Court of Common Pleas of Adams County, Pennsylvania Document Filing Requirements

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Realty valuation for bail

For realty posted as bail, fair market value must be established by a qualifying written appraisal presented within three months of its date or by multiplying the assessed value by the prescribed common level ratio factor.

The fair market value of the realty shall be established by a written appraisal report prepared by a real estate broker duly licensed in Pennsylvania, within three (3) months of the date of presentation of the report; or by multiplying the assessed value of the realty (land and improvements) by the common level ratio factor prescribed by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue from time to time for transfer tax purposes.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion to withdraw demand for hearing de novo

A motion to withdraw a Demand for Hearing De Novo must include both parties’ concurrence or it will be denied.

A motion to withdraw a demand for hearing de novo must contain the concurrence of both parties, otherwise it will be denied.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Board of view report

The Board of View report must be in writing and submitted to the Court.

F. Report. The Report of a Board of View shall be in writing and submitted to the Court within sixty {60) days of appointment of the Board.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Rehabilitative program list

The Chief Probation Officer must submit the proposed program list to the President Judge, who may approve all or part of it after consulting other judges.

The Chief Probation Officer shall submit a list of rehabilitative, treatment or therapy programs their respective offices propose to use as part of probation with restrictive conditions, probation or parole to the President Judge, who may, after consulting with other judges of this court, approve the list either in whole or in part.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibit sheet

In criminal matters, the Court Reporter is responsible for preparing the exhibit sheet.

Preparing the exhibit sheet

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Written notice

When a defendant is held for court, the Magisterial District Judge must give the defendant and counsel notice of the specified court dates at the conclusion of the preliminary hearing.

In all cases where defendants are held for court, the Magisterial District Judge shall provide the defendant and counsel of record notice of the dates of formal arraignment, non-trial disposition conference, DUI date or plea date, and criminal trial term including jury selection. Notice shall be given at the conclusion of the preliminary hearing.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Preliminary hearing waiver

A represented defendant may waive a preliminary hearing using a waiver substantially in the prescribed form, prepared by the presiding judge before execution, executed by defendant and counsel, and returned to the judge for signature if accepted.

A defendant represented by counsel may waive the right to a preliminary hearing by both the defendant and counsel executing a waiver in substantially the form set forth in Rule 541.1. The waiver shall be prepared by the presiding Magisterial District Judge prior to the defendant’s execution of the waiver. Upon defendant’s execution of the waiver, the waiver must be returned to and, if accepted, signed by the Magisterial District Judge.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Pleading and docket entry

All pleadings and the docket entry regarding an adoption must use the name the proposed adoptee will take.

The caption for all pleadings and the docket entry regarding an adoption shall be in the name to be taken by the proposed adoptee.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Pretrial memorandum

All parties to a pretrial conference must prepare and file a pretrial memorandum within the time period and substantially in the form specified by Adams C. Civ. R. 212.2.

(C) All parties to a pre-trial conference shall prepare and file a pre-trial memorandum within the time period and in substantially the form set forth in Adams C. Civ. R. No. 212.2.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Mediator report

Must include

caption, case number

The mediator’s written report must include the caption and case number, mediation date, follow-up status, settlement status, disclosable stipulations, and whether the parties participated in good faith.

Within five (5) days of the conclusion of the mediation, the mediator shall submit to the court directly a written report that includes the caption and case number, the date of the mediation, whether any follow up is scheduled, whether the case settled in whole or in part, and any stipulations the parties agree may be disclosed, and whether the parties participated in good faith.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Certificates and appraisals

Certificates and appraisals must be presented to the Magisterial District Judge or Clerk for a determination whether the realty is acceptable as bail.

Certificates and appraisals shall be presented to the Magisterial District Judge or to the Clerk for determination of the acceptability of the realty for bail purposes.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Guilty nolo contendere plea colloquy

A represented defendant tendering a guilty or nolo contendere plea must complete the Rule 590.1 colloquy, have it executed by the defendant and counsel, and file it with the Clerk before the plea is entered.

If a defendant is represented by counsel and desires to tender a guilty or nolo contendere plea, a Guilty/Nolo Contendere Plea Colloquy substantially in the form set forth in Rule 590.1 shall be completed. The Colloquy shall be executed by the defendant and defendant’s counsel and filed with the Clerk of Courts prior to entry of the plea.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

The adoption petition must contain the information required by Pa. O.C. Rule 15.3(b).

The petition shall contain the information required by Pa. O.C. Rule 15.3(b).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Preliminary board of view report

If the Board of View report cannot be timely completed, the chairperson must file a preliminary report stating the reasons for delay and expected completion time.

If the report cannot be completed and submitted within that period of time, the chairperson shall file a preliminary report with the Court explaining the reason(s) for the delay and setting forth the expected time needed to complete the report.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibit sheet

In criminal matters, the Court Reporter must maintain an exhibit sheet for filing with the Clerk of Courts.

For criminal matters, the Court Reporter shall be responsible for maintaining an exhibit sheet to be filed with the Clerk of Courts.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Pre trial statement

The pre-trial statement must include a proposed parenting plan, updated Criminal Record/Abuse History Affidavits for each party and household members, and any requests for telephonic testimony, and must follow the form required by Pa. R.C.P. No. 1915.4-4.

The pre-trial statement shall include a proposed parenting plan and an updated Criminal Record/Abuse History Affidavit for each party and all members of each party’s household. All pre-trial statements shall be in the form required by Pa. R.C.P. No. 1915.4-4 and shall include any requests for telephonic testimony.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Moving party brief

The moving party's brief must include relevant facts, procedural history, questions involved, argument, and a conclusion.

(B) The brief of the moving party shall contain all relevant facts, a procedural history, the questions involved, the argument and a conclusion.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Paper referring to prior court action

A paper referring to prior Court action must state the action’s date and the judge who took it, and attach the order directing the action as an exhibit.

If a paper refers to prior action taken by the Court, the paper shall identify the date the action was taken and the judge taking such action and shall have attached as an exhibit a copy of the order directing the action.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Pre trial statement

Each party must submit a pre-trial statement at least five days before the conference containing the eleven specified categories of information and materials.

At least five (5) days prior to the pre-trial conference held pursuant to Adams C.Civ.R. No. 212.3, each party shall submit a pre-trial statement which shall contain the following: (1) A brief narrative statement of the case; (2) The names and addresses of all persons who may be called as witnesses by the party filing the statement identifying each as a ''fact witness, expert witness or damages witness.'' A reference which does not state the name of the witness shall be permitted when the witness is described by title or representative capacity; (3) A list of all exhibits which the party intends to use at trial; (4) A statement of the issues involved; (5) A statement of damages claimed; (6) A statement of proposed amendments to pleadings, if any; (7) A statement of suggested stipulations of law or facts; (8) Any special requests. For example, a request for a view or a request relating to matters of discovery; (9) Estimated duration of trial; (10) A copy of any written reports, or answers to written interrogatories consistent with Pa.R.C.P. No. 4003.5, containing the opinion and basis for the opinion of any person who may be called as an expert witness; and (11) The amount of settlement demands or offers.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Filing

The information required by Local Rule 15.3(B) must be provided in an involuntary termination proceeding.

Information required by Local Rule 15.3 (B) shall be provided.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Brief

All briefs must contain complete and accurate citations to every authority.

(A) Briefs shall contain complete and accurate citations of all authorities.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Bail documents to clerk

When a Magisterial District Judge accepts realty bail, the judge must transmit the judgment, satisfaction fee, and a certified copy of the bail bond to the Clerk's office.

If a Magisterial District Judge accepts such bail, the Magisterial District Judge shall transmit the judgment and satisfaction fee and a certified copy of the bail bond to the Clerk's office.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Arbitration agreement

An agreement to refer a case to arbitration must be filed of record.

The agreement shall be filed of record.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Pre trial statement

The parties must file pre-trial statements with the Prothonotary in the manner and timeframe required by Pa. R.Civ.P. No. 1920.33.

The parties shall file pre-trial statements with the Prothonotary in the manner and timeframe as required by Pa. R.Civ.P. No. 1920.33.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Proposed order

If the deposit is insufficient, the proposed order must state how uncovered fees are to be paid by the parties or court-directed third parties.

In the event that there are not sufficient funds on deposit with the Prothonotary, the proposed order shall include the requested method of payment of such additional fees not covered by the deposits by the parties in conformity with the Report and Recommendation, or by such third parties as the court may direct.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Written plea agreement

Before any plea is entered, the parties must present a written agreement substantially following Rule 590.2 that contains all agreement terms and is executed by the Commonwealth, the defendant, and counsel if any.

The agreement will be confirmed in writing substantially in the form set forth in Rule 590.2 and presented to the Court prior to the entry of any plea. At a minimum, the written agreement must contain ALL terms of the agreement and must be executed by the Commonwealth, the Defendant and Defendant's counsel, if any.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Post sentence rights statement

The Court must make the Statement of Post-sentence Rights part of the record and determine on the record that the defendant was advised of post-sentence rights.

