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

302 rules from official source documents

Required elements, certificates, and structural requirements for court documents.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Additional security bond

All bonds for additional security must be filed with the clerk.

All bonds for additional security shall be filed with the clerk.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Pre hearing statement

A pre-hearing statement must include the information required by Pa.R.C.P. 1920.33(b) and every documentary exhibit the party expects to offer, regardless of length.

The pre-hearing statement shall contain all of the information required by Pa.R.C.P. 1920.33(b), and shall contain all documentary exhibits which the party expects to offer in evidence, regardless of length.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Supplemental account

A copy of the supplemental account must be presented to the court at the audit.

A copy of the supplemental account shall be presented to the court at the audit.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Judgment entry order

A written order from either counsel is required for entry of judgment, unless the Court orders otherwise.

judgment shall be entered thereon absolutely by the prothonotary upon a written order of either counsel in the cause, unless otherwise ordered by the Court;

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Additional security bond

Bonds for additional security must be filed with the clerk.

All bonds for additional security shall be filed with the clerk.

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CRITICAL

Applies to: All papers

All filed papers must include the attorney’s State Identification Number under the signature.

The attorneys’ State Identification Number shall be included under their signature on all papers filed.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

The petition must include the fiduciary appointment document, applicable consents or joinders and notices, and other relevant documents such as a mortgage commitment.

The following exhibits shall be attached to the petition: a. a copy of the will, deed, or decree by which the fiduciary was appointed; b. any consents or joinders of interested parties, and the names and a copy of the notice which has been given to those parties who do not consent or join; and other relevant documents—such as mortgage commitment.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Master report

The master's report must certify that the plaintiff and witnesses were sworn or affirmed and examined, substantiated the prepared record with credible evidence, and presented no contrary testimony or evidence.

provided, however, that in the report the master certifies: (a) that at the hearing in his presence the plaintiff and the witnesses offering pre- recorded evidence were placed under oath or affirmation and were examined by him and that they, by credible evidence substantiated the facts set forth in the Prepared Record of Testimony, and (b) that no witness who was sworn or affirmed presented testimony or evidence to the contrary of facts set forth in the Prepared Record of Testimony.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Initial filing

Every initial filing commencing an action, appeal, or miscellaneous application in the civil division must include a Prothonotary-prescribed informational cover sheet; failure to file it correctly or completely may result in sanctions.

Every initial filing commencing an action, appeal or miscellaneous application in the civil division of the Bucks County Court of Common Pleas shall be accompanied by an informational cover sheet in such form as may be prescribed by the Prothonotary. This cover sheet may collect such information as the names of parties and counsel, the nature of the matter being filed, the amount in controversy and such other miscellaneous information as may assist the Court in the administration of its dockets. The failure to file this form or the failure to file the form correctly or completely may result in an order imposing sanctions.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Preplacement report

A licensed agency intermediary must conduct a home study and file a preplacement report.

When the intermediary is an agency licensed by the Department of Public Welfare of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the agency shall conduct a home study and file a preplacement report as required by 23 Pa.C.S. §2530.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Application to intervene

A person other than those otherwise identified who seeks party status must apply to the Court in writing under the procedural rules for intervention.

Any other person desiring to become a party shall make written application to the Court in conformity with the provisions of the procedural rules relating to intervention.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

The petition must attach the confirmed schedule of distribution if filed and original releases or satisfactions showing full payment, but may attach copies if the originals are already filed with the clerk.

The petition shall have attached thereto a copy of the schedule of distribution as confirmed, if one has been filed, and original releases or satisfactions of award from the distributees showing full payment of their distributive shares. If such original releases or satisfactions of award have been filed with the clerk, copies may be attached.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Supplemental account

Later receipts and disbursements may be included in a supplemental account, which must be signed and verified by the accountant(s), filed with the clerk, and noticed as provided by Pa. O.C. Rule 2.5(a)–(g).

Receipts and disbursements received or made after filing the account and petition for adjudication/statement of proposed distribution may be accounted for in a supplemental account, which shall be signed and verified by the accountant(s) and filed with the clerk, with notice in the same manner as required by Pa. O.C. Rule 2.5(a) - (g) with respect to an account.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Statement of proposed distribution

Statements of proposed distribution must be filed and approved in accordance with the Orphans' Court Rules.

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CRITICAL

Every attorney must enter an appearance in writing with the entry date, or endorse the appearance on filed papers.

Every attorney in any proceeding shall enter their appearance in writing, noting thereon the date on which entered, or by endorsement on papers filed

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Motion
Must include: proposed order

A subsequent sanctions motion for failure to comply with an order under subsection (a) must include an order directing the non-complying party to appear at a sanctions hearing.

A subsequent motion seeking sanctions for failure to comply with an order entered under subsection *(a) of this rule shall include an order directing that the non-complying party appear for a hearing at which sanctions will be imposed.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

A petition to mortgage or lease real property must conform as closely as practicable to the rules governing a petition to sell real property at public sale.

shall conform as closely as practicable to the requirements of these Rules with regard to a petition to sell real property at public sale;

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition to sell real property at public sale

A petition by a personal representative, trustee, or guardian to sell real property at public sale must include the six categories of exhibits listed in the rule.

The following exhibits shall be attached to a petition by a personal representative, trustee or guardian to sell real property at public sale: 1. a copy of the will, deed, or decree by which the fiduciary was appointed; 2. any consents or joinders of interested parties, and the names and a copy of the notice which has been given to those parties who do not consent or join; 3. consent by any mortgagee whose lien would otherwise not be discharged by the sale; 4. agreement of sale; 5. a full legal description of the subject real estate, together with a recital of the title thereof sufficient to explain the nature and quantum of all interests therein which will or may be affected by the relief requested; and 6. any other instrument which may be material to the application for public sale.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Certification of service
Must include: certificate of service

The petitioner's attorney must file a certification of service with the prothonotary within twenty days after the viewers are appointed.

The attorney for the petitioner shall file a certification of service as aforesaid with the prothonotary within twenty (20) days after the appointment of viewers.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Designation notice

The designation notice must certify that the transcript deposit has been paid.

and certify that the same has been paid upon the designation notice aforesaid.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Additional security bond

When additional security is ordered, its surety must be the same as the original bond’s surety unless cause is shown.

When an order of the court shall require the entry of additional security, the surety thereon, except for cause shown, shall be the same as on the original bond.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Discontinuance notice

The notice must state that court approval will be requested, give the reason for discontinuance, and explain when a motion will be filed if no objection is received.

The party requesting discontinuance shall notify all other parties by ordinary mail: (1) that a discontinuance approval will be requested from the court; (2) the reason for the proposed discontinuance; and (3) that a discontinuance motion will be filed after the expiration of twenty (20) days from the date of mailing said notice if no objections are received by counsel for the discontinuing party within that time.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Minor funds account

If the court authorizes a deposit in lieu of bond, the account must be marked with the stated withdrawal restriction.

In lieu of the entry of bond, the court in appropriate cases may authorize the guardian to deposit the funds of the minor in an interest-bearing federally insured savings account, certificate of deposit or credit union account or an account investing only in securities guaranteed by the United States government or a Federal governmental agency managed by responsible financial institutions. The account(s) shall be marked “not to be withdrawn until the minor reaches the age of eighteen (18) years, except for the payment of local, state and federal income taxes on earnings of the certificate or account or upon further order of the court.”

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

The petition must expressly state whether discharge is sought for both the fiduciary and surety or for the surety alone.

The petition shall also expressly state whether both the fiduciary and surety or the surety alone is to be discharged.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Guardian petition to sell real property at public sale

A guardian’s petition for public sale must include the specified information in separate paragraphs, including facts supporting the sale and a requested form of order or decree.

When it is required that a guardian petition the court to sell real property at public sale, the petition, in addition to the requirements of Pennsylvania Orphans’ Court Rule 5.10, shall set forth in separate paragraphs, the following: a. name, date, fiduciary designation and manner of appointment of the guardian. If the petitioner not be the guardian, include the particulars relating to the guardian mentioned above as to the propriety of the court’s entertaining the petition and the granting of relief to the petitioner, rather than to the guardian; b. the age of the ward and date of birth; c. the names of their next of kin and that notice has been given them of the presentation of the petition; when there are no known next of kin who are sui juris to whom notice may be given, public notice may be required as the court shall by special order in each case designate, if appropriate; d. how title was acquired, stating the date and place of probate of the will, the schedule of distribution or recording of the deed; together with a recital of the provisions of the will, schedule of distribution or deed relating to the real estate to be sold; e. the nature and extent of the interest of the ward, and of other persons, in the real property, whether any of them are minors, incapacitated persons or deceased and, if so, the names of their fiduciaries, if any; f. whether or not there is any objection by any party in interest to the grant of the relief requested; g. a full legal description of the subject real estate, together with a recital of the title thereof sufficient to explain the nature and quantum of all interests therein which will or may be affected by the relief requested; h. that the guardian is not otherwise authorized to sell under the Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries Code, or is denied the power by the instrument appointing them; or that it is desirable that the sale have the effect of a judicial sale, stating the reasons thereof. i. sufficient facts to enable the court to determine that the proposed sale will be for the best interest of the ward; and j. an appropriate request for relief together with a form of order or decree in accordance therewith.

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CRITICAL

Applies to: Appearance slip

At the monthly audit-list call, the specified counsel and unrepresented parties must appear in person in open court and note their appearances and other appropriate matters on appearance slips filed with the court then.

At the call of the monthly audit list, counsel for the accountant (or associated counsel authorized and prepared to act as such on behalf of the accountant), as well as counsel for any other party or interested parties who desire to be heard (or accountant or other party or parties, in interest in propria persona if not represented by counsel), shall be personally present in open court and shall note their appearance and such other matters as may be appropriate upon appearance slips to be filed with the court at that time.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition for appointment of viewers

An additional conformed copy of the petition must be filed with the prothonotary for use in certifying the record to the appointed viewers.

An additional conformed copy of such petition shall be filed with the prothonotary for his use in certifying the record to the viewers appointed.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Adoption petition

A Pennsylvania-resident adoption petition must be filed simultaneously with the required Certificate of Adoption form.

An adoption petition in which the petitioners are residents of Pennsylvania presented to the Orphans' Court for filing with the Court shall not be accepted by the clerk unless there is filed simultaneously with it a Certificate of Adoption, Pennsylvania Form H 105.091, promulgated by the Department of Health, Vital Records.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Motion

If no objections are filed within 10 days after the schedule is filed, the accountant must file a motion requesting confirmation of the schedule.

If no objections to the schedule of distribution are filed within 10 days after its filing, the accountant shall file a motion with the court requesting confirmation of the schedule of distribution.

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CRITICAL

Applies to: Bills records and reports

Bills, records, and reports submitted under sections (b)(1) and (3) must be verified, except qualifying hospital bills and records.

Except for hospital bills and records submitted on official letterhead of a hospital, all bills, records and reports submitted under section (b)(1) and (3) of this rule shall be duly verified.

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CRITICALCivil cases

An attorney must immediately report any change in practice association to the court administrator.

Upon any change in his status of practicing with or being associated with any other lawyer or lawyers, he shall immediately report such change to the court administrator who will change the list of eligible arbitrators, in accordance with the information submitted.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Order appointing viewers

The order appointing viewers must contain the tax parcel number of the property subject to condemnation.

The order appointing the viewers shall contain the tax parcel number of the property subject to condemnation.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Request for preplacement home study

Proposed adopting parents must pay the Court-fixed reasonable cost, and a check for that amount payable to the designated provider must accompany the Request for Preplacement Home Study.

The persons or agency designated by the Court to perform the services required in 3(a) and (b) shall be paid the reasonable cost of such services by the proposed adopting parent(s). The reasonable cost shall be fixed by the Court. A check payable to the designated person or agency in the amount fixed shall be attached to the Request for Preplacement Home Study.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Motion
Must include: proposed order

A motion to compel compliance must include a form of order directing compliance within a fixed time and allowing a motion for hearing within 10 days after service of the order.

Any party moving to compel compliance with this chapter shall submit with its motion a form of order directing compliance within a fixed period of time, and allowing the alternative of filing a motion for hearing within 10 days of service of said order.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Additional security bond

Unless cause is shown, additional security must have the same surety as the original bond.

When an order of the Court shall require the entry of additional security, the surety thereon, except for cause shown, shall be the same as on the original bond.

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CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to: Monthly report

Each issuing authority must submit a monthly report on all summary ARD cases to the Chief Adult Probation Officer.

Each issuing authority shall submit a monthly report on all cases submitted for summary ARD to the Chief Adult Probation Officer who shall compile such reports and monitor the cases as may be required.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition for public sale

A petition by a personal representative, trustee, or guardian to sell real property at public sale must attach the listed exhibits.

The following exhibits shall be attached to a petition by a personal representative, trustee or guardian to sell real property at public sale; 1. a copy of the will, deed, or decree by which the fiduciary was appointed; 2. any consents or joinders of parties in interest, and the names and a copy of the notice which has been given to those parties who do not consent or join; 3. consent by any mortgagee whose lien would otherwise not be discharged by the sale; 4. agreement of sale; 5. a full legal description of the subject real estate, together with a recital of the title thereof sufficient to explain the nature and quantum of all interests therein which will or may be affected by the relief requested; and 6. any other instrument which may be material to the application for public sale.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Interim counsel fees and expenses request

A request for interim counsel fees and expenses in a divorce action must be made by petition and rule to show cause.

