Court of Common Pleas of Berks County, Pennsylvania Filing Timing and Cure Windows

CRITICALCivil cases

Procedural defects identified on review must be corrected within 60 days; otherwise, the file is returned and a new praecipe and administrative fee are required.

Upon submission of a praecipe to transmit the record, the file will be reviewed for procedural compliance. If procedural compliance had been achieved, a Divorce Decree will be entered in the normal course. If procedural defects are found to exist, counsel and unrepresented parties will receive a form indicating the defects found and sixty (60) days to correct the defects. If the defects are not corrected within sixty (60) days, the file will be returned to the Prothonotary’s Office and a new praecipe to transmit the record together with the administrative fee will be required to be filed.

CRITICALCivil cases

If the EFS is unavailable, a registered user must make reasonable efforts to file as soon as service resumes.

If the EFS is unavailable at the time a registered user attempts to file a document, the registered user shall make reasonable efforts to file the document as soon as the unavailability ends.

CRITICALCivil cases

An accepted legal paper is filed as of the date and time the EFS received it, except that a submission lacking the required fee is accepted for filing as of payment; the Prothonotary may refuse an unpaid submission.

If a legal paper is accepted, it shall be deemed to have been filed as of the date and time it was received by the Berks County Electronic Filing System; provided, however, that if a legal paper is submitted without the requisite fee, the legal paper shall be deemed to have been accepted for filing as of the date payment was received. The Prothonotary is authorized to refuse for filing a legal paper submitted without the requisite payment.

CRITICALCivil cases

The hearing must be scheduled for the next Discovery Master Friday at least 14 days after filing, or the following non-holiday Friday if that Friday is a court holiday.

The Prothonotary will forward the discovery application to the assigned judge, who will promptly enter an order scheduling a hearing on the discovery application before a Discovery Master on the next scheduled Discovery Master hearing date (which shall be a Friday) that is at least fourteen (14) days after the date the discovery application was filed. If the Friday of the week in which the discovery application would otherwise be heard is a court holiday, it shall be scheduled for a hearing on the next Friday that is not a court holiday.

CRITICALCivil cases

A praecipe for argument must not be filed when the summary-judgment motion is filed.

No praecipe for argument shall be filed at the time that the motion is filed.

CRITICALCivil cases

The required supporting materials must be filed with the motion for judgment on the pleadings.

(a) A party filing a motion for judgment on the pleadings shall file simultaneously with the Clerk an argument brief, an argument scheduling order, and a proof of service.

CRITICALCivil cases

The electronic filing deadline for any document is 11:59:59 p.m. EST/EDT.

The filing deadline for any document filed electronically is 11:59:59 p.m. EST/EDT.

CRITICAL

The clerk must time-stamp filed papers with the filing day and hour; for electronically filed documents, the recorded date and time are when the system received the paper, and parole evidence cannot contradict the endorsement.

The prothonotary or clerk of courts shall time-stamp all papers filed the day and hour of filing the same, and no parole evidence shall be received to contradict such endorsement. For electronically filed documents, the date and time shall be the time the legal paper was received by the Berks County Electronic Filing System as more specifically set forth in B.R.C.P. No. 205.4.

WARNINGCivil cases

A registered user who believes an EFS outage prejudiced a timely filing may move the court within 10 days of the unsuccessful filing attempt.

If a registered user believes the unavailability of the EFS prevented a timely filing to the party’s prejudice, the registered user may submit a motion to the court within ten (10) days of the registered user’s unsuccessful attempt to file the document.

WARNINGCriminal cases

When mailing a waiver, allow for possible delivery delays, especially around holidays.

If mailing waiver, allow for possible delay, particularly around holidays.

WARNINGCriminal cases

A not-guilty plea or notation that the Defendant stands mute may be entered in the District Attorney's office before 5:00 P.M. on the day preceding arraignment court.

Such plea or notation that the Defendant stands mute may be entered in the District Attorney's office at any time prior to 5:00 P.M. of a day preceding arraignment court,

INFOCivil cases

The Prothonotary must acknowledge receipt with the EFS date and time and, after review, notify the filing party whether the paper was accepted or refused.

(i) Upon receipt of the legal paper, the Prothonotary shall provide the filing party with an acknowledgment, which includes the date and time the legal paper was received by the Berks County Electronic Filing System. (ii) After review of the legal paper, the Prothonotary shall provide the filing party with e-mail notification, or notification on the Berks County Electronic Filing System, that the legal paper has been accepted for filing (“filed”) or refused and not accepted for filing.

CRITICALCivil cases

The non-moving party must respond to the summary-judgment motion within 30 days after service.

The non-moving party shall file a response to the motion for summary judgment no later than thirty (30) days after the date of service of the motion in accordance with Pa.R.C.P. 1035.3(a).

CRITICALCivil cases

The party without the burden must file its argument court brief at least seven days before the scheduled argument date, unless the Court sets another date.

An argument court brief shall be filed by the party not having the burden at argument court at least seven (7) days preceding the argument court date set forth in the scheduling order unless another date has been set by the Court.

CRITICALCivil cases

The non-moving party must file a response and proof of service no later than 30 days after service of the summary judgment motion.

(b) The non-moving party shall file a response to the motion for summary judgment and proof of service no later than thirty (30) days after the date of service of the motion in accordance with Pa.R.C.P. 1035.3(a).

CRITICALCivil cases

If no exceptions are filed within 30 days after the account is filed, and required notice and proof have been filed, the account is confirmed and the accountant must distribute the funds and file a release or satisfaction.

If at the expiration of thirty (30) days after the filing of said account, provided that notice shall have been given as required and proof thereof filed, no exceptions are filed to the account or to the proposed distribution, the account shall be confirmed absolutely as of course and the accountant shall make the distribution proposed and file in the prothonotary's office a release or satisfaction of award from the distributees.

CRITICALCivil cases

A witness-attendance bill of costs following a continuance must be filed within 10 days after the continuance.

A bill of costs for attendance of witnesses when a case or hearing is continued must be filed within ten (10) days after the continuance

CRITICALCivil cases

The praecipe must request the next argument court date at least 24 days after filing, or a later date certified as agreeable to all parties and the assigned judge.

The praecipe shall order that the motion be listed for argument on the next argument court date that is at least twenty-four (24) days from the date of filing, or any later date that the party filing the praecipe certifies is agreeable to all parties and the assigned judge.

CRITICALCivil cases

Within 10 days after exceptions are filed, the excepting party must arrange for transcription and pay the stenographer’s estimated cost, unless the court grants an extension for cause shown.

If exceptions are filed to the report of a Divorce Master, the excepting party shall within ten (10) days arrange for the transcribing of the testimony for filing with the court and pay to the stenographer within said time the estimated cost thereof, unless the court on motion shall grant an extension for cause shown.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Exceptions to a bill of costs must be filed with the Clerk of Courts within five days after the bill is filed.

