Court of Common Pleas of Bradford County, Pennsylvania
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Adjournments
- A continuance motion must be written or made on the record in open court unless the court excuses that requirement for cause.
- Before filing a continuance motion, the moving party must make reasonable efforts to obtain interested parties’ consent and, if opposing parties do not respond, state all consent efforts, including their dates and times, in the motion.
- If a response from an interested party has not been obtained, the continuance request must state the date, time, and manner of every effort to obtain that party’s consent.
- +4 more
Request must include
- Continuance motions must be presented at least 10 calendar days before the proceeding; later motions will not be granted unless the opportunity arose later, the grounds were not and reasonably could not have been known, or a continuance is required in the interests of justice.
- Continuance requests must be written on the local-rule form and submitted to the Court Administrator at least seven days before the hearing, except for extenuating circumstances; the requesting party may then be required to pay arbitrator fees.
Communication
Phone
Page & Word Limits1 rule
E. It is expected that the memorandum will not exceed two pages, except in unusual cases.
- Page limit
- Up to 2 pages
Document Format Requirements12 rules
B. The Arbitration Report and Award shall be in the form set forth in Pa.R.C.P. 1312.
An appeal from an award of arbitrators shall be filed in duplicate in the Office of the Prothonotary.
Exceptions shall contain no discussion of the claims made.
If an original documentary exhibit exceeds 150 single-sided pages, the proponent must convert it to PDF and place it on a portable media device.
- More than 150 pages
- File type
Court's wording
Where the intended, original documentary exhibit(s) exceeds 150 pages (single sided), the proponent shall cause the exhibit to be transformed into a portable document file (“pdf”) and placed onto a flash drive, thumb drive, usb drive, or other portable media-containing device.
In advance of a proceeding, the proponent shall prepare a physical, photographic copy of all potential, non-documentary exhibits pursuant to Pa. R.J.A. 5103(b).
The proponent must place the media device in an envelope no larger than 8½ by 11 inches and include a label or enclosed document describing its contents with the specified identifying dates and information.
Court's wording
The proponent shall place the portable media device in an envelope not exceeding 8 ½ by 11 inches containing either a label on the envelope or a separate document within the envelope describing the device’s contents, including: - i) the case name, - ii) docket number, - iii) proponent name, and - iv) creation date of original documents (if known), and date documents were reduced to pdf.
- 4) Forward one (1) paper copy and/or (1) electronic copy in a Microsoft Word format for the publication Bradford County Law Journal.
- File type
- Word
- 2) Forward two (2) paper copies and one (1) electronic copy in a Microsoft Word format to the Legislative Reference Bureau for publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
- File type
- Word
PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY.
Formatting
- •Print legibly
The proposed order shall not be physically attached to the motion.
4) Forward one (1) paper copy and/or (1) electronic copy in a Microsoft Word format for the publication Bradford County Law Journal.
Formatting
- •Any electronic copy must be in a Microsoft Word format
2) Forward two (2) paper copies and one (1) electronic copy in a Microsoft Word format to the Legislative Reference Bureau for publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Document Filing Requirements75 rules
A substantially conforming cover sheet must be filed immediately with Court Administration when a divorce or custody action is filed.
Court's wording
1. Upon the filing of a divorce or custody action pursuant to the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, a cover sheet in substantially the form specified in Subsection (b)(3) of this rule shall be filed immediately in the office of court administration.
2. In the event any such action is filed pro se, the prothonotary shall provide a copy of the cover sheet form to the filing party, shall assist in completion of said form, and shall forward it to court administration, along with a copy of the pleading filed.
This form must be filled out if you are filing a divorce or custody action in the Prothonotary’s Office and must be given to Court Administration. PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY. DO NOT FILE IN THE PROTHONOTARY’S OFFICE
A separate proposed order granting said stay shall be submitted.
Must include
- •Proposed order
F. If the petition contains a request for immediate relief, a separate proposed order shall be submitted.
- Document
- Petition
Must include
- •Proposed order
A petition must be filed in the Prothonotary’s Office, and a proposed rule to show cause order must accompany the petition for transmission to the Court Administrator.
Court's wording
A. The procedure specified in Pa.R.C.P. 206.5 is adopted to govern petition practice in the Forty-second Judicial District. A petition shall be filed in the Prothonotary’s Office. Upon filing, the Prothonotary’s Office shall transmit a copy of the petition, along with the proposed rule to show cause order, to the Court Administrator for the scheduling of a rule returnable date.
A request to stay execution pending disposition of a petition to open a default judgment must be included in that petition.
Court's wording
E. Any request for a stay of execution pending disposition of a petition to open a default judgment shall be included in the petition to open default judgment to be considered and processed in accordance with this rule.
A proposed order under Pa.R.C.P. 206.5(b) must substantially follow the prescribed form, including its specified rule, answer deadline, procedure, and notice terms.
Court's wording
(d) The proposed order required by subparagraph (b) of Rule 206.5 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure shall be substantially in the following form: (CAPTION) ORDER AND NOW, this ______day of___________________, 20___, upon consideration of the foregoing petition, it is ordered that (1) a rule is issued upon the respondent to show cause why the petitioner is not entitled to the relief requested; (2) the respondent shall file an answer to the petition on or before ______________________________, 20__, at 12:00 p.m. (3) the petition shall be decided under Pa.R.C.P. No. 206.7; (4) depositions, if necessary, shall be directed in accordance with Pa.R.C.P. No. 206.7(c); (5) argument or hearing, if necessary, shall be scheduled by the court upon review of any answer filed; (6) the petitioner shall provide notice of the entry of this order to all parties. BY THE COURT: ____________________________________J.
