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

CRITICAL

Accounts to be confirmed must be filed by 4:30 p.m. Eastern Prevailing Time on the fifth Friday preceding the confirmation date.

Accounts to be confirmed shall be filed not later than 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Prevailing Time) of the fifth Friday preceding the date fixed for confirmation of accounts.

CRITICALCivil cases

After review, the Prothonotary must notify the filing party whether the legal paper was accepted as filed or refused.

After review of the legal paper, the Prothonotary shall provide the filing party with e-mail notification, or notification on the Cumberland County Electronic Filing System, that the legal paper has been accepted for filing ("filed") or refused and not accepted for filing.

WARNING

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

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

WARNING

Filing delays, disruptions, interruptions, and refusals must be addressed through the process in Pa.R.C.P. 205.4(e).

Filing delays, disruptions, interruptions, or refusals of filings shall be resolved by the process outlined in Pa.R.C.P. 205.4(e).

WARNING

The Hearing Officer will schedule a settlement conference and argument within 10 days after receiving the appointment order or a subsequent discovery motion.

Within 10 days following receipt of the appointment order or subsequent discovery motion, the Hearing Officer will schedule a settlement conference and argument with counsel (and the parties if one or more are unrepresented).

WARNING

Transcript production must begin when the district court administrator’s office receives the deposit.

(ii) Upon receipt of the deposit by the district court administrator’s office, the court reporter, court recorder or transcriptionist shall commence production of the requested transcript.

CRITICAL

Requests for payment for services performed in December are due to the Court by January 15 of the following year, with no exceptions.

Due to budgetary considerations, requests for payment for services performed December 1 through December 31 of any year shall be submitted to the Court no later than January 15 of the following year. No exceptions shall be granted.

CRITICAL

The custody conference officer must submit the Conference Summary Report and proposed orders to the Court Administrator's Office within seven days after the conciliation conference.

Within seven (7) days following a conciliation conference, the custody conference officer will submit their Conference Summary Report and proposed order(s) to the Court Administrator's Office for assignment to a judge:

CRITICALCriminal cases

Deadline

2 business days

The Clerk of Courts must assign a Common Pleas docket number within two business days after receiving the electronically scanned transcript and associated documents.

The Clerk of Courts shall assign a Common Pleas docket number to all criminal cases within 2 business days of transmission of the electronically scanned transcript and any associated documents by the issuing authority.

CRITICAL

Deadline

7 calendar days

The 90% transcript deposit must be delivered within seven calendar days from the invoice date.

(i) The invoice shall be for a non-refundable, partial payment of 90% of the estimated transcript cost. This deposit shall be paid by cash, money order, certified check, or law firm check made payable to Cumberland County, and shall be delivered to the district court administrator’s office within seven (7) calendar days from the date of the invoice.

CRITICAL

The appellant must file a brief within 40 days after notice that the local agency’s complete record was filed.

(1) The appellant shall file a brief within forty (40) days after the date the Prothonotary gives notice of the filing of the local agency’s complete record.

CRITICAL

Deadline

2 business days

The Clerk of Courts must assign a Common Pleas docket number within two business days after the transcript and associated documents are transmitted.

The Clerk of Courts shall assign a Common Pleas docket number to all cases within 2 business days of transmission of the transcript and any associated documents.

CRITICAL

Deadline

2 business days

The Clerk of Courts must assign a Common Pleas docket number within two business days after receiving the scanned transcript and associated documents from the issuing authority.

The Clerk of Courts shall assign a Common Pleas docket number to all criminal cases within 2 business days of transmission of the electronically scanned transcript and any associated documents by the issuing authority.

CRITICAL

If either party wishes to request [a later argument date or] oral argument (for complex cases or novel legal issues), they must file with the Prothonotary, and serve upon all parties, [a praecipe] a motion containing the request within sixty (60) days following the filing of the preliminary objections [within five (5) business days following the close of the briefing schedule].

If either party wishes to request [a later argument date or] oral argument (for complex cases or novel legal issues), they must file with the Prothonotary, and serve upon all parties, [a praecipe] a motion containing the request within sixty (60) days following the filing of the preliminary objections [within five (5) business days following the close of the briefing schedule].

CRITICAL

Except for arraignments by first-class mail, arraignment must occur within ten days after the information is filed, unless waived by a represented defendant or postponed by the court for cause.

(c) Except when arraignment is done via first class mail, arraignment shall take place no later than ten (10) days after the information has been filed, unless waived by a defendant who has counsel, or is otherwise postponed by the court for cause shown.

CRITICAL

Deadline

5 business days

When one custodian is involved, that custodian must file all submitted exhibits and the exhibit index with the appropriate records office within five business days after the proceeding concludes.

(1) If only one custodian is involved with a proceeding, they shall file with the appropriate records office all submitted exhibits and index of exhibits within 5 business days of the conclusion of the proceeding.

CRITICAL

The trial list for cases at law closes seven weeks before the first day of trials.

The trial list for cases at law shall close seven (7) weeks before the first day of trials.

CRITICAL

Deadline

5 business days

When only one custodian is involved, that custodian must file all submitted exhibits and their index with the records office within five business days after the proceeding concludes.

If only one custodian is involved with a proceeding, they shall file with the appropriate records office all submitted exhibits and index of exhibits within 5 business days of the conclusion of the proceeding.

CRITICAL

If the parties withdraw or settle all claims before the Hearing Officer, a motion to vacate must be filed before entry of the final divorce decree.

If the parties withdraw or settle all claims pending before the Hearing Officer, a Motion to Vacate Hearing Officer shall be filed prior to entry of the final divorce decree.

CRITICAL

A rescheduled conciliation must occur no more than 75 days after assignment by the Court Administrator.

The rescheduled date shall not be more than seventy-five (75) days from the date of assignment by the Court Administrator.

CRITICAL

Deadline

5 business days

When multiple custodians are involved, exhibits and the index pass from custodian to custodian, and the final custodian must file them with the records office within 5 business days after the proceeding concludes.

If multiple custodians are involved with a proceeding, the first custodian shall provide the subsequent custodian (and so on, if more than two custodians) with the submitted exhibits and index of exhibits. The custodian at the conclusion of the proceeding shall file with the appropriate records office all submitted exhibits and index of exhibits within 5 business days of the conclusion of the proceeding.

CRITICAL

For a complex case or novel legal issue, either party seeking oral argument must file and serve a motion containing the request within 60 days after filing the preliminary objections.

If either party wishes to request oral argument (for complex cases or novel legal issues), they must file with the Prothonotary, and serve upon all parties, a motion containing the request within sixty (60) days following the filing of the preliminary objections.

CRITICAL

Deadline

5 business days

Transcripts and associated documents must be transmitted to the Clerk of Courts within five business days.

all transcripts and any associated documents shall be electronically scanned and transmitted to the Clerk of Courts within 5 business days, in digital format in lieu of transmitting the physical paper transcript and associated documents.

CRITICAL

The objecting party must file its brief at the same time as the preliminary objections.

The objecting party shall file a brief with the Prothonotary simultaneously with the preliminary objections.

CRITICAL

Except for arraignments by first-class mail, arraignment must occur no later than 10 days after the information is filed, unless waived by a represented defendant or postponed by the court for cause shown.

Except when arraignment is done via first class mail, arraignment shall take place no later than ten (10) days after the information has been filed, unless waived by a defendant who has counsel, or is otherwise postponed by the court for cause shown.

CRITICAL

The objecting party must file its brief with the Prothonotary at the same time as the preliminary objections; an untimely brief may alone support denial of relief.

The objecting party shall file a brief with the Prothonotary simultaneously with the preliminary objections. If the brief is not timely filed, the Court may deny the relief sought on that basis alone.

CRITICAL

The responding party must file its brief within 30 days after service of the objecting party’s brief.

Within thirty (30) days of the date of service of the objecting party’s brief, the responding party shall file and serve a brief in accordance with the requirements of subsections (a)(1-4) of this rule.

CRITICAL

The objecting party must file its brief with the Prothonotary at the same time as the preliminary objections.

The objecting party shall file a brief with the Prothonotary simultaneously with the preliminary objections.

CRITICAL

The completed acknowledgment form must be filed before the scheduled arraignment date when arraignment is by first-class mail.

If defense counsel chooses to have the defendant arraigned via first class mail, then the defendant and their counsel must complete the Acknowledgment of Arraignment form as provided by the Court; and file the Acknowledgment of Arraignment form with the Clerk of Court before the date set for arraignment.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial memorandum

Each party must file and serve its pretrial memorandum no later than the Friday before the pretrial conference.

No later than Friday prior to the pretrial conference, each party to a civil action shall file (and serve a copy on all other parties) a pretrial memorandum with the Prothonotary, who will transmit it to the Court Administrator.

CRITICAL

Within seven days after the conciliation conference, the custody conference officer must submit the Conference Summary Report and proposed orders to the Court Administrator’s Office.

Within seven (7) days following a conciliation conference, the custody conference officer will submit their Conference Summary Report and proposed order(s) to the Court Administrator’s Office for assignment to a judge:

CRITICAL

The custodian must file all submitted exhibits and their index with the appropriate records office within 5 business days after the proceeding concludes.

The custodian at the conclusion of the proceeding shall file with the appropriate records office all submitted exhibits and index of exhibits within 5 business days of the conclusion of the proceeding.

CRITICAL

The Discovery Report and Recommendation must be filed with the Clerk following an agreement or hearing.

Following an agreement or hearing, the Discovery Report and Recommendation shall be filed with the Clerk.

CRITICAL

If all claims pending before the Hearing Officer are withdrawn or settled, the Motion to Vacate Hearing Officer must be filed before entry of the final divorce decree.

If the parties withdraw or settle all claims pending before the Hearing Officer, a Motion to Vacate Hearing Officer shall be filed prior to entry of the final divorce decree.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Deadline

5 business days

After a Notice of Appeal is filed, transcripts and associated documents must be transmitted to the Clerk of Courts within five business days.

Pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P. 460, upon the filing of a Notice of Appeal, the Clerk of Courts shall assign a Common Pleas docket number and notify the Magisterial District Court that all transcripts and any associated documents shall be electronically scanned and transmitted to the Clerk of Courts within 5 business days, in digital format in lieu of transmitting the physical paper transcript and associated documents.

CRITICAL

Each other party must file a responsive brief within 30 days after service of the appellant’s brief.

(2) Each other party shall file a responsive brief within thirty (30) days after service of appellant’s brief.

CRITICAL

If preliminary objections resolve before the argument court date, a praecipe to withdraw the listing must be filed immediately.

If the preliminary objections resolve prior to the argument court date, a preacipe to withdraw the listing shall be filed immediately.

CRITICAL

If preliminary objections are resolved before the argument date, a praecipe to withdraw the listing must be filed immediately.

If the preliminary objections resolve prior to the argument court date, a preacipe to withdraw the listing shall be filed immediately.

CRITICAL

The responding party must file its brief within 30 days after service of the objecting party’s brief and comply with the requirements of subsections (a)(1)–(4).

Within thirty (30) days of the date of service of the objecting party's brief, the responding party shall file and serve a brief in accordance with the requirements of subsections (a)(1-4) of this rule.

CRITICAL

Deadline

5 business days

When multiple custodians are involved, each must pass the exhibits and index to the next custodian, and the final custodian must file them within five business days after the proceeding concludes.

(2) If multiple custodians are involved with a proceeding, the first custodian shall provide the subsequent custodian (and so on, if more than two custodians) with the submitted exhibits and index of exhibits. The custodian at the conclusion of the proceeding shall file with the appropriate records office all submitted exhibits and index of exhibits within 5 business days of the conclusion of the proceeding.

CRITICAL

For arraignment by first-class mail, the Acknowledgment of Arraignment form must be filed with the Clerk of Court before the date set for arraignment.

(b) If defense counsel chooses to have the defendant arraigned via first class mail, then the defendant and their counsel must complete the Acknowledgment of Arraignment form as [prescribed] provided by the Court [and available on the Court Website]; and file the Acknowledgment of Arraignment form with the Clerk of Court before the date set for arraignment.

CRITICAL

The responding party must file and serve its brief within 30 days after service of the objecting party’s brief, complying with the requirements in subsections (a)(1)–(4).

Within thirty (30) days of the date of service of the objecting party’s brief, the responding party shall file and serve a brief in accordance with the requirements of subsections (a)(1-4) of this rule.

CRITICAL

If all claims before the Hearing Officer are withdrawn or settled, the Motion to Vacate Hearing Officer must be filed before entry of the final divorce decree.

(h) Vacating the Hearing Officer. (1) If the parties withdraw or settle all claims pending before the Hearing Officer, a Motion to Vacate Hearing Officer shall be filed prior to entry of the final divorce decree.

CRITICAL

Requests for payment for December services are due no later than January 15 of the following year, without exception.

Due to budgetary considerations, requests for payment for services performed December 1 through December 31 of any year shall be submitted to the Court no later than January 15 of the following year. No exceptions shall be granted.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Deadline

2 business days

The Clerk of Courts must assign a Common Pleas docket number within two business days after the transcript and associated documents are transmitted.

The Clerk of Courts shall assign a Common Pleas docket number to all cases within 2 business days of transmission of the transcript and any associated documents.

CRITICAL

Payment requests are due by the 15th of the month after service, with exceptions available upon written application.

All requests for payment must be submitted by the 15th of the month following the month of service. Exceptions may be granted upon written application.

CRITICAL

For an arraignment by first-class mail, the completed Acknowledgment of Arraignment form must be filed with the Clerk before the date set for arraignment.

If defense counsel chooses to have the defendant arraigned via first class mail, then the defendant and their counsel must complete the Acknowledgment of Arraignment form as provided by the Court; and file the Acknowledgment of Arraignment form with the Clerk of Court before the date set for arraignment.

CRITICAL

Deadline

5 business days

When multiple custodians are involved, they must pass the exhibits and index to the next custodian, and the custodian at the proceeding's conclusion must file them within five business days.

If multiple custodians are involved with a proceeding, the first custodian shall provide the subsequent custodian (and so on, if more than two custodians) with the submitted exhibits and index of exhibits. The custodian at the conclusion of the proceeding shall file with the appropriate records office all submitted exhibits and index of exhibits within 5 business days of the conclusion of the proceeding.

CRITICAL

Requests for daily, expedited, or same-day transcripts must be filed at least ten days before the proceeding and served as specified, except that an emergency request may be made orally and requires approval from the trial judge and reporter or recorder.

A request for daily, expedited, or same-day transcripts shall be filed in the district court administrator’s office at least ten (10) days before the scheduled proceeding. Copies of the request shall be provided as required in paragraph (b) above. In the event of an emergency, a party may request by oral motion a daily, expedited, or same-day transcript. This request will be accommodated upon approval of the trial judge and the court reporter or court recorder.

CRITICAL

If preliminary objections are resolved before the argument court date, a praecipe to withdraw the listing must be filed immediately.

If the preliminary objections resolve prior to the argument court date, a preacipe to withdraw the listing shall be filed immediately.

CRITICAL

Except for arraignments by first-class mail, arraignment must occur within ten days after the information is filed unless a represented defendant waives it or the court postpones it for cause.

Except when arraignment is done via first class mail, arraignment shall take place no later than ten (10) days after the information has been filed, unless waived by a defendant who has counsel, or is otherwise postponed by the court for cause shown.

CRITICAL

A party seeking oral argument for a complex case or novel legal issue must file and serve a motion requesting it within 60 days after the preliminary objections are filed.

If either party wishes to request oral argument (for complex cases or novel legal issues), they must file with the Prothonotary, and serve upon all parties, a motion containing the request within sixty (60) days following the filing of the preliminary objections.

CRITICAL

The objecting party must file its brief with the Prothonotary at the same time as the preliminary objections.

The objecting party shall file a brief with the Prothonotary simultaneously with the preliminary objections.

CRITICAL

A party seeking oral argument in a complex case or on a novel legal issue must file a motion containing the request within 60 days after filing the preliminary objections.

If either party wishes to request oral argument (for complex cases or novel legal issues), they must file with the Prothonotary, and serve upon all parties, a motion containing the request within sixty (60) days following the filing of the preliminary objections.

CRITICAL

The responding party must file and serve its brief within 30 days after service of the objecting party’s brief and follow the listed brief requirements.

Within [twenty] thirty ([2]30) days of the date of service of the objecting party’s brief, the responding party shall file and serve a brief in accordance with the requirements of subsections (a)(1-4) of this rule.

CRITICAL

The defendant and counsel, if counsel has appeared, must receive written notice of arraignment no later than five days before the scheduled arraignment date.

Defendant and counsel, if an appearance has been entered, shall receive written notice of the arraignment no later than five (5) days before the date scheduled for the arraignment.

CRITICAL

Within seven days after the conciliation conference, the custody conference officer must submit the Conference Summary Report and proposed orders to the Court Administrator’s Office for assignment to a judge.

(f) Within seven (7) days following a conciliation conference, the custody conference officer will submit their Conference Summary Report and proposed order(s) to the Court Administrator’s Office for assignment to a judge:

CRITICAL

Deadline

5 business days

The sole custodian must file all submitted exhibits and the exhibit index with the records office within 5 business days after the proceeding concludes.

If only one custodian is involved with a proceeding, they shall file with the appropriate records office all submitted exhibits and index of exhibits within 5 business days of the conclusion of the proceeding.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Deadline

5 business days

Transcripts and associated documents must be electronically scanned and transmitted to the Clerk of Courts within five business days.

Pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P. 547, all transcripts and any associated documents shall be electronically scanned and transmitted to the Clerk of Courts within 5 business days, in digital format in lieu of transmitting the physical paper transcript and associated documents.

CRITICAL

A hardship reduction or waiver request for an ordinary transcript must be filed at the same time as the transcript request.

(3) Any request for hardship reduction or waiver of costs for any ordinary transcript shall be filed contemporaneously with the request for transcript.

CRITICAL

Deadline

5 business days

Within 5 business days after a Notice of Appeal is filed, the transcripts and associated documents must be scanned and transmitted digitally to the Clerk of Courts instead of sent as physical paper.

Pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P. 460, upon the filing of a Notice of Appeal, the Clerk of Courts shall assign a Common Pleas docket number and notify the Magisterial District Court that all transcripts and any associated documents shall be electronically scanned and transmitted to the Clerk of Courts within 5 business days, in digital format in lieu of transmitting the physical paper transcript and associated documents.

CRITICAL

The other party must file a response within 30 days after service; an untimely response may result in the requested relief being recommended without a conference or argument.

The other party shall have 30 days from the date of service of the Motion to file a response, including any discovery issues the respondent believes should also be addressed by the Hearing Officer. Failure to timely respond may result in the Hearing Officer recommending the requested relief without a Conference or Hearing conference or argument.

CRITICAL

The conciliation must occur no later than 45 days after assignment by the Court Administrator.

The conciliation before the custody conference officer shall not be more than forty-five (45) days from the date of assignment by the Court Administrator.

CRITICAL

If the parties withdraw or settle all claims before the Hearing Officer, a motion to vacate must be filed before entry of the final divorce decree.

If the parties withdraw or settle all claims pending before the Hearing Officer, a Motion to Vacate Hearing Officer shall be filed prior to entry of the final divorce decree.

CRITICAL

Objections to an auditor’s report must be filed with the Clerk within twenty days after service of the filing notice.

(b) Objections to the auditor's report shall be filed with the Clerk within twenty days after service of the notice of filing of said report.

CRITICAL

Deadline

5 business days

(1) If only one custodian is involved with a proceeding, they shall file with the appropriate records office all submitted exhibits and index of exhibits within 5 business days of the

(1) If only one custodian is involved with a proceeding, they shall file with the appropriate records office all submitted exhibits and index of exhibits within 5 business days of the

CRITICAL

If preliminary objections resolve before the argument court date, a praecipe to withdraw the listing must be filed immediately.

(j) If the preliminary objections resolve prior to the argument court date, a preacipe to withdraw the listing shall be filed immediately.

CRITICAL

For arraignment by first-class mail, the defendant and counsel must complete the Court-provided acknowledgment form and file it with the Clerk before the arraignment date.

(b) If defense counsel chooses to have the defendant arraigned via first class mail, then the defendant and their counsel must complete the Acknowledgment of Arraignment form as provided by the Court; and file the Acknowledgment of Arraignment form with the Clerk of Court before the date set for arraignment.

CRITICAL

An opposing party objecting to a bill of costs must file written exceptions with the Prothonotary within 10 days after service.

If the opposing party objects to a bill of costs, they must file exceptions, in writing, with the Prothonotary, within ten (10) days of service.

CRITICAL

Deadline

7 calendar days

The final transcript balance must be delivered within seven calendar days from the invoice date.

(iv) Upon receipt of the final invoice, payment of the final balance shall be paid by cash, money order, certified check, or law firm check made payable to Cumberland County and shall be delivered to the district court administrator’s office within seven (7) calendar days from the date of the invoice.

WARNING

The Court may deny payment petitions submitted late.

The Court may deny untimely payment petitions.

WARNING

The appellant may file a reply brief within 10 days after service of the responsive brief.

(3) The appellant may file a reply brief within ten (10) days after service of the responsive brief.

WARNING

A responding party intending to file counterclaims or crossclaims should file them before the conciliation conference where possible.

If the responding party intends to file counterclaims or crossclaims, they shall be filed prior to the conciliation conference, where possible.

WARNING

A responding party intending to file counterclaims or crossclaims should file them before the conciliation conference where possible.

(b) If the responding party intends to file counterclaims or crossclaims, they shall be filed prior to the conciliation conference, where possible.

WARNING

Deadline

7 business days

If the requester cannot provide a credit or debit card, the district court administrator’s office must email an invoice within seven business days after receiving the request.

(2) If the party requesting a transcript is unable to provide a credit or debit card, the district court administrator’s office will issue an invoice via email within seven (7) business days after the receipt of the transcript request.

WARNING

Payment requests are due by the 15th of the month after the month of service.

All requests for payment must be submitted by the 15th of the month following the month of service.

WARNING

A party who believes a land-use appeal is not ready for disposition may request a conference within ten days after notice of the complete record.

Within ten (10) days after the Prothonotary gives notice of the filing of the complete return of the record, any party who believes the appeal is not ready for disposition may file a motion for a conference.

WARNING

The Court may deny payment petitions submitted after the applicable deadline.

The Court may deny untimely payment petitions.

WARNING

The Hearing Officer will schedule a pre-hearing conference within 10 days after receiving the appointment order.

Within 10 days following receipt of the appointment order, the Hearing Officer will schedule a pre-hearing conference with counsel (and the parties if one or more are unrepresented).

WARNING

A responding party intending to file counterclaims or crossclaims should file them before the conciliation conference where possible.

If the responding party intends to file counterclaims or crossclaims, they shall be filed prior to the conciliation conference, where possible.

WARNING

Transcript-completion time frames begin when a waiver is approved, or, if the waiver is denied, when the deposit is paid.

(5) Time frames for completion of requested transcripts will not commence until the waiver has been approved. If waiver is denied, time frames will commence when the deposit is paid.

WARNING

A responding party intending to file counterclaims or crossclaims should file them before the conciliation conference where possible.

If the responding party intends to file counterclaims or crossclaims, they shall be filed prior to the conciliation conference, where possible.