A request for interim counsel fees and expenses in divorce actions shall be made by petition and rule to show cause.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Schedule of distribution

The accountant’s and counsel’s certification must state either that notice was given or that written approval filed with the schedule makes notice unnecessary.

b. that notice of the filing thereof has been duly given, or that the same is unnecessary by reason of a written approval of the schedule filed therewith by all interested parties affected thereby or by counsel of record.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Praecipe

In the event that no answer is filed by the return day, upon praecipe and an affidavit of service of the petition, showing service more than ten (10) days before the return day the prothonotary shall make the rule absolute.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Transcript designation

The transcript designation must state the trial's start date and the courtroom where it was held.

*(b) The designation of the portion of the record to be transcribed required by Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 227.3 shall include the date the trial started and the courtroom where the trial was held.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Stipulation

If the parties use the stipulation procedure, all parties or their attorneys may sign a stipulation stating exactly the form of the award.

(2) All parties, or their attorneys, may sign a stipulation which states exactly the form the award shall take.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Sworn written return of sale

A sworn written return must be filed with the clerk by the return day, stating relevant sale facts and attaching the sale agreement and proofs of publication and service.

On or before the return day, a sworn written return of said sale shall be filed with the clerk setting forth the relevant facts concerning the sale and attaching a copy of the agreement resulting therefrom and due proofs of publication and service of other required notices.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Motion to dissolve supersedeas

A landlord’s motion to dissolve the supersedeas must include proof that it was served on the tenant 10 days earlier and a copy of the escrow passbook.

Upon motion by the landlord, accompanied by proof of service thereof upon the tenant 10 days prior thereto and accompanied by a copy of the escrow account passbook, the Court may dissolve the supersedeas if the passbook discloses that a monthly rental payment was not deposited in escrow within 10 days after the date the rental payment became due.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition to sell real property at public sale
Must include: proposed order

When a personal representative is required to petition for a public sale of real property, the petition must separately state the specified estate, authority, asset, party, claim, objection, property, and sale facts, and include a request for relief and a form of order or decree.

When it is required that a personal representative petition the court to sell real property at public sale, the petition, in addition to the requirements of Pennsylvania Orphans’ Court Rule 5.10, shall also set forth in separate paragraphs, the following: a. the name or other designation of the estate; the date of death; whether the decedent died testate or intestate; date of grant of letters; if a decedent’s estate, or testamentary trust, or the date and manner of creation, if another type of fiduciary estate. If the petitioner is other than the fiduciary, include the particulars of the fiduciary required herein, and set forth facts sufficient to satisfy the court of the propriety of entertaining the petition by a petitioner other than the fiduciary; b. set forth the reason why the personal representative is not otherwise authorized to sell under the Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries Code; or is not authorized or is denied the power to do so by the will; or that it is desirable that the sale have the effect of a judicial sale, stating the reasons therefor; c. the total value of the personal estate for which they are accountable, as shown in the inventory filed and the inheritance tax appraisal made, if any, and also a statement of the total proceeds of any real estate previously sold or otherwise disposed of; d. if the fiduciary has been required to give bond or if additional security may be required, waived or requested, a statement of the amount of the bond or bonds filed by them, if any, and the names of the sureties thereon; e. the names and relationships of all interested parties; a brief description of the respective interests; whether any of them are minors, incapacitated persons or deceased, and if so the names of their fiduciaries, if any; f. the nature and amount of liens or other claims or charges which are not liens; g. whether or not there is any known objection by any party in interest to the grant of relief requested; h. a full legal description of the subject real estate, together with a recital of the title thereof sufficient to explain the nature and quantum of all interests therein which will or may be affected by the relief requested; i. sufficient facts to enable the court to determine that the sale is desirable for the proper administration and distribution of the estate; and j. an appropriate request for relief, together with a form of order or decree in accordance therewith.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Motion or rule

A motion or rule seeking relief that depends on a matter not of record must be founded on a petition.

If the relief sought depends upon any matter not of record, the motion or rule shall be founded upon a petition.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Request for preplacement home study

Before a child is placed for adoption, the non-agency intermediary or, if there is none, the proposed adopting person or persons must file a request for a pre-placement home study with the clerk.

Prior to the placement of a child for adoption, a non-agency intermediary or the person(s) proposing to adopt if there is no intermediary shall file with the clerk a request for a pre-placement home study.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Supporting motion or petition

Unless the basis is obviously self-apparent, the supporting motion or petition must cite the statute, procedural rule, or other authority for the motion or rule.

Unless obviously self-apparent, the statute, a procedural rule or other authority for the motion or rule shall be cited in the supporting motion or petition.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Notice of pendency

The notice must identify the action and state the recipient's twenty-day deadline to join and the consequences of failing to do so.

The notice shall state the Court, term and number of the action, the parties thereto and its nature, and that the person to whom it is addressed is required to join therein within twenty days after receipt of such notice, or his cause of action will be barred and the action will proceed without him.

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CRITICAL

Applies to: Petition for appointment of trustee

The petition must include a copy of the trust instrument and the contents of joinders of parties in interest as exhibits.

The following exhibits shall be attached to the petition: 1. a copy of the trust instrument; 2. and contents of joinders of parties in interest.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

If written consents are not attached as exhibits, the petition must aver that any sureties were notified of the intended discharge application date.

In addition, if their written consents not be attached as exhibits, the petition shall aver that notice has been given to sureties, if any, of the date of the intended application for discharge.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

If the surety’s written consent is not attached, the petition must aver that any surety was notified of the intended application date.

If the written consent of the surety is not attached as an exhibit, the petition shall aver that notice has been given to the surety, if any, of the date of the intended application for discharge.

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CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to: File record

Any earlier notice given by the issuing authority must be documented in the file record.

provided that due documentation thereof shall appear in the file record.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Additional security bond

Bonds for additional security must be filed with the clerk.

all bonds for additional security shall be filed with the clerk.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Certification notice

The certification notice must be written and state the intention to certify the case as ready for trial and order it onto the general trial list.

The certification notice shall be in writing and shall indicate the intention to certify the case as being ready for trial and to order the same onto the general trial list.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition for appointment of viewers

A petition to appoint viewers in an eminent domain proceeding must specify the applicable Act of Assembly, if any, under which the condemnation was made.

The petition for appointment of viewers in all eminent domain proceedings shall specify the Act of Assembly, if any, under which the condemnation was made, whichever is applicable.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Notice to persons entitled to damages

The notice must identify the decedent and action and state the recipient’s right to petition to remove and substitute the plaintiff.

*(a) The notice prescribed in Pa. R.C.P. 2205 shall name the decedent, and state the Court, term and number of the action, and that if the person to whom it is addressed objects to the authority of the plaintiff to maintain the action, such person may petition the Court to remove the plaintiff and to substitute as a new plaintiff any person entitled by law to recover damages in the action or a personal representative of the decedent.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Contested discontinuance

If an objection is received, discontinuance may be allowed only after a motion and rule to show cause upon the objecting party.

If an objection has been received, discontinuance will be allowed only after motion and rule to show cause upon the objecting party.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Answers to interrogatories

Interrogatory answers must be complete, written, and signed under oath before a notary or otherwise properly verified.

Each of these Interrogatories must be answered fully and completely by you in writing and must be signed by you under oath before a Notary Public, or otherwise properly verified.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

A petition to mortgage or lease real property must follow the applicable petition requirements and state the proposed transaction’s terms and sufficient facts for the Court to decide whether to approve it.

A petition to mortgage or lease real property by a personal representative, trustee or guardian, shall conform as closely as practicable to the requirements of these Rules with regard to a petition to sell real property at public sale; shall set forth the amount and terms of the proposed mortgage loan or terms of lease; and shall set forth sufficient facts to enable the Court to determine whether the proposed mortgage or lease should be approved.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Agreed award

One party or the party’s attorney may present an agreed award to the arbitrators if the other counsel or unrepresented parties have confirmed it in writing to the court administrator.

(1) One party, or his attorney, may appear before a panel of arbitrators to present an agreed award, to which other counsel or unrepresented parties have expressed confirmation in writing to the court administrator.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Interim counsel fees and expenses petition

The petition must identify other pending litigation and include the petitioner's specified financial and property information, supporting tax and pay-stub documents, and an itemization or explanation of the fees and expenses claimed.

The petition shall include: (1) Identification of all other pending litigation between the parties; (2) Petitioner's income and expense statement in the form required by the practice and procedure governing an action for support, together with a true and correct copy of petitioner's most recent federal income tax return and pay stubs, if any, for the preceding six months; (3) Petitioner's inventory and appraisement of all property owned or possessed in the form required by the practice and procedure governing an action for equitable distribution of property; (4) The specific amounts claimed for interim counsel fees and expenses and any statement for services, bill, estimate, other itemization or explanation.

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CRITICAL

Applies to: Notice

The notice of intended presentation must state the date the petition will be presented.

which notice shall set forth the date of intended presentation.

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CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to: Ard application

The District Attorney must apply to the Court for the accused’s admission to ARD under the cited rules.

The District Attorney shall then apply to the Court for the admission of the accused to ARD in accordance with the provisions of Pa. R.Cr.PC 177, 177.178 and 179.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

Fair Value Act petitions must disclose the statutorily required information and the specified sale, judgment, interest, cost, lien, tax, and municipal-claim details.

Petitions under the Act of July 9, 1976, P.L. 586, No. 142, (42 Pa.C.S. § 8103), to fix the fair market value of real property purchased by a judgment creditor at sheriff's sale shall disclose in addition to the information required by the statute the following: (a) the date of the sheriff's sale; (b) the date of entry and the amount of the judgment entered in the proceeding and the amount of the interest due thereon to the date of the sheriff's sale and the costs of the proceedings upon which the said judgment was obtained; and (c) an itemized statement of all prior liens, costs, taxes and municipal claims not discharged by the sale, and the amount of any such items paid at distribution on the sale.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

The petition must include the listed appointment document, party consents or joinders and notice information, and other relevant documents as exhibits.

The following exhibits shall be attached to the petition: a. a copy of the will, deed, or decree by which the fiduciary was appointed; b. any consents or joinders of parties in interest, and the names and a copy of the notice which has been given to those parties who do not consent or join; and c. other relevant documents - such as mortgage commitment.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Praecipe

A praecipe must specifically identify Rule 208.3(b) or Rule 208.3(b)(5), as applicable, or the application will not be docketed for disposition under that rule.

Unless the praecipe refers specifically to Rule 208.3(b) or 208.3(b)(5)(as the circumstance dictates), the application will not be docketed and treated as a matter for disposition under Rule 208.3(b) or 208.3(b)(5).

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Brief

When an appeal is listed for argument, all briefs must comply with Bucks County Rule of Civil Procedure 201*(a).

When the matter is listed for argument, all briefs shall comply with the provisions of Bucks County Rule of Civil Procedure 201*(a).

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CRITICALCivil cases

Each active Bucks County Bar attorney must file information stating their practice association and years in practice.

Each attorney in active practice at the Bucks County Bar shall file with the court administrator information showing whether or not he is practicing alone, is a member of a firm or is associated with one or more lawyers and shall indicate the number of years the attorney has actively engaged in the practice of law.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Praecipe

A praecipe must identify the court, case number, parties, and attorneys, and include counsel’s express certification that the case is at issue and ready for trial; otherwise, it will be refused.

The praecipe shall state the court and number of the case and the names of the parties and their attorneys, and shall contain an express certification by counsel that the case is at issue and ready for trial. Unless the praecipe shall contain such certification, the prothonotary shall refuse to accept the same or to place the case upon the general trial list.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Schedule of distribution

The accountant’s and counsel’s certification attached to the schedule must state that the schedule is correct and conforms to the adjudication.

a. that the schedule is correct and in accordance with the adjudication;

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Oath or affirmation

Each Board member must subscribe to an oath or affirmation before beginning duties and file it in the prothonotary's office.

Each member of said Board shall, before entering upon his duties of office, take and subscribe to an oath or affirmation to perform faithfully all the duties imposed upon him by law, which shall be filed in the prothonotary's office.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Preplacement report

A person or agency designated by the Court must conduct the home study and file the required pre-placement report.

A person or agency designated by the Court shall conduct the home study and file the pre-placement report required by 23 Pa.C.S. §2530.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

When an allowance petition for a minor’s estate is necessary, it must provide the listed information about the guardian, minor and family, estate and income, support circumstances, prior allowances, and need for the requested allowance.

When a petition is necessary for an allowance from a minor’s estate, the petition shall set forth: 1. the manner of the guardian’s appointment and qualification, the dates thereof; 2. the age and residence of the minor, whether his or her parents are living, the name of the person with whom they reside, the name and age of their spouse and children, if any; 3. the value of the minor’s estate, real and personal, and net annual income; and receipts from other sources, e.g., Social Security; 4. the circumstances of the minor, whether employed or attending school; if the minor’s parents, or other persons charged with the duty of supporting them are living, the financial condition and income of such person and why they cannot, or should not be required to pay the expenses forming the occasion for the requested allowance under their duty to support the minor; and whether there is adequate provision for the support and education of the minor, his or her spouse and children; 5. the date and amount of any previous allowance by the court; and the financial requirements of the minor and his or her family unit, in detail, and the circumstances making such allowance necessary.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Notice to plead

Preliminary Objections raising material issues of fact outside the record require a Notice to Plead.

Preliminary Objections not at issue when filed, i.e., those raising material issues of fact not of record, require a Notice to Plead.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Sworn written sale return

The sworn written sale return must state the relevant facts and attach the sale agreement and due proofs of publication and service of other required notices.

a sworn written return of said sale shall be filed with the clerk setting forth the relevant facts concerning the sale and attaching a copy of the agreement resulting therefrom and due proofs of publication and service of other required notices.

Official source

CRITICAL

Applies to: Petition

The constable must petition for approval and include the specified facts, conclude with a prayer for approval, swear to the petition, and attach an appointment order.