Any motions presented under this rule shall contain a certification stating that said motion is uncontested, with a proposed order granting relief, or the motion shall certify that the matter is at issue and submit a proposed show cause order in substantially the form set forth in Rule 206.5.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Proposed order
Except for motions made orally during a trial or hearing, all motions shall be written, shall contain a caption setting forth the name of the court, the number of the action, and the names of the parties, and shall have affixed upon the front page of the motion, the name, address and Supreme Court ID number of the filing attorney.
- Document
- Motion
- Placement
- First page
Must include
- •Caption
All motions which are or may be contested shall include a proposed order scheduling argument. The proposed order shall include the name, address and Supreme Court ID number of the filing attorney.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Proposed order
All motions relating to discovery shall include a certification signed by counsel for the moving party attesting that counsel has conferred or attempted to confer with all interested parties in order to resolve the matter without court action.
Briefs shall contain the particular theories, statutes, rules of court, or cases upon which the litigant relies. The failure to specifically cite a statute, rule of court, or case shall be deemed to be a waiver of any claim that said authority is applicable.
Following the scheduling of the motion, the copy of the motion and original and copy of the order to show cause shall be submitted to the Prothonotary’s Office for filing and docketing and conforming of a copy of the scheduling order.
The Certification of Readiness certifies that the pleadings are closed, witnesses are available, and discovery is complete except for trial-presentation depositions.
Court's wording
I hereby certify pursuant to Bradford County Rule of Civil Procedure 212.1(a)(1) that the above-captioned case is ready for trial. All pleadings are closed; all witnesses are presently available to appear at trial; and discovery is complete, except for those depositions to be taken solely for the purpose of being presented at trial, such as the depositions of expert witnesses.
The motion for continuance shall be substantially in the following form:
If the motion is based on conflict with a matter scheduled in another trial court, the scheduling order or other written documentation from the other court shall be attached to the motion.
E. All written motions for continuance shall be preceded by a proposed order which shall be substantially in the following form:
- Document
- Motion for continuance
Must include
- •Proposed order
Every pleading shall contain a caption setting forth the name of the court, the number of the action and the name of the pleading.
- Document
- Pleading
Must include
- •Caption
Captions on the specified documents relating to support, custody, alimony, or divorce must identify the issues resolved and the filing date of the pleading that raised each issue.
- Document
- Agreement stipulation exception discontinuance praecipe to withdraw or order
- Placement
- Caption
Court's wording
The caption of any agreement, stipulation, exception, discontinuance, praecipe to withdraw or order relating to support, custody, alimony, alimony pendente lite or divorce shall include the following: the right-hand side of the caption shall contain information specifically identifying what issues are or will be resolved thereby, along with the date of filing of the pleading which raised the issue.
An attorney may withdraw without leave only for issues covered by another attorney’s appearance, and the withdrawal must identify those issues.
Court's wording
(b)(1) Withdrawal of an attorney’s appearance may be made without leave of court only for those issues for which another attorney has entered or simultaneously enters an appearance. Such withdrawal shall specifically identify the issues to which the withdrawal applies.
A pleading or other legal paper may not be placed in the court file unless its captioned party names substantially match the parties in the case identified by its number.
- Document
- Pleading or legal paper
- Placement
- Caption
Court's wording
The court directs that the Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts shall not place in any court file any pleading or other legal paper unless the name or names of the party or parties appearing in the caption is or are substantially consistent with the name or names of the party or parties in the case bearing the number appearing on the pleading or other legal paper.
The Notice to Defend form must designate the Prothonotary’s office and listed contact information as a source for finding legal help.
Court's wording
The following shall be designated in the Notice to Defend form as the office that parties may contact to find where they can get legal help. PROTHONOTARY Bradford County Courthouse 301 Main Street Towanda, PA 18848 (570)265-1705
A motion for argument and a proposed scheduling order in substantially the following form shall be included:
each page of the motion, the name, address and Supreme Court ID number of the filing attorney.
All motions for judgment on the pleadings shall be written, shall contain a caption setting forth the name of the court, the number of the action, and the names of the parties and shall have affixed upon each page of the motion, the name, address and Supreme Court ID number of the filing attorney.
- Document
- Motion for judgment on the pleadings
- Placement
- Caption
A motion for argument and a proposed scheduling order in substantially the following form shall be included:
(4) All preliminary objections shall be filed in the Prothonotary’s Office. Upon receipt of the preliminary objections, the Prothonotary’s Office shall transmit a copy of the same, along with the motion for argument thereon and the proposed scheduling order, to the Court Administrator.
All motions for summary judgment shall be written, shall contain a caption setting forth the name of the court, the number of the action, the names of the parties and have affixed upon each page of the motion, the name, address and Supreme Court ID number of the filing attorney.
- Document
- Summary judgment motion
Must include
- •Caption
A motion for argument and a proposed scheduling order in substantially the following form shall be included:
The moving party shall file an affidavit of service, noting the date, method of service and parties served.