The Court shall make the Statement of Post-sentence Rights part of the record and shall determine on the record that the Defendant has been advised of post-sentence rights.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Agreement

Consistent with the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania, all agreements shall contain the initials of each child

Consistent with the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania, all agreements shall contain the initials of each child

CRITICAL

Applies to

Real estate tax assessment appeal

Must include

caption

The caption must identify the appealing party as Appellant and the Board as Appellee, and must identify the property owners as Respondents when a taxing authority appeals.

The caption shall designate the party taking the appeal as Appellant and the Adams County Board of Assessment Appeals as Appellee. If the appellant is a taxing authority it shall join the owner(s) of the real estate involved as of course as a party in the assessment appeal by designating such named owner(s) in the caption as Respondent(s).

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition to intervene

A petition to intervene must state the statutory authority on which it relies.

Petitions to intervene shall state the statutory authority relied upon.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Written plea agreement

Written Rule 590 plea agreements must substantially use a Court-provided form available at the stated website.

Written Plea Agreements required by Rule 590 shall substantially be in the forms provided by the Court, located at: https://www.adamscountypa.gov/courts/courtadministration/selfhelpcenter

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Responsive brief

Any opposing affidavits, depositions, transcripts, or other documents must be filed together with the responsive brief.

together with any opposing affidavits, depositions, transcripts or other documents.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of intervention

A Notice of Intervention must identify the intervening party as Intervenor in the caption and state that the party is intervening.

The Notice of Intervention shall contain the name of the intervening party designated as Intervenor in the caption, and shall set forth that such identified party is intervening.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Proposed consent order

Every proposed consent order must include a separate numbered paragraph with substantially the specified relocation language.

All proposed consent orders shall contain a separate numbered paragraph with language substantially in the following form: “Relocation. A party proposing to change the residence of a child which significantly impairs the ability of a non-relocating party to exercise custodial rights shall follow the procedures required by 23 Pa. C.S.A. §5337 and Pa. R.C.P. No. 1915.17”.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Inventory

An Inventory must be filed when required by Pa. R.Civ.P. No. 1920.33(a).

2. Failing to file an Inventory when required to do so by Pa. R.Civ.P. No. 1920.33(a);

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Criminal record abuse history verification

If no Criminal Record/Abuse History Verification has been filed, Defendant/Respondent must file one with the Prothonotary; previously filed verifications must be updated as necessary.

(7) If not previously filed, Defendant/Respondent must file a Criminal Record/Abuse History Verification with the Prothonotary pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. No. 1915.3-2. Additionally, if a party has already filed a Criminal Record/Abuse History Verification, any necessary updates shall be made at this time.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Order

The order must substantially follow the provided form, including the shown judgment, execution, and interest provisions; the excerpt ends mid-form.

The order shall be substantially in the following form: (CAPTION) ORDER And Now, this _______day of ______, ______, it is ordered that judgment in the amount of $ be entered in favor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to the use of the County of Adams, and jointly against ______ and ______. No execution shall proceed against the judgment defendants without leave of court. No interest shall accrue on the judgment unless and until an order forfeiting bail is entered against judgment defendants in the criminal case. When

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Bail modification motion

A bail-modification motion must be accompanied by an affidavit substantially in the Court-provided form; a motion may also be made in open court, and the Court may still require an affidavit.

In all instances where a defendant files a motion for bail modification, an affidavit shall accompany said motion. The affidavit shall substantially be in the form as provided by the Court, located at: https://www.adamscountypa.gov/courts/courtadministration/selfhelpcenter This Rule does not preclude the ability for a motion for bail modification to be made in open court during a trial or hearing as permitted by Pa.R.Crim.P. 575(A)(1). The Court may still direct the movant to complete an affidavit.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition or motion

The court will not grant a stay or more immediate ex parte relief unless the filing shows reasonable notice, an agreement of all counsel and unrepresented parties, or a pleaded exigency that the court finds justifies relief.

The court will not enter a stay or grant more immediate relief ex parte unless: 1. Notice – It appears from the petition or motion that reasonable notice, under the circumstances, of the date, time and place of the presentation of the petition has been given to all counsel and unrepresented parties; 2. Stipulation – It appears from the petition or motion that there is an agreement by all counsel and unrepresented parties; or 3. Exigency – If pled, the court in its discretion shall determine whether there are extraordinary circumstances justifying a stay or more immediate relief.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Criminal abuse history verification

Complete and file a Criminal/Abuse History Verification covering you and everyone in your household by the custody conciliation conference.

If you have not already done so, you must complete and file with the Prothonotary a Criminal/Abuse History Verification regarding you and all persons living in your household on or before the time of the custody conciliation conference.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Pre trial statement

Pre-trial statements must list all trial exhibits and describe each so it can be easily identified.

The pre-trial statement shall list all exhibits that shall be proffered at trial. Each exhibit shall be described concisely so that it can be easily identified.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Custody complaint or petition to modify custody or intervene

Custody complaints, petitions to modify custody, and petitions to intervene must include a scheduling order substantially in the form of Sample Form A.

(2) All custody complaints, petitions for modification of custody, and petitions to intervene shall include a scheduling order for presentation, substantially in the same form as Sample Form “A” annexed to these rules.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Proposed order

Proposed orders must comply with the checklist and form in annexed Sample Form “D.”

All proposed orders shall comply with the checklist and form contained in Sample Form “D” annexed to these rules.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Motions within this section must include an attached proposed order that substantially conforms to Pa. R.C.P. No. 1915.18.

(a) Requests for Evaluations. All motions within the scope of this section shall be in conformity with Pa. R.C.P. No. 1915.8, and shall include a proposed order attached which substantially conforms to Pa. R.C.P. No. 1915.18.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Complaint or petition

All complaints and petitions must conform to Pennsylvania’s Case Records Public Access Policy.

All complaints and petitions shall conform to the requirements of the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Preliminary hearing waiver notice

The notice shall substantially be in the following form:

The notice shall substantially be in the following form:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Tax sale appeal

A tax sale appeal must be docketed so that it is identified by its tax sale number.

All tax sale appeals shall be docketed in a manner which identifies the appeal by the tax sale number.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Preliminary objection

A party must provide the court with all known information about a relevant out-of-state custody proceeding, including the listed case and judge details and attested orders, in writing as an exhibit to the preliminary objection.

In order to facilitate compliance with the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act, a party shall provide the court with all known information concerning a custody proceeding in another state which involves the child, including but not limited to the following: (1) the name and address of the court in which the case is pending; (2) the caption of the case; (3) the name, address and telephone number of the judge to whom the case is assigned, and (4) true and attested copies of any orders entered in the case. Information provided under this rule shall be submitted in writing and attached as an exhibit to the preliminary objection.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Proposed order

The proposed order for a motion to compel interrogatory answers must substantially provide for answers within 20 days and state that noncompliance may result in sanctions, including evidence preclusion and attorney fees.

AND NOW, this ____ day of ______ , 200 __ , upon consideration of the Motion to Compel Answers to Interrogatories, it is hereby Ordered that the (Plaintiff/Defendant) shall file answers to the (Defendant/Plaintiff)'s interrogatories within twenty (20) days of the date of this Order. Failure to comply with the time period set forth in this Order may result in the imposition of sanctions including the preclusion of evidence and the imposition of attorney fees.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Written notice to prison

When a proceeding uses videoconferencing, the judicial officer must promptly give the prison written notice to retain or release the individual.

When video-conferencing is used, the judicial officer shall promptly provide appropriate written notice to the prison to either retain or release the individual.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Divorce or annulment complaint or counterclaim with custody

A divorce or annulment complaint or counterclaim that includes a custody count must contain the attachments specified in Adams C.Civ.R. No. 1915.3.

A complaint or counterclaim for divorce or annulment which includes a count for custody shall contain the attachments set forth in Adams C.Civ.R. No. 1915.3 and follow all other custody action

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion for summary judgment

Must include

proposed order

Each summary judgment motion must include a proposed order substantially in the form provided.

All motions for summary judgment shall be accompanied by a proposed Order substantially in the following form:

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Written agreement

An agreement reached at the pre-trial conference must be reduced to writing and entered as a court order.

Any agreement reached at the pre-trial conference shall be reduced to writing and entered as an order of court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Law office employee designation

Attorneys must designate which law-office employees may have unsupervised access and file that designation in writing in the appropriate office.

Attorneys shall designate which employees from their law office may have unsupervised access. The designation of law office employees must be written and filed in the appropriate office.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Transcript copy request

A request for a copy of a previously ordered, transcribed, and filed transcript must comply with the standardized-form requirements in Rule 4007(a).

(f) A request for a copy of any transcript previously ordered, transcribed, and filed of record shall comply with Adams R.J.A. 4007(a).

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion for appointment of divorce hearing officer

When the cited rules apply, the moving party must certify in writing that the specified financial documents have been filed.