Exceptions to such bill of costs must be filed with the Clerk of Courts, accompanied by an affidavit of the truth of the allegations made therein within five (5) days after such bill of costs is filed with the Clerk of Courts.

CRITICALCivil cases

Objections to accounts may be made at any time prior to the close of business on the first Tuesday of each month (or the first Monday of each month should the first Tuesday be a holiday) to the Court by the Clerk by filing such objections in writing in the Clerk of the Orphans’ Court Division.

Objections to accounts may be made at any time prior to the close of business on the first Tuesday of each month (or the first Monday of each month should the first Tuesday be a holiday) to the Court by the Clerk by filing such objections in writing in the Clerk of the Orphans’ Court Division.

CRITICALCivil cases

The praecipe must request the next argument court date at least 24 days after filing, or a later date agreeable to all parties and the assigned judge.

The praecipe shall order that the preliminary objections be listed for argument on the next argument court date that is at least twenty-four (24) days from the date of filing, or any later date that the party filing the praecipe certifies is agreeable to all parties and the assigned judge.

CRITICALCivil cases

The notice endorsed on the complaint must direct the defendant to answer the application within 20 days after service.

The complaint shall be endorsed with a notice to answer said application within twenty (20) days after service.

CRITICALCivil cases

A court session, return day, or time for a judicial or clerical act that falls on a holiday, Saturday, or Sunday moves to the next day that is none of those, unless a rule or court order provides otherwise.

Whenever a session of the court, a return day, or any time fixed for performing any judicial or clerical duty, falls on a holiday, a Saturday or a Sunday, the next following day not a holiday, a Saturday or a Sunday shall be the day for the session of court, the return day, or the time for performance of the judicial or clerical act, unless otherwise provided by these rules or order of court.

CRITICALCriminal cases

When someone other than the District Attorney files the application, the District Attorney must determine within seven days whether it merits consideration.

If the application is filed by other than the District Attorney, within seven (7) days after such filing, the District Attorney shall determine whether or not the application merits consideration.

CRITICAL

Appropriate prosecution steps or written objections stating reasons must be taken or filed within 60 days after the notice is mailed.

setting forth the caption of the case and that if no appropriate legal steps are taken for prosecuting the case to conclusion, or no written objections to termination setting forth the reasons therefore are filed within sixty (60) days after the mailing of such notice, the case will be ordered terminated, as of course, without further notice, and thereafter no proceeding may be had on such matters except upon order of the Berks County Court of Common Pleas, upon proper cause shown.

CRITICALCivil cases

The report must be filed within 30 days after the final hearing unless the assigned Judge grants a motion extending the decision period to 60 days.

The report shall be filed no later than thirty (30) days following the date of the final hearing in accordance with Pa.R.C.P. 1931 unless a motion to extend time for decision to sixty (60) days has been granted by the assigned Judge.

CRITICALCivil cases

All other cases may be ordered for argument court (a) by the party having the burden at argument by filing a praecipe and required documents with the prothonotary on or before the twenty-fourth (24th) day preceding such argument court date;

All other cases may be ordered for argument court (a) by the party having the burden at argument by filing a praecipe and required documents with the prothonotary on or before the twenty-fourth (24th) day preceding such argument court date;

CRITICALCivil cases

The non-moving party must file a responsive brief within 20 days after service of the moving party’s argument brief.

(c) If the moving party files the request for argument, an argument brief shall be filed therewith, and the non-moving party shall file a responsive brief within 20 days of service of the moving party’s brief.

CRITICALCivil cases

A court-appointed guardian must promptly submit the completed mental health commitment notification form after appointment.

Promptly upon appointment, a court-appointed guardian shall submit a completed Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Notification of Mental Health Commitment (Form SP 4-131) to the court.

CRITICALCivil cases

Within five days after filing the Notice of Intervention, the intervenor must file proof of service consisting of a verified statement and the certified- or registered-mail receipt.

Intervenor shall file with the Prothonotary within five days of the filing of Notice of Intervention proof of service of copies thereof consisting of a verified statement as “verified” is defined in Pa.R.C.P.No.76 that service was made by certified or registered mail, with sender’s receipt for certified or registered mail attached thereto.

CRITICALCivil cases

A retaxation hearing may not be held until at least 5 days after notice is served on the parties.

The hearing shall be held not less than five (5) days after notice is served on the parties.

CRITICALCivil cases

A party who missed the conference and objects to the recommended interim order must file a written hearing demand within 20 days after the order is mailed.

If a party who failed to appear at the conference and objects to the interim order recommended at the conference, the objecting party shall file a written demand for a hearing before a hearing officer within twenty (20) days from the date of mailing of the interim order, as set forth in Pa.R.C.P. 1910.12(b)(2).

CRITICAL

A party may prevent termination by filing a Statement of Intention to Proceed with the Prothonotary at the specified address on or before the date stated in the notice.

You may stop the court from terminating the case by filing a Statement of Intention to Proceed. The Statement of Intention to Proceed should be filed with Prothonotary of the Court at Berks County Prothonotary, 2nd Floor Courthouse, 633 Court Street, Reading, PA 19601 on or before _________.

CRITICALCriminal cases

A party may appeal the decision or retaxation within ten days after receiving it by filing the challenged items and grounds with the Clerk of Courts.

Any party may file an appeal to the court form such decision or retaxation within ten (10) days after receipt thereof by filing a specification of items to which objection is taken along with the grounds for such objection in the office of the Clerk of Courts.

CRITICALCivil cases

If the praecipe, argument brief, or proof of service is not filed simultaneously with the motion, the defects must be corrected within five business days after receipt of the file to avoid possible denial.

(2) If a party filing a motion for judgment on the pleadings fails to simultaneously file such praecipe, argument brief and/or proof of service, the Prothonotary shall immediately notify the Court, whereupon the Court may, unless all defects are corrected within five (5) business days of the receipt of the file, deny the motion.

CRITICALCriminal cases

The real-estate statement must be filed before the bondsman writes any bail based on the property and again on or before January 31 each year.

The professional bondsman shall file the statement required by subsection (a) hereof before writing any bail on the basis of said real estate, and thereafter on or before January 31st of each year.

CRITICALCivil cases

The non-moving party must file its argument brief by the Tuesday before argument, or Monday if Tuesday is a holiday, with proof of first-class-mail service.

The non-moving party shall thereafter file an argument brief on or before the Tuesday (or Monday, if Tuesday is a holiday) before the argument court date, accompanied by a proof of service of copies of the argument brief upon counsel for all other parties and any unrepresented parties by first class mail.