(a) The approval by the Court of the appointment of a deputy constable will be considered only upon petition by the constable making the appointment, which petition shall set forth the following facts in numbered paragraphs: (1) name and address of the petitioner; (2) the name of the municipality in which petitioner was elected; (3) the date of commencement and expiration of the term of office of the petitioner; (4) the name and full address of the surety of petitioner and an averment that the surety had notice of the petition, to be evidenced by attaching to the petition an affidavit of service of notice of the intention to apply to the Court for approval of the appointment; (5) the name, precise residence, election district, age, occupation, reputation and habits of sobriety of the person to be appointed deputy constable. (6) a full statement of the necessity, facts and reasons for making the appointment; (7) said petition shall conclude with a prayer for approval by the Court, in the usual form and shall be sworn to by the petitioner. Attached to the petition shall be an appointment order for the action of the Court.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition to sell real property at public sale

When a trustee is required to petition for a public sale of real property, the petition must separately state the specified trustee, title, trust, party, claim, objection, property, estate-value, prior-sale, and sale-authority information.

When it is required that a trustee petition the court to sell real property at public sale, the petition, in addition to the requirements of Pennsylvania Orphans’ Court Rule 5.10, shall also set forth in separate paragraphs, the following: a. the name and capacity of the trustee, together with the date and manner of their appointment; how title was acquired, stating the date and place of probate of the will, schedule of distribution, or recording of the deed; b. a recital of the relevant provisions of the will or deed pertaining to the real property to be sold or of the history of the trust (references to specific paragraphs or pages of the exhibit may be incorporated by reference rather than recite in detail the appropriate section of the document); c. the names and relationships of all interested parties; a brief description of their respective interests; whether any of them are minors, incapacitated persons or deceased, and if so, the names of their fiduciaries if any; d. the nature and amount of liens or other claims or charges which are not liens; e. whether or not there is any objection by any party in interest to the grant of relief requested; f. a full legal description of the subject real estate, together with a recital of the title thereof sufficient to explain the nature and quantum of all interests therein which will or may be affected by the relief requested; g. the total value of the personal estate for which they are accountable as shown, for example, in the inventory filed (by the will, deed, or schedule of distribution); a statement of the total proceeds of any real estate previously sold or otherwise disposed of; h. that the trustee is not authorized to sell under the Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries Code, or is denied the power by the trust instrument; or that it is desirable that the sale have the effect of a judicial sale, stating the reasons therefor;

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Filing for disposition of discovery objections

The party moving for disposition of discovery objections under Rule 208.3(b) must attach copies of the discovery and responses.

A copy of the discovery and responses must be attached by the party moving the objections for disposition under Rule 208.3(b).

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Answer to interim counsel fees petition

The answer must include the respondent's specified financial and property forms, tax return and available pay stubs for the preceding six months, and a concise position statement addressing the amounts claimed.

The answer to the petition shall include: (1) The respondent's income and expense and inventory and appraisement forms as required of petition in subsection (c)(2) and (3) above, together with a true copy of respondent's most recent federal income tax return and pay stubs, if any, for the preceding six months. (2) A concise statement of respondent's position in regard to the amounts claimed by the petitioner.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Praecipe to settle discontinue and end

A matter may not be removed from a trial list until a Praecipe to Settle, Discontinue and End is filed.

No matter shall be removed from a Trial list until such time as a Praecipe to Settle, Discontinue and End is filed.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Report of investigation

After the report of Intention to Adopt is filed, the designated person or agency must conduct three supervisory visits and file an investigation report, which may be incorporated into the intermediary report.

After the report of Intention to Adopt has been filed, the same person or agency shall conduct three supervisory post-placement visits and file a report of its investigation as required by 23 Pa.C.S. §2535. The report of investigation may be incorporated into the report of the intermediary.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Report of investigation

After the Report of Intention to Adopt is filed, the agency must conduct three supervisory visits and file an investigation report, which may be incorporated into the intermediary report.

After the Report of Intention to Adopt has been filed, the agency shall conduct three supervisory post-placement visits and file a report of its investigation as required by 23 Pa.C.S. §2535. The report of investigation may be incorporated into the report of intermediary.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Written objection

Written objections must identify how the schedule is incorrect or fails to conform to the adjudication.

Written objections to a schedule of distribution may be filed within 10 days after the filing of the schedule and shall indicate in what respect the schedule is incorrect or fails to conform to the adjudication.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Rule 208 3 b praecipe

Applications that are at issue must be brought before the Court for disposition by filing a Rule 208.3(b) praecipe.

The following applications are at issue when noted, and require the filing of a Rule 208.3(b) praecipe to bring them before the Court for disposition:

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Rule to show cause

The rule to show cause must specify a return day for the answer and a conference date with the assigned judge.

The rule to show cause shall be given a return day for the filing of an answer and also a conference date with the assigned judge.

Official source

CRITICAL

Applies to: Petition or verified statement

The plaintiff must complete a petition or verified statement describing the abuse, violence, or intimidation and submit it with the certified emergency order forwarded to the Court of Common Pleas.

(c) that the plaintiff must complete a petition or a verified statement setting forth either the abuse by the defendant, as required in 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 6110(c), or the violence or intimidation by the defendant, as required by 42 Pa.C.S.A. § 62A09(c), which shall accompany the certified emergency order forwarded to the Court of Common Pleas as a basis for the extension of the emergency order, if granted by the Court of Common Pleas, and also serve as a record for a hearing;

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Motion
Must include: caption

A motion covering multiple cases must list all applicable cases in its caption.

In such event, the caption shall list all cases to which the motion applies.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Praecipe for entry of appearance and declaration of position

A person seeking to become one of the specified parties must file a praecipe for entry of appearance and a declaration stating the side supported, extent of participation, and nature of the interest.

Upon the filing of a praecipe for the entry of appearance and a declaration of position in which shall be set forth the side of the appeal to be supported and extent of the participation and the nature of the interest involved,

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Application

An application to drop a misjoined party or a party against whom no claim for relief is asserted must proceed by rule to show cause directed to all other parties.

Application under Pa. R.C.P. 2232(b), to drop from the record a party who has been misjoined, or against whom no claim for relief is asserted in the action, shall be by rule to show cause, directed to all other parties.

Official source

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to: Grand jury case submission list

The District Attorney must prepare and publish the list of cases for each grand jury session.

The list of cases to be submitted to the respective sessions of the grand jury shall be prepared and published by the District Attorney.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

The petition must expressly state whether the fiduciary and surety, or only the surety, are to be discharged.

The petition shall also expressly state whether both the fiduciary and surety or the surety alone is to be discharged.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Written objection
Must include: certificate of service

Objections must be accompanied by a form of Order for Hearing and a certificate of service.

The filing of objections shall be accompanied by a form of Order for Hearing and a certificate of service.

Official source

CRITICAL

Applies to: Petition

A petition seeking approval of a private sale, exchange, or option of real estate must comply with Pennsylvania Orphans' Court Rule 12.10 and Bucks Rules 12.9A, B, D, and E.

When a personal representative, trustee or guardian requires Court approval for a private sale, exchange or option of real estate, in addition to the requirements of Pennsylvania Orphans' Court Rule 12.10, a petition for approval shall comply with requirements of Bucks Rules 12.9A, B, D and E.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Discovery notice

A discovery notice must be written and identify the scope and nature of the intended discovery.

The discovery notice shall be in writing and shall designate the scope and nature of any intended discovery.

Official source

CRITICAL

Applies to: Affidavit

The petition must include an affidavit from the proposed deputy stating acceptance of the appointment and whether the deputy has any criminal convictions, with full particulars of any conviction.

(b) Attached to the petition shall be an affidavit by the proposed deputy setting forth that he accepts the appointment, whether or not he has ever been convicted of any crime, and, if so specify the full particulars thereof.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Praecipe to settle discontinue and end

Should this matter be settled prior to listing for Trial, the Plaintiff shall file a Praecipe to Settle, Discontinue and End this matter.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

The petition must state the proposed loan amount and terms or lease terms, and enough facts for the court to decide whether to approve the proposal.

shall set forth the amount and terms of the proposed mortgage loan or terms of lease; and shall set forth sufficient facts to enable the court to determine whether the proposed mortgage or lease should be approved.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Reply brief

Reply briefs must be filed in accordance with Bucks County Rule of Civil Procedure 210*(d).

Reply briefs shall be filed in accordance with Bucks County Rule of Civil Procedure 210*(d).

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Rule to show cause

The rule to show cause must set a return day for the answer and a conference date with the assigned judge.

(b) The rule to show cause shall be given a return day for the filing of an answer and also a conference date with the assigned judge.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Praecipe

If no answer is filed by the return day, a praecipe and affidavit showing that the petition was served more than ten days before that day are prerequisites to making the rule absolute.

(e) In the event that no answer is filed by the return day, upon praecipe and an affidavit of service of the petition, showing service more than ten (10) days before the return day the prothonotary shall make the rule absolute.

Official source

CRITICAL

Applies to: Request for transcript

(A) Requests for transcripts shall be set forth on the standardized Request for Transcript Form available online at www.buckscounty.org/CourtServices. The form is also available from the following offices: Prothonotary, Domestic Relations Prothonotary, Clerk of Courts and the Register of Wills/Clerk of the Orphans’ Court. Once completed, the Request for Transcript Form shall be submitted to the Chief Court Reporter.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition for adjudication of incapacity and appointment of guardian

The petitioner must file a duly completed Notice of Mental Health Commitment with the petition.

In addition to the requirements of 20 Pa. C.S.A. § 5511, the petitioner shall file with the Petition for Adjudication of Incapacity and Appointment of a Guardian of the Person and Estate of an Incapacitated Person, a duly completed Notice of Mental Health Commitment, as prescribed by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts and the Pennsylvania State Police.

Official source

CRITICAL

Applies to: Petition or application

Petitions and applications that require court action must be filed with the clerk.

Petitions and applications requiring action by the court shall be filed with the clerk.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Original warrant of attorney

The original warrant of attorney on which judgment is entered must be produced and kept on file in the prothonotary's office unless the Court or a judge orders otherwise on cause shown.

The original warrant of attorney on which judgment is entered shall be produced and shall remain on file in the prothonotary's office, unless otherwise ordered by the Court or a judge thereof, on cause shown.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Decree of divorce

The decree may incorporate a property settlement agreement only when the agreement or a separate written stipulation requests incorporation.

The decree shall incorporate a property settlement agreement only if one of the provisions of the agreement requests incorporation or if incorporation is requested in a separate written stipulation.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

The petition must include the guardian's appointment decree, supporting statements or invoices, and the inventory or last guardian report.

2. Exhibits a. a copy of the decree appointing guardian; b. statements and/or invoices evidencing requested allowance(s) and any claim(s) against the estate; and c. a copy of the inventory or last report of the guardian.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Verification affidavit or other document signed by non filing party

Verifications, affidavits, and other included documents signed by someone other than the filing party must be manually signed, scanned as PDFs, and attached to or included in the e-filed paper.

Verifications, affidavits and any other documents included in an electronically filed legal paper that are signed by a person other than the filing party shall be manually signed, scanned in .pdf format, and attached to or included as part of the electronically filed legal paper.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

The guardian’s petition must identify the guardian and appointment details; if someone else petitions, it must also explain why the Court should entertain that petition and grant relief to the petitioner instead.

name, date, fiduciary designation and manner of appointment of the guardian. If the petitioner not be the guardian, include the particulars relating to the guardian mentioned above as to the propriety of the Court's entertaining the petition and the granting of relief to the petitioner, rather than to the guardian;

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Account

If the personal representative delivers estate assets in satisfaction of the exemption, the account must show those assets as a credit.

When the personal representative at his own risk delivers assets of the estate in satisfaction of the exemption, he shall set forth the same as a credit in the account.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Praecipe

Equity and non-jury cases must be placed on the equity trial list by praecipe subject to the requirements of Rule *261.

(a) All equity cases and all cases for trial by the court without a jury shall be ordered on the equity trial list by praecipe which shall be subject to the same requirements and contain the same matters as provided in Rule *261.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Evidence of deposit or investment

Evidence of the minor’s deposit or investment, marked to show the restriction, must be promptly presented to the clerk.

Evidence of the deposit or investment marked to indicate the restriction, shall be promptly exhibited to the clerk.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

The trustee’s petition must provide sufficient facts for the Court to determine that the proposed sale is in the trust’s best interest.

sufficient facts to enable the Court to determine that the proposed sale is for the best interest of the trust;

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Affidavit of good faith efforts

The court will take no action on a motion that lacks the required affidavit, which must substantially follow the prescribed form.

(3) No Court action will be taken on any motion which fails to attach the required affidavit, which shall be in substantially the following form:

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

A petition must attach the confirmed schedule of distribution if filed and releases or satisfactions showing full payment; true or conformed copies may be used if the originals were filed with the clerk.

The petition shall have attached thereto a copy of the schedule of distribution as confirmed, if one has been filed, and original releases or satisfactions of award from the distributees showing full payment of the distributive shares. If such original releases or satisfactions of award have been filed with the clerk, true or conformed copies may be attached.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Praecipe and pleading submitted for disposition
Must include: proposed order, certificate of service

The submission must include a proposed order, a supporting brief or memorandum for each position, and a certificate stating service dates and addresses.

The following shall accompany the praecipe and pleading being submitted for disposition: (i) A proposed form of order; (ii) A brief or memorandum of law in support of each position taken with regard to the disposition of the matter; and (iii) A certificate establishing the date of service of the above documents on all counsel and unrepresented parties, and the addresses at which they were served.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Electronically filed legal paper

Filing legal papers using the filing party’s Electronic Filing System credentials counts as that party’s signature and certifies the specified facts, including attorney authorization when applicable.