When applicable pursuant to Pa. R.Civ.P. Nos. 1920.31 and 1920.33, the moving party must certify in writing as to the filing of a true copy of the most recent federal income tax return, pay stubs for the preceding six months, a completed Income Statement in the form required by Pa.R.Civ.P. No. 1910.27(c)(1), a completed Expense Statement in the form required by Pa.R.Civ.P. No. 1910.27(c)(2)(B), and/or an Inventory substantially in the form set forth in Pa.R.Civ.P. No. 1920.75.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed settlement

Must include

proposed order

A proposed settlement must include an order directing ordinary-mail notice to nonjoining owners and relevant municipal bodies, giving them thirty days from mailing to object before the settlement is considered approved.

The settlement shall contain a proposed order directing that notice of the proposed settlement be given by ordinary mail to all owners or relevant municipal bodies who have not joined in the proposal giving them thirty {30) days from the date of mailing to object thereto or the proposed settlement will be considered approved by the Court.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Written notice

The Written Notice must use the Rule 542.1 form and be signed by the defendant and counsel, if any.

The notice (hereinafter “Written Notice”) shall be in the form set forth in Rule 542.1 and shall be signed by the defendant and counsel, if any.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

Must include

certificate of service

A petition must include or have attached a Certificate of Service.

A Certificate of Service shall be a part of, or attached to, the petition.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Lien certificate

Equity is determined by considering the appraisal and a lien certificate signed by an authorized person that identifies all liens and their face amounts; lienholder statements of current balances may also be considered.

The equity in realty shall be determined by considering the appraisal and a lien certificate signed by any attorney at law authorized to practice in this Commonwealth, including the solicitor of the Recorder of Deeds, Prothonotary, Tax Claim Bureau, or a duly authorized agent of a title insurance company licensed to do business in Pennsylvania. The certificate must identify all liens against the property and the face amounts thereof. Statements from lienholders about current balances may also be considered.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Affidavit of mailing

An affidavit of mailing must be filed of record.

an affidavit of mailing shall be filed of record.

CRITICAL

Applies to

License suspension appeal

An appeal from governmental action suspending or revoking a license, right, or privilege must include a copy of the suspension or revocation order.

All appeals from governmental action suspending or revoking licenses, rights or privileges, shall have attached thereto a copy of the suspension or revocation order.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Brief

When applicable, the supporting brief must cite transcript page numbers relevant to each issue.

When applicable, this brief shall cite to the page number(s) in the transcript which relate to a particular issue.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Application for waiver

A person seeking a waiver of an investigation must include either a detailed affidavit about known criminal history and indicated child-abuse reports, or original or certified copies of the criminal-history and child-abuse-clearance forms.

Persons who are otherwise subject to investigation and who request a waiver thereof shall include, with the application for waiver, either: 1. an affidavit setting forth in detail that person s criminal history and all indicated reports of child abuse that are known to the person, or 2. original or certified copies of the person's criminal history and child abuse clearance forms.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Arbitration listing request

The request to list a matter for arbitration must identify all counsel involved in the litigation and any counsel who may have a conflict serving as an arbitrator.

The request to list a matter for arbitration shall identify all counsel involved in the litigation or who may otherwise have a conflict in serving as an arbitrator.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Phone conference request

A request for a telephone conference with the presiding judge must be made by formal motion filed with the Prothonotary and include the reason for the request and each party’s position; the provided text ends before specifying the subject of the parties’ position.

All requests for phone conferences shall be made by formal motion filed with the Prothonotary. All requests must include the reason why the telephone conference is being requested and each party’s position regarding

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Proposed order

The Proposed Order of Court must list each child's full name and month and year of birth.

Complete the Proposed Order of Court which lists the child(ren)’s full name and month/year of birth.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition for special relief

Must include

proposed order

Every petition for special relief must include a proposed rule to show cause order in the prescribed form.

All petitions for special relief shall contain a proposed rule to show cause order in the form prescribed by Adams C.Civ.R. No. 206.4(B).

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

If the adopting parents know of a prior relinquishment or termination proceeding, the adoption petition must identify it by number and year.

Where there was a prior relinquishment or termination proceeding known to the adopting parents, there shall be a reference thereto by number and year in the petition for adoption.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Divorce complaint

For a custody claim in a divorce complaint, the moving party must file a praecipe listing the matter for custody presentation with a scheduling order substantially in Sample Form A’s form.

The moving party shall file a praecipe with the Adams County Prothonotary to list the matter for custody presentation, along with a scheduling order, substantially in the same form as Sample Form “A” annexed to these rules.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Written notice

The written notice must substantially follow the form set out in Rule 542.1.

The written notice shall substantially be in the following form:

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Custody complaint or petition

A custody complaint or petition must include a proper verification under Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1024.

The complaint or petition shall specifically state the relief sought by the moving party and shall have a proper verification attached, pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. No. 1024.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Discovery motion

Must include

certificate of conference

A discovery motion must include a certification that the moving party conferred or attempted to confer with all interested parties and could not resolve the issue after reasonable effort.

Every motion relating to discovery shall contain a certification by counsel, or the party, that the moving party has conferred or attempted to confer with all interested parties in order to resolve the matter without Court action and, after reasonable effort, has been unable to resolve the issue.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion for judgment on the pleadings

Must include

proposed order

Each motion for judgment on the pleadings must include a proposed order substantially in the prescribed form.

All motions for judgment on the pleadings shall be accompanied by a proposed Order in substantially the following form:

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Discovery motion

Must include

proposed order

A motion to compel answers to written interrogatories must include the information required by Pa.R.C.P. 208.2(a), the interrogatory service date, efforts to resolve the dispute, a certification that answers are overdue, and a proposed order in substantially the stated form.

(A) Failure to answer written interrogatories. A motion seeking to compel an opposing party to answer written interrogatories shall include: 1. All content set forth in Pa.R.C.P. No. 208.2(a); 2. A concise statement concerning the date of service of the interrogatories on the opposing party; 3. A description of all reasonable efforts used to resolve or to obtain answers to the interrogatories; 4. A certification that the interrogatories have not been answered in the time period required by the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure; and 5. A proposed Order substantially in the following form:

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

The petition must describe any agreement between the petitioner and natural parents about fees, costs, payments, or future visitation or custody rights.

In addition to other information required by Pa. O.C. Rule 15.3, the petition shall describe any agreement between petitioner and natural parents regarding fees, costs, payments, or future rights of visitation and/or custody.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Conciliator report

If the parties do not reach a comprehensive agreement, the conciliator’s report must include, as applicable, custody status, the parties’ positions and any interim or partial agreement, the need for an expedited hearing, and legal and factual issues.

If the parties are unable to reach a comprehensive agreement at conciliation, the conciliator’s report shall include the following, as may be applicable to the case: a. Legal and physical custody status at the time of conciliation; b. Summary of the parties’ positions; c. Summary of the parties’ interim or partial agreement, if any; d. The need for an expedited hearing; e. Identification of legal and factual issues.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice

If relief is granted, the Court must schedule a preliminary hearing for 1:00 P.M. on the next Business Court Day, and the Magisterial District Judge must notify all known interested parties using the prescribed form.

If the Magisterial District Judge grants relief, the Court will schedule a preliminary hearing to be held at 1:00 P.M. on the next Business Court Day following the granting of relief by the Magisterial District Judge. The Magisterial District Judge granting relief shall provide notice to all known interested parties in the form set forth in Paragraph E., below.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Judgment entry transmission

After receiving an order signed by a judge, the Clerk must transmit certified copies of the order and bail bond, along with the judgment and satisfaction fee, to the appropriate office for entry of judgment.

Upon receipt of an order signed by a judge, the Clerk shall transmit a certified copy of the order, the judgment and satisfaction fee, and a certified copy of the bail bond to the appropriate office for entry of judgment.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Arbitration hearing request

A moving party identifying a case as complex must advise the Court in writing when filing the arbitration-hearing request and include the anticipated hearing length in the request.

If the party moving to list the case for arbitration hearing believes the matter to involve complex litigation, the party shall so advise the Court in writing at the time the request for arbitration hearing is filed and shall include in the request the anticipated length of hearing.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Proposed decree of distribution

The accountant must file a proposed decree of distribution before the confirmation date.

Prior to the date of confirmation, a proposed decree of distribution shall be filed by accountant

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Complaint or petition

A proposed custody-presentation scheduling order similar to Sample Form A must be appended to the front of the pleading.

A proposed scheduling order for custody presentation, in a form similar to Sample Form “A”, shall be appended to the front of the pleading.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Document containing confidential information

A person filing a document containing confidential information must use and file a Confidential Information Form.

persons who file documents that contain confidential information as defined by the Policy shall use and file a Confidential Information Form (CIF) in order to comply with the Policy.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Real estate tax assessment appeal

Must include

caption

A real estate tax assessment appeal must include the specified caption, party and owner details, location information, Board decision reference and notice exhibit, and a brief statement of the appeal’s nature and reasons.