CRITICALCriminal cases

During the seven-day consideration period, the District Attorney may request additional information from the Adult Probation Officer and must approve or reject the application within 35 days of its original filing.

During that time period, the District Attorney may request the Adult Probation Officer to furnish any additional information concerning Defendant, and within thirty-five (35) days after the original filing date of the application the District Attorney shall either (1) reject the application, or (2) approve the application.

CRITICALCivil cases

All parties must file the required pre-arbitration memorandum with the Prothonotary at least seven days before the hearing and immediately serve it on each party and arbitrator.

At least seven (7) days before the date of the arbitration hearing, all parties shall file with the Prothonotary a memorandum in the form hereinafter provided and shall immediately serve a copy on each party and each arbitrator.

CRITICALCivil cases

The order must set a discovery-completion date no later than 60 days after the date on the proof of service accompanying the preliminary objections.

(2) Depositions and/or any other discovery required for determination of the preliminary objections shall be completed by __________. [The date inserted shall be no longer than sixty (60) days after the date listed on the proof of service accompanying the preliminary objections.]

CRITICAL

When mailed notice is returned undelivered and the case is neither settled nor withdrawn, the district justice must certify the case information to the county court administrator 45 to 60 days after depositing the notice in the mail.

If the district justice is unable to give notice under subsections (a) or (c) hereof, along with copy of objections if applicable, in that the same has been mailed and returned undelivered, and the case is not settled or the prosecution withdrawn in accordance with the Pennsylvania Rules of criminal Procedure, the district justice shall, not less than forty-five (45) days nor more than sixty (60) days after having deposited the notice, along with copy of objections if applicable, in the mail, certify the caption and docket number of such case to the court administrator of Berks County,

CRITICALCivil cases

Exceptions to a bill of costs must be filed with the prothonotary within 5 days after receipt and accompanied by a verified statement of the truth of their allegations.

Exceptions to such bill of costs must be filed with the prothonotary, accompanied by a verified statement, as verified is defined in Pa.R.C.P. 76, of the truth of the allegations made therein within five (5) days after receipt of such bill of costs.

CRITICALCivil cases

If a hearing is not requested by the filing deadline, the interim order becomes final.

If no hearing is requested by the filing deadline, the interim order shall become final.

CRITICALCivil cases

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

(a) Real Estate Tax Assessment Appeal from a decision of the Berks County Board of Assessment Appeals as to the amount of assessment for real estate tax purposes or as to exemption of real estate from payment of real estate taxes shall be captioned Real Estate Tax Assessment Appeal and shall be filed with the Prothonotary within the time prescribed by statute.

CRITICALCivil cases

A witness-attendance bill of costs after trial must be filed within 10 days after the last day of trial.

A bill of costs for attendance of witnesses when a case is tried must be filed within ten (10) days after the last day of trial

CRITICALCivil cases

Noncompliant papers are still accepted and the case is listed for argument, but the party may not participate unless it timely cures without prejudice or the court permits participation for good cause.

Where there has not been strict compliance with these rules as to time for filing, content or praecipe and proof of service of praecipe and/or brief of argument, as applicable, the prothonotary shall still accept the praecipe or brief of argument for filing, and Court Administration shall list the case for oral argument. The non-compliant party, however, shall be prohibited from participating in oral argument before the court unless the non-compliant party timely cures any defects and there is no prejudice to any opposing party, or the court, in its discretion, allows the non-compliant party to participate after good cause is shown.

CRITICALCivil cases

Opposing parties must file their argument briefs by the stated pre-argument deadline, or seven days before an agreed argument date unless the judge orders otherwise.

In those cases where the party having the burden at argument has filed a praecipe for argument and accompanying documents in compliance with the requirements of subsection (a), each opposing party shall file with the prothonotary on or before the Tuesday (or Monday if Tuesday is a holiday) prior to the argument court date the required copies of his brief of argument accompanied by a proof of service that copies of brief of argument have been served upon all other parties in the case. When the argument date is by agreement of the parties and the assigned judge, unless the assigned judge orders otherwise, each opposing party shall file its argument brief no later than seven (7) days prior to the agreed upon argument date.

CRITICALCivil cases

In the specified DRS cases, the party finalizing the related divorce must promptly provide the DRS Docketing Division with the signed final divorce decree.

In any DRS case in which there is a current charging order of alimony pendente lite (APL) or spousal support, or an allocated order which includes APL or spousal support, the party filing to finalize the related divorce action shall promptly provide the DRS Docketing Division with a copy of the signed final divorce decree.

CRITICALCivil cases

Judgment on a verdict may not be entered during the time allowed for post-trial motions unless the court permits it by special order.

No judgment shall be entered upon a verdict within the time allowed for post-trial motions, unless allowed by special order of court.

CRITICALCivil cases

A praecipe filed by the party with the burden must list the next argument court date that is at least 24 days after filing.

the particular date the case is ordered to be listed for argument, which date shall be the next argument court date that is at least twenty-four (24) days from the date of filing (if filed by the party having the burden at argument)

CRITICALCivil cases

The completed transcript must be filed within 30 days after exceptions are filed unless the court grants an extension for cause shown.

The completed transcript shall be filed within thirty (30) days of the filing of the exceptions unless the court on motion shall grant an extension for cause shown.

CRITICALCivil cases

The party who caused the writ to issue must take one of the specified procedural steps within ten days after the record is returned.

the party causing the writ to issue shall, within ten (10) days after the return of the record:

CRITICAL

Requests for daily, expedited, same-day, or rough-draft transcripts must be filed in writing with the appropriate filing office at least 10 days before the proceeding.

(C) Where daily, expedited, same day, or rough draft transcripts are requested, requests for these transcripts shall be filed in writing in the appropriate filing office at least 10 days prior to the proceeding.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Objections not raised before the Clerk of Courts are deemed abandoned.

Objections not raised before the Clerk of Courts shall be deemed abandoned.

CRITICALCivil cases

The non-moving party must file an answer, argument brief, and proof of service within 30 days.

(b) The non-moving party shall file an answer, argument brief and a proof of service within 30 days.

CRITICALCivil cases

When the party without the burden filed the praecipe, the party with the burden must file its argument brief and proof of service by the 24th day before argument.

In those cases where a party not having the burden at argument has filed a praecipe for argument and proof of service in compliance with the requirements of subsection (b), the party having the burden shall file with the prothonotary on or before the twenty-fourth (24th) day preceding the argument court date the required copies of his brief of argument accompanied by a proof of service that copies of briefs of argument have been served upon all other parties in the case.

CRITICAL

Transcript requests unrelated to appeals, or without a court order directing transcription, receive no priority but must be filed and delivered within 45 days unless the president judge approves a good-cause extension.

(F) Requests for transcripts unrelated to cases under appeal or in cases where no court order has been entered directing transcription shall not be given priority. However, such transcripts shall be filed and delivered within 45 days, absent an extension for good cause approved by the president judge.