(a) The electronic filing of legal papers by a filing attorney or party (“the filing party”) utilizing the user name and password associated with the filing party by the Electronic Filing System shall be deemed the filing party's signature on the legal papers submitted and shall constitute a certification by the filing party: (i) that the original hard copy of the legal paper was properly signed, and where applicable, verified pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No. 205.4(b)(3)(i), subject to the sanctions provided by Pa.R.C.P. No. 205.4(b)(5); (ii) that the original hard copy of the legal paper is being maintained as provided by Pa.R.C.P. No. 205.4(b)(4), subject to the sanctions provided by Pa.R.C.P. No. 205.4(b)(5); (iii) as provided by Pa.R.C.P. No. 1023.1(c) governing Signing of Documents, violation of which shall be subject, pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No. 1023.1(d), to the sanctions provided by Pa.R.C.P. No. 1023.4; and (iv) if the filing party is an attorney, of the filing party's right to practice in the Commonwealth and of authorization to file the legal paper, as provided in Pa.R.C.P. No. 205.1.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

the names of his next of kin and that notice has been given them of the presentation of the petition;

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Written notice

The written arbitration notice must include the specified statement about an absent party, a hearing before a judge, and the lack of a right to trial de novo on appeal.

(6) The written notice required by subdivision (a)(4) shall include 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 may be heard at the same time and date before a judge of the court without the absent party or parties. There is no right to a trial de novo on appeal from a decision entered by a judge.”

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

The guardian’s petition must provide sufficient facts for the Court to determine that the proposed sale is in the ward’s best interest.

sufficient facts to enable the Court to determine that the proposed sale will be for the best interest of the ward;

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Motion

When a motion’s authority is not self-evident, it must cite a rule, statute, or case supporting the requested relief and justifying the procedure used.

Where the authority for a motion is not self-evident, the motion shall cite a rule, statute or case which supports the requested relief and justifies the procedure utilized.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

a full legal description of the subject real estate, together with a recital of the title thereof sufficient to explain the nature and quantum of all interests therein which will or may be affected by the relief requested.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Written report

When seeking to withhold distribution to a foreign distributee, the fiduciary must submit a verified report as an exhibit to the petition stating the relationship and whereabouts, any applicable supported family tree, and the reasons and suggested manner for withholding distribution.

If the fiduciary requests the court to withhold distribution to a foreign distributee, they shall submit as an exhibit to the petition for adjudication a written report, verified by the fiduciary or their counsel, in which shall be set forth: a. the relationship of the distributee to the decedent, and any available information concerning their present whereabouts; b. in cases of intestacy, a family tree, as complete as possible under the circumstances, supported by such documentary evidence as the fiduciary has been able to obtain; and c. the reasons for the request that distribution be withheld, and the suggested manner of withholding.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Asbestos case
Must include: case number

Asbestos cases are assigned to Judge George T. Kelton and must bear case number 89-90000-12-2.

AND NOW, this 20th day of March, it is hereby Ordered and Directed that all asbestos case are assigned to the Honorable George T. Kelton and shall bear the following No. 89-90000-12-2.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Reactivation application

An application to reactivate a terminated matter must be made by Petition and Rule.

Said application shall be made by Petition and Rule.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Report of investigation

For an adoption investigation under 23 Pa. C.S. §2535(c), the Report of Investigation filed with the Clerk must contain a certification that the applicant(s)/proposed adoptive parent(s) are not registered as perpetrators of a founded or indicated child-abuse report.

whenever an adoption investigation is made pursuant to 23 Pa. C.S. §2535(c), the Report of Investigation filed with the Clerk of the Orphans Court shall be required to contain: - 2. A certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare certifying that the applicant(s)/proposed adoptive parent(s) are not registered as the perpetrator(s) of a founded or indicated report of child abuse.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

The petition must attach the exhibits required by Bucks Rule 12.9D.

a. attach exhibits required by Bucks Rule 12.9D;

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Original deposition

The ordering party’s attorney must safeguard the original deposition until the case ends or the deposition is filed as required by paragraph 4.

3. The attorney for the party ordering the deposition shall take custody of and be responsible for safeguarding the original deposition until the case is terminated or the deposition has been filed pursuant to paragraph 4 of this Order.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

The petition must include the petitioner's inventory and appraisement of all property owned or possessed in the required form.

(3) Petitioner's inventory and appraisement of all property owned or possessed in the form required by the practice and procedure governing an action for equitable distribution of property;

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Praecipe
Must include: caption, case number

The praecipe must substantially follow the provided form, including the case caption and number, an oral-argument selection, the matter for disposition, and signature, name, and attorney ID lines.

(7) The praecipe shall be substantially in the following form: IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS BUCKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA _________________________ : No. _________________ v. : _________________________ : Praecipe Under Bucks County Rule of Civil Procedure 208.3(b) TO THE PROTHONOTARY: Please refer the above-captioned matter to the assigned judge for disposition. Oral argument is is not requested. (CHECK ONE) Matter for disposition: _______________________________________________________ (signature)_________________ (name)____________________ (Attorney I.D. #)____________

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Additional bond

All bonds for additional security must be filed with the clerk.

All bonds for additional security shall be filed with the clerk.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

The petition must request either an order fixing the additional security amount or an order excusing the petitioner from filing additional security, as applicable.

c. include a prayer for an order fixing the amount of additional security or for an order excusing him from filing additional security, as the case may be; and

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Affidavit of service

An affidavit of service shall be filed with the prothonotary, before the date of the sale, setting forth that the notice so required has been given in accordance therewith, or that the notice cannot be given because the plaintiff and the person acting on his behalf do not know and have not been able to ascertain the real owner or owners of said real property, or their addresses, or the names or addresses of some of them, or the whereabouts of the defendant in the writ, in which case such an affidavit shall be in compliance with this rule as to the real owner or owners whose names or addresses are unknown, or as to the defendant in the writ whose whereabouts are unknown.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Decree of divorce

The decree may not retain jurisdiction of ancillary claims or convert spousal support to alimony pendente lite unless Rule 1920.16*(a) permits it.

The decree shall not retain jurisdiction of ancillary claims or convert spousal support to alimony pendente lite except in accordance with Bucks County Court Rule 1920.16*(a).

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition
Must include: proposed order

When a personal representative is required to petition for a public sale of real property, the petition must include the specified information in separate paragraphs and a form of order or decree.

When it is required that a personal representative petition the Court to sell real property at public sale, the petition, in addition to the requirements of Pennsylvania Orphans' Court Rule 12.9, shall also set forth in separate paragraphs, the following: (a) the name or other designation of the estate; the date of death, whether the decedent died testate or intestate, date of grant of letters, if a decedent's estate, or testamentary trust, or the date and manner of creation, if another type of fiduciary estate. If the petitioner be other than the fiduciary, include the particulars of the fiduciary required herein, and set forth facts sufficient to satisfy the Court of the propriety of entertaining the petition by a petitioner other than the fiduciary; (b) set forth the reason why the personal representative is not otherwise authorized to sell by the Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries Code; or is not authorized or is denied the power to do so by the will; or that it is desirable that the sale have the effect of a judicial sale in which event state the reasons therefor and comply with Bucks Rule 12.10B; (c) the total value of the personal estate for which he is accountable, as shown in the inventory filed and the inheritance tax appraisal made, if any, and also a statement of the total proceeds of any real estate previously sold or otherwise disposed of; (d) if the fiduciary has been required to give bond or if additional security may be required, waived or requested, a statement of the amount of the bond or bonds filed by him if any, and the names of the sureties thereon; (e) the names and relationships of all parties in interest; a brief description of the respective interests; whether any of them are minors, incapacitated persons or deceased, and if so the names of their fiduciaries, if any; (f) the nature and amount of liens or other claims or charges which are not liens; (g) whether or not there is any known objection by any party in interest to the grant of relief requested; (h) a full legal description of the subject real estate, together with a recital of the title thereof sufficient to explain the nature and quantum of all interests therein which will or may be affected by the relief requested. (i) sufficient facts to enable the court to determine that the sale is desirable for the proper administration and distribution of the estate; (j) an appropriate request for relief, together with a form of order or decree in accordance therewith.

Official source

CRITICAL

Applies to: Attorney admission application

Applicants for admission must present the specified certificate, affidavit, and signed oath to the Court when admission is moved, and thereafter file them with the prothonotary.

Every applicant for admission to the Bar of Bucks County shall present to the Court at the time when his admission is moved, and thereafter file with the prothonotary: i. A certificate as provided in Pennsylvania Bar Admission Rule 232(a) that he is a member in good standing of the Bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, or a certificate of the State Board of Law Examiners (for which a photostatic copy may be substituted, for the prothonotary's file, after production of the original) that he is entitled to be admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court. ii. His affidavit setting forth that he is a citizen of the United States, twenty-one or more years of age, and of good moral character; that he intends to practice law permanently in this County; that he now maintains, or, within one month after his admission, will open or establish and thereafter maintain within this County his principal office as his place of law practice; that he fully understands that his principal office shall be the place where he spends the greater part of his working hours, whether in the practice of law or otherwise, during the usual business day, except while in military, public office or governmental employment; that his principal office shall remain in this County; and that he thereby agrees that his failure to continue to comply with said declaration in any respect shall authorize the Court to strike his name from the roll of attorneys admitted to the Bar of Bucks County. iii. The form of oath of office as attorney duly signed by the applicant.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Appeal petition

The appellant must attach to the petition a proposed Case Management Order substantially in the Court-approved form.

The appellant shall attach to the petition a proposed form of Case Management Order substantially in the form approved by the Court and available at: https://www.buckscounty.gov/DocumentCenter/View/27890/Rule-28-CMO-

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

A petition for an allowance from a minor's estate must set forth the six categories of information specified in the rule.

When a petition is necessary for an allowance from a minor's estate, the petition shall set forth: 1. the manner of the guardian's appointment and qualification, the dates thereof; 2. the age and residence of the minor, whether his parents are living, the name of the person with whom he resides, the name and age of his spouse and children, if any; 3. the value of the minor's estate, real and personal, and net annual income; and receipts from other sources, e.g., Social Security; 4. the circumstances of the minor, whether employed or attending school; if the minor's father, or other person charged with the duty of supporting him, is living, the financial condition and income of such person and why he cannot, or should not be required to pay the expenses forming the occasion for the requested allowance under his duty to support the minor; and whether there is adequate provision for the support and education of the minor, his spouse and children; 5. the date and amount of any previous allowance by the Court; and 6. the financial requirements of the minor and his family unit, in detail, and the circumstances making such allowance necessary.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

When a trustee is required to petition for a public sale of real property, the petition must include the specified information in separate paragraphs, with qualifying exhibit references allowed for the trust-document recital.

When it is required that a trustee petition the Court to sell real property at public sale, the petition, in addition to the requirements of Pennsylvania Orphans' Court Rule 12.9, shall also set forth in separate paragraphs, the following: (a) the name and capacity of the trustee; together with the date and manner of his appointment; how title was acquired, stating the date and place of probate of the will, schedule of distribution, or recording of the deed; (b) a recital of the relevant provisions of the will or deed pertaining to the real property to be sold or of the history of the trust (references to specific paragraphs or pages of the exhibit may be incorporated by reference rather than recite in detail the appropriate section of the document). (c) the names and relationships of all parties in interest; a brief description of their respective interests; whether any of them are minors, incapacitated persons or deceased and if so, the names of their fiduciaries, if any; (d) the nature and amount of liens or other claims or charges which are not liens; (e) whether or not there is any objection by any party in interest to the grant of relief requested. (f) a full legal description of the subject real estate, together with a recital of the title thereof sufficient to explain the nature and quantum of all interests therein which will or may be affected by the relief requested. (g) the total value of the personal estate for which he is accountable as shown, for example, in the inventory filed (by the will, deed, or schedule of distribution); a statement of the total proceeds of any real estate previously sold or otherwise disposed of;

Official source

CRITICAL

Applies to: Transcript request

A transcript request seeking to place costs on the court must include a court order directing transcription of the notes of testimony.

Any transcript request where the costs are to be placed on the court must be accompanied by Order of Court directing the notes of testimony be transcribed.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Legal paper

Each electronically filed legal paper must name the filing party in a signature block at its conclusion, and a paper identifying someone other than the registered filer will not be accepted.

(b) All legal papers submitted for filing using the Electronic Filing System must identify the filing party by name in a signature block placed at the conclusion of the legal paper. Legal papers which identify the filing party as a person other than the registered filer under whose user name the legal paper is submitted will not be accepted for filing by the Prothonotary.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition
Must include: certificate of service

Petition practice must include an order for hearing and comply with Chapter III, including submission of the petitioner's verification, a certificate of service, and a proposed final decree.

In addition to providing an order for hearing, all requirements set forth in Chapter III of the Pennsylvania Orphans’ Court Rules shall be applicable, including the submission of a verification by the petitioner, a certificate of service and a proposed final decree.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

The trustee’s petition must state the applicable lack of authority or explain why a judicial sale is advisable, with reasons, and comply with Bucks County Rule 12.10B.

that the trustee is not authorized to sell under the Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries Code, or is denied the power by the trust instrument; or that it is advisable that the sale have the effect of a judicial sale, stating the reasons; and complying with Bucks County Rule 12.10B;

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Pleading or petition

A pleading or petition making a separate claim for relief must state each adult’s Social Security number and present address in the caption, or explain in an averment when either is unavailable or unknown.

Every pleading or petition filed pursuant to these rules which makes a separate claim for relief shall include in its caption the social security number and present address of each adult. If the social security number is not available or the address is not known, the pleading shall contain an averment so stating, together with an explanation.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition for leave

A petition showing cause is required to obtain leave for depositions, perpetuation of testimony, discovery, or document production, unless counsel agree.