(2) All motions for summary judgment shall be filed in the Prothonotary’s Office.
The moving party shall file an affidavit of service, noting the date, method of service, and parties served.
Upon agreement of all parties a case may be heard by a board of arbitration, regardless of the amount in controversy and whether or not in litigation. Such agreement shall be evidenced by a writing signed by all parties or their counsel and shall be filed with the Prothonotary, accompanied by the appropriate listing fee.
A civil action shall be referred to arbitration by order of court or when any party or its counsel (1) files a praecipe with the Prothonotary, certifying that the pleadings are closed and the matter is ready for arbitration and (2) pays the appropriate listing fee.
The praecipe for arbitration shall be substantially in the following form:
The hearing notice must include the prescribed statement about the arbitration hearing and the consequence of a party's absence.
Court's wording
The hearing notice shall contain the following statement: “This matter will be heard by a board of arbitrators at the time, date and place specified; but if one or more of the parties is not present at the hearing, the matter
The undersigned requests you to refer this case to the Court Administrator to appoint a board of arbitrators and certifies that: 1. The amount in controversy is $________________. 2. The pleadings are closed. 3. An agreement of reference has/has not been filed of record. 4. Estimate of hearing time required is:___________________________.
A trial memorandum must include the specified facts, legal basis, special damages, intended witnesses and exhibits, legal comments, and certification of reasonable efforts to agree on undisputed issues.
- Document
- Trial memorandum
Must include
- •Exhibit list
Court's wording
The trial memorandum shall include the following information: (1) A brief statement of the facts of the claim or defense. (2) A statement of the legal basis of the claim or defense. (3) A list of all special damages claimed, including but not limited to lost earnings, loss of future earnings capacity, itemized medical expenses, and property damages. (4) A list of the names and addresses of all witnesses whom that party intends to call at arbitration. (5) A list of all exhibits to be offered by that party at arbitration. All exhibits shall be numbered prior to the arbitration. (6) Special comments regarding legal issues. (7) A certification that the attorney or party has made a reasonable effort to stipulate or agree to all undisputed issues of fact or law which would expedite the arbitration of the matter.
F. Except in extraordinary circumstances as determined by the arbitrators, a party will not be allowed to call a witness who is not listed in a timely-filed arbitration memorandum.
(b) The Prothonotary shall accept for filing any pleading in a support action which is not accompanied by a certification that service will be made as required by section (a) of this rule,
G. Except in extraordinary circumstances as determined by the arbitrators, a party will not be allowed to offer an exhibit that is not listed in a timely-filed arbitration memorandum.
An exception asserting that the hearing officer made an error of law shall identify the statute, rule, regulation, or judicial decision not applied or improperly applied by the hearing officer.
Each exception must identify whether it asserts an erroneous finding of fact or an error of law.
Court's wording
Each exception to the hearing officer’s report regarding child support, spousal support, and alimony pendente lite shall be specifically identified by the party filing the exception as either: (i) an exception asserting that the hearing officer made an erroneous finding of fact, or (ii) an exception asserting that the hearing officer made an error of law.
An exception asserting an erroneous factual finding must identify the alleged error, state the finding that should have been made, and specify supporting evidence for both findings.
Court's wording
An exception asserting that the hearing officer made an erroneous finding of fact shall: (i) identify the erroneous finding; (ii) state specifically the finding which should have been made by the hearing officer; (iii) specify any document which supports, or any witness whose testimony supports, the finding which should have been made by the hearing officer; (iv) specify any document or testimony which supports the hearing officer’s finding.
All exceptions shall include a statement of the following: (i) The obligor’s income available for support, as claimed by the party filing the exceptions, together with a statement of the record evidence of the obligor’s income; (ii) The obligee’s income available for support, as claimed by the party filing the exceptions, together with a statement of the record evidence of the obligor’s income; (iii) The amount of support which should have been ordered.
Every complaint for custody, partial custody, or visitation must include one of the two specified averments.
Court's wording
In addition to the information required by Pa.R.C.P. 1915.15, every complaint for custody, partial custody, or visitation shall contain one of the following averments: A. “Plaintiff has been advised of the requirement to attend the seminar titled Education Program for Separated Parents.” or B. “The parties have previously attended the Education Program for Separated Parents as evidenced by certificates of attendance (attached hereto) (contained in the official court file case number__________________).”
Any party filing exceptions shall immediately submit to the court administrator a motion for argument on the exceptions.
In all custody/visitation proceedings filed on or after December 1, 1994, each notice order and complaint shall include the additional information in accordance with Bradford County Civil Rule 1915.15
The affidavit of service shall include a statement that the opposing party was advised of the requirement to attend the Education Program for Separated Parents and was served with the registration form.
Each covered divorce complaint must include the information required by Rule 1920.12 and attach an order directing seminar attendance in the form specified by Rule 1920.12(3).
Court's wording
In all divorce proceedings filed on or after December 1, 1994, where the parties have a child or children under the age of eighteen years, every complaint shall contain the additional information required by Bradford County Civil Rule 1920.12. It shall also have attached thereto an order directing attendance at the seminar in the form set forth in Rule 1920.12(3).
Every divorce complaint must aver either that there are no children under 18 born of the marriage or list the names and birth dates of those children.