CRITICALCivil cases

After May 1, a surety company may not execute a bond until it files a certificate issued after March 31 of that year.

no bond shall be executed by any surety company after May 1 of any year until such a certificate issued after March 31 of the same year shall have been filed with the Clerk.

CRITICAL

Written notice of the hearing must be provided at least 45 days before the hearing.

shall give at least forty- five (45) days written notice thereof, along with a copy of said written objections, by first class mail to all parties previously notified as provided under subsection (1) hereof

CRITICAL

A hearing on objections that do not state prima facie satisfactory reasons must be scheduled between 45 and 60 days after the objections are filed.

If such written objections to termination do not set forth reasons prima facie satisfactory to the district justice, said written objections shall be considered as being in the nature of a rule issued, as of course, against all opposing parties to show cause why the case should not remain active, whereupon the district justice shall schedule the matter for hearing, to be held not less than forty-five (45) days nor more than sixty (60) days after such filing,

CRITICALCivil cases

Mediation does not delay required pleadings, ordered return dates, or hearing scheduling unless all interested parties specifically request a stay and the court orders it.

Mediation shall not delay the required filing of any pleading or ordered return dates, or the scheduling of court hearings, unless a stay is specifically requested by all interested parties, and so ordered by the court.

CRITICALCivil cases

Each opposing party thereafter shall file with the prothonotary on or before the Tuesday (or Monday if Tuesday is a holiday) before the argument court date the required copies of his brief of argument accompanied by proof of service that copies of briefs of argument have been served upon all other parties in the case. When the argument date is by agreement of the parties and the assigned judge, unless the assigned judge orders otherwise, the party having the burden shall file its argument brief no later than twenty-four (24) days prior to the agreed upon argument date, and each opposing party shall file its argument brief no later than seven (7) days prior to the agreed upon argument date.

Each opposing party thereafter shall file with the prothonotary on or before the Tuesday (or Monday if Tuesday is a holiday) before the argument court date the required copies of his brief of argument accompanied by proof of service that copies of briefs of argument have been served upon all other parties in the case. When the argument date is by agreement of the parties and the assigned judge, unless the assigned judge orders otherwise, the party having the burden shall file its argument brief no later than twenty-four (24) days prior to the agreed upon argument date, and each opposing party shall file its argument brief no later than seven (7) days prior to the agreed upon argument date.

CRITICALCivil cases

Deadline

7 calendar days

Each represented party and each party without counsel must file a pretrial conference memorandum at least seven calendar days before the conference, together with proof of service.

Counsel for each party or a party without counsel shall file a pretrial conference memorandum with the prothonotary at least seven (7) calendar days prior to the date of the scheduled pretrial conference along with a proof of service of a copy of the memorandum upon counsel of record or a party without counsel.

CRITICALCivil cases

Absent good cause, failure to act promptly to pay for and secure the transcript results in dismissal of the exceptions upon motion.

Absent good cause shown, failure of the excepting party to act promptly in accordance with (a) above to pay the cost and secure the transcript shall result in the dismissal of said exceptions by the court upon motion.

CRITICALCivil cases

If no acceptable corrected record or answer is filed within ten days and the parties cannot stipulate to corrections, the petitioner may apply for the court to set a hearing date.

If a corrected record or an answer to the petition acceptable to petitioner is not filed within ten (10) days, and the parties are unable to stipulate of record what corrections are to be made to the record, upon application of the petitioner the court shall fix a hearing date

CRITICALCivil cases

Any written objections must be filed before the motion filing date.

Written objections, if any, shall be filed and served on all counsel of record and any unrepresented party prior to the filing date.

CRITICALCivil cases

If the party filing the preliminary objections fails to simultaneously file any of the additional documents required by paragraphs (1) and (2) above, the Prothonotary shall notify the Court, whereupon the Court may, unless all defects are corrected within five (5) business days of receipt of the file, overrule the preliminary objections.

If the party filing the preliminary objections fails to simultaneously file any of the additional documents required by paragraphs (1) and (2) above, the Prothonotary shall notify the Court, whereupon the Court may, unless all defects are corrected within five (5) business days of receipt of the file, overrule the preliminary objections.

CRITICALCivil cases

An opposing party must file its answer by the date in the order, which must be 20 days after service unless the parties stipulate to a different time.

(1) Any party wishing to oppose the preliminary objections shall file with the Prothonotary an original and one copy of the answer to the preliminary objections and proof that the answer to the preliminary objections has been served by first class mail upon counsel for all other parties and any unrepresented parties no later than _________. [In accordance with Pa.R.C.P. 239.5 and 1026(a), which require any party opposing preliminary objections endorsed with a notice to plead to respond thereto within twenty (20) days of service of the preliminary objections, the party filing the preliminary objections must here insert a date twenty (20) days after the date listed on the proof of service filed with the preliminary objections, unless counsel and any unrepresented parties stipulate to a different time.]

CRITICAL

Deadline

30 calendar days

Unless the court orders otherwise, the official court reporter must deliver transcripts for other requests within 30 calendar days after receiving the specified notice.

(B) Unless otherwise ordered by the court, the official court reporter shall deliver transcripts for all other requests within thirty (30) calendar days of receiving notice from the District Court Administrator or the court’s designee.

CRITICALCivil cases

A party in a covered civil case that files a Federal Bankruptcy case must file written notice in the state court within ten days.

a party in such a case who files a Federal Bankruptcy case shall within ten (10)days of such filing file written notice in this court.

CRITICALCivil cases

After the certificate is filed, the judge must promptly schedule a pretrial conference within sixty days, and notice of its date must be provided at least three weeks beforehand.

After the certificate of readiness has been filed, Court Administration shall advise the judge assigned to the case and the judge shall promptly schedule a pretrial conference to be held not later than sixty (60) days after the filing of the certificate of readiness. Notice of the date for the pretrial conference shall be provided to counsel and/or unrepresented parties no later than three (3) weeks prior to the scheduled date.

CRITICAL

By the succeeding December 1, the district justice must send written notice by first class mail to the specified recipients at their last known addresses.

Said district justice shall thereupon, by the succeeding December 1, notify in writing the district attorney in court cases involving felonies and misdemeanors, and shall notify in writing the defendant, prosecutor-complainant, private prosecuting attorney, and defense counsel of record in all felony, misdemeanor and summary cases, at his last known address by first class mail,

CRITICALCriminal cases

If property ownership changes or the principal amount of its encumbrances increases, the bondsman must file a revised statement within ten days after the change first occurs.

If the ownership of any tract or tracts of real estate set forth on said statement changes after the statement has been filed, or if the mortgages, liens and encumbrances increase in principal amount after the statement has been filed, the professional bondsman shall file a revised statement setting forth each such change not later than ten (10) days after such change first occur.