Leave to take depositions, or to perpetuate testimony, or obtain discovery or the production of documents, may be granted only on petition upon cause shown except upon agreement of counsel.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Agreed case management order

An agreed Case Management Order must state a specific month, date, and year when the case will be ready for listing; general, indefinite, or contingent time frames are unacceptable and may lead to rejection.

A specific date, i.e., month, date and year, on which the case will be considered ready for listing is required to be included in an agreed Case Management Order. A general, indefinite or contingent time frame, e.g., “30 days from the disposition of any motion for summary judgment,” is not acceptable and will subject the order to rejection by the Prothonotary or the Office of the Court Administrator.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Original deposition

The attorney holding the original must file the entire deposition with the Prothonotary whenever any of the listed events occurs.

4. The attorney having custody of the original deposition shall forthwith file the entire original deposition with the Prothonotary; (a) Whenever any motion or objection comes before the court which requires a review of the deposition; or (b) Whenever any motion for summary judgment is filed; or (c) Whenever a omnibus praecipe for trial or arbitration has been filed; or (d) Whenever so directed by the Court.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Adjudication of account

The order of appointment must be included in the adjudication of the account.

Whenever an examination of assets is ordered in connection with an accounting, the order of appointment shall be included in the adjudication of the account, and the examiner shall make his examination after the schedule of distribution shall have been filed and approved, so that the assets distributable by fiduciaries, which are the assets to be examined, will have been determined.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Appeal petition

The petition must identify the appellant and address, provide the original appeal and assessment information and final decision and assessment information, and state the reasons for appeal.

The petition shall contain, inter alia, the following information: a. Identification and address of appellant; b. Date of filing appeal to Board of Assessment and amount of assessment originally fixed by the Board; c. The date of final decision of Board of Assessment and amount of assessment finally fixed by the Board; and d. Reasons for appeal.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Electronically filed legal paper

An electronically submitted legal paper must identify the filing party by name in a signature block at its conclusion; a noncompliant paper will not be acted on pending notice and compliance.

All legal papers submitted for filing using the Electronic Filing System must at minimum identify the filing party by name in a signature block placed at the conclusion of the legal paper. Should a legal paper fail to comply herewith by not identifying the filing party as required, or by identifying the filing party as a person other than the registered filer under whose username the legal paper is submitted, such legal paper shall not be acted upon pending notification to the filing party pursuant to Pa.R.J.A. No. 103(d)(8) and the filing party coming into compliance herewith.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

When court approval is required for an allowance, the petition must include the specified guardian, estate, incapacitated-person, interested-person, creditor, and allowance information.

When approval of the court is necessary under 20 Pa.C.S.A. § 5536 for an allowance from an incapacitated person’s estate, the petition shall set forth: a. the name of the guardian and the date of the appointment; if the petitioner is not the guardian, his or her relationship to the incapacitated person; and, if not related, the nature of his or her interest; b. a summary of the inventory or last report of the guardian, the date it was filed, and a summary of the nature and present value of the estate; c. the age, residence and the occupation, if any, of the incapacitated person; d. salary, income or benefits to which the incapacitated person is entitled or which the guardian or another person is receiving on behalf of the incapacitated person; e. the names and addresses of all interested persons and, which one of them, if any, are dependents of the incapacitated person; f. an itemized statement of all claims of the incapacitated person’s creditors known to petitioner; and g. an itemized statement of the requested allowance and the reasons therefor; and a statement of all previous allowances, or that no previous allowances have been made by the court.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

The guardian’s petition must describe the ward’s and other persons’ interests in the property, identify any who are minors, incapacitated, or deceased, and name their fiduciaries if any.

the nature and extent of the interest of the ward, and of other persons, in the real property, whether any of them are minors, incapacitated persons or deceased and if so, the names of their fiduciaries, if any;

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Agreed case management order

Every agreed Case Management Order must include current party and counsel contact information, the proceeding type, its estimated duration in days, and the date the matter will be considered ready for listing.

At a minimum, every agreed Case Management Order shall contain the following, subject to rejection from filing by the Office of the Prothonotary or the Office of the Court Administrator: (1) current contact information for all parties and counsel, including mailing address, telephone number, and email address; (2) the type of proceeding necessary, i.e., arbitration or trial; (3) the estimated amount of time, in days, necessary for such proceeding; and (4) the date on which the Office of the Court Administrator shall consider the matter ready for listing for arbitration or trial.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Termination notice
Must include: caption

A termination notice must include the matter’s caption and the date and nature of its last docket activity.

Said notice shall contain the caption of the matter, together with the date and nature of the last activity recorded on the docket.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

The petition must state the specific amounts claimed and include any service statement, bill, estimate, itemization, or explanation.

(4) The specific amounts claimed for interim counsel fees and expenses and any statement for services, bill, estimate, other itemization or explanation.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Verified complaint

An additional verified complaint must be filed for each listed claim in a divorce complaint.

An additional verified complaint in divorce shall be filed for each of the following claims set forth in the divorce complaint: (1) Custody; (2) Support; (3) Equitable distribution; (4) Other types of ancillary relief.

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CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Praecipe

Once the matter is at issue and ready for decision, the moving party must use a praecipe to submit it for disposition, subject to Pa.R.C.P. No. 206.7.

Subject to the requirements of Pa.R.C.P. No. 206.7, when the matter is at issue and ready for decision, the moving party on the application shall, by praecipe, order the same to be submitted for disposition pursuant to this rule.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

The extension petition must include the matters required by Pa.O.C. Rule 12.3, the facts justifying the requested extension, its desired duration, and the names of consenting interested parties, who must join the petition.

A petition for the extension of the time in which the surviving spouse may file an election to take against the will shall be presented to the Court within the required statutory period after the probate of the will and shall set forth, in addition to all the matters required by Pa.O.C. Rule 12.3 the following additional matters: a. the facts relied upon to justify the extension of time requested and the period of extension desired; b. the names of the parties in interest who have consented to the extension of time as evidenced by their joinder in the petition.

Official source

CRITICAL

Applies to: Transcript request

A party seeking to have transcript costs placed on the court must provide documentation of an in forma pauperis declaration.

A party requesting that the cost of their transcript be placed on the court must provide documentation of having been declared in forma pauperis as described in 4008(B).

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Document requiring signatures of multiple non filing parties

Documents requiring signatures from multiple non-filing parties, including counterpart-signed documents, must be manually signed, scanned as PDFs, and attached to or included in the e-filed paper.

Documents requiring the signature of more than one non-filing party, including documents signed by more than one party in counterparts (e.g., stipulations) shall be manually signed, scanned in .pdf format, and attached to or included as part of the electronically filed legal paper.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Adoption petition

If a natural parent’s consent is not attached and their parental rights have not been terminated, the adoption petition must request that the Court dispense with consent and state the reasons, or allege grounds for termination under 23 Pa.C.S. §2511(a).

If the consent of a natural parent to the proposed adoption is not attached to the adoption petition and that parent's parental rights have not been terminated, the petition for adoption shall either state reasons for and request the Court to dispense with such consent or shall contain averments of grounds for the termination of parental rights under 23 Pa.C.S. §2511(a).

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Report

The report contemplated by Pennsylvania Orphans’ Court Rule 2.10(b) must be submitted as an exhibit to the petition for adjudication and include the specified information.

The report contemplated by Pennsylvania Orphans’ Court Rule 2.10(b) shall be submitted as an exhibit to the petition for adjudication and shall include substantially the following:

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

The guardian’s petition must explain how title was acquired, provide the specified probate, distribution, or recording details, and recite the instrument’s provisions concerning the property.

how title was acquired, stating the date and place of probate of the will, the schedule of distribution or recording of the deed; together with a recital of the provisions of the will, schedule of distribution or deed relating to the real estate to be sold;

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

A guardian’s petition to sell real property at public sale must set forth the specified information in separate paragraphs, in addition to the requirements of Pennsylvania Orphans’ Court Rule 12.9.

When it is required that a guardian petition the Court to sell real property at public sale, the petition, in addition to the requirements of Pennsylvania Orphans' Court Rule 12.9, shall set forth in separate paragraphs the following:

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition
Must include: proposed order

The petition must comply with the applicable cited rules and include the specified exhibits, property and title information, requested relief, and a proposed order or decree.

The petitioner shall comply with Bucks County Orphans’ Court Rules 5.10A and B, as applicable, and, in addition shall: a. attach exhibits required by Bucks County Rule 5.10; b. attach a full legal description of the subject real estate, together with a recital of the title thereof sufficient to explain the nature and quantum of all interests therein which will or may be affected by the relief requested; c. include a prayer for an order fixing the amount of additional security or for an order excusing them from filing additional security, as the case may be; and d. attach an appropriate form of order or decree.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Examiner report

Examiner reports must be filed with the clerk.

Reports of examiners shall be filed with the clerk.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Additional security bond

All bonds for additional security must be filed with the clerk.

All bonds for additional security shall be filed with the clerk.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Electronically filed legal paper

E-filing with the filing party’s username and password constitutes that party’s signature and certifies proper signing and maintenance of the original, plus the attorney’s right to practice and authority to file when applicable.

Signature. The electronic filing of legal papers by a filing attorney or party (“the filing party”) utilizing the username and password associated with the filing party by the Electronic Filing System shall be deemed the filing party's signature on the legal papers submitted and shall constitute a certification by the filing party: (a) that the original hard copy of the legal paper was properly signed, and where applicable, verified pursuant to Pa.O.C. Rule No. 4.7(c)(1); (b) that the original hard copy of the legal paper is being maintained as provided by Pa.O.C. Rule No. 4.7(c)(3); and (c) if the filing party is an attorney, of the filing party's right to practice in the Commonwealth and of authorization to file the legal paper.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Motion to strike application for hearing by master
Must include: certificate of service

The form includes a certification that a copy of the request was mailed, with spaces for the recipient and date.

I certify that a copy of this request was mailed to __________________ on _____________________.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Notice of sale

The notice of sale must specify the matters and things required by Pa.R.C.P. 3129(a) and (c).

Notice of the sale of real property, specifying the matters and things required to be contained in the notice provided by Pa.R.C.P. 3129(a) and (c)

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Deposition certificate

Upon completion of a deposition transcript, only a certificate with the specified deposition and counsel information must be filed with the Prothonotary.

1. Upon completion of the stenographic transcript of any deposition, the person before whom the deposition has been taken shall file with the Prothonotary the following document only: (a) A certificate stating the name(s) of the person(s) deposed, the total number of pages, the date, the time and place where the deposition was taken, the counsel present and the name of the counsel who has received the original and copies thereof.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Legal paper
Must include: caption, case number

Every legal paper must include the action’s docket number, including the assigned judge’s numerical identifier, in its caption.

All legal papers shall contain in their caption the docket number of the action including the numerical identifier of the assigned judge.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Interim counsel fees request

Requests for interim counsel fees and expenses in divorce actions must be made by petition and rule to show cause.

(a) A request for interim counsel fees and expenses in divorce actions shall be made by petition and rule to show cause.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Answer

An answer containing a denial of petition allegations or new facts by way of defense must be verified by affidavit.

If the answer shall contain any denial of the allegations of fact in the petition, or statement of new facts by way of defense, it shall be verified by affidavit.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

The guardian’s petition must state the applicable lack of authority or that the sale has the effect of a judicial sale, thereby complying with Bucks Rule 12.10B.

that the guardian is not otherwise authorized to sell by the Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries Code, or is denied the power by the instrument appointing him; or that the sale has the effect of a judicial sale (thereby complying with Bucks Rule 12.10B);

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition for approval

A petition seeking approval of a private real-estate sale, exchange, or option must comply with Pennsylvania Orphans’ Court Rule 5.11 and Bucks County Orphans’ Court Rules 5.10 A, B, and D.

When a personal representative, trustee or guardian requires court approval for a private sale, exchange or option of real estate, in addition to the requirements of Pennsylvania Orphans’ Court Rule 5.11, a petition for approval shall comply with requirements of Bucks County Orphans’ Court Rules 5.10 A, B and D.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Complaint in divorce

A divorce complaint must include the original or a copy of the marriage certificate; if neither is available, it must explain why and, if possible, provide other suitable documentary evidence.

The original or a copy of the marriage certificate shall be attached to the complaint in divorce. If the original or copy is unavailable, the complaint shall set forth an explanation and shall, if possible, provide other suitable documentary evidence.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Answer

The answer must include the respondent's required income, expense, inventory, and appraisement forms, most recent federal tax return, and any pay stubs from the preceding six months.

(1) The respondent's income and expense and inventory and appraisement forms as required of petition in subsection (c)(2) and (3) above, together with a true copy of respondent's most recent federal income tax return and pay stubs, if any, for the preceding six months.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Written agreement

An action for divorce, annulment, or equitable division of marital property may be withdrawn or discontinued only with leave of court or a written agreement of the parties filed of record.

An action for divorce, annulment or equitable division of marital property may not be withdrawn or discontinued without leave of court or a written agreement of the parties filed of record.

Official source

CRITICAL

Applies to: Statement of account

The defendant must state the account and file the statement with the prothonotary.

state the account and file the statement thereof in the office of the prothonotary

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Appeal petition
Must include: caption

An appeal must be commenced by petition bearing a caption substantially in the form specified by Rule 28(a).

Appeals from orders of the Bucks County Board of Assessment and Revision of Taxes shall be commenced by petition, the caption of which shall be in substantially the following form:

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Motion

For a warrant of attorney more than ten but less than twenty years old, judgment may be entered only by court order upon a motion grounded on an affidavit stating that the warrant was duly executed, the executing party is still living, and the money remains unpaid.