Court's wording
(1) In addition to the information required by Pa.R.C.P. 1920.12, every complaint in divorce shall contain one of the following averments: A. Plaintiff avers that there are no children under the age of eighteen (18) years born of the marriage; or B. Plaintiff avers that there are children under the age of eighteen (18) years born of the marriage, namely: (list names and dates of birth).
If children under 18 were born of the marriage and the complaint does not aver prior seminar attendance, it must attach an order substantially in the prescribed form.
Court's wording
(3) In the event there are children under the age of eighteen (18) years of age born of the marriage, and there is no averment that the parties previously attended the Education Program for Separated Parents, the divorce complaint shall have attached thereto, an order in substantially the following form:
If children under 18 were born of the marriage, the divorce complaint must include either the specified seminar-advice averment or the specified prior-attendance averment with its certificate or court-file reference.
Court's wording
(2) If there are children under the age of eighteen (18) years born of the marriage, the complaint shall include one of the following averments: A. “Plaintiff has been advised of the requirement to attend the Education Program for Separated Parents,” or B. “The parties have previously attended the Education Program for Separated Parents as evidenced by certificates of attendance (attached hereto) (contained in the official court file case number __________________________ .)”
Each exception to claims for divorce, equitable distribution, alimony, counsel fees and expenses shall state specifically the conclusion which the excepting party claims should have been reached by the master.
A petition for approval of a minor’s settlement must include the listed claim, party, liability, settlement, insurance, lien, authorization, account, and distribution information, including written proof of any waived lien, claim, or debt.
Court's wording
(2) The petition shall set forth: (a) the factual background of the claim; (b) the identification of the parties including the age of the minor and the addresses of the biological parents of the minor; (c) counsel’s analysis of the liability and damages issues relevant to the determination of the reasonableness of the proposed settlement; (d) counsel’s certification that the settlement is reasonable and in the best interest of the minor; (e) the types and amounts of insurance coverage applicable to the claim and representation as to the efforts made to identify other collateral sources; (f) whether there are any unpaid Medicare or Department of Public Welfare liens, claims or debts. Where such claims or debts have been waived, the Petitioner shall attach as an exhibit written proof of waiver of such lien, claim or debt; (g) a request for authorization of parent or natural guardian to sign the proposed release; (h) a description of the type of account into which the settlement proceeds will be deposited; (i) a statement of the proposed distribution of the settlement funds which includes the proposed percentage of counsel fees and an itemization of costs.
(3) The petition shall contain the following exhibits: (a) copies of medical reports or records evidencing the diagnosis and prognosis of the minor’s injuries;
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
The District Court Administrator must email one copy of the amended local rule to the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts.
- 1) File one (1) copy of the amended local rule 1301 with the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts via email to adminrules@pacourts.us.
Civil cases
Page 1 | ORDER
The District Court Administrator must file one copy with the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts by email.
File one (1) copy with the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts via email to adminrules@pacourts.us.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | Order
The District Court Administrator must forward two paper copies and one electronic copy in Microsoft Word format to the Legislative Reference Bureau for publication.
2) Forward two (2) paper copies and one (1) electronic copy in a Microsoft Word format to the Legislative Reference Bureau for publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
Criminal cases
Page 2 | Administrative Order
The District Court Administrator must forward one paper copy and/or one electronic copy in Microsoft Word format for publication in the Bradford County Law Journal.
4) Forward one (1) paper copy and/or (1) electronic copy in a Microsoft Word format for the publication Bradford County Law Journal.
Criminal cases
Page 2 | Administrative Order
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
1. Upon the filing of a divorce or custody action pursuant to the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, a cover sheet in substantially the form specified in Subsection (b)(3) of this rule shall be filed immediately in the office of court administration.
1. Upon the filing of a divorce or custody action pursuant to the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, a cover sheet in substantially the form specified in Subsection (b)(3) of this rule shall be filed immediately in the office of court administration.
Page 1 | Local Rule 205.2(b)
The cover sheet should be taken directly to Court Administration immediately upon filing a new family-court divorce or custody case or petition, but is not needed for petitions for special relief or contempt.
IMPORTANT: This form is not to be filed in the Prothonotary’s Office, but should be taken directly to Court Administration for statistical and case management purposes immediately upon the filing of a new case or new petition/complaint (custody or divorce) in a family court case (It is not needed when filing petitions for special relief or contempt).
Page 2 | Divorce/Custody Cover Sheet
Each responding party must file and serve its brief on all other parties at least 5 days before argument.
All responding parties shall file a brief and serve the same on all other parties at least five days prior to the date set for argument.
Page 6 | Local Rule 208.3(b)
A party filing a motion that requires argument must file a brief containing appropriate authority at least 15 days before argument.
Any party who files a motion which requires argument, shall file a brief containing appropriate authority at least fifteen days prior to the date set for argument.
Page 6 | Local Rule 208.3(b)
The party who filed the preliminary objections must file a brief at least 15 days before argument.
The party filing who filed the preliminary objections, shall file a brief at least fifteen days prior to said argument.
Page 15
The responding party must file and serve its brief on all counsel of record and unrepresented parties at least five days before argument.
At least five days prior to the argument, the responding party shall file a brief and shall serve said brief upon all counsel of record and all unrepresented parties.