CRITICALCivil cases

The affidavit of non-military service must be filed on the same date as the praecipe.

The affidavit of non-military service shall be filed on the date the praecipe is filed.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Upon court order, an application for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition must be filed with the Clerk of Courts no later than seven days after arraignment.

All applications for consideration for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition shall be filed, upon order of the court, with the Clerk of Courts not later than seven (7) days after arraignment.

CRITICALCivil cases

The corporate fiduciary's annual qualification statement is due on or before May 1.

Thereafter, on or before the first day of May of each year such corporation shall file a statement, verified by the oath or affirmation of an executive officer thereof, that it continues to be qualified to act in such capacity.

CRITICALCivil cases

The non-moving party shall thereafter file an argument brief with the Prothonotary on or before the Tuesday (or Monday, if Tuesday is a holiday) before the argument court date, accompanied by a proof of service of copies of the argument brief upon counsel for all other parties and any unrepresented parties by first class mail.

The non-moving party shall thereafter file an argument brief with the Prothonotary on or before the Tuesday (or Monday, if Tuesday is a holiday) before the argument court date, accompanied by a proof of service of copies of the argument brief upon counsel for all other parties and any unrepresented parties by first class mail.

CRITICALCivil cases

For an agreed argument date, the moving party must file its brief at least 24 days beforehand and the non-moving party at least seven days beforehand, unless the judge orders otherwise.

When the argument date is by agreement of the parties and the assigned judge, unless the assigned judge orders otherwise, the moving party shall file its argument brief no later than twenty-four (24) days prior to the agreed upon argument date, and the non-moving party shall file its argument brief no later than seven (7) days prior to the agreed upon argument date.

CRITICALCivil cases

Argument must be set for the next argument court date at least 24 days after filing, or a later date agreeable to all parties and the assigned judge.

(5) Argument on the preliminary objections shall be held in the assigned courtroom of the Berks County Courthouse/Services Center on the next argument court date that is at least twenty-four (24) days from the date of filing, or any later date that the party filing the praecipe certifies is agreeable to all parties and the assigned judge.

CRITICALCivil cases

Objections to the specified accounts must be filed within 20 days after service of a copy of the account.

Objections that are to be made: (1) to an account not filed for submission to the Court for audit but filed by order of the Court; or (2) an account filed without a Petition for Adjudication/Statement of Proposed Distribution shall be filed within twenty (20) days from service of a copy of the account filed with the Clerk.

CRITICALCivil cases

The party filing preliminary objections must file the completed original order with the Prothonotary within 20 days after service of the objections and accompanying documents.

The party filing the preliminary objections shall file the original of the completed form of order with the Prothonotary no later than twenty (20) days following service of copies of the preliminary objections and accompanying documents upon counsel for all other parties and any unrepresented parties,

CRITICALCivil cases

After the 30-day response period ends, any party may file a praecipe to list the motion for oral argument, accompanied by proof of service by first-class mail.

At the end of the 30-day response period, any party may list the motion for summary judgment for oral argument by filing a praecipe for argument, accompanied by a proof of service, with the Prothonotary indicating that copies of the praecipe have been served upon counsel for all other parties and any unrepresented parties by first class mail.

CRITICALCivil cases

When the moving party files the praecipe, it must file an argument brief with it, and the hearing must be set at least 24 days later unless a later date is certified as agreeable to all parties and the judge.

If the moving party files the praecipe for argument, an argument brief shall be filed therewith and the case shall be listed for the next argument court date that is at least twenty-four (24) days thereafter, or any later date that the party filing the praecipe certifies is agreeable to all parties and the assigned judge, accompanied by a proof of service of copies of the praecipe and argument brief upon counsel for all other parties and any unrepresented parties by first class mail.

CRITICALCivil cases

The guardian must file an inventory of the ward’s real and personal property and a statement of expected future property within three months.

Within three months, file an inventory of my ward's real and personal property and a statement of any property that I expect to acquire thereafter.

CRITICALCivil cases

Within five days after filing the appeal, the Appellant must file proof of service with the Prothonotary, consisting of a verified statement and the certified- or registered-mail sender’s receipt.

(d) Appellant shall file with the Prothonotary within five (5) days of the filing of the Real Estate Tax Assessment Appeal proof of service of copies thereof consisting of a verified statement as “verified” is defined in Pa. R.C.P.No. 76 that service was made by certified or registered mail, with sender’s receipt for certified or registered mail attached thereto.

CRITICALCivil cases

A court-appointed guardian must promptly initial, sign, and file the Guardian Acknowledgment form after appointment.

Promptly upon appointment, a court-appointed guardian shall initial, sign and file a Guardian Acknowledgment of Duties and Liabilities form, as follows:

CRITICALCivil cases

The party without the burden at argument may order a case for argument court by filing a praecipe and required documents with the prothonotary no later than the 44th day before the argument court date.

by the party not having the burden at argument by filing a praecipe and required documents with the prothonotary on or before the forty-fourth (44th) day preceding such argument court date;

CRITICALCriminal cases

Deadline

3 business days

Court Administration must receive the waiver form at least three business days before the scheduled arraignment.

Waiver of Arraignment form must be received by Court Administration at least three (3) business days prior to the scheduled arraignment date.

CRITICALCivil cases

If the non-moving party requests argument, the moving party must file and serve an argument brief within 20 days after service of the request.

(d) If the non-moving party files the request for argument, accompanied by a proof of service, the moving party shall file and serve a brief of argument within 20 days of service of the request.

CRITICALCivil cases

After the moving party’s brief is filed and served, the non-moving party must file and serve its argument brief within 20 days.

(d) If the non-moving party files the request for argument, accompanied by a proof of service, the moving party shall file and serve a brief of argument within 20 days of service of the request. The non-moving party shall thereafter file and serve an argument brief within 20 days of filing and service of the moving party’s brief.

CRITICALCivil cases

The guardian must file a final report within 60 days after the ward’s death or adjudication of capacity.

I shall file a final report within 60 days of my ward's death or adjudication of capacity.

CRITICALCivil cases

The guardian must report any address change to the court within ten days.

- • Report any change of my address to the Court within ten (10) days. _____

CRITICAL

A petition opposing termination must be filed at least six days before the listed argument court date to prevent the clerk from striking and terminating the case.

If no petition contra termination is filed at least six (6) days prior to the argument court date to which the case has been listed, the clerk of courts shall strike the matter from the list and enter an order, as of course, terminating the case.