Judgment shall not be entered upon a warrant of attorney above ten and under twenty years old, except by order of the Court or a judge in vacation, upon motion grounded on an affidavit setting forth that the warrant was duly executed, that the party executing the same is still living and that the money is unpaid.

Official source

CRITICAL

Applies to: Transcript order form

The Transcript Order Form must state the estimated page count, page rate, and total transcript cost.

The Transcript Order Form shall include the estimated number of pages, the page rate and the estimated total cost of the transcript.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Additional bond

The surety on an additional bond must be the same as the surety on the original bond unless cause is shown.

The surety on any additional bond, except for cause shown, shall be the same as on the original bond.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Praecipe
Must include: proposed order

A praecipe filed under subsection (5) must be accompanied by a proposed form of order.

A proposed form of order shall also accompany the praecipe.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition for sale

A petition seeking an order for a sale having the effect of a judicial sale must include the specified information about affected persons, liens, claims, and, when applicable, unusual facts supporting the sale.

A petition for an order of Court authorizing or directing the sale (whether public or private) of real estate under any provision of law, whereby the same would have the effect of a judicial sale shall set forth, in addition to the matters required by Pennsylvania Orphans' Court Rules 12.9 and 12.10, and Bucks Rules 12.9A and 12.9D, the following: a. the names and addresses of all heirs, devisees, legatees or lienholders who would be affected by the sale, indicating the respective interests of each and designating those who may not be sui juris and the fiduciary representing them, if any; b. a full and complete statement of all known liens and charges upon the subject real estate showing the nature, priority and amounts thereof respectively and indicating which thereof, if any, would not be discharged by the sale under the applicable provisions of law; c. a statement of the amount and nature of all known additional claims against the estate which may not be liens upon the subject real estate; and d. if the liens upon the subject real estate may prima facie be satisfied or discharged without the necessity for a judicial sale, or if there be no liens, a statement of such other unusual facts as may be relied upon to invoke the discretion of the Court to order the sale.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

The guardian’s petition must state the ward’s age and date of birth.

the age of the ward and date of birth;

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Investigation

The term “investigation” as used in this Rule shall include an inquiry of or to as many of the following as may be pertinent and feasible: residents of the household in which the decedent resided; friends and neighbors; labor union membership; places of employment; social, fraternal or beneficial organizations; insurance records; religious membership; school records; Social Security, Veterans’ Administration, or military service records; naturalization records, if not native born; and such other sources of information as the circumstances may suggest.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Discovery motion

A discovery motion must include an affidavit from filing counsel or the unrepresented party certifying good-faith efforts and specifying when and how those efforts were made.

(1) Any motion filed in a Civil or Family Court action based on a party's failure to fulfill obligations in discovery shall have attached thereto an affidavit taken by the filing counsel or unrepresented party that: - (a) certifies that filing counsel or unrepresented party has made "good faith efforts," i.e., conferred or attempted to confer with all interested parties, in order to resolve the discovery dispute without Court action; and - (b) alleges with specificity the date and manner in which such good faith efforts were made.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Praecipe to withdraw

A filed petition may be withdrawn only with court approval, unless the praecipe is accompanied by a death certificate or a timely physician affidavit stating that the individual has capacity.

A Petition for Adjudication of Incapacity and Appointment of a Guardian of the Person and Estate of an Incapacitated Person, once filed with the court, may not be withdrawn without court approval unless a praecipe to withdraw is accompanied by a death certificate or a timely affidavit from a physician that the individual does have capacity.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Motion

Miscellaneous hearings in matters not at issue and hearings not on the merits must be set by order and motion, with the motion stating the nature of the requested hearing.

(b) Miscellaneous hearings in matters not at issue, or hearings not on the merits of an action, shall be fixed by order and motion stating the nature of the hearing requested.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition
Must include: proposed order

The trustee’s petition must include an appropriate request for relief and a corresponding form of order or decree.

an appropriate request for relief together with a form of order or decree in accordance therewith.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Affidavit of good faith efforts

The good-faith-efforts affidavit must have attached documents evidencing attempts to contact interested parties by appropriate means.

(2) Good faith efforts shall include at minimum an attempt to contact any interested parties by telephone, letter, and/or email, as appropriate. The required affidavit of good faith efforts shall have attached thereto documents evidencing such communication(s).

Official source

CRITICAL

Applies to: Court filing
Must include: case number

All papers filed in court or the clerk’s office must include the file number and matter name in the caption.

The file number and the name of the matter shall be included in the caption of all papers filed in court or in the clerk’s office.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition
Must include: proposed order

The petition must include an appropriate form of order or decree.

d. attach an appropriate form of order or decree.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Report of investigation

For an adoption investigation under 23 Pa. C.S. §2535(c), the Report of Investigation filed with the Clerk must contain a Pennsylvania State Police criminal-history report.

whenever an adoption investigation is made pursuant to 23 Pa. C.S. §2535(c), the Report of Investigation filed with the Clerk of the Orphans Court shall be required to contain: - 1. A report of criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police;

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

The petition must include a full legal description and a title recital explaining the nature and extent of interests that may be affected by the requested relief.

b. attach a full legal description of the subject real estate, together with a recital of the title thereof sufficient to explain the nature and quantum of all interests therein which will or may be affected by the relief requested.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Record of testimony
Must include: caption

If submitted, the testimony record must be written, bear the case caption, and contain the specified signed evidence, identified exhibits, and details supporting the divorce grounds.

Prior to the hearing in uncontested cases in divorce or annulment, the attorney for the plaintiff may submit a record of testimony which shall be in writing bearing the caption of the case and consist of the following: (1) The plaintiff's evidence, in question and answer form, and signed by plaintiff; (2) Any exhibits which shall have been specifically identified in the plaintiff's evidence; (3) The evidence of each witness, in question and answer form, and signed by the witness, a separate writing being required for each witness; (4) The evidence of plaintiff and that of his witness in corroboration thereof, shall set forth all facts and incidents relied upon by plaintiff as constituting grounds for divorce in as nearly a chronological order as possible and shall specify the dates, times and places of the events described.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

The petition must include the petitioner's required income and expense statement, most recent federal tax return, and any pay stubs from the preceding six months.

(2) Petitioner's income and expense statement in the form required by the practice and procedure governing an action for support, together with a true and correct copy of petitioner's most recent federal income tax return and pay stubs, if any, for the preceding six months;

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

A petition to pay money into Court must state the reasons for the request and the exact amount.

A petition for the payment of money into Court shall set forth the reasons for requesting such action and the exact amount to be paid.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Written report

If a distributee’s identity or whereabouts is unknown, or there are no known heirs, the fiduciary must submit a verified report with the petition detailing the investigation and, when applicable, a supported family tree.

If it appears that the identity or whereabouts of a distributee is unknown, or there are no known heirs, the fiduciary shall submit a written report as an exhibit to the petition for adjudication, verified by the fiduciary or their counsel, which shall set forth: a. the nature of the investigation made to locate the heirs of the decedent, in complete detail; and b. in cases of intestacy, or where there are no known heirs, a family tree, as complete as possible under the circumstances supported by such documentary evidence as the fiduciary has been able to obtain.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

The guardian’s petition must state whether any party in interest objects to the requested relief.

whether or not there is any objection by any party in interest to the grant of the relief requested;

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Application for hearing

The application must propose a deadline for filing pre-hearing statements.

The application for hearing shall be substantially in the form set out in the Bucks County Rule 1920.74*(c) and shall propose a deadline for filing of pre- hearing statements.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Decree of divorce

The divorce decree's caption must include the statutory grounds for the divorce.

The caption of the decree of divorce shall include the statutory grounds for the divorce.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Answer

The answer must include a concise statement of the respondent's position on the amounts claimed.

(2) A concise statement of respondent's position in regard to the amounts claimed by the petitioner.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

The petition must identify all other pending litigation between the parties.

(1) Identification of all other pending litigation between the parties;

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Short form complaint

A Short Form Complaint containing the required information must be filed in every asbestos case.

A Short Form Complaint containing the following information shall be filed and served in every asbestos case in accordance with Rules of this Court:

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Discovery motion

A discovery motion based on an unmet discovery obligation must include an affidavit by filing counsel or an unrepresented party certifying good-faith efforts and specifying their date and manner.

Any motion filed in a Civil or Family Court action based on a party’s failure to fulfill obligations in discovery shall have attached thereto an affidavit taken by the filing counsel or unrepresented party that: (a) certifies that filing counsel or unrepresented party has made “good faith efforts,” i.e., conferred or attempted to confer with all interested parties, in order to resolve the discovery dispute without Court action; and (b) alleges with specificity the date and manner in which such good faith efforts were made.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Entry of appearance and answer to complaint

In response to any complaint, each defendant may file an "Entry of Appearance and Answer to Complaint", designating counsel representing each defendant and containing the name, address and telephone number of counsel, together with a statement incorporating the Master New Matter and the provisions of this Order, whereby all allegations in the complaint are deemed denied.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Omnibus praecipe

The omnibus praecipe must state that the arbitration hearing is limited to delay damages.

The omnibus praecipe shall clearly indicate that the arbitration hearing is limited to the issue of delay damages.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Appeal petition

An appeal must take the form of a petition that includes the specified proceeding, appeal, party, jurisdictional, decree, and citation information.

The appeal shall be in the form of a petition, setting forth the nature of the proceedings before the Register, the basis for the appeal, the names and addresses of all interested parties and the necessary jurisdictional facts together with a preliminary decree and citation.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Bill of costs

A bill of costs must list specified witness and mileage information and include the specified affidavit verification.

Bills of cost must contain the names of the witnesses, the dates of their attendance, the number of miles actually traveled by them and the place from which mileage is claimed. The bill shall be verified by the affidavit of the party filing it, or his agent or attorney, that the witnesses names were actually present in court, and that, in his opinion, they were material witnesses.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Praecipe

When no response has been filed and service has been established by appropriate affidavit, the prothonotary, upon praecipe, shall make the rule absolute.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Report of the intermediary

An agency intermediary shall attach a statement itemizing its fees and expenses as an exhibit to the Report of the Intermediary.

Official source

CRITICAL

Applies to: Application

Each support application must have an endorsed preliminary order setting the conference time.

A form of preliminary order fixing the time of such conference shall be endorsed upon each such application.

Official source

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to: Notice of disapproval

When disapproving a police complaint or arrest warrant affidavit, the attorney must furnish the preparing police officer a written notice substantially in the displayed form.

If an attorney for the Commonwealth disapproves a police complaint, arrest warrant affidavit, or both, the attorney shall furnish to the police officer who prepared the complaint, affidavit, or both a written notice of the disapproval, in substantially the following form,

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Affidavit of service

When a competent adult serves the complaint, the affidavit of service must state how the defendant was identified and the affiant's age and address.

Where service of the complaint is made by a competent adult, the affidavit of service shall include the method or means by which the affiant identified the defendant and shall state affiant's age and address.

Official source

CRITICAL

Applies to: Pleading

A conformed copy of each specified support-proceeding pleading must be delivered to the Domestic Relations Division when the original is filed.

A conformed copy of each complaint, petition, answer or other pleading filed with respect to any such proceeding for support, for arrearages or for modification or termination of an order for support, shall be delivered to the Domestic Relations Division at the time of filing the original with the clerk.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

A petition under section 5101 of the Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries Code for the receipt, holding and disposition of the small estate of a minor without the appointment of a guardian shall set forth such of those matters required in a petition for the appointment of a guardian of the estate of a minor as may be applicable, including an itemization and valuation of all assets of the minor wherever located, and such other matters as may be appropriate.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Short form complaint

The Short Form Complaint must identify which Counts of the Master Long Form Complaint are incorporated by reference.

e) Plaintiff(s) shall indicate in their Short Form Complaint which Counts of the Master Long Form Complaint they are incorporating by reference.

Official source

CRITICAL

Applies to: Preliminary order

The preliminary order must state the procedure for an immediate hearing and interim order if the conference does not produce an agreement, including that counsel’s absence does not prevent proceeding at the court’s discretion.

The preliminary order shall state that where no agreement is reached at the conference, the presiding officer may, in his discretion, request an immediate hearing before the judge to whom the case has been assigned, or in the event that such judge is unavailable, then before any other available judge for the purpose of entering such interim order of support or enforcement of arrearages as may be just, which order shall be fully enforceable. Absence or non-availability of counsel shall not be grounds for failure to proceed with the entry of an interim order at the discretion of the Court.

Official source

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to: Criminal complaint and arrest warrant affidavit

For the listed classes of offenses, police complaints and arrest warrant affidavits require approval from an attorney for the Commonwealth before filing.

The District Attorney of Bucks County having filed a certification pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P. 101A, criminal complaints and arrest warrant affidavits by police officer, as defined in the Rules of Criminal Procedure, in the following classes of offenses: Criminal Homicide, 18 Pa.C.S. §2501 Murder, 18 Pa.C.S. §2502 Voluntary Manslaughter, 18 Pa.C.S. §2503 Involuntary Manslaughter, 18 Pa.C.S. §2504 Rape, 18 Pa.C.S. §2504 Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse, 18 Pa.C.S. §3123 Commercial Bribery, 18 Pa.C.S. §4108 Bribery in Official and Political Matters, 18 Pa.C.S. §4701 Threats and Other Improper Influence in Official and Political Matters, 18 Pa.C.S. §4702 Retaliation for Past Official Action, 18 Pa.C.S. §4703 Perjury, 18 Pa.C.S. §4902 Interception, Disclosure or Use of Wire or Oral Communications, 18 Pa.C.S. §5703 Possession, Sale, Distribution, Manufacture or Advertisement of Intercepting Devices, 18 Pa.C.S. §5705 Homicide by Vehicle, 75 Pa.C.S. §3732 Election Code Violations, 25 Pa.C.S. (all offenses) Criminal Attempt (to commit any of the above-noted offenses), 18 Pa.C.S. §901 Criminal Solicitation (to commit any of the above-noted offenses), 18 Pa.C.S. §902 Criminal Solicitation (to commit any of the above-noted offenses), 18 Pa.C.S. §903 shall not hereafter be accepted by any judicial officer unless the complaint and affidavit has the approval of an attorney for the Commonwealth prior to filing.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Pleading

Every pleading filed under the Order must state on its face that it is part of an asbestos case.