A Real Estate Tax Assessment Appeal shall contain the following: 1. A caption as proscribed above. 2. The name and address of the Appellant(s). 3. The name and address of all titled owners of the real estate. 4. The identity of the municipality and school district wherein the real estate is located. 5. Reference to the decision of the Adams County Board of Assessment Appeals from which the appeal is taken. A copy of the Board's notice of decision shall be attached as an exhibit. 6. A brief averment of the nature of and the reasons for the appeal.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Closed hearing notice

Must include

caption

Unless otherwise provided by law or state rule, a party requesting closure of a proceeding must give notice in the prescribed form, including a caption and the stated request details.

Except as otherwise provided by law or state rule, a party to a criminal action intending to request that a proceeding be closed to the public, must give notice as follows: (Caption) Take notice that the undersigned intends to present a request to the Court on ______ , 20 ____ , at ____ in Courtroom No./Chambers that proceedings concerning _________________ be closed to the public.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Writ of execution notice

A writ of execution notice must name the office identified in Adams C.Civil R. No. 1018.1.

The office identified in Adams C.Civil R. No. 1018.1 is designated as the office to be named in a writ of execution notice.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Divorce hearing officer report and recommendation

After a hearing, the Divorce Hearing Officer must file the record, written Report and Recommendation, and admitted exhibits with the Prothonotary for docketing, accompanied by the required Confidential Information Form.

After the conclusion of any hearing, the Divorce Hearing Officer shall file the record and a written Report and Recommendation in accordance with Pa. R.Civ.P. No. 1920.55-2(a). The Divorce Hearing Officer shall file the original Report and Recommendation and all exhibits admitted at hearing with the Prothonotary for docketing, accompanied by a Confidential Information Form as required by the Case Records Public Access Policy of the United Judicial System of Pennsylvania.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Arbitration agreement

If a case is not at issue or no pleadings have been filed, the arbitration agreement must identify the issues for the arbitrators and include all factual stipulations reached by the parties.

If the case is not at issue, or where no pleadings have been filed of record, the agreement to refer shall state the issues to be considered by the board of arbitrators and shall contain all stipulations of facts reached by the parties.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Conference excusal or electronic participation request

A written request to excuse a party or permit electronic participation must state the opposing side’s position and be delivered to opposing counsel or party and the divorce hearing officer at least five business days before the conference.

A request for a party to be excused or for a party/counsel to participate by electronic means must be made in writing and delivered to opposing counsel/party and to the divorce hearing officer no less than five (5) business days in advance of the scheduled conference and the opposing side’s position must be noted in the request.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Post sentence rights statement

At sentencing, the defendant must provide an executed Statement of Post-sentence Rights substantially in the Court-provided form.

At the time of sentencing, the Defendant shall provide the Court with an executed Statement of Post-sentence Rights that shall substantially be in the form as provided by the Court, located at https://www.adamscountypa.gov/courts/courtadministration/selfhelpcenter.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Notice by publication

The notice by publication must substantially follow the form provided in the document.

The notice by publication shall appear in substantially the following form:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibit sheet

In criminal matters, the Court Reporter must prepare the exhibit sheet and return it to the Judge’s Executive Assistant or appropriate filing office.

For criminal matters, [gather] prepare the exhibit sheet [from the Court Reporter] and return the exhibit sheet to the Judge’s Executive Assistant or to the appropriate filing office.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Post divorce alimony claim

Claims for alimony after divorce and their enforcement must be filed and docketed with the Adams County Prothonotary under the divorce case caption and docket number.

All claims for alimony subsequent to divorce and enforcement thereof shall continue to be filed and docketed with the Adams County Prothonotary, at the parties’ divorce case caption and docket number.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Complaint or petition

A complaint or petition must include the moving party’s Criminal Record/Abuse History Verification as an exhibit.

Moving party’s Criminal Record/Abuse History Verification as required by Pa.R.C.P. No. 1915.3-2 as an exhibit;

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion for judgment on the pleadings

If the supporting brief is not filed with the motion for judgment on the pleadings, an opposing party may praecipe to have the motion deemed withdrawn.

If a brief is not filed with the motion, the motion shall be deemed withdrawn upon praecipe of an opposing party.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Pleading and docket entry

All pleadings and the docket entry in a voluntary relinquishment to an adult intending to adopt must use the child’s given name in the caption.

The caption for all pleadings and docket entry shall carry the given name of the child.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion for appointment of board of arbitrators

If the parties believe the matter is complex litigation, the motion must say so and the parties must comply with Local Rule 1303(A)(2).

If the parties believe the matter involves complex litigation the motion shall so state and the parties shall comply with Local Rule 1303(A)(2).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Constable vacancy appointment petition

A constable vacancy appointment petition must be filed with the Adams County Clerk of Courts, contain the specified vacancy, term, residency, and qualification information, and bear the signatures and identifying information of ten qualified electors from the municipality.

A. Any person seeking to be appointed to serve as constable to serve a vacancy in said office pursuant to 44 Pa. C.S.A. § 7121 shall file petition in the Adams County Clerk of Courts Office. The petition shall include the following: 1. A statement identifying the borough, city, ward, or township in which a vacancy exists; 2. The expiration date of the term of office for which the appointment is being sought; 3. A statement that the petitioner is a resident of the municipality where the vacancy exists; and 4. A statement that the petitioner has or will satisfy all the statutory requirements to serve as a constable. B. The petition shall be signed by ten (10) qualified electors residing in the borough, city, ward, or township in which the vacancy exists. In addition to original signature, each qualified elector shall be identified by printed name and address.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

A guardianship petition must include the proposed guardian’s written consent to act.

The written consent of the proposed guardian to act as guardian shall be attached to the petition.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Real estate tax assessment appeal

Must include

caption

A qualifying real estate tax assessment appeal must use the specified caption and be filed with the Prothonotary within the statutory time.

A real estate tax assessment appeal from a decision of the Adams County Board of Assessment Appeals as to the amount of assessment for real estate tax purposes or to an exemption of real estate from payment of real estate taxes shall be captioned "Real Estate Tax Assessment Appeal" and shall be filed in the Office of the Prothonotary within the time prescribed by statute.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Post trial motion

Must include

proposed order

A post-trial motion must include a proposed order for transcription of the record when appropriate.

All post-trial motions shall be accompanied, where appropriate, by a proposed Order for a transcription of the record.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Board of view petition

After filing the petition with the Prothonotary, the petitioner must have it forwarded to the Court Administrator for processing.

Upon the filing of the petition with the Prothonotary, the petitioner(s) shall have the petition forwarded to the Court Administrator for processing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Hearing disposition

The disposition of every hearing must be filed of record in MDJS, including a dismissal over the affiant’s objection.

ii. Disposition of any hearing, including hearings where a citation or ticket is dismissed over the objection of the affiant, shall be filed of record in MDJS.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

Must include

proposed order

Each petition under Rule 2039 must include two alternative proposed orders: one containing the suggested relief and one substantially in the stated form.

All petitions pursuant to this rule shall be accompanied by alternative proposed Orders consisting of a proposed Order containing the suggested relief and a proposed Order substantially in the following form:

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion for appointment of board of arbitrators

A motion to appoint an arbitration board must name all attorneys known to the movant who may have a conflict, or it will not be scheduled for hearing.

Included in the motion shall be the names of all attorneys who, to the movant’s knowledge, may have a conflicting interest in the case. A motion failing to contain this information will not be scheduled for hearing.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Preliminary findings and recommendations

The master must promptly file preliminary findings and recommendations with the Court.

The master shall promptly file with the Court preliminary findings and recommendations.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Demand for hearing de novo

A Demand for Hearing De Novo must state the reasons and issues for the hearing and cite applicable legal authority.

The party filing the Demand for Hearing De Novo shall indicate on the form the reasons and issues that the party wishes the court to consider at the hearing, including citations to applicable legal authority.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Records access acknowledgment

Attorneys and designated employees must sign an acknowledgment that they understand the Rule and will not damage or compromise the integrity of records.

Attorneys and designated employees must sign an acknowledgement that they understand this Rule and will do nothing to damage or compromise the integrity of records.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Mediation referral motion

A party's motion for mediation referral must include its certification that settlement is realistically possible and be accompanied by all parties' stipulation to proceed to mediation.

All such civil cases that have progressed beyond the exchange of expert reports or are otherwise ready for trial shall be referred to mediation by order of court, on the motion of any party which shall include a certification that the party believes there is a realistic possibility of settlement, accompanied by a stipulation to proceed to mediation by all parties, or on the court’s own motion.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Rehabilitative program list

Lists and amendments must be filed with the Clerk together with the administrative order of approval.

Lists or amendments to the lists shall be filed with the Clerk, along with the administrative order of approval.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Proof of judgment entry and satisfaction fee

For a county other than Adams, the defendant must produce proof of the applicable fee.

Defendant must produce proof of the fee for any county other than Adams.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Proposed order

The proposed order must list the parties' names and addresses in the distribution section under the Judge's signature.