CRITICALCivil cases

If no amended pleading is filed in accordance with paragraph (4) above, any party opposing preliminary objections which are not endorsed with a notice to plead, as they involve issues raised under Pa.R.C.P. No.s 1028(a)(2), (3) or (4), shall, on or before the Tuesday (or Monday, if Tuesday is a holiday) before the argument court date, file an argument brief in response to the preliminary objections, accompanied by a proposed order and proof of service of copies of the argument brief and proposed order upon counsel for all other parties and any unrepresented parties by first class mail.

If no amended pleading is filed in accordance with paragraph (4) above, any party opposing preliminary objections which are not endorsed with a notice to plead, as they involve issues raised under Pa.R.C.P. No.s 1028(a)(2), (3) or (4), shall, on or before the Tuesday (or Monday, if Tuesday is a holiday) before the argument court date, file an argument brief in response to the preliminary objections, accompanied by a proposed order and proof of service of copies of the argument brief and proposed order upon counsel for all other parties and any unrepresented parties by first class mail.

CRITICALCivil cases

The person receiving the notice must join as a party plaintiff within thirty days of mailing to avoid being barred from claiming damages for the injury.

You are hereby notified that unless you join as party plaintiff in such action within thirty (30) days from the date of the mailing of this notice, you will be forever barred from claiming any damages from the defendant by reason of the injury to _________________.

CRITICALCivil cases

A party may appeal the decision or retaxation within 10 days after receipt by filing the objected-to items and grounds with the prothonotary.

Any party may file an appeal to the court from such decision or retaxation within ten (10) days after receipt thereof by filing a specification of items to which objection is taken along with the grounds for such objection in the office of the prothonotary.

CRITICALCivil cases

An agreement of reference must be filed with the Prothonotary before the certificate of readiness is filed.

In such cases, the agreement of reference shall take the place of pleadings and be filed with the Prothonotary before a certificate of readiness is filed.

CRITICALCriminal cases

The Defendant or counsel must file the court-prescribed ARD application with the issuing authority immediately after the charges are waived into court or bound over after a hearing.

The application for consideration for the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition Program on the form prescribed by the Court in B.C.R.Crim.P. 310 shall be filed by the Defendant or his counsel with the issuing authority immediately after the charges are either waived into Court or after hearing held, bound over to Court.

CRITICAL

Unless the court orders otherwise, the official court reporter must deliver an appeal transcript within 14 days after receiving the specified notice.

(A) Unless otherwise ordered by the court, the official court reporter shall deliver the transcript for those cases under appeal within 14 days of receiving notice from the District Court Administrator or the court’s designee as required by Pa.R.A.P. 1922(a).

CRITICALCivil cases

Electronic filers must report payment errors to the EFS by calling the Prothonotary’s Office at 610-478-6970 within 45 days of payment.

Electronic filers shall alert the EFS to any payment errors within forty-five (45) days of the payment date by calling the Prothonotary’s Office at 610-478-6970.

CRITICALCivil cases

Unless exceptions are filed, a distribution decree nisi becomes absolute ten days after service of the petition and decree nisi, subject to the stated exceptions.

Except in cases in which there is an agreement in writing of the parties filed of record and cases involving distribution of money under provisions of the Eminent Domain Code, the court upon the presentation of a petition praying for the distribution of money paid into court, shall forthwith enter a decree nisi directing payment, which decree shall, unless exceptions be filed thereto, become absolute as of course ten (10) days after the service of a copy of said petition and of said decree nisi upon all other parties due proof of said service as directed by the court having first been filed.

CRITICALCivil cases

Interested parties may file objections to an auditor’s or master’s report within twenty days after notice of filing.

(a) Consistent with the procedure set forth in Pa. O.C. Rule 2.7, any interested party shall have the right to file objections to an auditor's or master's report within twenty days of the notice of its filing.

CRITICALCivil cases

An amended pleading filed within 20 days after service of the preliminary objections and accompanying documents is a condition for striking the objections from the argument list.

(1) The amended pleading is filed within twenty (20) days following the date of service of copies of the preliminary objections and accompanying documents as set forth in Pa.R.C.P. No. 1028(c)(1);

CRITICALCivil cases

The guardian must file an inventory and statement of expected acquisitions within three months.

Within three months, file an inventory of my ward’s real and personal property and a statement of any property that I expect to acquire thereafter.

CRITICALCivil cases

The prothonotary must issue a rule for retaxation within 5 days after exceptions are filed and promptly notify all parties of the hearing’s time and date.

Within five (5) days after the exceptions are filed, the prothonotary shall issue a rule for retaxation and shall forthwith notify all parties of the time and date for a hearing on such retaxation before the prothonotary.

CRITICALCivil cases

The seller must file a return in affidavit form within five days after the sale unless the order approving the sale provides another time.

(b) Return. Within five days after the sale, or such other time as the order approving a public sale provides, the seller shall file a return in the form of an affidavit, which shall set forth:

CRITICALCivil cases

When the non-moving party files the praecipe, argument must be scheduled at least 44 days later or on a later agreed date, and the moving party must file its brief at least 24 days before argument with proof of first-class-mail service.

If the non-moving party files the praecipe for argument with a proof of service, the case shall be listed for the next argument court date that is at least forty-four (44) days thereafter, or any later date that the party filing the praecipe certifies is agreeable to all parties and the assigned judge, and the moving party shall file a brief of argument with the Prothonotary on or before twenty-four (24) days prior to the argument court date, accompanied by a proof of service of copies of the argument brief upon counsel for all other parties and any unrepresented parties by first class mail.

CRITICAL

Deadline

5 business days

The Evidence/Exhibit Storage Technician must file an Index of Exhibits with the corresponding Records office no later than five business days after the proceeding concludes.

ii. file an Index of Exhibits with the corresponding Records office, as defined by Pa. R.J.A. 5101(a)(7), no later than five business days after the conclusion of the Court Proceeding pursuant to Pa. R.J.A. 5104(a)(2)

CRITICALCivil cases

Account objections must be written and filed with the Clerk before the account is submitted to the Court, by close of business on the preceding business day at the latest.

Any objections to the account must be made in writing and filed with the Clerk of the Orphans’ Court Division any time prior to the date set forth for submission by the Clerk to the Court for review but no later than the close of business of the last business day prior to the submission to the Court

CRITICALCriminal cases

Arraignment must take place within ten days after the Information is filed, at a time set by the court calendar or special order.

Arraignment shall take place within ten (10) days after the filing of the Information at a time fixed from time to time by the court calendar or by special order of the court.

CRITICALCivil cases

Court approval or confirmation of the sale must be obtained before the deed is delivered.

Court approval or confirmation must be obtained before delivery of a deed.

CRITICALCivil cases

For an argument date agreed to by the parties and assigned judge, the non-moving party must file its argument brief at least seven days beforehand unless the judge orders otherwise.

When the argument date is by agreement of the parties and the assigned judge, unless the assigned judge orders otherwise, the non-moving party shall file its argument brief no later than seven (7) days prior to the agreed upon argument date.