Any pleading filed under this Order shall state on its face that it is part of an asbestos case.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Short form joinder complaint

A Short Form Joinder Complaint must identify each additional defendant and state that defendant’s capacity.

b) Joinder of additional defendants shall be by means of a Short Form Joinder Complaint which shall consist of the following information: i) Identification, to include capacity of each additional defendant joined in the action.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Short form joinder complaint

The Short Form Joinder Complaint must state the legal theory for joinder if it is not the alleged common-law right to contribution or indemnity.

b) Joinder of additional defendants shall be by means of a Short Form Joinder Complaint which shall consist of the following information: iii) The legal theory upon which an additional defendant is being joined if other than alleged common law right to contribution or indemnity.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Master long form complaint

The Master Long Form Complaint must set out all theories of recovery and liability allegations that the filing or designating plaintiff counsel expects to advance.

The Master Long Form Complaint shall set forth all theories of recovery and all liability allegations that the particular plaintiff counsel filing or designating the Complaint expects to advance in any asbestos case.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Short form complaint

The Short Form Complaint must include the specified plaintiff, exposure, medical, litigation, wage, and, when applicable, death-case information.

a) The plaintiff(s) names, addresses, dates of birth, and dates of death (if applicable). As to the injured plaintiff(s), this information shall also include Social Security number(s), employer(s), occupation(s), date(s) of first exposure, date(s) of diagnosis, diagnosing physician(s), smoking history of plaintiff(s), asbestos-related condition(s) alleged, the identity of all plaintiff(s') dependents, a certification as to whether or not there has been or is any related asbestos litigation involving plaintiff(s), a statement as to whether or not a claim for lost wages is being asserted, and if so, wages for plaintiff(s') last full year of employment; and if appropriate, any unusual allegations or jurisdictional statements specific to the particular case, which are not included in the Master Long Form Complaint. If this is a death case, the statutory authority of the named plaintiff, to bring suit and persons entitled to recover under the relevant statutes must be identified.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Discovery motion

The prescribed affidavit form includes a prior-conference certification, a record of communication methods and dates, and a verification subject to the stated penalties.

I, , hereby certify that prior to filing the attached motion, I conferred or attempted to confer with all interested parties to the motion in an attempt to avoid Court intervention. The above-certified communications/attempts to communicate with all interested parties regarding the issues presented by the motion were as follows: Method of communication Date I verify that the facts set forth above are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I understand that false statements made herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. § 4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Report of viewers

A report of viewers presented for confirmation must be marked “Confirmed Nisi.”

In any case in which a report of viewers shall be filed and presented to the Court for confirmation, the same shall be marked "Confirmed Nisi,"

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Report

The investigation must inquire into as many listed sources of information as are pertinent and feasible, as well as other sources suggested by the circumstances.

The term "investigation" as used in this Rule shall include an inquiry of or to as many of the following as may be pertinent and feasible: residents of the household in which the decedent resided; friends and neighbors; labor union membership; places of employment; social, fraternal or beneficial organizations; insurance records; church membership; school records; Social Security, Veterans' Administration, or military service records; naturalization records, if not native born; and such other sources of information as the circumstances may suggest.

Official source

CRITICAL

Applies to: Agreement

An agreement resolving the entire pending proceeding must be promptly reduced to writing and submitted to the assigned judge.

If the conference results in agreement of the parties with respect to the complete disposition of the pending proceeding, the same shall be forthwith reduced to writing and submitted to the judge to whom the case has been assigned.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

The petition must include the justification and requested duration of the extension, and identify consenting interested parties through their joinder.

The petition shall set forth the following additional matters: 1. the facts relied upon to justify the extension of time requested and the period of extension desired; 2. the names of the interested parties who have consented to the extension of time as evidenced by their joinder in the petition.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition for minor compromise settlement or discontinuance
Must include: proposed order

A petition for a minor’s compromise, settlement, or discontinuance must include the specified case, injury, recovery, expense, and fee information, along with a form of order for hearing.

A petition for minor's compromise, settlement or discontinuance shall include the following: (a) A description of the incident giving rise to the cause of action, and the nature of the injuries resulting therefrom; (b) The extent of the recovery from the injuries, supported by medical reports, if any; (c) An itemization of expenses and fees incurred in the treatment of the injuries and the prosecution of the action; (d) Substantial justification for any counsel fee (other than reimbursement for expenses) in excess of twenty-five percent of the gross recovery attributed to the minor; and (e) A form of order for hearing.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Short form complaint

The Short Form Complaint caption must list the defendants being sued and sufficiently identify any new defendant, including the capacity in which that defendant is sued.

d) The caption shall contain a list of the specific defendants against whom the claim is being made. Any defendant not previously identified in the Master Long Form Complaint must be sufficiently identified in the Short Form Complaint, to include the capacity in which the defendant is being sued.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Defendants master new matter

For each Master Long Form Complaint, defendants must collectively assert all defendants' affirmative defenses in a pleading called "Defendants' Master New Matter."

a) In response to each Master Long Form Complaint, the defendants shall collectively assert all affirmative defenses on behalf of all defendants. This shall be accomplished by the filing of a pleading known as "Defendants' Master New Matter" to each Master Long Form Complaint.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Amended pleading

Unless the parties agree otherwise or the court grants leave, pleadings amended before trial must be executed, verified, and filed in amended form.

Unless otherwise permitted by agreement of the parties or by leave of court, pleadings amended before trial shall be executed, verified and filed in their amended form.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Short form complaint

b) To the extent possible, the name of each asbestos-containing product and the name of the manufacturer of each asbestos-containing product to which exposure is alleged by the plaintiff. Plaintiff may incorporate by reference the detailed description contained in the Master Long Form Complaint.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Application to join party

An application to join a person who could have joined or been joined in the action must be made by rule to show cause.

Application under Pa. R.C.P. 2232(c), to join as a party any other person who could have joined or have been joined as such in the action shall be by rule to show cause.

Official source

CRITICAL

Applies to: Financial condition statement

Each party must submit a written financial-condition statement covering the listed financial information and other information pertinent to the issues.

Each party shall submit a written statement of his or her financial condition, including income, expenses, assets, outstanding indebtedness and any other information pertinent to the issues

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition for adjudication

When a distributee's identity or whereabouts is unknown, or there are no known heirs, the fiduciary must submit an affidavit-verified report as part of the Petition for Adjudication, with detailed investigation information and, where applicable, a documented family tree.

If it appears that the identity or whereabouts of a distributee is unknown, or there are no known heirs, the fiduciary shall submit a written report at the audit, as part of the Petition for Adjudication, verified by an affidavit of the fiduciary or his counsel, in which shall set forth: a. the nature of the investigation made to locate the heirs of the decedent, in complete detail; and b. in cases of intestacy, or where there are no known heirs, a family tree, as complete as possible under the circumstances supported by such documentary evidence as the fiduciary has been able to obtain.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Pre trial statement

Pre-trial statements must take the form of an addendum to the statements filed before the master's hearing.

Pre-trial statements shall be in the form of addendum to the statements filed prior to the master's hearing.

Official source

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to: Arraignment notice

At arraignment, the Court must provide the defendant or counsel written notice in the prescribed form of the applicable request and motion deadlines.

At the time of arraignment, the Court shall provide to the defendant or his attorney written notice of the time periods within which he may request a bill of particulars, commence discovery and file an omnibus pre-trial motion. The written notice to be provided to the defendant or his attorney shall be in the following form:

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Short form answer

With respect to actions commenced prior to the implementation of this Order wherein the pleadings are not closed, a defendant may respond to the Complaint with a Short Form Answer which shall respond only to the identity allegation and set forth affirmative defenses by way of New Matter.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Short form joinder complaint

A Short Form Joinder Complaint must include the specified statement asserting the additional defendant’s potential liability.

b) Joinder of additional defendants shall be by means of a Short Form Joinder Complaint which shall consist of the following information: ii) A statement in the following form: You are hereby joined as an additional defendant in the within action and it is asserted that you are alone liable to the plaintiff, jointly and severally liable to the plaintiff and/or liable to the original defendants for contribution and/or indemnification.

Official source

CRITICAL

Applies to: Order

An order directing appearance for a support hearing or conference must warn of possible attachment and contempt for failure to appear.

Any order fixing a time and place at which a defendant or any other party may be directed by the Court to appear before the Court or a domestic relations officer of the Domestic Relations Division for a hearing or conference on a complaint for support, or on a petition to modify, terminate, or enforce an order for support, shall contain a cautionary warning of the likelihood of the issuance of an attachment of the person, and the possibility of an adjudication of contempt, upon the failure to appear as so directed.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Master long form complaint

The Master Long Form Complaint must identify each specific defendant and the capacity in which each defendant will be sued.

The Master Long Form Complaint shall sufficiently identify each specific defendant against whom each plaintiff counsel expects to pursue claims for asbestos related personal injuries, and to include the capacity in which each defendants will be sued.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Notice of appeal

An appeal must be accompanied by a specification of the disputed items and the reasons for the exceptions.

upon filing with his notice of appeal and serving upon the adverse party a specification of the items to which he excepts and the reasons therefor.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Adoption fee expense report

The fees-and-expenses report must itemize every fee or expense known to counsel.

The report required by Pa.O.C. Rule 15.5(d), disclosing fees and expenses, shall itemize each fee or expense known to counsel

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Application for hearing by master
Must include: certificate of service

The application includes a certification stating to whom and when a copy was mailed.

8. I certify that a copy of this application was mailed to _____________ on __________________.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

If the estate includes assets other than cash, listed securities, or assets with self-apparent value, the petition must include an appraiser’s certificate of valuation as an exhibit and a brief statement of the appraiser’s qualifications.

If the estate consists of items other than cash, listed securities or assets the value of which is self-apparent, a certificate of valuation thereof by an appraiser competent to give an opinion relative thereto shall be attached as an exhibit and accompanied by a brief statement of the qualifications of such appraiser.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

A petition with account annexed to discharge a fiduciary must conform as far as practicable to the requirements for a small-estate settlement petition under Bucks Rule 6.11H.

A petition with account annexed for the discharge of a fiduciary under Pennsylvania Orphans' Court Rule 12.7(b) shall conform as far as practicable to the requirements of a petition under Bucks Rule 6.11H for the settlement of a small estate of a decedent.

Official source

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to: Petition

An application involving factual matters not of record must be a petition with a form of order awarding a rule to show cause attached.

If the application shall properly involve matters of fact not of record, it shall be in the form of a petition with a form or order awarding a rule to show cause attached thereto.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Short form answer

A transitional response must be identified as a Short Form Answer and may incorporate the Defendants Master New Matter by reference.

The response shall be identified as a Short Form Answer and it may incorporate by reference the Defendants Master New Matter.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Discovery motion

Good-faith efforts must include an appropriate attempt to contact interested parties by telephone, letter, or email, and the affidavit must include documents evidencing those communications.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Short form joinder complaint

A copy of the plaintiff’s Short Form Complaint must be attached to the Short Form Joinder Complaint.

c) A copy of the plaintiff's Short Form Complaint shall be attached to the Short Form Joinder Complaint.

Official source

CRITICAL

Applies to: Approved agreement

After the judge approves the written agreement, the original writing and approval must be filed with the Clerk of Courts - Criminal.

Upon written approval of the judge, the original of such writing and approval shall be filed with the Clerk of Courts - Criminal, and shall have the same legal effect as an order of the Court entered in due course in open Court after a full and adversary hearing.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Other cost objection

All other objections to cost claims or recovery by execution must be made by rule to show cause.

All other objections to claims for costs or to the recovery thereof by execution shall be made by rule to show cause.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Agreement of reference

An agreement of reference must be signed by all parties or their counsel, define the issues for determination, and be filed of record; it may include specified stipulations and takes the place of the pleadings.

Cases, whether or not at issue and regardless of amount or subject in controversy, may be referred to a board of arbitrators by agreement of reference signed by all parties or their counsel, which said agreement of reference shall define the issues involved for determination by the board, and when the respective counsel so desire, may contain stipulations with respect to facts submitted or agreed or defenses waived. In such cases, the agreement of reference shall take the place of the pleadings in the case and shall be filed of record.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Pleading attached to brief or other document

A pleading attached to a brief or other document must be presented as amended to date.

Whenever a pleading is required to be attached to any brief or other document, it shall be set forth as amended to date.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Report

When requesting that distribution to a nonresident distributee be withheld, the fiduciary must submit an affidavit-verified report describing the relationship and whereabouts, any applicable documented family tree, and the reasons and suggested manner for withholding distribution.

If the fiduciary requests the Court to withhold distribution to a nonresident distributee, he shall submit a written report at the audit, verified by the affidavit of the fiduciary or his counsel, in which shall be set forth: a. the relationship of the distributee to the decedent, and any available information concerning his present whereabouts; b. in cases of intestacy, a family tree, as complete as possible under the circumstances, supported by such documentary evidence as the fiduciary has been able to obtain; and c. the reasons for the request that distribution be withheld, and the suggested manner of withholding.

Official source

CRITICAL

Applies to: Documentary exhibit media label

The envelope for the portable media must have a label or separate sheet describing its contents and identifying, at minimum, the case caption and docket number, presiding judge or officer, proponent, and document and content.