The proposed order must list parties’ names and addresses on the distribution under the Judge’s signature.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition for contempt for disobedience of custody order

A petition for contempt for disobedience of a custody order must include a scheduling order for presentation conforming to Pa. R.C.P. No. 1915.12.

All petitions for contempt for disobedience of a custody order shall include a scheduling order for presentation which conforms to Pa. R.C.P. No. 1915.12.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

A petition for leave to compromise, settle, or discontinue an action involving an incapacitated person is governed by Rule 2039.

A petition for leave to compromise, settle or discontinue an action in which an incapacitated person is a party shall be governed by Adams C.Civ.R. No. 2039.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Intermediary report

If the adopting parents do not know of the prior relinquishment or termination proceeding, an intermediary’s report must identify it by number and year.

When a report is filed by an intermediary and the prior relinquishment or termination proceeding is not known to the adopting parents, the report of the intermediary shall refer to the prior relinquishment or termination proceeding by number and year.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Transcript request

Transcript requests must use an approved standardized form that indicates current rates; requestors may also use the Pennsylvania District Court Administrator’s standardized form.

(a) All requests for transcripts shall be set forth on a standardized form approved by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts and provided by the 51st Judicial District and available at the office of District Court Administrator of Adams County and the Adams County website. The form shall indicate the current rates authorized to be charged for transcripts under these rules. Requestors may also use the standardized form as created by the District Court Administrator of Pennsylvania.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Formal arraignment waiver

A waiver of formal arraignment must be executed by both the defendant and counsel.

The waiver shall be executed by both the defendant and counsel.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Affidavit

Must include

proposed order

An affidavit filed under Pa.R.C.P. 1066 must be accompanied by a proposed order containing the requested relief authorized by that rule.

All affidavits filed pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No. 1066 shall be accompanied by a proposed Order containing the requested relief as authorized by Pa.R.C.P. No. 1066.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion

Every motion must identify the applicable procedural rule, statute, or other legal authority.

All motions shall identify the applicable procedural rule, statute or other legal authority.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Humane society police officer appointment petition

A petition for appointment of a humane society police officer must be filed with the Clerk of Courts and verify that the proposed officer meets statutory requirements.

Any person or entity seeking the appointment of a person to act as a humane society police officer pursuant to the provisions of 22 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 3701, et. seq., shall file a petition in the Office of the Clerk of Courts setting forth verification that the proposed officer satisfies the requirements of the statute.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed settlement

A proposed settlement submitted for court approval must state whether all owners, the County, and relevant municipal taxing authorities join it.

Any proposed settlement presented to the Court for approval shall indicate whether it is joined in by all owners, the County of Adams, and all relevant municipal taxing authorities.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibit sheet

In criminal matters, the Court Reporter must maintain an exhibit sheet for filing with the Clerk of Courts.

For criminal matters, the Court Reporter shall be responsible for maintaining an exhibit sheet to be filed with the Clerk of Courts.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

A party wishing to pay money into Court must request leave by petition in conformance with Adams C.Civ.R. 206.4 (c).

Any party wishing to pay money into Court shall request leave to do so by petition, in conformance with Adams C.Civ.R. 206.4 (c).

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

Must include

proposed order

A petitioner must attach a proposed order in the prescribed form to every petition except one filed under Adams C.Civ.R. No. 206.1(a)(4).

The petitioner shall attach to all petitions, except those filed under Adams C.Civ.R. No. 206.1(a)(4), a proposed Order in the following form:

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion to specially set hearing de novo

If a party believes the case involves complex issues or will take more than 20 minutes, it must file a Motion to Specially Set Hearing De Novo that estimates the hearing time.

In accordance with Pa. R.C.P. 1910.11 (j)(1), if a party believes the case will involve complex issues of law or fact, and/or it will take more than twenty (20) minutes to complete, then a Motion to Specially Set Hearing De Novo must be filed and served upon the opposing party. The moving party shall include an estimation of the time needed for hearing in the motion.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Agreement

If the Agreement lists children's full names and birth months and years, a Confidential Information Form must be filed with it.

If the Agreement lists full names and month/year of birth, you must file a Confidential Information Form with the Agreement.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Document submitted to prothonotary

A document filed with the Prothonotary’s Office must not disclose anyone’s Social Security number unless a Pennsylvania Supreme Court rule, court order, or State or Federal law specifically authorizes or requires it.

No document submitted for filing to the Prothonotary's Office shall disclose the Social Security number of any person, except as specifically authorized by Rule promulgated by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, court order, or as required by State or Federal law.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Written plea colloquy

Written Rule 590 plea colloquies must substantially use the Court-provided form available at the stated website.

Written Plea Colloquies required by Rule 590 shall substantially be in the form as provided by the Court, located at: https://www.adamscountypa.gov/courts/courtadministration/selfhelpcenter

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Information provided to agency

Within the two-week period, petitioners must provide the agency with a description of their home and detailed directions to it.

Petitioners shall, within the two (2) week period, provide the agency with a description of petitioners' home and detailed directions to it.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Government agency appeal

An appeal from a governmental agency’s final order under 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 933 must include a copy of that order.

Whenever an appeal is filed from the final order of a governmental agency pursuant to provisions of 42 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 933, the appeal shall have attached thereto a copy of said final order.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Praecipe

If a case settles before the hearing, plaintiff’s counsel must file a praecipe to settle, discontinue, or satisfy the action before the scheduled hearing date; failure may result in sanctions, including all arbitration costs.

If the case is settled before the hearing date, plaintiff’s counsel shall, prior to the date of the scheduled hearing, file with the Prothonotary a praecipe to settle, discontinue and/or satisfy the action. Failure to do so may subject counsel, in the sole discretion of the Court, to sanctions including imposition of all costs of arbitration.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

An uncontested motion must include a proposed Order on its first page.

All uncontested motions shall include a proposed Order on the first page of the motion.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Conciliator report

If conciliation does not produce an agreement, the conciliator's report must be filed and the matter scheduled for a court hearing.

(d) If no agreement is reached at the conciliation conference, a conciliator’s report shall be filed and the matter shall be scheduled for a hearing before the court.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Bail submission to court

Must include

proposed order

Whenever realty is accepted, the Clerk must transmit a certified copy of the bail bond and a proposed order directing judgment against the defendant and surety to the Court.

In all instances when realty is accepted, the Clerk shall transmit to the Court a certified copy of the bail bond, together with a proposed order directing that judgment be entered against both the defendant and surety in favor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to the use of the County of Adams.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Juror qualification form

The juror qualification form must be limited to qualification questions and substantially allow responses to the six specified questions.

Court Administration shall devise a juror qualification form limited to questions sufficient to determine a person’s qualification to serve as a juror as required by 42 Pa.C.S.A. §4521(d)(1). The juror qualification form shall be in a format that substantially allows for responses to the following questions: 1. Are you a resident of Adams County? 2. Are you a citizen of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania? 3. Can you read, write and understand the English language? 4. Have you been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year and not granted a pardon or amnesty? 5. Are you incapable, by reason of mental or physical infirmity, to render efficient jury service? 6. Are you 18 years of age or older?

CRITICALCivil cases

Must include

caption

The caption of a filed paper must conform to Pa.R.C.P. No. 1018.

The caption shall conform to Pa.R.C.P. No. 1018.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibits and exhibit sheet

Returning the exhibits and exhibit sheet, if applicable, to the Court’s Executive Assistant or the appropriate filing office, who shall verify receipt of all exhibits upon acceptance.

Returning the exhibits and exhibit sheet, if applicable, to the Court’s Executive Assistant or the appropriate filing office, who shall verify receipt of all exhibits upon acceptance.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Custody action

When initiating an agreed custody action without a custody conference, the filer must submit a custody complaint and the parties' criminal affidavits, and pay the filing fee at the Prothonotary's Office when submitting the proposed order.

If you are initiating a custody action and the parties have reached an agreement without the need of a custody conference, you must file a custody complaint with criminal affidavits of the parties and pay the appropriate filing fee at the Prothonotary’s Office at the same time as submitting the proposed order.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Account

A required account in a civil action must follow the Adams County Local Orphans Court Rules, but it must be filed with the Prothonotary.

When an account is required in a civil action, the account shall proceed in accordance with the Adams County Local Orphans Court Rules except that the filing shall be with the Prothonotary.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Paper requiring order

Must include

proposed order

Papers requiring an order must attach the proposed order as the first page and must first be filed with the Clerk of Courts or Prothonotary.

Papers requiring an order shall have a proposed order attached as the first page and shall be first filed in either the Office of the Clerk of Courts or the Office of the Prothonotary.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion for special relief

Must include

certificate of service

All motions for special relief shall be served on the opposing party prior to the filing of the motion with the Prothonotary and a Certificate of Service shall be attached to the motion.

All motions for special relief shall be served on the opposing party prior to the filing of the motion with the Prothonotary and a Certificate of Service shall be attached to the motion.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial conference memorandum

Each party must file a pre-trial conference memorandum as directed by the Court.