CRITICALCivil cases

An opposing party or interested third party must file a written response, and may file an opposition brief, no later than four days before the scheduled hearing.

Any party or interested third-party opposing relief sought in the application shall file with the Prothonotary a written response to the application, and if appropriate or desired an argument brief in opposition, no later than four (4) days prior to the scheduled Discovery Master hearing date.

CRITICAL

Parties must take appropriate legal steps or file reasoned written objections within 60 days after the notice is mailed to avoid automatic termination.

the respective magisterial district judge shall, by the succeeding May 1, notify in writing counsel of record and parties without counsel, at his/her last known address by first class mail, that if no appropriate legal steps are taken to bring the matter to conclusion, or no written objections to termination setting forth the reasons therefor are filed within sixty (60) days after the mailing of such notice, the action will be automatically terminated as of course and without further notice, and thereafter no proceedings may be had on such matters.

CRITICALCivil cases

An opposing party who objects to the sufficiency of appeal security may file a petition within five days after the appeal is filed.

In all cases where a party has given security to entitle that party to appeal in any case in which bond is taken by the prothonotary, if the opposing party shall deem the security insufficient, the opposing party may, at any time within five (5) days after such appeal is filed, present his petition to the court objecting to the sufficiency of such security and shall give notice thereof in writing within five (5) days from the filing thereof to the party entering the bond or that party’s attorney.

CRITICALCivil cases

The guardian must file an annual report using the Guardianship Tracking System or forms available from the Register of Wills/Clerk of the Orphans’ Court office.

File an annual report electronically through the Guardianship Tracking System or, on forms available in the Register of Wills/Clerk of the Orphans' Court office attesting to the information required by 20 Pa.C.S.A. §5521(c).

CRITICALCivil cases

If you desire to object, you must file objections in writing with the Clerk on or before the close of business of the last business day before submission to the Court.

If you desire to object, you must file objections in writing with the Clerk on or before the close of business of the last business day before submission to the Court.

CRITICALCivil cases

Written exceptions must be filed with the Prothonotary within 20 days from the notice date; otherwise, the recommended order will be submitted to the Court for entry.

The notice shall state that each party has twenty (20) days from the date of notice to file written exceptions with the Prothonotary, and that upon failure to file such exceptions within twenty (20) days, the recommended order of the Custody Conciliator will be submitted to the Court for entry as an Order of Court.

CRITICALCivil cases

An opposing party must file its argument brief, proposed order, and proof of first-class-mail service within 20 days after the date on the proof of service accompanying the filer’s brief.

(4) Any party opposing the preliminary objections shall file with the Prothonotary an original and one copy of a brief of argument, proposed order and proof that such documents were served by first class mail upon counsel for all other parties and any unrepresented parties, no later than twenty (20) days after the date listed on the proof of service accompanying the brief of the party which filed the preliminary objections.

CRITICALCivil cases

Claimants must file municipal and tax claims and lien-holder claim amounts with the sheriff within 10 days after the real-estate sale.

Municipal and tax claims and the amounts claimed by the respective lien holders who are claimants to the fund realized from the real estate sold by the sheriff shall be filed by the respective claimants with the sheriff within ten (10) days after the sale.

CRITICALCivil cases

The guardian must file a final report within 60 days of the ward’s death or adjudication of capacity.

I shall file a final report within 60 days of my ward’s death or adjudication of capacity.

CRITICALCivil cases

Each party of record must file the memorandum and serve it on the trial judge at least seven days before the conference, and must provide verified proof of service on the parties by personal service or regular mail.

Each party of record shall file with the Prothonotary a Pretrial Status Conference Memorandum and serve a copy thereof on the trial judge at least seven days prior to the date of scheduled conference along with proof of service of copies thereof upon parties of record by personal service or by regular mail. Proof of service shall consist of a verified statement as “verified” is defined in Pa.R.C.P. No. 76.

CRITICALCivil cases

The party who filed the preliminary objections must file its argument brief, proposed order, and proof of first-class-mail service by the order's deadline, no later than 20 days after discovery ends.

(3) An original and one copy of a brief of argument and proposed order granting the relief requested, along with proof that such documents were served by first class mail upon counsel for all other parties and any unrepresented parties, shall be filed with the Prothonotary by ________ [the party which filed the preliminary objections] on or before ____________ [the date inserted shall be no longer than twenty (20) days after the date on which discovery ends].

WARNINGCivil cases

If the moving party complies with paragraph (1), the non-moving party has a filing deadline on or before the Tuesday before the argument date, or Monday if Tuesday is a holiday; the remainder of the provision is not included here.

(3) If the party filing a motion for judgment on the pleadings complies with paragraph (1) above, the non-moving party shall, on or before the Tuesday (or Monday, if Tuesday is a holiday) before the

WARNINGCriminal cases

A retaxation hearing must be held at least five days after notice is served on the parties.

The hearing shall be held not less than five (5) days after notice is served on the parties.

WARNINGCivil cases

When the court specially orders a case for argument, it must set the briefing schedule in that order or a separate order.

In those cases where the court specially orders a case for argument, the court shall fix the briefing schedule as a part of its order listing the case for argument, or by separate order.

WARNING

Transcripts prepared under the Children’s Fast Track Appeal program must be given priority.

(E) Transcripts prepared pursuant to the Children’s Fast Track Appeal program shall be given priority.

WARNINGCivil cases

If no objections are filed within twenty days after notice of the report’s filing, the court may confirm or adopt the report or schedule further proceedings.

If no objections are filed within twenty days of the notice of the report’s filing, the court may enter a decree confirming the auditor's report or adopting the master's report or schedule additional proceedings as it deems appropriate.

WARNINGCivil cases

An amended petition filed within 20 days after service of preliminary objections renders the order moot and cancels the scheduled conference or argument.

If an amended petition is filed within 20 days of service of the preliminary objections, this Order shall be rendered moot, and the status conference or oral argument shall be deemed cancelled.

WARNINGCivil cases

If no response is filed within 30 days, the moving party may give written notice to the Court, after which the Court may grant the motion in its discretion.

If no response is filed within that thirty (30) day period, upon written notice to the Court by the moving party, pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1035.3(d), the Court may in its discretion grant the motion for summary judgment.

WARNINGCriminal cases

When computing a period of five days or less, exclude Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays; for longer periods, include them.

In computing the time within which anything is to be done under these Rules or any special order, where such time does not exceed five (5) days, Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays shall be excluded, otherwise they shall be included.

WARNING

Notice of the criminal case listing must be given at least 60 days before the argument court date.