For purposes of submission to the Court and retention, the proponent shall place the portable media device in an envelope not to exceed 8.5 x 11 inches in size bearing a label or containing a separate sheet of paper describing the contents of the portable media device, which description shall include at minimum: (i) the case caption and docket number; (ii) identity of the presiding judge or officer; (iii) proponent’s name; (iv) a brief description of the document and its content, which may include date of creation of the original documents (if known), date of conversion to pdf format, date of the proceeding at which it will be submitted, and the exhibit number or other designation assigned by the Court upon submission (if known).

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Discovery motion

The Court will take no action on a motion that lacks the required affidavit, which must substantially follow the prescribed form.

(3) No Court action will be taken on any motion which fails to attach the required affidavit, which shall be in substantially the following form:

Official source

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to: Bill of particulars request

A bill-of-particulars request must identify the particulars sought and explain why they are requested.

The request must set forth the specific particulars sought by you and the reason why the particulars are requested.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Pleading

All pleadings filed after commencement by Writ of Summons must conform to the Order.

All pleadings subsequent to the Writ shall, however, conform to this Order.

Official source

CRITICAL

Applies to: Surety affidavit

When offering security other than corporate security, a party must simultaneously present the surety’s affidavit stating the facts relied on to justify its approval.

When other than corporate security is offered, the party offering it shall at the same time present an affidavit by the surety, in which shall be set forth the facts relied upon to justify the approval thereof.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Short form complaint

A defendant may be included in a Short Form Complaint only when, after reasonable inquiry, counsel believes in good faith that a valid cause of action exists against that defendant.

Counsel are reminded of the provisions of Pa.R.C.P. 1023(b) regarding certification of the contents of pleadings, and are cautioned that no defendant may be included in a Short Form Complaint unless, after reasonable inquiry, it is believed in good faith that there exists a valid cause of action against that defendant.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Short form complaint

The Short Form Complaint must state the inclusive exposure dates and each exposure job site for every identified product.

c) With respect to each product identified in 3(b) above, the inclusive dates of exposure and each job site at which the exposure occurred.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Entry of appearance and answer to complaint

e) A party joined as an additional defendant shall file an "Entry of Appearance and Answer to Complaint", in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 4(b) of this Order, which shall constitute a denial of all liability and damage allegations of the Joinder Complaint and the plaintiff's Complaint and shall also serve to assert all defenses set forth in the Defendants' Master Mew Matter.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Appeal
Must include: caption

An appeal must bear this court’s caption and be filed with the clerk.

Appeals from the judicial acts or proceedings of the Register shall bear the caption of this court, and shall be filed with the clerk.

Official source

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to: Record of notice of disapproval

The attorney must maintain a record of each written notice of disapproval.

the attorney shall maintain a record of the written notice.

Official source

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to: Answer

An answer must have affixed a form of order fixing a hearing date to be scheduled by the assigned judge.

The answer shall have affixed thereto a form of order fixing a hearing date to be scheduled by the judge to whom the case has been assigned.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: New matter

Transitional-period New Matter is automatically deemed denied, and the plaintiff need not file an Answer or reply.

In accordance with paragraph 4(g) of this Order, all New Matter, whether incorporated by the Master New Matter or specifically plead in a Short Form Answer filed during the transition period, shall be automatically deemed denied without the necessity of filing an Answer or reply by plaintiff.

Official source

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

A petition seeking delay damages on an arbitration award must be accompanied at filing by an omnibus praecipe requesting arbitration.

a petition seeking the imposition of delay damages upon an arbitration award shall be accompanied at filing by an omnibus praecipe requesting arbitration.

Official source

CRITICAL

Applies to: Supporting documentation

Each party must bring supporting documentation to the conference, including tax returns and pay stubs.

and shall bring to the conference supporting documentation, including but not limited to copies of income tax returns and pay stubs.

Official source

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to: Medical consent form

If no relevant medical reports have been received, the party is requested to sign the attached Medical Consent form.

If you have not received any medical reports from any person or institution where you were examined or treated for injuries sustained in the accident or any preexisting condition, you are requested to sign the attached "Medical Consent" form so we can obtain these reports and records.

Official source

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to: Schedule of distribution

The court may direct the accountant to file a schedule of distribution when requested, advisable, or when real estate is awarded in kind.

The court in the adjudication, when requested or found advisable, or in any case when real estate is to be awarded in kind, may direct the accountant to file a schedule of distribution in conformity with the awards of the adjudication.

Official source

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to: Answers to interrogatories

Answers must be based on information known to the party or held by the party’s attorney or representative.

your Answers shall be based upon information known to you or in the possession of you, your attorney or other representative acting on your behalf whether in preparation for litigation or otherwise.

Official source

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to: Motion and order to make rule absolute

After proper service and no response, an interested party may seek to have the rule made absolute by filing a motion and order.

If proper service has been made and no response has been filed, the rule may be made absolute by filing a motion and order for same.

Official source

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to: Notice of guardian petition

If there are no known next of kin sui juris to receive notice, the court may require public notice by special order when appropriate.

when there are no known next of kin who are sui juris to whom notice may be given, public notice may be required as the court shall by special order in each case designate, if appropriate;

Official source

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to: Petition

In appropriate cases, the Court may approve another provider upon petition, with proposed adopting parents paying that provider directly.

In appropriate cases, and upon petition to the Court, another person or agency may be approved to perform the duties required in 3a. and b., and payment for those services shall be paid by the proposed adopting parent(s) directly to the person or agency performing the services.

Official source

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to: Answers to interrogatories

If medical reports have been received, copies must be attached to the answers.

Have you received any medical reports from any person or institution where you were x-rayed, examined or treated? ____ If so, attach copies of the reports to your Answers.

Official source

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to: Supplemental answers

Supplemental answers must be filed in accordance with Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 4007.4.

Supplements to your Answers shall be filed in accordance with Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 4007.4.

Official source

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to: Interrogatory answers

If the vehicle has not been repaired, the interrogatory answers must include a copy of the estimate.

41. If the vehicle has not been repaired, state: (a) Name and address of the person(s) who prepared an estimate; (b) Amount of the estimate(s); (c) Attach a copy of the estimate to your Answers.

Official source

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to: Interrogatory answers

If the requested photos or other items exist, the answer must attach copies at the interrogating party’s cost and provide specified information about each item.

Do you know of any photos or motion pictures, plans, drawings, blueprints, sketches or diagrams made by anyone other than counsel regarding this occurrence or the location of the occurrence?____ If so, attach copies at cost of interrogating party to your Answer and state as to each item: (a) Exact nature of the item; (b) Date the item was made or taken: (c) Where the item is now located if not available to you.

Official source

WARNING

Applies to: In forma pauperis petition

A Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis must be filed with the appropriate filing office together with the Request for Transcript and Poverty Affidavit.

(B) Economic Hardship (1) A Petition to Proceed In Forma Pauperis shall be filed with the appropriate filing office (Prothonotary, Domestic Relations Prothonotary, Clerk of Courts or the Register of Wills/Clerk of the Orphans’ Court) along with the Request for Transcript and Poverty Affidavit.

Official source

WARNING

Applies to: In forma pauperis and poverty affidavit forms

Copies of the listed forms must be provided to the presiding judge, Chief Court Reporter, and opposing counsel or the opposing party if self-represented.

(B) Economic Hardship (2) Copies of the forms listed above shall be provided to: (a) the presiding judge; (b) the Chief Court Reporter; and (c) opposing counsel, or the opposing party if self-represented.

Official source

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to: Case management order amendment

Amendments to Case Management Orders are discouraged, but may be submitted with all parties’ agreement and must meet subsection (a)’s minimum requirements.

Amendments to Case Management Orders are discouraged, but may be submitted by agreement of all parties and shall meet the minimum requirements of subsection (a) above.

Official source

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to: Case management order

A Case Management Order may be submitted for Court approval if all parties agree and it is filed with the Office of the Prothonotary.

Case Management Orders may be submitted for Court approval by agreement of all parties to a matter by filing with the Office of the Prothonotary.

Official source

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to: Agreed case management order

Any agreed Case Management Order must comply in substance with the Court-promulgated form.

An agreed Case Management Order form has been promulgated by the Court, and any agreed Case Management Order must comply in substance with that form.

Official source

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to: Short form answer

An additional defendant may file a Short Form Answer under paragraph 4(d); it may respond only to allegations identifying the additional defendant and may include affirmative defenses to both complaints.

g) An additional defendant may file a Short Form Answer to the Joinder Complaint in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 4(d) of this Order, which shall respond only to the allegations dealing with identification of the additional defendant, and may contain any affirmative defenses asserted by the additional defendant to the Joinder Complaint and the plaintiff's Complaint.

Official source

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to: Adoption fee expense report

The report will be admitted into evidence and treated as the final report unless amended at the adoption hearing.

The report will be entered into evidence at that adoption hearing and will be considered the final report unless amended at the time of the adoption hearing.

Official source

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to: Agency intermediary fee statement

and annually thereafter a statement that the basis has not changed, if that is the case.

Official source

WARNINGCriminal cases

Applies to: Juror questionnaire

The suspended rule directs all jurors to complete and sign the questionnaire when reporting for jury duty.

(a) The following questionnaire is to be completed and signed by all jurors upon their reporting for jury duty:

Official source

INFOCivil cases

Applies to: Motion
Must include: proposed order

If no objections were received, the party may file a motion and proposed order certifying that the discontinuance is unopposed and that the notice requirements were met.

If no objections have been received by discontinuing counsel, he or she may file a motion and proposed order with the Court certifying that the discontinuance is unopposed and setting forth compliance with the notice requirements.

Official source

INFOCivil cases

Applies to: Memorandum

Bucks County Rule 266 memoranda are not required for uncontested discontinuance cases.

Bucks County Rule 266 memoranda are not required in uncontested discontinuance cases.

Official source

INFO

Applies to: Application for registration of corporation as surety

A corporation may apply for registration as a surety by filing with the prothonotary a certificate from the Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner authorizing it to become surety.

An application for the registration of a corporation as surety may be made by filing with the prothonotary a certificate from the Insurance Commissioner of Pennsylvania authorizing it to become surety, as provided by the Act of June 29, 1923, P.L. 943, and any supplements or successors to such legislation.

Official source

INFOCivil cases

Applies to: Pleading amendment at trial

Amendments to pleadings allowed at trial need not be executed, verified, or filed.

Amendments to pleadings allowed at the trial need not be executed, verified and filed.

Official source

INFOCivil cases

Applies to: Short form answer

Crossclaims against all other parties are implied and deemed denied, so they need not be asserted in a Short Form Answer.

h) Crossclaims as to all other parties shall be implied and deemed denied without the necessity of asserting them in a Short Form Answer.

Official source

INFOCivil cases

Applies to: Agency intermediary fee statement

As an alternative to attaching an itemized statement, an agency intermediary may file a statement explaining the basis for its fees.

In the alternative, an agency intermediary may file with the Court a statement of the basis for its fees

Official source

INFOCivil cases

Applies to: Preliminary objections

An additional defendant may file preliminary objections to a Short Form Joinder Complaint under the procedures in paragraph 4(c).

f) In response to a Short Form Joinder Complaint, an additional defendant may file preliminary objections in accordance with the procedures set forth in paragraph 4(c) of this Order.

Official source

INFOCivil cases

Applies to: Short form answer

Filing a Short Form Answer to the Joinder Complaint is optional and not required.

i) The filing of a Short Form Answer to the Joinder Complaint is permissive in nature and not required.

Official source

INFOCriminal cases

Applies to: Motion

The usual method of documenting the notice and request is to note the trial judge’s and official court reporter’s endorsements accepting service on the original motion before filing.

The usual manner of documenting the notice and request shall be by the endorsement of acceptance of service thereof by the trial judge and the official court reporter respectively, noted upon the original motion before filing.

Official source

Common questions about Court of Common Pleas of Bucks County, Pennsylvania document filing requirements

What must be included with additional security bond filings in Court of Common Pleas of Bucks County, Pennsylvania?

All bonds for additional security must be filed with the clerk.

View rule Official source Source: page 1, section Surety

5 more rules answer this question.

What must be included with pre hearing statement filings in Court of Common Pleas of Bucks County, Pennsylvania?

A pre-hearing statement must include the information required by Pa.R.C.P. 1920.33(b) and every documentary exhibit the party expects to offer, regardless of length.

View rule Official source Source: page 1, section Rule 1920.33*(h). Form of Pre-Hearing Statement

What must be included with supplemental account filings in Court of Common Pleas of Bucks County, Pennsylvania?

A copy of the supplemental account must be presented to the court at the audit.

View rule Official source Source: page 1, section Rule 2.4A Additional Receipts and Disbursements

1 more rule answers this question.

51 more rules answer this question.

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Back to all rules for this court

Page & Word Limits

Maximum page counts and word limits for motions, briefs, and other filings by judge.

Courtesy Copy Requirements

When and how to deliver courtesy copies to chambers, including triggers, timing, and formatting.

Electronic Filing Rules

Electronic filing requirements, permitted filing channels, EFSP portals, and exceptions.

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Filing cutoffs, deemed-filed rules, rejection handling, cure periods, and outage procedures.

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

What must be included with additional security bond filings in Court of Common Pleas of Bucks County, Pennsylvania?

What must be included with pre hearing statement filings in Court of Common Pleas of Bucks County, Pennsylvania?

What must be included with supplemental account filings in Court of Common Pleas of Bucks County, Pennsylvania?

What must be included with judgment entry order filings in Court of Common Pleas of Bucks County, Pennsylvania?

What must be included with all papers filings in Court of Common Pleas of Bucks County, Pennsylvania?

What must be included with petition filings in Court of Common Pleas of Bucks County, Pennsylvania?

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