time.

4. Helpful Phone Support (When Available)
   Despite ongoing efforts to upgrade our systems, some callers still experience delays. However, clients also report, “They tend to answer all my questions pretty good when I call in. They are nice if you’re just nice to them first.” When you do get through, our phone team strives to be attentive, friendly, and resourceful.

Our Commitment to Fairness and Accuracy

We understand the frustration families feel when payments are misapplied or credit reports don’t reflect timely transactions. Multiple clients have noted, “They’ve been taking out money for arrearages but it shows up in my credit report non-paid,” and, “Make payments on time and always dinged my credit report … never reflect what was paid.” In response, we are enhancing our internal billing audits and reconciliation processes to ensure every dollar you pay is accurately recorded and reported.

Similarly, perceptions of bias—especially from non-custodial parents—have surfaced:
“They represent the mother and all they care about is the money … if you pay child support you have no civil liberties.”
“Our aim is to treat every party impartially. Our legal duty is to both custodial and non-custodial parents, ensuring that child support orders reflect each family’s unique circumstances. We continually train staff on equitable case handling and open communication to reinforce fairness in every interaction.

Areas of Ongoing Improvement

While many patrons commend our in-person efficiency and dedicated caseworkers, we recognize recurring concerns in these key areas:
• Website and Phone System Usability – Customers report confusion with the online portal and automated menus (“Website does NOT direct you properly,” “Web site doesn’t work”). We are investing in a redesigned, mobile-friendly site and streamlined phone tree to get you connected more quickly.
• Responsiveness & Communication – Instances of dropped calls, unreturned messages, and delayed case updates (“I called 8 times and every single time I was disconnected,” “I cannot get a call back to save my life”) drive us to adopt new callback technologies and staff training to reduce wait times and improve follow-through.
• Case Management & Information Accuracy – Complaints like, “They never update your information when you change your address,” and, “Each time I get a letter, I'm told something different,” underscore the need for consistent record-keeping. We’re implementing additional data-entry checks and regular file reviews to keep your records current and communications clear.
• Timeliness of Hearings – While some clients breeze through a swift 20-minute visit, others face multi-month waits for court dates. We are collaborating with the judicial system to optimize scheduling and pursue alternative dispute resolution options when feasible.

Why Choose Berks County Domestic Relations?

Choosing the right partner for family law matters means finding a team that combines legal rigor with personal compassion. At Berks County Domestic Relations, our staff—anchored by professionals like Brittani Walters—understands the emotional and financial stakes you face. We strive for:
• Professional, courteous service that respects your time and dignity.
• A commitment to continuous improvement in technology, communication, and fairness.
• Accurate billing and transparent record-keeping to protect your credit and peace of mind.
• Empathetic support during every step of the child support and paternity process.

With an office conveniently located in Reading, PA, we serve all corners of Berks County, offering both in-person appointments and remote services. Whether you’re establishing support, seeking modifications, or resolving arrearages, you’ll find a team dedicated to delivering solutions that work for you.

Let us help you navigate your family’s legal needs with professionalism, accuracy, and genuine care. Visit our office or call today to experience the Berks County Domestic Relations difference.