Each party shall file a pre-trial conference memorandum as directed by the Court.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Financial disclosure documents

When a party raises a claim for alimony, counsel fees, or costs and expenses, the filing party must file the required Income and Expense Statements, six months of pay stubs, and the most recent federal income tax return.

4. Either party has raised a claim for alimony, counsel fees or costs and expenses and the filing party has failed to file his/her Income and Expense Statements as required by Pa. R.Civ.P. No. 1910.27(c)(2)(b), copies of pay stubs for the preceding six months and copies of most recent federal income tax return as require by Pa. R.Civ.P. No. 1920.31;

CRITICAL

Applies to

Order for sale

The Magisterial District Judge must issue a sale order and provide the Sheriff with a copy and the specified vehicle, owner, lienholder, official, and cost information.

1. The Magisterial District Judge shall issue an order for the sale of the impounded, unclaimed vehicle and shall provide the Sheriff with a) a copy of said order, b) the name and address of each known owner, lienholder, and secured party of the vehicle, c) the appropriate law enforcement officer involved, d) the identity of any constable or towing agent involved, e) the location where the vehicle is impounded, f) any unpaid fines and costs owing to the Magisterial District Court and g) any known costs as described in 75 Pa.C.S.A. Sec. 6309, 6309.1 and 6309.2.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Board of view petition

A Board of View petition must identify interested and legally impacted persons and attorneys with actual or potential conflicts.

The petition shall identify persons having an interest in the appointment of the board, persons who will be legally impacted by the decision of such board, and any attorney who has a real or potential conflict of interest in the matter.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Agreement

The Agreement must ask the Court to enter it as an Order of Court.

The Agreement of the parties must contain language requesting the Court to enter the Agreement as an Order of Court.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Praecipe to transmit record

When the specified divorce grounds are established but ancillary claims remain unresolved, the moving party must file the required Praecipe to Transmit Record requesting approval of the grounds while the court retains jurisdiction over those claims.

To the extent that grounds for divorce have been established under Section 3301(c) or (d) of the Divorce Code and the parties have been unable to resolve the ancillary claims, the moving party shall file a Praecipe to Transmit Record in the form required by Pa. R.Civ. P. No. 1920.73 (c) requesting the Court to enter an order approving grounds for divorce with the court retaining jurisdiction over unresolved ancillary claims.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Board of view petition

A petition seeking appointment of a Board of View must cite the statutory authority for the request.

Petitions filed for the appointment of a Board of View shall cite therein the statutory authority under which the board is being sought.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Affidavit of probable cause

In the stated circumstance, the affidavit of probable cause must clearly state that the investigation does not involve a fatality or serious bodily injury.

In such instance, the affidavit of probable cause shall clearly set forth that the investigation does not involve a fatality and/or serious bodily injury;

CRITICAL

Applies to

Warrant

The court must vacate any active warrant related to a dismissed summary citation or ticket and promptly remove it from the systems or lists where it was issued.

ii. Vacate any active warrant in relation to the dismissed summary citation or ticket and promptly remove the warrant from MDJS, CPCMS or any other system or list in which the warrant has been issued.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

A party wishing to pay money into Court must petition for leave under Adams County Rule 206.4(c), except for the specified appeals from District Justices.

Except for appeals from District Justices pursuant to Pa.R.C.P.D.J. No. 1008 (see Adams County Rule of Judicial Administration 201), any party wishing to pay money into the Court shall, by petition, in conformance with Adams C.Civ.R. No. 206.4(c), request leave to do so.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of service

Each motion must contain or have attached a Certificate of Service.

A Certificate of Service shall be a part of, or attached to, the motion.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Proposed order filing

A self-represented filer must provide self-addressed, postage-prepaid envelopes for both parties.

If self-represented you must provide self-addressed, postage pre-paid envelopes for both parties.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Conciliation conference memorandum

The conciliation conference memorandum form includes a certificate stating compliance with the Pennsylvania Case Records Public Access Policy for filing confidential information and documents.

I certify that this filing complies with the provisions of the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania that require filing confidential information and documents differently than non-confidential information and documents.

CRITICAL

Applies to

School police officer appointment petition

A school district seeking appointment of a school police officer must file a petition in the Office of Prothonotary.

Any school district seeking to have a person appointed as a school police officer pursuant to provisions of 24 P. S. Sec. 7-778 shall file a petition in the Office of Prothonotary.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Preliminary objections

Must include

certificate of service

Preliminary objections must include a Certificate of Service or have one attached.

A Certificate of Service shall be a part of, or attached to, the preliminary objections.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion for appointment of divorce hearing officer

The appointment motion must certify that discovery is complete for the claims referred to the divorce hearing officer.

The motion must certify that discovery is complete for the claims which the divorce hearing officer is being requested to hear.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Complaint

Child support, spousal support, and APL actions must be commenced by filing a complaint with the Adams County Domestic Relations Section, which maintains the official record.

All actions for child support, spousal support and alimony pendente lite (APL) shall be commenced by filing a complaint with the Adams County Domestic Relations Section located at the Adams County Human Services Building, 525 Boyds School Road, Suite 600, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. All docketing of the records for child support, spousal support and APL matters shall be conducted by the Adams County Domestic Relations Section, who shall serve as the custodian of the official record for those matters.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Served documents

Must include

certificate of service

The moving party must file an appropriate certificate of service with the Prothonotary.

It is the moving party’s responsibility to serve all documents upon the opposing party in accordance with the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure and file an appropriate certificate of service with the Prothonotary.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Publication and case lists

The publication and lists sent to the District Attorney and taxing authority must include a disclaimer explaining the 30-day termination period and hearing-request exception.

The publication and lists sent to the District Attorney and tax bureau or taxing authority shall include a disclaimer to indicate that the matters listed shall be terminated after 30 days of publication or date of lists sent to the District Attorney and tax bureau or taxing authority unless a party to the proceeding requests a hearing from the appropriate Magisterial District Court.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Written agreement

Every agreement reached at conciliation must be written, signed by the parties immediately after the conference, and submitted to the court for adoption as an order.

All agreements reached at a conciliation conference, whether a comprehensive, partial or interim agreement, shall be reduced to a written agreement and shall be signed by the parties immediately upon conclusion of the conciliation conference and submitted to the court for adoption as an order.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Bail modification motion

Motions to reduce or modify bail must be filed of record.

Defendants' motions for reduction or modification of bail must be filed of record.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Stipulated application

Must include

proposed order

An application for an agreed Court Order must be accompanied by a stipulation signed by all affected counsel or unrepresented parties and a proposed Order.

If the parties agree to the relief sought, the application for a Court Order shall be accompanied by a stipulation signed by all affected counsel or unrepresented parties and a proposed Order.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Affidavit of non military service

If the properly served defendant fails to appear, the Plaintiff must file an Affidavit of Non-Military Service under Pa. R.Civ.P. No. 1920.46.

5. The defendant has been properly served and fails to appear in the action and the Plaintiff has not filed an Affidavit of Non-Military Service pursuant to Pa. R.Civ.P. No. 1920.46;

CRITICAL

Applies to

Hearing request

Parties requesting a hearing must certify whether it can reasonably be expected to last two or more hours.

An extended hearing is defined as one requiring two or more hours. Parties requesting a hearing, whether by order or praecipe, shall certify whether the hearing can reasonably be expected to become an extended hearing.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Criminal complaint and affidavit

A judicial officer may not accept the complaint and affidavit unless an attorney for the Commonwealth approved them before filing.

shall not hereafter be accepted by a judicial officer unless the complaint and affidavit has the approval of an attorney for the Commonwealth prior to filing.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Apl complaint

An APL complaint must include verification of the divorce filing, including the divorce case’s docket number and caption.

If filing for APL, the filing party shall provide verification of the divorce filing in the complaint for APL. This verification shall include the docket number and caption of the divorce case.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Responsive brief

A responsive brief must be filed together with any portions of the record supporting the opposition.

Within fifteen (15) days of service of the moving party's brief, any party opposing the motion shall file a responsive brief, together with any portions of the record which support opposition to the motion.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Stipulated agreement

Every stipulated agreement must request that the presiding judge enter it as an order of court.

All stipulated agreements shall contain language requesting the presiding judge to enter the agreement as an order of court.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Divorce hearing officer appointment motion

The motion requesting a divorce hearing officer must indicate that discovery is complete for the claims to be adjudicated.

3. The motion does not indicate that discovery is complete for the claims for which the divorce hearing officer is requested to adjudicate;

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Juror qualification form

The juror qualification form must include a signature line for a declaration under penalty of perjury that the responses are true to the best of the person’s knowledge.

The juror qualification form shall include a signature line for which the person completing the form declares under penalty of perjury that the responses to the questions on the form are true to the best of the person’s knowledge.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Brief

A brief longer than 15 pages must contain a table of contents and a table of citations.

