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

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pleading or legal paper

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.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice order and complaint

Each notice order and complaint in covered custody or visitation proceedings must include the additional information required by Bradford County Civil Rule 1915.15.

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

CRITICAL

Applies to

Brief

Briefs must identify the particular theories and authorities relied upon; failure to specifically cite a statute, court rule, or case waives a claim that the authority applies.

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Arbitration praecipe

A party or counsel seeking referral of a civil action to arbitration by praecipe must certify that the pleadings are closed and the matter is ready for arbitration, and 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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibit

The proponent must give the Court Reporter a Confidential Information Form or Confidential Document Form when introducing an exhibit containing confidential information or documents.

3) The proponent shall include a Confidential Information Form or Confidential Document Form for any exhibit offered into evidence that contains confidential information or confidential documents as defined in the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania. These forms shall be given by the proponent to the Court Reporter at the time the evidence is introduced.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Affidavit of service

The affidavit of service must state that the opposing party was advised of the seminar requirement and served with the registration form.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

All summary judgment motions must be filed in the Prothonotary’s Office.

(2) All motions for summary judgment shall be filed in the Prothonotary’s Office.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Cell phone pass application

Individuals seeking a pass under paragraph 7 shall also include the name and court term number of the case and the purpose for the request.

Individuals seeking a pass under paragraph 7 shall also include the name and court term number of the case and the purpose for the request.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibit

The Court Reporter must file the exhibit index and specified exhibits with the appropriate records office within five business days after the proceedings conclude.

- 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

CRITICAL

Applies to

Affidavit of service

The moving party must file an affidavit of service stating 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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Agreement of reference

All parties may agree to arbitration regardless of the amount in controversy or whether litigation has begun, but the agreement must be in writing, signed by all parties or their counsel, and filed with the Prothonotary with the 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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exception

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.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Summary judgment motion

Must include

caption, case number

A summary judgment motion must be written, contain a caption identifying the court, action number, and parties, and show the filing attorney's name, address, and Supreme Court ID number on every page.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pleading

Must include

caption, case number

Every pleading must include a caption stating the court name, action number, and pleading name.

Every pleading shall contain a caption setting forth the name of the court, the number of the action and the name of the pleading.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Custody complaint

Every complaint for custody, partial custody, or visitation must include one of the two specified averments.

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__________________).”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

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.

(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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for status conference

Before a proceeding involving anticipated bulky, oversized, or physically impractical exhibits, the proponent must file a motion for a status conference if the issue has not already been raised and addressed; the judge may allow the conference by telephone or advanced communication technology.

In advance of any proceeding where a proponent anticipates their exhibit(s) will be categorized as bulky, oversized, or otherwise physically impractical pursuant to Pa. R.J.A. 5103(c)(3), the proponent shall, when the issue has not previously been raised and addressed, file a motion for a status conference, which may be conducted via telephone or advanced communication technology at the discretion of the presiding judge.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

Must include

proposed order

A separate proposed order granting the requested stay must be submitted.

A separate proposed order granting said stay shall be submitted.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Trial memorandum

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.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

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.

(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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibit index

The Court Reporter must maintain a written index of exhibits during court proceedings.

2) The Court Reporter shall maintain a written index of exhibits during the court proceedings.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Photograph description document

The proponent must give the Court Reporter a separate document with each photograph describing it and stating the case name, docket number, proponent name, and date taken.

The proponent shall also prepare a separate document to provide to the Court Reporter along with the photograph that describes the photograph(s), including: - i) the case name, - ii) docket number, - iii) proponent name, and - iv) date photograph was taken.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for judgment on the pleadings

Must include

caption

A motion for judgment on the pleadings must be written, include a caption identifying the court, action number, and parties, and show the filing attorney’s name, address, and Supreme Court ID number on every page.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Motions under this rule must certify either that the motion is uncontested and include a proposed order granting relief, or that the matter is at issue and include a proposed show-cause order in substantially the Rule 206.5 form.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Cell phone pass application

Individuals in categories 5, 6, and 7 must apply for a cell phone pass and provide the listed information.

Individuals in categories identified in paragraphs 5, 6, and 7 must apply for a cell phone pass from the Court Administrator's Office by completing an application and providing their name, photo identification, employer, occupation, and the purpose for the request.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

caption, case number

Except for motions made orally during a trial or hearing, motions must be written, include a caption identifying the court, action number, and parties, and show the filing attorney’s name, address, and Supreme Court ID number on the front page.