Such officer shall give notice of the listing of said case in criminal cases to the district attorney, other attorneys of record for either the prosecution or the defendant and the defendant as provided by Pa. R.J.A 1901(c) (1) and (2) at least sixty (60) days prior to the argument court date listing;

WARNINGCivil cases

Before payment, a party may file exceptions to costs taxed by the prothonotary other than items on a party’s bill of costs.

At any time prior to payment, any party may file exceptions to any costs taxed by the prothonotary other than those shown on a party's bill of costs.

WARNINGCivil cases

A party may object at least two days before the hearing; after an objection, the document may be admitted only under the rules of evidence.

provided, however, any other party may, at least 2 days prior to the date for hearing, object to the admission of such documentary evidence without further proof, whereupon the document may be admitted only in compliance with the rules of evidence.

WARNINGCivil cases

Failing to request or pay for the transcript may result in dismissal of the exceptions.

Failure to request or make payment for the transcript may result in the dismissal of the exceptions.

WARNINGCivil cases

The court sua sponte or upon application of a party shall schedule a pretrial status conference for a time not less than sixty days after the filing of the Real Estate Tax Assessment Appeal.

The court sua sponte or upon application of a party shall schedule a pretrial status conference for a time not less than sixty days after the filing of the Real Estate Tax Assessment Appeal.

WARNING

Deadline

5 business days

The Evidence/Exhibit Storage Technician must take custody of documentary exhibits and photographs of non-documentary exhibits no later than five business days after the proceeding ends.

(B) After Court Proceedings. No later than five business days after the end of the court proceeding, the Evidence/Exhibit Storage Technician, as custodian, shall take custody of all documentary exhibits and photographs of non-documentary exhibits.

WARNINGCriminal cases

The Clerk of Courts must issue a rule for retaxation within five days after exceptions are filed.

Within five (5) days after the exceptions are filed, the Clerk of Courts shall issue a rule for retaxation and shall forthwith notify the parties of the time and date for hearing on such retaxation.

WARNING

A criminal case with no docket activity for at least two years must be listed for the next available criminal argument court after notice is given.

Rule 1901.1 Termination of Inactive Criminal Cases In Court of Common Pleas (a) All criminal cases which remain open on the dockets of the clerk of courts, and in which there is reflected no activity for a period of at least two (2) years prior thereto, shall be listed by the clerk of courts for the next available criminal argument court after notice of termination is given as provided below.

WARNING

In an emergency, a party may request a daily, expedited, or rough-draft transcript by oral motion.

In the event of an emergency, a party may request by oral motion a daily, expedited, or rough draft transcript.

WARNING

If mailed notice or objections are returned undelivered, the district judge must certify the case information and failed-notice details to the county court administrator 45 to 60 days after mailing.

If the magisterial district judge is unable to give notice under subsections (a) or (c) hereof, along with copy of objections if applicable, in that the same has been mailed and returned undelivered, the magisterial district judge shall, not less than forty-five (45) days nor more than sixty (60) days after deposit of the same in the United States mail, certify the caption and docket number of such action to the court administrator of Berks County setting forth that notice could not be given with respect to proceedings for termination of an action or that a copy of objections could not be served and notice of hearing hereon could not be given, or combination thereof as the case may be.

WARNING

For requests requiring a deposit, the transcript delivery period starts when the deposit is received; in economic-hardship cases, it starts after disposition of the waiver or reduction application, or upon receipt of a reduced deposit if a reduction is granted.

(C) For requests made by a party required to post a deposit under Rule 4009.1(B)(d), the 14-day period for those cases under appeal or the 30-day period for delivery of the transcript shall not commence until the deposit is received by the court. In those cases involving economic hardship, the 14-day period for those cases under appeal or the 30-day period for delivery of the transcript shall not commence until disposition of the application for waiver or reduction of costs. In cases where a reduction of costs is granted, the time frame commences once the reduced deposit is received by the court.

WARNING

After written objections are filed, the district judge must schedule a hearing 45 to 60 days after filing.

Upon the filing of such written objections, the respective magisterial district judge shall schedule the matter for hearing, to be held not less than forty-five (45) days nor more than sixty (60) days after such filing,

WARNING

If the matter is not listed for an argument court within six months of its initially listed argument court date, the clerk must enter an order terminating it.

If, thereafter, the matter is not listed for an argument court occurring within six (6) months of the criminal argument court date to which the case was initially listed, the clerk of courts shall enter an order, as of course, terminating the case.

WARNINGCivil cases

Court Administration must designate the time and place of the arbitration hearing within 30 days after the certificate of readiness for arbitration is filed.

(e) Court Administration shall within thirty (30) days of the filing of a certificate of readiness for arbitration designate the time and place for the arbitration hearing.

WARNING

Each year, the district judge must examine the civil docket by March 1 and, by May 1, mail written notice about qualifying cases with no activity in the prior two years.

The docket of civil actions at law filed in the office of a magisterial district judge of Berks County shall be examined by March 1 of each year by the respective magisterial district judge having custody of such docket; and with respect to those actions that have not been reduced to judgment or final order and for which there is no activity reflected on the docket within two (2) years prior to March 1 of the year of examination, the respective magisterial district judge shall, by the succeeding May 1, notify in writing counsel of record and parties without counsel, at his/her last known address by first class mail,

WARNING

The notice to plead must require a response within 20 days after service of the petition.

If a petition is filed contra termination, it shall have endorsed thereon a notice to plead thereto within twenty (20) days of the date of service of the petition.

WARNING

The district justice must examine the docket by September 1 each year for qualifying inactive cases.

All pending felony, misdemeanor and summary cases filed with a district justice for which the docket discloses that there have been no steps or proceedings other than the filing of a not found return on a warrant of arrest within two (2) years shall be ascertained by an examination of the docket by the respective district justice by September 1 of each year.

WARNING

If no statement of intention to proceed is filed within the required period, the Prothonotary must terminate the matter with prejudice.

(f) If no statement of intention to proceed has been filed in the required time period, the Prothonotary shall mark the matter as terminated with prejudice for failure to prosecute.

WARNINGCivil cases

The arbitration hearing must be scheduled at least 60 days after the scheduling notice is mailed.

The arbitration hearing shall be set not less than sixty (60) days after mailing the notice scheduling the arbitration hearing.

WARNINGCriminal cases

Before payment, either party may file exceptions to costs taxed by the Clerk of Courts that were not listed on a party’s bill of costs.

At any time prior to payment, either party may file exceptions to any costs taxed by the Clerk of Courts other than those shown on a party’s bill of costs. such exceptions shall be accompanied by an affidavit of the truth of the allegations contained therein.

WARNINGCivil cases

If not already filed, supporting and opposing argument briefs may be filed no later than four days before the hearing.

If not previously filed, argument briefs in support of or in opposition to the discovery application may be filed no later than four (4) days prior to the scheduled Discovery Master hearing date.