(E) Any brief more than fifteen (15) pages shall contain a table of contents and a table of citations.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Agreement

all agreements shall contain the initials of each child and shall be filed with a Confidential Information Form.

all agreements shall contain the initials of each child and shall be filed with a Confidential Information Form.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

On record statement

Counsel waiving formal arraignment must be prepared to state on the record that the defendant received written notice of the applicable plea or trial date and appearance requirement.

Counsel waiving formal arraignment on behalf of a defendant shall be prepared to indicate on the record at the time of the plea day appearance and/or jury selection that the defendant was provided written notice as to the respective date and requirement that the defendant must appear for plea and/or trial.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

A firearm-disability exemption petition must include specified averments, supporting documentation as an exhibit, the identities of persons entitled to notice, and whether the hearing is open or closed.

A. Any person who is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm and who is seeking an exemption from such disability under provision of the Pennsylvania Uniform Firearms Act of 1995, 18 Pa. C.S.A. Sec. 6101, et. seq.1 and specifically under Section 6105 thereof, shall file a petition in the Office of the Prothonotary of Adams County. In addition to any other provision of law, the petition shall include: 1. Averment(s) stating the reason(s) the petitioner is prohibited from possessing a firearm and shall attach, as an exhibit, any supporting documentation. 2. Averment(s) stating the reason(s) the petitioner believes he/she is entitled to exemption. 3. The identity of all persons entitled to notice of the proceeding. 4. An averment whether, by law, the hearing is to be open or closed to the public.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion

All motions must include a certification by counsel for the petitioner, or the petitioner, that the motion is uncontested by all affected counsel and unrepresented parties or, in the alternative, that concurrence of all affected counsel and unrepresented parties has been sought or has been unable to be obtained.

All motions must include a certification by counsel for the petitioner, or the petitioner, that the motion is uncontested by all affected counsel and unrepresented parties or, in the alternative, that concurrence of all affected counsel and unrepresented parties has been sought or has been unable to be obtained.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Plea agreement

The parties must state the plea agreement’s terms on the record in open court and in the defendant’s presence.

When the parties have arrived at a plea agreement, they shall state on the record in open Court and in the presence of the Defendant, the terms of the agreement.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Complaint or petition

The complaint or petition must state how and when the complaint, custody-presentation order, and verification were served on the non-moving party or counsel.

An averment as to the form, time, and manner of serving a copy of the complaint, Order of Court for custody presentation, and moving party’s criminal record/abuse history verification to the non-moving party or to legal counsel;

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Hearing notice

The hearing notice must use the form prescribed in the rule.

The notice shall be in the following form:

CRITICAL

Applies to

In forma pauperis self help packet

To be considered for economic hardship, a party must fully complete and verify the in forma pauperis self-help packet.

In order for a party to be considered for economic hardship, the in forma pauperis self-help packet must be fully completed and verified.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Emergency custody complaint or modification or contempt petition

An emergency custody complaint, custody-modification petition, or contempt petition must identify itself as an emergency and state the reasons for the emergency.

(a) Emergency Petitions. If an emergency complaint for custody, petition for modification of custody, and/or petition for contempt is filed, the moving party shall indicate on the petition that it is an emergency and shall aver the reason(s) for the emergency nature of the request.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition for special relief

Must include

certificate of service

A certificate stating the date and manner of service must be filed within five days of filing.

A certificate of service shall be filed within five (5) days of filing indicating date and manner of service.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

A petition seeking a temporary order must be in the form required by the Rules of Civil Procedure.

B. if the plaintiff seeks the issuance of a temporary order, on the next Court of Common Pleas business day, the Plaintiff shall prepare and file a petition in the form required by the Rules of Civil Procedure and shall appear before a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Preliminary objections

Preliminary objections under Pa.R.C.P. No. 1028(a)(1), (5), or (6) must include an attached Notice to Plead.

Any party filing preliminary objections pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No. 1028(a)(1), (5), or (6) shall attach a Notice to Plead to the preliminary objections.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion for judgment on the pleadings

Must include

proposed order

A motion for judgment on the pleadings must be filed with a proposed order and supporting brief.

A party filing a motion for judgment on the pleadings shall file the motion, a proposed Order in the form set forth in subparagraph D. below and a supporting brief concurrently.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Discovery motion

Must include

proposed order

Discovery motions other than motions described in subparagraph (A) must include the information required there, the disputed discovery request and response where applicable, and a proposed order substantially in the form specified by Adams C.Civ.R. 206.4(c).

(B) Other discovery motions. All discovery motions, other than those set forth in subparagraph (A) above, shall include the following: 1. All information contained in subparagraph (A) above; 2. Where applicable, a copy of the discovery request and response, if any, in dispute; 3. A proposed Order substantially in the form set forth in Adams C.Civ.R. No. 206.4(c).

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Custody complaint or petition

A custody complaint or petition must state the relief sought, including the requested legal and physical custody arrangement.

The complaint or petition shall specifically state the relief sought by the moving party and shall have a proper verification attached, pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. No. 1024. This includes the relief sought for legal custody (sole or shared) and physical custody (sole, primary, partial, shared, or supervised).

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Marital counseling request

Must include

proposed order

A party timely requesting marital counseling under the cited statute must provide a proposed order staying proceedings and requiring counseling.

If a party timely requests marital counseling pursuant to 23 Pa. C.S.A. §3302, the party making such request shall provide a proposed order to stay the proceedings and require the parties to engage in marital counseling.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Proposed order filing

If counsel has no mailbox in the Prothonotary's Office, a self-addressed, postage-prepaid envelope to counsel's office must be provided.

If counsel does not have a mailbox in the Prothonotary’s Office a self-addressed, postage pre-paid envelope to counsel’s office must be provided.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Scheduling list

The District Court Administrator must produce a scheduling list for distribution to interested persons.

The District Court Administrator shall make arrangements for the individual to be produced before the Court no later than 72 hours after commitment to the prison and shall produce a scheduling list for the court to be distributed to interested persons.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Court order

The post-conference order must specify the trial date or term, a date certain to call the case for trial readiness, and, when appropriate, other conference actions and pretrial matters to be completed.

At the conclusion of the pre-trial conference, the assigned Judge shall issue an Order setting forth the date of bench trials, or in the event of a jury trial, setting the case for a specific term. The Court Order shall designate a date certain upon which the case will be called to determine trial readiness. The parties may answer the call formally by appearance, or informally by telephone or correspondence to the Court Administrator's Office prior to the call date. Failure to answer the call may result in the case being stricken from the trial list. The Order shall also set forth when appropriate any other action taken at the pre-trial conference including the scheduling of all matters to be completed before trial.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Written verification

A written verification concerning criminal-record or abuse history for the respondent and household members must be filed by the initial in-person court contact and no later than 30 days after service.

You must file with the court a written verification regarding any criminal record or abuse history regarding you and anyone living in your household on or before the initial in-person contact with the court but not later than thirty days after service of the complaint or petition.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Transcript request

A Legal Aid Services transcript request must include a certification letter verifying financial eligibility and either an appeal or litigation-related need for the transcript.

A transcript requested by Legal Aid Services must include with the request for transcript a letter of certification verifying that the client meets financial eligibility and the matter is under appeal or the transcript being requested is necessary to advance the current litigation.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion for appointment of board of arbitrators

Must include

proposed order

The motion must have a Local Rule 1303 proposed order attached to its front, with spaces for the court-appointed board members’ names.

The motion shall have a proposed Order in the form prescribed by Local Rule 1303 attached to the front of the motion that shall provide spaces for the names of the board members to be inserted when appointed by the Court.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Advertisement

An adult adoptee who wishes to take an adopting parent’s surname must advertise that desire in accordance with Pa. R.C.P. 430(b)(1).

An adult to be adopted who desires to assume the surname of adopting parent or parents shall advertise such desire in accordance with Pa. R.C.P. 430(b)(1).

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Pleading and docket entry

All pleadings and the docket entry in a voluntary relinquishment to an agency must use the child’s given name in the caption.

The caption for all pleadings and the docket entry shall carry the given name of the child.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Notice to district court administrator

The required notice to the District Court Administrator must include the committed person’s identity, docket number(s), warrant date, and commitment date and time.

Notice to the District Court Administrator required by Paragraph 4 shall include, but not be limited to, the identity of the person committed, the docket number(s), the date the warrant was issued, and the date and time of commitment.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Complaint or petition

The pleading must state the proposed custody arrangement in a paragraph.

The proposed custody arrangement shall be stated as a paragraph in the pleading;

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Proposed order

Every proposed order must state each child's full name and month and year of birth.

All proposed orders shall contain each child’s full name and the month/year of each child’s birth for identification purposes.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition for special relief

Must include

proposed order

A petitioner seeking a return date sooner than 20 days after filing, a stay, or substantive relief must file the petition, proposed order, and rule with the Prothonotary for forwarding to the assigned judge.

Any petitioner seeking a return date sooner than twenty (20) days of filing, or seeking a rule which stays proceedings or which by its terms grants substantive relief, shall file the petition, proposed order and rule with the Prothonotary who shall forward it to the assigned judge.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Written statement

For money paid to the Prothonotary under Pa. R.Civ.P.D.J. 1008, the payee must state in writing whether periodic releases to the landlord are authorized, and the tenant must state the amount if authorization is granted.

When money is paid to the Prothonotary pursuant to Pa. R.Civ.P.D.J. 1008, the payee shall state in writing whether or not the Prothonotary is authorized to periodically release sums to a landlord without application by the landlord. If authority is granted, the tenant shall state the amount that may be periodically disbursed.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Custody complaint or petition

The moving party must state the factual basis for the relief sought in the complaint or petition.

Further, the moving party shall also state the factual basis for the relief sought.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Demand for hearing de novo

A party seeking review must file a Demand for Hearing De Novo using the prescribed form.

Any party may seek review by the court of the order entered following the office conference by filing a Demand for Hearing De Novo. The “Demand For Hearing De Novo” form shall be used to make such a request.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Search warrant application

A judicial officer may not issue a covered search warrant unless an attorney for the Commonwealth approved the application before filing.

shall not hereafter be issued by any judicial officer unless the search warrant application has the approval of an attorney for the Commonwealth prior to filing.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Conciliation conference memorandum

The conciliation conference memorandum must include a proposed resolution of all matters, which may be a parenting plan attached to the memorandum.

(6) A proposed resolution of all matters, which may be in the form of a parenting plan attached to the memorandum; and

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition for compensation and expenses

The Board of View must make its petition for compensation and expenses when it files its report.

A Petition For Compensation and Expenses shall be made by the Board of View at the time of the filing of its Report.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion for appointment of divorce hearing officer

The motion and order must substantially follow Pa. R.Civ.P. No. 1920.74 and state whether an acting hearing officer is disqualified and why.

The form of the Motion for Appointment of Divorce Hearing Officer and Order shall be substantially as set forth in Pa. R.Civ.P. No. 1920.74 and shall aver whether any acting divorce hearing officer is disqualified from acting as the hearing officer in the action along with the basis for disqualification.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Affidavit of service

The affidavit of service must state that the petition, citation, and notice were read and explained to the alleged incapacitated person.

The affidavit of service shall, in all cases, recite that the petition and citation and notice were read and explained to the alleged incapacitated person.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

A petition seeking leave to compromise, settle, or discontinue the specified action must contain the listed case and damages information.

A petition for leave to compromise, settle or discontinue an action in which a minor is a party or an action for wrongful death in which a minor is interested shall set forth:

WARNINGCriminal cases

Applies to

Formal arraignment waiver

A represented defendant may waive formal arraignment by presenting the Court with a waiver substantially in the Rule 571.1 form before or at formal arraignment.

A defendant who is represented by counsel of record may waive appearance at formal arraignment by presenting to the Court prior to or at the time of formal arraignment a waiver in substantially the form set forth in Rule 571.1.

WARNINGCriminal cases

Applies to

Judgment entry

In Adams County, the Prothonotary's office is the appropriate office for entry of judgment.

In Adams County, the appropriate office for entry of judgment shall be the Prothonotary's office.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Pretrial conference praecipe

When an action is at issue and discovery is substantially complete, a party may request a pretrial conference by praecipe filed with the Prothonotary, stating whether trial will be by jury or bench.

(A) When an action is at issue and discovery has been substantially completed, any party may, by praecipe filed with the Prothonotary, request a pre-trial conference. The praecipe shall state whether the case is to be tried before a jury or by bench trial.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Agreement

All parties must sign in a witness's presence; notarization is preferred but not required.

All parties must sign in the presence of a witness. Notarized agreements are preferred, but not required.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Waiver

The court automatically schedules oral argument unless both parties file a written waiver.

Oral argument shall automatically be scheduled by the court unless both the parties file a written waiver.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Parenting plan

The Court may require the parties to submit a parenting plan to help resolve the dispute.

The Court may require the parties to submit a parenting plan to aid in resolution of the dispute.

WARNING

Applies to

Notice of intervention

An eligible County, municipality, or school district may intervene by filing a Notice of Intervention with the Prothonotary.

The County of Adams or the proper municipality or school district not named as Appellee may intervene as of course during the pendency of the appeal by filing a Notice of Intervention with the Prothonotary.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Marriage settlement agreement

A copy of the parties’ Marriage Settlement Agreement must be provided to the divorce hearing officer if requested.

A copy of the parties’ Marriage Settlement Agreement shall be provided to the divorce hearing officer, if so requested.

WARNINGCriminal cases

Applies to

Written notice

In the event the preliminary hearing is waived, the Written Notice may be given solely to counsel who thereafter shall have the Written Notice executed

In the event the preliminary hearing is waived, the Written Notice may be given solely to counsel who thereafter shall have the Written Notice executed

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Agreement

The parties' Agreement should list each child by initials and month and year of birth.

The Agreement of the parties should list the child/ren by initials and month/year of birth.

WARNING

Applies to

Paper

Must include

case number

The caption should include the name and division of the Court, identifying case number, the names of the parties, and the title of the proceeding.

The caption should include the name and division of the Court, identifying case number, the names of the parties, and the title of the proceeding.

WARNING

Applies to

Paper

Papers should normally be presented to the Court Administrator for routing; if the judge is already presiding over the litigation, they may instead be presented to that judge in chambers or filed in open court.

Normally, papers should then be presented to the Court Administrator for routing. Papers may also be presented to the appropriate judge in chambers, or filed in open court, if the judge is already presiding over that litigation.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Motion for remote participation

Consistent with Pa. R.C.P. No. 1930.3, all requests for a party or a witness to participate in a hearing de novo via telephone, audiovisual or other electronic means shall be made by formal motion with good cause shown filed at the Domestic Relations Section at least seven (7) days in advance of the hearing de novo. The opposing party’s position on the request must be noted in the motion, otherwise it may be denied at the discretion of the court.

Consistent with Pa. R.C.P. No. 1930.3, all requests for a party or a witness to participate in a hearing de novo via telephone, audiovisual or other electronic means shall be made by formal motion with good cause shown filed at the Domestic Relations Section at least seven (7) days in advance of the hearing de novo. The opposing party’s position on the request must be noted in the motion, otherwise it may be denied at the discretion of the court.

WARNINGCriminal cases

Applies to

Preliminary hearing waiver

Execution of the waiver form acknowledges the bail conditions, and no further defendant signature on bail documentation is required by the Magisterial District Judges.

Execution of the waiver form by a party will indicate their acknowledgement of the bail conditions. The Magisterial District Judges are relieved from requiring further signature of the defendant on bail documentation.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Opposition brief

An opposition brief must include an argument and conclusion; a counterstatement or question involved is optional, but if omitted, the moving party's statement is deemed adopted.

(C) The brief in opposition shall contain an argument and a conclusion. It is not necessary that a counterstatement of the case or the question involved be included; however, if the brief in opposition does not include a counterstatement of the case or the question involved, the statement of the moving party shall be deemed adopted.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Agreement

The Agreement should include the following standard paragraphs regarding Relocation of a Party:

The Agreement should include the following standard paragraphs regarding Relocation of a Party:

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Written objection

Your objection should specifically state the amount of money that you dispute is owed.

Your objection should specifically state the amount of money that you dispute is owed.

INFOCivil cases

Applies to

Responsive brief

Previous filings in the matter do not have to be attached to the responsive brief.

Previous filings in the matter need not be attached.

INFOCivil cases

Applies to

Agreement and proposed consent order

At any time while proceedings are pending, the parties may file an agreement and proposed consent order with written consents attached and original signatures of the parties and counsel.

At any time during the pendency of the proceedings, the parties may file with the Prothonontary an agreement and proposed consent order, with the written consents attached thereto, containing original signatures by the parties and their counsel.

INFOCivil cases

Applies to

Stipulated custody agreement and proposed order

Parties with a stipulated custody agreement may file the agreement and a proposed court order with the Prothonotary.

If the parties have a stipulated agreement for custody, then the parties may file the stipulated agreement and a proposed order of court with the Prothonotary.

INFO

Applies to

Guardian ad litem appointment request

An interested party may move for appointment of a guardian ad litem when facts are of record, or petition when they are not of record.

Any interested party may move, in the case wherein facts are of record, or may petition, in cases wherein facts are not of record, for the appointment of a guardian ad litem for any party in interest, not sui juris, by reason of infancy or otherwise.

INFOCivil cases

Applies to

Case memoranda or relevant information

The mediator may direct the parties to submit relevant case memoranda or information before mediation.

The Mediator may direct the parties to submit case memoranda or information relevant to the case in advance of the scheduled Mediation.

INFOCivil cases

Applies to

Motion for appointment of board of arbitrators

After the pleadings close or an arbitration agreement is filed, a party may request appointment of an arbitration board by written motion.

Any party to a case, after the pleadings are closed or an agreement to arbitrate has been filed, may request the appointment of a board of arbitrators by written motion.