Page 15
The moving party must file its brief at least 15 days before argument.
The party filing who filed the motion for judgment on the pleadings, shall file a brief at least fifteen days prior to said argument.
Page 17
The responding party must file its brief at least 5 days before argument.
The responding party shall file a brief at least five days prior to the argument
Page 17
The responding party must file its brief at least five days before argument and serve it on all counsel of record and unrepresented parties.
The responding party shall file a brief at least five days prior to the argument and serve said brief upon all counsel of record and all unrepresented parties.
Page 19 | Summary judgment
The party moving for summary judgment must file its brief at least fifteen days before argument.
The party filing who filed the motion for summary judgment, shall file a brief at least fifteen days prior to said argument.
Page 19 | Summary judgment
All parties must file a trial memorandum with the Prothonotary and serve each party at least seven days before the arbitration hearing.
D. At least seven (7) days before the date of the arbitration hearing, all parties shall file a trial memorandum with the Prothonotary and shall serve a copy on each party.
Page 23
The scheduling order for the pretrial conference will direct that pretrial memoranda be filed five days before the conference.
Immediately following the receipt of said copy, the Court Administrator shall schedule a pre-trial and prepare the appropriate order scheduling same, which will direct pre-trial memoranda to be filed five (5) days prior to the pre-trial conference.
Page 24 | Local Rule 1308. ARBITRATION APPEAL
In covered proceedings involving children under 18, the parties must attend the four-hour Education Program for Separated Parents within 30 days after the claim is filed.
In all divorce and custody proceedings filed on or after December 1, 1994, and in such other cases as the court shall direct, where the interests of children under the age of 18 years are involved, within thirty (30) days of the date a custody, visitation or divorce claim is filed, the parties shall attend a four-hour seminar titled “Education Program for Separated Parents.”
Page 27 | Local Rule 1919. MANDATORY SEMINAR FOR SEPARATED FAMILIES
Both parties must register within seven days after service by mailing or personally presenting the pre-printed registration form and a $35 check or money order to the Court Administrator.
Within seven (7) days after service, both parties are required to register for the program by mailing or personally presenting the pre-printed Education Program for Separated Parents registration form, along with a registration fee of $35.00 (check or money order) to the Court Administrator, Bradford County Courthouse, 301 Main Street, Towanda, PA 18848.
Page 27 | Local Rule 1919. MANDATORY SEMINAR FOR SEPARATED FAMILIES
If the complaint is not served within 10 days after filing, the plaintiff must immediately notify the Court Administrator and provide proof of service within five days after service.
If service of the complaint is not made within ten (10) days of filing, the plaintiff shall immediately notify the Court Administrator and shall thereafter provide the Court Administrator with proof of service within five (5) days of service.
Page 27 | Local Rule 1919. MANDATORY SEMINAR FOR SEPARATED FAMILIES
An answer or objection must be filed by the date specified in the rule returnable.
RULE RETURNABLE, for answer or objection to be filed by the ___________day of ______________________________, 20__, in courtroom no. ____ of the Bradford County Courthouse, Towanda, Pa.
Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 1 | ORDER
The Court Reporter must file the specified exhibit materials within five business days of the conclusion of the proceedings.
- iii) File the written index of the exhibits and all documentary exhibits, photographs, and photographs or electronic copies of non-documentary exhibits with the appropriate records office within five (5) business days of the conclusion of the court proceedings
Page 2 | 42nd Jud. Dis. R. Jud. Admin. 5102.1 Custody of Exhibits. General Provisions; (b) After Court Proceedings before Judge or Hearing Officer
The responding party must file a brief at least five days before argument.
At least five days prior to the argument, the responding party shall file a brief
Civil cases
Page 1 | ORDER
The party who filed the identified pleading must file a brief at least fifteen days before argument.
The party filing who filed the ____________________, shall file a brief at least fifteen days prior to said argument.
Civil cases
Page 1 | ORDER
Service and Proof of Service Rules
The petitioning party must file an affidavit of service stating the service date, method, and parties served.
C. The petitioning party shall file an affidavit of service, noting the date, method of service and parties served.
Page 3 | Local Rule 206.4(c)
When filing an answer or objection, counsel or an unrepresented party must concurrently serve a time-stamped copy on the assigned judge.
D. If an answer is filed, the court, upon review, will determine whether a hearing or argument should be scheduled and will enter an order accordingly. Concurrently with filing, counsel or any unrepresented party shall serve a time-stamped copy of the answer or objection upon the assigned judge.
Page 3 | Local Rule 206.4(c)
Each responding party must serve its brief on all other parties at least 5 days before argument.
All responding parties shall file a brief and serve the same on all other parties at least five days prior to the date set for argument.
Page 6 | Local Rule 208.3(b)
A copy of the moving party’s brief must be served promptly on all other parties.
A copy of the brief shall be served promptly upon all other parties.
Page 6 | Local Rule 208.3(b)
The moving party must file an affidavit of service identifying the service date, method, and parties served.
The moving party shall file an affidavit of service, noting the date, method of service, and parties served.
Page 6 | Local Rule 208.3(a)
The filer certifies that a time-stamped copy of the Certification of Readiness will be served immediately after filing on opposing counsel, any unrepresented party, and the Court Administrator.
I further certify that immediately after filing, I will serve a time-stamped copy of this certification upon opposing counsel, any unrepresented party and the Court Administrator.
Page 7 | Certification of Readiness
A time-stamped copy of the Certification of Readiness must be served on the court administrator, opposing counsel, and any unrepresented party immediately after filing.
(b) Immediately after the Certification of Readiness is filed, a time-stamped copy of the Certification shall be served upon the court administrator, opposing counsel and any unrepresented party.
Page 7 | Local Rule 212.1(b)
If a continuance is granted, the moving party must notify its witnesses and provide the motion to opposing counsel and unrepresented parties.
I hereby certify that if a continuance is granted,I will notify all witnesses who would be appearing at my request and will provide a copy of this motion to opposing counsel and unrepresented parties.
Page 10 | Continuances
The moving party must promptly notify all interested parties of the continuance order.
The moving party shall promptly notify all interested parties of this order.
Page 12 | Continuance
A party filing a discontinuance must immediately serve the court administrator with a time-stamped copy.
(a) Any party filing a discontinuance shall immediately serve the court administrator with a time-stamped copy.
Page 12 | Local Rule 229
In the specified actions, original process within the Commonwealth may be served by the sheriff or a competent adult.
Original process shall be served within the Commonwealth (i) by the sheriff or a competent adult in all actions in equity, in partition, to prevent waste, and for declaratory judgment when declaratory relief is the only relief sought,
Page 13 | Local Rule 400.1(b)
In all other actions, original process within the Commonwealth must be served by the sheriff.
(ii) by the sheriff in all other actions.
Page 13 | Local Rule 400.1(b)
A copy of the preliminary-objection-filing party’s brief must be served on all counsel of record and unrepresented parties immediately after filing.
Immediately thereafter a copy of said brief shall be served upon all counsel of record and all unrepresented parties.
Page 15
The motion for argument must state that the completed motion and, if not already served, the pleading raising the disputed issues will be served on all other parties or their attorneys, and that an affidavit of service will be filed afterward.
I hereby state to the court that service will be made of a copy of the completed motion for argument upon all other parties or their attorneys of record in this proceeding; that if not already served, service will be made on the aforesaid of a copy of the pleading which raise the issues in dispute; that all will be done in accordance with the applicable rules regarding service. I further state that my affidavit of service will be filed thereafter.
Page 15
After scheduling, court administration returns the preliminary-objection materials for filing and docketing and for conforming the scheduling order; the Prothonotary transmits a conformed copy to the moving party for service.
(5) Following the scheduling of the preliminary objections, court administration shall return the copy of the preliminary objections to the Prothonotary’s Office, along with the motion for argument thereon and the proposed scheduling order, for filing and docketing and for conforming a copy of the scheduling order. A conformed copy of the order shall be transmitted by the Prothonotary to the moving party for service.
Page 16
The moving party must file an affidavit of service stating the date, method, and parties served.
The moving party shall file an affidavit of service, noting the date of service, method of service, and parties served.
Page 16
The responding party must serve its brief on all counsel of record and unrepresented parties.
and shall serve said brief upon all counsel of record and all unrepresented parties.
Page 17
The moving party must serve a copy of its brief immediately after filing it on all counsel of record and unrepresented parties.
Immediately thereafter, a copy of said brief shall be served upon all counsel of record and all unrepresented parties.
Page 17
The motion-for-argument form states that the completed motion for argument and, if not already served, the motion raising the disputed issues will be served on all other parties or their attorneys, and that an affidavit of service will be filed afterward.
I hereby state to the court that service will be made of a copy of the completed motion for argument upon all other parties or their attorneys of record in this proceeding; that if not already served, service will be made on the aforesaid of a copy of the motion for judgment on the pleadings which raises the issues in dispute; that all will be done in accordance with the applicable rules regarding service. I further state that my affidavit of service will be filed thereafter.
Page 17
The moving party must serve the conformed scheduling order and file an affidavit of service identifying the service date, method, and parties served.
A conformed copy of the order shall be transmitted by the Prothonotary to the moving party for service. The moving party shall file an affidavit of service, noting the date, method of service and parties served.
Page 18
The responding party must serve its brief on all counsel of record and unrepresented parties.
The responding party shall file a brief at least five days prior to the argument and serve said brief upon all counsel of record and all unrepresented parties.
Page 19 | Summary judgment
A copy of the arbitration praecipe must be delivered immediately to the Court Administrator and all other counsel.
A copy of the arbitration praecipe shall immediately be delivered to the Court Administrator and all other counsel.
Page 20 | Local Rule 1301. Cases for Submission
C. In the event that a case settles after an arbitration hearing has been scheduled, the plaintiff shall serve a copy of the discontinuance on the court administrator prior to the date of arbitration. Failure to do so, may result in the arbitrator costs being assessed upon the plaintiff.
C. In the event that a case settles after an arbitration hearing has been scheduled, the plaintiff shall serve a copy of the discontinuance on the court administrator prior to the date of arbitration. Failure to do so, may result in the arbitrator costs being assessed upon the plaintiff.
Page 23
All parties must serve a copy of the trial memorandum on each party at least seven days before the arbitration hearing.
D. At least seven (7) days before the date of the arbitration hearing, all parties shall file a trial memorandum with the Prothonotary and shall serve a copy on each party.
Page 23
In a support proceeding, pleadings must be filed with the Prothonotary and immediately served on the Domestic Relations Office, the Court Administrator’s Office, and all parties of record.
(a) In any support proceeding, all pleadings, including, but not limited to, exceptions, support agreements, and motions must be filed in the Office of the Prothonotary and a copy thereof immediately served upon the Domestic Relations Office, the Court Administrator’s Office, and all parties of record.
Page 24 | Local Rule 1910.4.1
When serving a divorce complaint, the moving party must also serve the responding party with the seminar-attendance order and provide the program brochure or registration form.
The moving party shall serve the responding party with a copy of the court order directing attendance at the seminar at the time a divorce complaint is served. A program brochure/registration form shall also be provided by the moving party to the responding party at the time of service of the complaint.
Page 27 | Local Rule 1919. MANDATORY SEMINAR FOR SEPARATED FAMILIES
The petitioner must serve the attached application and completed rule order on Mr. Foster at the stated address.
The petitioner herein must serve a copy of the attached application and completed rule order upon Mr. Foster, at 2268 Elmira Street, Sayre, PA 18840.
Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 1 | ORDER
The completed motion for argument and, if not already served, the pleading raising the disputed issues must be served on the other parties or their attorneys, and an affidavit of service must be filed afterward.
I hereby state to the court that service will be made of a copy of the completed motion for argument upon all other parties or their attorneys of record in this proceeding; that if not already served, service will be made on the aforesaid of a copy of the pleading which raise the issues in dispute; that all will be done in accordance with the applicable rules regarding service. I further state that my affidavit of service will be filed thereafter.
Civil cases
Page 1 | MOTION FOR ARGUMENT
A copy of the filing party’s brief must be served on all counsel of record and unrepresented parties immediately after filing.
Immediately thereafter a copy of said brief shall be served upon all counsel of record and all unrepresented parties.
Civil cases
Page 1 | ORDER
The responding party must serve its brief on all counsel of record and unrepresented parties at least five days before argument.
At least five days prior to the argument, the responding party shall file a brief and shall serve said brief upon all counsel of record and all unrepresented parties.
Civil cases
Page 1 | ORDER
A copy of the arbitration praecipe must be delivered immediately to the Court Administrator and all other counsel.
A copy of the arbitration praecipe shall immediately be delivered to the Court Administrator and all other counsel.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Local Rule 1301. CASES FOR SUBMISSION TO COMPULSORY ARBITRATION
Filing Fees and Waivers
In all actions, proceedings, or appeals wherein a party seeks, simultaneously with the commencement of the action, proceeding, or appeal, leave to proceed in forma pauperis upon an attorney’s certification filed under Rule 240(d) of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, the Prothonotary shall before allowing the party to proceed in forma pauperis, transmit to the assigned judge the petition for leave to proceed in forma pauperis together with the document by which the action, proceeding, or appeal will be commenced. The assigned judge shall determine whether the allegation of poverty is untrue and whether the action, proceeding, or appeal is frivolous. If the allegation of poverty is untrue, the petition for leave to proceed in forma pauperis shall be denied by order of the court. If the action, proceeding, or appeal is frivolous, the matter shall be dismissed by order of the court. Where appropriate, sanctions may be ordered as provided by law.
In all actions, proceedings, or appeals wherein a party seeks, simultaneously with the commencement of the action, proceeding, or appeal, leave to proceed in forma pauperis upon an attorney’s certification filed under Rule 240(d) of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, the Prothonotary shall before allowing the party to proceed in forma pauperis, transmit to the assigned judge the petition for leave to proceed in forma pauperis together with the document by which the action, proceeding, or appeal will be commenced. The assigned judge shall determine whether the allegation of poverty is untrue and whether the action, proceeding, or appeal is frivolous. If the allegation of poverty is untrue, the petition for leave to proceed in forma pauperis shall be denied by order of the court. If the action, proceeding, or appeal is frivolous, the matter shall be dismissed by order of the court. Where appropriate, sanctions may be ordered as provided by law.
Page 12 | Local Rule 240(j)
An agreement of reference filed with the Prothonotary must be accompanied by the appropriate listing fee.
Upon agreement of all parties a case may be heard by a board of arbitration, regardless of the amount in controversy and whether or not in litigation. Such agreement shall be evidenced by a writing signed by all parties or their counsel and shall be filed with the Prothonotary, accompanied by the appropriate listing fee.
Page 20 | Local Rule 1301.1 Agreement of Reference
A party or its counsel seeking arbitration referral by praecipe must pay the appropriate listing fee.
A civil action shall be referred to arbitration by order of court or when any party or its counsel (1) files a praecipe with the Prothonotary, certifying that the pleadings are closed and the matter is ready for arbitration and (2) pays the appropriate listing fee.
Page 20 | Local Rule 1301. Cases for Submission
A party or counsel using the praecipe route to refer a civil action to arbitration must pay the appropriate listing fee.
A civil action shall be referred to arbitration by Order of Court or when any party or its counsel (1) files a praecipe with the Prothonotary, certifying that the pleadings are closed and the matter is ready for arbitration and (2) pays the appropriate listing fee.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Local Rule 1301. CASES FOR SUBMISSION TO COMPULSORY ARBITRATION
Only the Court Administrator, in consultation with the court, may grant a waiver or reduction of the attendance fee.