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.

CRITICAL

After the motion is scheduled, the motion copy and the original and a copy of the show-cause order must be submitted to the Prothonotary’s Office for filing, docketing, and conforming a copy of the scheduling order.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Praecipe for arbitration

A praecipe for arbitration must substantially follow the prescribed form.

The praecipe for arbitration shall be substantially in the following form:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Agreement stipulation exception discontinuance praecipe to withdraw or order

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.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exception

An exception asserting an error of law must identify the statute, rule, regulation, or judicial decision the hearing officer failed to apply or applied improperly.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Praecipe

A party or its counsel may obtain referral of a civil action to arbitration by court order or by filing a praecipe certifying that the pleadings are closed and the case is ready, and paying the 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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Divorce custody cover sheet

A substantially conforming cover sheet must be filed immediately with Court Administration when a divorce or custody action is filed.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Affidavit of deposit of minor funds

The proposed order must require counsel to provide the court an affidavit of deposit of the minor’s funds within ten days from the order’s date.

a provision that counsel shall provide the court with an affidavit of deposit of minor’s funds within ten days from the date of the order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

A motion for continuance must substantially follow the provided form, including information about the scheduled proceeding, prior continuances, the reason for the request, and the positions of interested parties.

The motion for continuance shall be substantially in the following form:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for continuance

Must include

proposed order

Every written motion for a continuance must be preceded by a proposed order substantially in the stated form.

E. All written motions for continuance shall be preceded by a proposed order which shall be substantially in the following form:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

A motion that is or may be contested must include a proposed order scheduling argument, and that order must identify the filing attorney by name, address, and Supreme Court ID number.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exception

Each exception must identify whether it asserts an erroneous finding of fact or an error of law.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Trial memorandum

A party generally may not call a witness absent from its timely filed arbitration memorandum, unless the arbitrators determine extraordinary circumstances exist.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for judgment on the pleadings

Must include

proposed order

A motion for judgment on the pleadings must include a motion for argument and a proposed scheduling order substantially in the stated form.

A motion for argument and a proposed scheduling order in substantially the following form shall be included:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Divorce complaint

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.

(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).

CRITICAL

A motion for argument and a proposed scheduling order in substantially the following form shall be included:

A motion for argument and a proposed scheduling order in substantially the following form shall be included:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exception

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.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Preliminary objections

Must include

proposed order

The preliminary-objection papers must include a motion for argument and a proposed scheduling order substantially in the stated form.

A motion for argument and a proposed scheduling order in substantially the following form shall be included:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

The motion must identify the filing attorney by name, address, and Supreme Court ID number on each page.

each page of the motion, the name, address and Supreme Court ID number of the filing attorney.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Hearing notice

The hearing notice must include the prescribed statement about the arbitration hearing and the consequence of a party's absence.

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

CRITICAL

Applies to

Certification of readiness

The Certification of Readiness certifies that the pleadings are closed, witnesses are available, and discovery is complete except for trial-presentation depositions.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition amendment or supplement

Amendments or supplements to the petition required by the court must be filed of record.

Any amendments or supplements to the petition required by the court shall be filed of record.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

Must include

proposed order

A petition requesting immediate relief must be accompanied by a separate proposed order.

F. If the petition contains a request for immediate relief, a separate proposed order shall be submitted.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Media deposition exhibit

For a media deposition presented at trial, the proponent must retain it and submit either a copy on a portable media device or a transcript as an exhibit, subject to subdivision (c).

Media depositions presented at trial shall be retained by the proponent. The proponent shall submit either a copy of the media deposition on a portable media device or a transcript of the media deposition as an exhibit provided it complies with subdivision (c) of this Rule.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Affidavit of service

The moving party's affidavit of service must state the date and method of service and the parties served.

The moving party shall file an affidavit of service, noting the date, method of service and parties served.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

A motion for continuance based on a conflict with another trial court matter must attach that court’s scheduling order or other written documentation.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice to defend

The Notice to Defend form must designate the Prothonotary’s office and listed contact information as a source for finding legal help.

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

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

A petition for approval of a minor’s settlement must include copies of medical reports or records showing the diagnosis and prognosis of the minor’s injuries.

(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;

CRITICAL

Applies to

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.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exception

A party filing exceptions must immediately submit a motion for argument on the exceptions to the court administrator.