A waiver or reduction of the attendance fee can be granted only by the Court Administrator in consultation with the court.
Page 27 | Local Rule 1919. MANDATORY SEMINAR FOR SEPARATED FAMILIES
The program registration fee is $35, payable by check or money order, and the rule allows fee waivers or reductions only under the stated conditions.
Within seven (7) days after service, both parties are required to register for the program by mailing or personally presenting the pre-printed Education Program for Separated Parents registration form, along with a registration fee of $35.00 (check or money order) to the Court Administrator, Bradford County Courthouse, 301 Main Street, Towanda, PA 18848.
Page 27 | Local Rule 1919. MANDATORY SEMINAR FOR SEPARATED FAMILIES
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Continuance motions must be presented at least 10 calendar days before the proceeding; later motions will not be granted unless the opportunity arose later, the grounds were not and reasonably could not have been known, or a continuance is required in the interests of justice.
B. Motions for continuances shall be presented no later than ten (10) calendar days before the date of the proceeding for which the continuance is requested. Thereafter, no motions for continuance will be granted unless: (1) the opportunity therefore did not previously exist; (2) the party making the motion was not aware and reasonably could not be aware of the grounds for the motion; or (3) required in the interests of justice.
Page 8 | Local Rule 216(B)
A continuance motion must be written or made on the record in open court unless the court excuses that requirement for cause.
A. Motions for continuance must be made in writing or of record in open court, unless excused by the court for cause.
Page 8 | Local Rule 216(A)
Before filing a continuance motion, the moving party must make reasonable efforts to obtain interested parties’ consent and, if opposing parties do not respond, state all consent efforts, including their dates and times, in the motion.
(1) Before filing a motion for continuance, the moving party shall make reasonable efforts to obtain the consent of any interested party. If a response from opposing parties cannot be obtained, all efforts to obtain consent, including dates and times thereof, shall be set forth in said motion.
Page 8 | Local Rule 216(A)(1)
A continuance agreed to by the parties is not effective unless and until the court orders it.
(2) Continuances upon the consent of the parties shall not be effective unless and until ordered by the court.
Page 8 | Local Rule 216(A)(2)
Generally, a continuance based on a conflict with another trial court proceeding will be granted only if that court’s scheduling order predates the order setting the proceeding at issue.
Generally a request for a continuance based on proceedings scheduled in another trial court will be granted only if the other court’s scheduling order was issued before the order scheduling the proceedings for which the continuance is requested. If the motion is based on conflict with a matter scheduled in another trial court, the scheduling order or other written documentation from the other court shall be attached to the motion.
Page 9 | Continuances
If a response from an interested party has not been obtained, the continuance request must state the date, time, and manner of every effort to obtain that party’s consent.
(If a response has not been obtained from any interested party, specify the date, time and manner of all efforts to obtain consent of the continuance.)
Page 10 | Continuances
Continuance requests must be written on the local-rule form and submitted to the Court Administrator at least seven days before the hearing, except for extenuating circumstances; the requesting party may then be required to pay arbitrator fees.
B. All requests for continuances shall be in writing in the form set forth by local rule and shall be submitted to the Court Administrator. No continuances which have been submitted less than seven (7) days prior to the date of hearing shall be granted, except for extenuating circumstances and, in those instances, the party requesting the continuance may be required by the court to pay the board of arbitrator fees.
Page 23
A party must obtain court approval to extend the time to complete the seminar.
Court approval is required for an extension of time to complete the seminar.
Page 28 | Local Rule 1919. MANDATORY SEMINAR FOR SEPARATED FAMILIES
The court may consider sanctions when a continuance motion is presented fewer than 10 calendar days before the proceeding without sufficient cause for the late presentation.
(4) The court may consider sanctions for any motion presented less than ten (10) calendar days before the scheduled proceeding and without sufficient cause for such untimely presentation.
Page 8 | Local Rule 216(B)(4)
Chambers Communication Rules
Parents living outside Bradford County may contact the Court Administrator about possible alternative program attendance.
Parents living outside of Bradford County may contact the Court Administrator for possible alternative program attendance.
Page 28 | Local Rule 1919. MANDATORY SEMINAR FOR SEPARATED FAMILIES
To request a no-cost interpreter, inform court staff using the contact information provided in the notice.
Language Access Coordinator Bradford County Courthouse, 301 Main Street, Towanda, PA, 18848 570-265-1707 languageaccesscoordinator@bradfordco.org English: You have the right to an interpreter at no cost to you. To request an interpreter, please inform court staff using the contact information provided at the top of this notice.
Proposed or draft document; may not be in force
Page 1 | Notice of Language Rights
To request an interpreter, inform court staff using the contact information at the top of the notice.
To request an interpreter, please inform court staff using the contact information provided at the top of this notice.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Notice of Language Rights
Check the Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal for scheduling information and, if the calendar link does not provide it, contact the Office of Court Administration by telephone.
If you have questions about when your court case is scheduled, you can Visit the Pennsylvania Judiciary Web Portal to view up-to-date public calendars. If you are unable to get this information from the court calendar link on this website, you can contact the Office of Court Administration via telephone.
Page 1 | Department Description