Any party filing exceptions shall immediately submit to the court administrator a motion for argument on the exceptions.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

Must include

proposed order

The petitioner must attach a proposed order containing the settlement authorization and amount, distribution, account and withdrawal terms, and a provision requiring counsel to provide an affidavit of deposit within ten days after the order.

The petitioner shall attach a proposed order which sets forth: (a) the court’s authorization for the petitioner to enter into a settlement and release on behalf of the minor; (b) reference to the total amount of the settlement; (c) a complete statement of the distribution of the settlement amount as set forth in the petition; (d) identification of the type of account to be utilized, which account shall comply with PA.R.C.P. 2039, including a provision that no withdrawal shall be made from any such account except by a prior order of court or until the minor attains majority; (e) a provision that counsel shall provide the court with an affidavit of deposit of minor’s funds within ten days from the date of the order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Withdrawal of appearance

An attorney may withdraw without leave only for issues covered by another attorney’s appearance, and the withdrawal must identify those issues.

(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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Praecipe for arbitration

The arbitration praecipe must request referral for appointment of arbitrators and certify the amount in controversy, that pleadings are closed, whether an agreement of reference was filed, and the estimated hearing time.

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:___________________________.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pleading

(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,

(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,

CRITICAL

Applies to

Trial memorandum

A party generally may not offer an exhibit absent from its timely filed arbitration memorandum, unless the arbitrators determine extraordinary circumstances exist.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Preliminary objections

Preliminary objections must be filed in the Prothonotary’s Office, which then transmits copies of the objections, motion for argument, and proposed scheduling order to the Court Administrator.

(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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Order of court

At the status conference, the presiding judge, counsel, and unrepresented parties must discuss exhibit maintenance and security during and after the proceeding, and the judge must confirm the arrangements by court order.

The presiding judge, counsel, and parties if unrepresented, shall discuss maintenance and security of the exhibit(s) both during and after the proceeding consistent with Pa. R.J.A. 5104(a)(4), and the presiding judge shall confirm same by an Order of Court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Divorce complaint

Must include

proposed order

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.

(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:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Divorce complaint

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.

(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 __________________________ .)”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

A request to stay execution pending disposition of a petition to open a default judgment must be included in that petition.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exception

Each exception concerning the listed claims must specifically state the conclusion the excepting party believes the master should have reached.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Divorce custody cover sheet

A divorce or custody filer must complete the cover sheet legibly and give it to Court Administration, not file it in the Prothonotary’s Office.

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

CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery motion

A discovery motion must include a certification signed by moving counsel attesting to efforts to confer with all interested parties to resolve the matter without court action.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Divorce custody cover sheet

For a pro se divorce or custody action, the prothonotary must provide and help complete the cover sheet, then forward it with the pleading to 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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Divorce complaint

Must include

proposed order

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).

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).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Order of court

The presiding judge may issue special instructions on how covered exhibits are maintained and secured during proceedings, breaks, and recesses, and the method must be confirmed by court order.

Each presiding judge in any Court Proceeding may issue special instructions to address the method by which exhibits under this rule are maintained during a court proceeding, including the party that shall secure the exhibits while the Court Proceeding is in session, as well as during all breaks and recesses, which method shall be confirmed by an Order of Court.

WARNINGCivil cases

A party waives any claim that a statute, court rule, or case is applicable authority if it is not cited.

The failure to cite a particular statute, rule of court, or case shall be deemed to be a waiver of any claim that said statute, rule, or case stands as applicable authority.

WARNING

Applies to

Brief

A party waives a claim that a statute, court rule, or case applies if its brief does not cite that authority.

The failure to cite a particular statute, rule of court, or case shall be deemed to be a waiver of any claim that said statute, rule, or case stands as applicable authority.

WARNING

Applies to

Exception

Exceptions that do not comply with the rule or are not briefed as ordered may be deemed waived.

Exceptions which are not in compliance with this rule or which are not briefed as ordered may be deemed to have been waived.

WARNING

Applies to

Certification of readiness

In a civil action seeking damages above the compulsory-arbitration jurisdictional limit, any party may file a readiness certification with the Prothonotary, which must substantially follow the prescribed form.

In any such civil action in which the damages sought exceed the jurisdictional limit for compulsory arbitration, any party may file a certification with the Prothonotary that the case is ready for trial. The Certification of Readiness shall be in substantially the following form: