Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas Document Filing Requirements

Applies to

Preliminary objections

A request for discovery needed to dispose of Preliminary Objections must be included in the Preliminary Objections or the answer, and the Assigned Judge must address it in the scheduling order.

(13) If a party requests that discovery is necessary for the disposition of the Preliminary Objections, said request shall be contained in the Preliminary Objections or in the answer thereto. The Assigned Judge shall dispose of this request in the scheduling order.

Applies to

Certificate of readiness

A party filing a Certificate of Readiness must use the most current form, and failure to do so will result in rejection.

(14) The Certificate of Readiness form is available in the Prothonotary’s Office, in the Court Administrator’s Office and online at the Dauphin County website (www.dauphincounty.org). Parties filing a Certificate of Readiness form must ensure that the most current form is utilized. Failure to utilize the most current form shall result in the rejection of the Certificate of Readiness.

Applies to

Petition for payment of attorneys fees

A Petition for Payment of Attorney’s Fees must state the hourly rate charged by the attorneys seeking payment.

(2) A statement of the hourly rate charged by the attorney(s) for the work performed.

Applies to

Certificate of readiness

An original and one copy of a Certificate of Readiness must be filed with the Prothonotary according to the Annual Court Calendar timelines.

An original and one copy of a Certificate of Readiness shall be filed with the Prothonotary listing a case for a jury trial in accordance with the timelines published in the Annual Court Calendar.

Applies to

Certificate of readiness

The most current Certificate of Readiness form must be used, and an outdated form will be rejected.

Parties filing a Certificate of Readiness form must ensure that the most current form is used. Failure to use the most current form shall result in the rejection of the Certificate of Readiness.

Applies to

Self represented party entry of appearance

Each self-represented party in a non-family-law civil action must file a written Self Represented Party Entry of Appearance under Pa.R.C.P. 1012.

Each self-represented party in all civil actions other than family law matters shall file a written Self Represented Party Entry of Appearance in accordance with Pa.R.C.P. 1012.

Applies to

Custody agreement or parenting plan

Every Custody Agreement or Parenting Plan must include the specified paragraph directing the relocating party to follow the procedures under 23 Pa.C.S. §5337 and Rule of Civil Procedure 1915.17.

All Custody Agreements/Parenting Plans must contain a paragraph that states the following: “A party proposing to change the residence of a child which significantly impairs the ability of a non-relocating party to exercise custody rights shall follow the procedures required by 23 Pa.C.S. §5337 and Rule of Civil Procedure 1915.17 as set forth in Exhibit A attached to this Custody Agreement/Parenting Plan.”

Applies to

Custody agreement or parenting plan

Exhibit A must be attached to every Custody Agreement or Parenting Plan and is available on the Dauphin County Self-Help Center webpage.

Exhibit A must be attached to all Custody Agreements/Parenting Plans and is available at the Dauphin County Website on the Self-Help Center page.

Applies to

Amended self represented party entry of appearance

A self-represented party must immediately file an amended entry of appearance with the Prothonotary whenever contact information changes.

Each self-represented party shall be under a continuing obligation to file an amended Self-Represented Party Entry of Appearance with the Prothonotary’s Office updating the self-represented party’s contact information immediately upon any change.

Applies to

Self represented party entry of appearance

The self-represented party entry of appearance must substantially follow the form specified in the rule.

The Self-Represented Party Entry of Appearance under this rule shall be substantially in the following form:

Applies to

Complaint

Every complaint filed by a plaintiff, and every complaint filed by a defendant against an additional defendant, must begin with a Notice to Defend followed by a Notice Concerning Mediation.

(a) Every complaint filed by a plaintiff and every complaint filed by a defendant against an additional defendant shall begin with a Notice to Defend, followed by a Notice Concerning Mediation.

Applies to

Complaint

The required Notice to Defend and Notice Concerning Mediation must be provided in both English and Spanish using substantially the prescribed form.

(d) The required Notice to Defend and the Notice Concerning Mediation shall be set forth in both English and Spanish and shall be in substantially the following form:

Applies to

Certificate of readiness

Before filing the Certificate of Readiness, the listing party must communicate with all counsel or self-represented parties and confirm the availability of counsel or the self-represented party, witnesses, and parties for the applicable trial term.

The party filing the Certificate of Readiness shall communicate with all counsel and/or self-represented parties and confirm the availability of all counsel or the self-represented party, together with the availability of all witnesses and all parties for the particular trial term before the Certificate of Readiness is filed.

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

proposed order

When the parties reach an agreement at the custody conference, the Custody Conference Officer must prepare a proposed Parenting Plan and Custody Order memorializing it.

(d) Agreement of Parties at Conciliation Conference. (1) If the parties are able to reach an agreement during the Custody Conference, the Custody Conference Officer shall prepare a proposed Parenting Plan and Custody Order memorializing the agreement.

Applies to

Land use appeal notice

Must include

caption

A land use appeal must include a caption in the substantially specified form.

(a) A caption in substantially the following form:

Applies to

Land use appeal notice

When applicable, a land use appeal notice must contain the listed required information in separately numbered paragraphs and in the specified order.

(b) When applicable, in separately numbered paragraphs and in the following order:

Applies to

Transcript certification

When a court reporter was present and no transcript already exists, the appellant must certify that the transcript was ordered and payment arrangements were made.

If a court reporter was present and if a transcript is not already in existence, appellant’s certification that appellant has ordered a transcript of the proceedings and has made satisfactory arrangements with the court reporter for payment.

Applies to

Transcript

After receiving the transcript, the appellant must provide the original transcript to the local agency solicitor for filing with the record.

Upon receipt of the transcript, appellant shall provide the original transcript to the solicitor of the local agency to be filed with the record.

Applies to

Intervention notice

A notice of intervention under Section 1004-A must contain the required identifying, interest, circumstances, position, and grounds information.

A notice of intervention under Section 1004-A of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. §11004-A, shall contain:

Applies to

Petition to intervene

A person or entity unable to intervene as of right must file a petition to intervene under Pa.R.C.P. 2326 et seq.

Any person or entity who wishes to intervene in an appeal of a land use matter and who cannot intervene as a matter of right pursuant to Section 1004-A of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. Sec. 1104-A, shall file a petition to intervene pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 2326 et seq.

Applies to

Record

If the hearing transcript was unavailable to the local agency before the appeal was filed, the local agency must wait for the appellant to provide it before submitting the record.

The local agency shall not submit its record to the Prothonotary until appellant has provided the transcript of all hearings if the transcript is not in existence and available to the local agency prior to appellant’s filing the appeal.

Applies to

Certificate of readiness

The listing party must certify in the Certificate of Readiness that discovery is complete, serious settlement negotiations occurred, and the case is ready for trial in all respects.

The listing party shall attest that all discovery has been completed, serious settlement negotiations have been conducted, and that the case is READY IN ALL RESPECTS for trial.

Applies to

Record submission

Must include

local rule certificate

An authorized local agency official must certify the submission of the record.

The chairperson, presiding officer, keeper of the records, or solicitor of the local agency shall certify the submission of the record.

Applies to

Demand for hearing de novo

Every Demand for Hearing De Novo must substantially follow the court-provided form.

All Demands for Hearing De Novo shall be substantially in the following form.

Applies to

Forms

All blank lines on each form must be completed.

Fill in ALL blank lines.

Applies to

Confidential information form abuse victim addendum

An abuse victim who does not want contact information disclosed to the other party must complete the Confidential Information Form Abuse Victim Addendum, file it with the Prothonotary, and not send it to the other parties.

If you are the plaintiff and a victim of abuse and the other party is the abuser and you do not want the other party to know your contact information, you must also complete the Confidential Information Form (CIF) Abuse Victim Addendum. This form is to be filed with the Prothonotary and should not be sent to the other party(ies).

Applies to

Confidential information form

The Confidential Information Form must contain each child’s full name, full date of birth, address, and year of birth.

You must complete the Confidential Information Form found in this packet and include the full name and full date of birth of CHILD 1, CHILD 2, etc. Complete the addresses of the child(ren) for whom you are seeking custody and year of birth.

Applies to

Petition for civil contempt

The public-facing petition must not contain the children’s names or complete dates of birth.

DO NOT WRITE THE CHILD(REN)’S NAMES OR THE COMPLETE DATE OF BIRTH ON THE FORM.

Applies to

Petition for contempt explanation

Any children identified in the explanation of willful noncompliance must be labeled CHILD 1, CHILD 2, and so on rather than named.

IF YOU NEED TO IDENTIFY THE CHILD(REN) IN THIS PARAGRAPH, USE CHILD 1, CHILD 2, ETC. DO NOT USE THEIR NAMES.

Applies to

Self represented party entry of appearance

A former attorney seeking withdrawal must sign the Entry of Appearance form before it is filed.

Check the second box found in question two and have your prior attorney sign this form prior to filing.

Applies to

Criminal record abuse history verification

The petitioner must file a verification of the petitioner’s and household members’ criminal and abuse history.

The petitioner must file a verification regarding any criminal or abuse history of the petitioner or anyone living in the petitioner’s household.

Applies to

Confidential information form abuse victim addendum

An abuse victim who withholds contact information must complete and simultaneously file a CIF Abuse Victim Addendum when filing the Petition for Civil Contempt.

If you are an abuse victim and do not want to reveal your contact information, you are not required to list your address, telephone number and email address but you must complete a Confidential Information Form (CIF) Abuse Victim Addendum and file this form with the Prothonotary at the same time you file the Petition for Civil Contempt.

Applies to

Petition for civil contempt

A petition withholding the abuse victim's contact information must state “See CIF Abuse Victim Addendum” in place of that information.

Write “See CIF Abuse Victim Addendum” on the paragraph instead of listing this information.

Applies to

Civil contempt petition

Must include

local rule certificate

The Confidential Information Form and, if applicable, the CIF Abuse Victim Addendum must be completed and filed with the civil contempt petition.

The Confidential Information Form and CIF Abuse Victim Addendum (If applicable) must be completed and filed with this civil contempt petition.

Applies to

Petition for civil contempt of custody order

The criminal record/abuse history verification form must be attached to the petition.

6. I have attached the criminal record/abuse history verification form required pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1915.3-2.

Applies to

Petition for civil contempt of custody order

A completed Confidential Information Form, and the Abuse Victim Addendum when relevant, must be filed with the petition.

7. I have filed a completed the Confidential Information Form and, if relevant, the Confidential Information Form Abuse Victim Addendum with this Petition.

Applies to

Petition for civil contempt of custody order

The current custody order must be attached to the petition.

8. The Current Custody Order is attached to this Petition.

Applies to

Petition for civil contempt of custody order

The filing must include a petitioner certification that it complies with Pennsylvania's Case Records Public Access Policy for confidential information and documents.

CERTIFICATION I, _______________________________, certify that this filing complies with the provisions of the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania that require filing confidential information and documents differently than non-confidential information and documents.

Applies to

Petition for civil contempt of custody order

Before filing the petition, the petitioner must complete the Confidential Information Form, conditionally the Abuse Victim Addendum, the Criminal Record/Abuse History Verification, and the Self-Represented Party Entry of Appearance, and file the forms with the petition.

BEFORE YOU FILE THIS PETITION FOR CIVIL CONTEMPT OF A CUSTODY ORDER WITH THE PROTHONOTARY, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE FOLLOWING FORMS: • Confidential Information Form. • Confidential Information Form Abuse Victim Addendum if you are an abuse victim and do not want to disclose your contact information to anyone but the Court. • Criminal Record/Abuse History Verification. • Self-Represented Party Entry of Appearance. These forms must be filed with the Prothonotary at the same time as the Petition for Civil Contempt of a Custody Order.

Applies to

Criminal record abuse history verification

The criminal record or abuse history verification must contain the signer’s sworn or affirmed statement.

I, _________________________________________________, hereby swear or affirm, subject to penalties of law including 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities that:

Applies to

Criminal record abuse history verification

The verification must identify whether the signer or a household member has a listed conviction, guilty or no-contest plea, delinquency adjudication, or pending charge by checking the applicable YES box.

Unless indicated by my checking the “YES” box next to a crime below, neither I nor any other member of my household have been convicted or pled guilty or pled no contest or was adjudicated delinquent where the record is publicly available pursuant to the Juvenile Act, 42 Pa.C.S. §6307 to any of the following crimes in Pennsylvania or a substantially equivalent crime in any other jurisdiction, including pending charges:

Applies to

Address or phone change update

A self-represented party must file a new entry form and, if applicable, a new Confidential Information Form Abuse Victim Addendum whenever the party's address or phone number changes.

I UNDERSTAND I MUST FILE A NEW FORM AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION FORM ABUSE VICTIM ADDENDUM (IF APPLICABLE) EVERY TIME MY ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER CHANGES.

Applies to

Self represented party entry of appearance

Must include

local rule certificate

The self-represented party's entry of appearance must include a certification that the filing complies with the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System's Case Records Public Access Policy.

I, (Your Name) ________________________________________, certify that this filing complies with the provisions of the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania that require filing confidential information and documents differently than non-confidential information and documents.

Applies to

Custody complaint or petition

Each qualifying custody pleading must include an Educational Seminar Attendance and Custody Conference Scheduling Order in substantially the prescribed form.

each Custody Complaint, Petition for Modification, Petition for Contempt, or custody count in a Divorce action relating to child custody shall include an Educational Seminar Attendance and Custody Conference Scheduling Order in substantially the following form:

Applies to

Seminar certificate of attendance

Each party must attend the four-hour seminar, file the resulting Seminar Certificate of Attendance with the Prothonotary, and bring the certificate to the custody conference.

All parties are ORDERED to attend a four hour educational seminar (Seminar for Families in Change and Conflict). File with the Prothonotary and bring with you to the Custody Conference your Seminar Certificate of Attendance you will receive at the Seminar.

Applies to

Criminal or abuse history verification

Each party must complete and file a Criminal or Abuse History Verification concerning the party and household members by the stated deadline.

You must complete and file with the Prothonotary a Criminal or Abuse History Verification regarding you and anyone living in your household on or before ________________.

Applies to

Proposed order

The proposed Parenting Plan and Custody Order must be submitted to a Family Court Judge.

(2) The Proposed Parenting Plan and Order shall be submitted to a Family Court Judge.

Applies to

Conference summary report

If the parties cannot agree, the Custody Conference Officer must prepare a Conference Summary Report for the Court containing the listed information.

1. If the parties are unable to reach an agreement during the Custody Conference, the Custody Conference Officer shall prepare a Conference Summary Report for the Court which shall include the following:

Applies to

Conference summary report

The Court Administrator’s Office must promptly forward the Conference Summary Report and file to the assigned Family Court Judge.

3. The Court Administrator’s Office shall promptly forward the Conference Summary Report and file to the assigned Family Court Judge.

Applies to

Petition

A petition that is designated as such by statute or court rule must specifically identify the statutory basis or specific rule authorizing petition treatment.

If an application is designated by statute or rule of court to proceed as a petition, the statutory basis or specific rule must be specifically set forth in the petition.

Applies to

Petition

Must include

proposed order

Except for forfeiture petitions under 42 Pa.C.S.A. §5805, every petition, answer, or response must be accompanied by a proposed order or alternative orders and a proposed Rule to Show Cause under Pa.R.C.P. 206.5.

Except for Petitions in Forfeiture under 42 Pa.C.S.A. §5805, all petitions and answers or responses thereto shall be accompanied by a proposed order (or alternative orders) as well as a proposed Rule to Show Cause pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 206.5.

Applies to

Proposed order and rule to show cause

The proposed order or alternative orders and proposed Rule to Show Cause must contain a distribution legend listing the names, mailing addresses, telephone numbers, and any email addresses of all attorneys and self-represented parties to be served, with facsimile numbers also listed where applicable.

The proposed order(s) and Rule to Show Cause shall contain a distribution legend which shall include the name(s) and mailing address(es), telephone number(s), facsimile number(s) and e-mail address(es), if any, of all attorneys and/or self-represented parties to be served.

Applies to

Custody complaint and custody agreement

If the parties agree before filing the custody complaint, either party must file the original and one copy with the Prothonotary and bring the original signed agreement to the Court Administrator’s Office for assignment to a Family Court Judge.

When the parties reach an agreement prior to the filing of the custody complaint, either party shall file the original and one copy of the custody complaint with the Prothonotary and bring the original signed custody agreement to the Court Administrator’s Office for assignment to a Family Court Judge.

Applies to

Custody agreement

A contemporaneous custody agreement must not be filed with the custody complaint and must instead be filed later as an attachment to the court order.

The agreement shall not be filed with the Prothonotary at the same time that the custody complaint is filed. The agreement will be filed with the Prothonotary as an attachment to the Court Order.

Applies to

Custody agreement

A contemporaneous custody agreement must be signed by all parties with witnessed or notarized signatures unless it is reached before the Custody Conference Officer or the Court.

The agreement shall be signed by all parties and the signatures shall be witnessed or notarized unless the agreement is reached before the Custody Conference Officer or the Court.

Applies to

Custody agreement

Must include

proposed order

A contemporaneous custody agreement must include a proposed order of court containing a distribution legend.

The agreement shall contain a proposed order of court with a distribution legend.

Applies to

Custody agreement

A contemporaneous custody agreement must contain a relocation-responsibilities paragraph using the specified Court language and exhibit posted on the Dauphin County Self-Help Center webpage.

Agreements shall contain a paragraph regarding the parties’ responsibilities if one party seeks permission to relocate when such relocation will significantly impair the ability of a non-relocating party to exercise his or her custodial rights. The agreement shall contain the language and exhibit used by the Court posted at the Dauphin County Website on the Self-Help Center page.

Applies to

Custody agreement

A contemporaneous custody agreement must state specified responsibilities for completing, signing, serving, and timely filing an updated Criminal Record/Abuse History Verification form.

Agreements shall contain a paragraph outlining the responsibilities of the parties in accordance with Pa.R.Civ.P. 1915.3-2(a)(4). Agreements shall specifically state the parties’ responsibilities to complete, sign, and serve on other parties an updated Criminal Record/Abuse History Verification form either five days after any change in circumstances of themselves or their household members or no less than one day prior to any proceeding, whichever occurs first. The updated Criminal Record/Abuse History Verification form shall be filed with the Prothonotary within fourteen (14) days of any change in circumstance, or five (5) days prior to any court proceeding, whichever occurs first.

Applies to

Custody modification agreement and proposed order

Must include

proposed order

The original modification agreement and proposed order must be taken to the Court Administrator’s Office for assignment to a Family Court judge.

When the parties agree to modify an existing custody order, the original agreement and proposed order shall be taken to the Court Administrator’s Office for assignment to a Family Court Judge.

Applies to

Custody modification agreement

A custody modification agreement must not be filed with the Prothonotary or as a modification petition and must instead be attached to the court order.

The agreement shall not be filed with the Prothonotary but will be filed as an attachment to the Court Order. A petition for modification of a custody order should not be filed.

Applies to

Custody modification agreement

A custody modification agreement must be signed by all parties, and the signatures must be witnessed or notarized.

The agreement shall be signed by all parties and the signatures shall be witnessed or notarized.

Applies to

Custody agreement

An agreement reached before the Custody Conference must be taken as the original signed agreement to the Court Administrator’s Office and later filed only as an attachment to the court order.

If at any time prior to the Custody Conference the parties are able to agree upon custody, the parties shall take the original signed agreement to the Court Administrator’s Office for assignment to a Family Court Judge. The custody agreement shall not be filed with the Prothonotary but will be filed as an attachment to the Court Order.

Applies to

Custody agreement

The agreement must contain a paragraph addressing the parties’ responsibilities if a party seeks permission to relocate and the relocation would significantly impair the other party’s custodial rights.

Agreements shall contain a paragraph regarding the parties’ responsibilities if one party seeks permission to relocate when such

Applies to

Custody agreement

A custody agreement must include a paragraph outlining the parties’ responsibilities in accordance with Pennsylvania Civil Rule 1915.3-2(a)(4).

Agreements shall contain a paragraph outlining the responsibilities of the parties in accordance with Pa.R.Civ.P. 1915.3-2(a)(4).

Applies to

Economic claim documents

A non-moving party must file the documents required by Pa.R.C.P. 1920.31(a) and 1920.33(a) within ten days of the order if economic claims have been raised and the documents remain unfiled.

If economic claims have been raised of record in this case, to the extent not already filed, the non-moving party shall have ten (10) days from the date of this Order to file the documents required by Pa.R.C.P. 1920.31(a) and Pa.R.C.P. 1920.33(a).

Applies to

Legal paper

The first page of every filing must show the attorney's or party's name, service address, telephone number, and email address in the upper-left corner.

The name of the attorney or party, the address at which service can be made, a telephone number and email address of the attorney or party shall appear on the top left-hand corner of the first page of all papers filed in the Office of the Prothonotary.

Applies to

Caption

In medical-malpractice cases, every caption in the initiating and all later filings must include the specified notation directly beneath the docket number.

With the initiating filing and all subsequent filings, in cases where medical malpractice is or will be alleged, the notation “Civil Action – Medical Professional Liability Action” shall appear on all captions directly underneath the docket number.

Applies to

Subsequent filing

Filings already of record may be cited in later filings but may not be attached to them.

Filings of record may be referenced in any subsequent filing but shall not be attached thereto.

Applies to

Civil motion petition or administrative application and answer or response

Must include

proposed order

Civil motions, petitions, administrative applications, and their answers or responses must be accompanied by a proposed order or alternative orders.

All civil motions, petitions, administrative applications and answers or responses thereto shall be accompanied by a proposed order (or alternative orders).

Applies to

Petition

A petition must include a proposed Rule to Show Cause unless it is a Petition in Forfeiture filed under 42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5805.

Except for Petitions in Forfeiture filed pursuant to 42 Pa. C.S.A. §5805, Petitions shall also include a proposed Rule to Show Cause.

Applies to

Proposed order or rule to show cause

Each proposed order and Rule to Show Cause must include a distribution legend identifying represented parties and providing their names, mailing addresses, telephone numbers, facsimile numbers, and email addresses, if any.

The proposed order(s) and any Rule to Show Cause shall contain a distribution legend which shall include the name(s) and mailing address(es), telephone number(s), facsimile number(s) and e-mail address(es), if any, of all attorneys and self-represented parties to be served. The distribution legend shall identify which party each person represents.

Applies to

Proposed order

The distribution legend must accurately identify all attorneys and self-represented parties and their available contact information.

An accurate distribution legend naming all attorneys and self-represented parties and their addresses, telephone numbers, facsimile numbers and e-mail addresses, if any, is essential since the court is now assuming the responsibility for service of its orders.

Applies to

Supporting statement

The party filing the writ must file and serve a concise supporting statement identifying the specific jurisdictional and/or gross irregularities and the relief sought within ten days after filing the Praecipe.

Within ten (10) days after filing the Praecipe for Writ of Certiorari, the party filing the writ shall file and serve on all other parties a concise statement of those specific jurisdictional and/or gross irregularities relied upon in support of the issuance of the writ and the relief sought.

Applies to

Petition

A forfeiture petition must contain the notice specified in 42 Pa.C.S.A. §5805(b).

Petitions in Forfeiture shall contain a notice as set forth in 42 Pa.C.S.A. §5805(b).

Applies to

Discovery motion

Must include

certificate of conference

A motion for a protective order, or an objected-to motion to compel discovery, must certify counsel’s conference or attempt to confer and identify every party that did not concur.

A party who files a motion for a protective order or a motion to compel discovery that has been objected to by the opposing party, shall certify, in the motion, that counsel has conferred or attempted to confer with all interested parties in order to resolve the dispute. The moving party shall identify the parties who have not concurred in the motion.

Applies to

Stipulation

Must include

proposed order

If all parties concur in the discovery motion, the moving party must file a stipulation signed by every party together with a proposed order.

If the motion is concurred in by all parties, the moving party shall file a stipulation, which must include the signature of all parties, together with a proposed order for consideration by the court.

Applies to

Brief

Must include

legal argument, statement of facts

Briefs must include a procedural history, accurate and unbiased facts, concise legal and factual questions, a legal discussion with verified citations including contra authority, and a concise statement of requested relief and its application to the facts.

(1) Briefs shall contain the following: (a) a full and accurate procedural history of the case; (b) a full, accurate and unbiased statement of the facts; (c) a concise statement of the pertinent legal and factual question(s) involved; (d) a legal discussion, with accurate and verified citations to legal authority, including contra authority; and (e) a concise statement indicating the requested relief and its specific application to the facts of the case.

Applies to

Brief

For briefs longer than fifteen pages, each party must include an index and a table of citation of cases and statutes with page references, and all citations must be verified and current as of the filing date.

(2) The Brief of each party, if more than fifteen pages in length, shall contain an Index and a Table of Citation of cases and statutes with reference to the page(s) at which they appear in the Brief. All citations must be verified and brought current to the date of filing.

Applies to

Administrative application for status conference

A party unable to satisfy Certificate of Readiness filing requirements because of unavailable counsel, parties, or witnesses must immediately file an Administrative Application for Status Conference under Local Rule 215.3.

If a party is unable to satisfy the requirements regarding the filing of a Certificate of Readiness due to the unavailability of counsel, parties or witnesses, such party shall immediately file an Administrative Application for Status Conference in accordance with Dauphin County Local Rule 215.3.

Applies to

Objection to certificate of readiness

Objections to a Certificate of Readiness must be stated in a paragraph-form pleading and filed promptly under the Annual Court Calendar timelines.

All Objections to the Certificate of Readiness shall be set forth in a pleading, in paragraph form, and filed promptly in accordance with the timelines found in the Annual Court Calendar.

Applies to

Objection to certificate of readiness

An objection to the Certificate of Readiness must include the case's procedural history and a detailed explanation of the objection.

The Objection shall contain a procedural history of the case and a detailed statement as to why the objection is being made.

Applies to

Objection to certificate of readiness

An original and one copy of the objection must be filed with the Prothonotary.

The original and one copy of the Objection shall be filed with the Prothonotary.

Applies to

Discovery conference motion

A discovery conference motion must be concise and include specified statements about the case, discovery status, disputed discovery, reasons, requested relief, parties and counsel, dispute-resolution efforts, and any requested discovery suspension.

The motion shall be concise and contain the following: (i) a brief statement identifying the parties and describing the nature of the case; (ii) a brief statement of the status of any discovery procedure involved; (iii) a verbatim statement of the discovery sought or objected to; (iv) an assignment of reasons why the matter sought is discoverable or objected to, and a statement of the relief requested; (v) a statement identifying all other parties and their counsel, with mailing addresses and telephone numbers, and a statement of the parties’ attempt to resolve the dispute; (vi) if necessary, a request for the suspension of all, or portion of all, discovery until the dispute is resolved;

Applies to

Sanctions motion

A motion for sanctions must identify the defaulted discovery requests and the sanctions requested under Pennsylvania Civil Rule 4019.

(iii) A Motion for Sanctions shall state the discovery requests alleged to be in default, and the requested appropriate sanctions pursuant to Pa.R.Civ.P. 4019.

Applies to

Sanctions motion

Must include

certificate of service

A sanctions motion must attach a written certificate of service and a copy of the Notice of Intention to Seek Sanctions.

A written certificate of service of the written Notice of Intention to Seek Sanctions and a copy of the notice shall be attached.

Applies to

Sanctions motion

A sanctions motion seeking attorneys’ fees or expenses must include reasonable supporting documentation, and omission of that documentation bars consideration of the fee request.

If attorneys’ fees and expenses are sought, reasonable documentation of time devoted and expenses incurred must be attached to the Motion. Failure to attach such reasonable documentation shall preclude consideration of that form of relief.

Applies to

Appeal petition

An appeal from a proceeding before the Register of Wills must be filed as a petition to the Court stating the nature of the proceedings, the basis for the appeal and supporting facts or circumstances, and the names and addresses of all interested parties, including nonparties.

The appeal shall be in the form of a petition to the Court and shall set forth: (1) The nature of the proceedings before the Register. (2) The basis for the appeal, including the facts or circumstances upon which it is based. (3) The names and the addresses of all interested parties, including those who have not been parties of record.

Applies to

Petition for payment of attorneys fees

A Petition for Payment of Attorney’s Fees must include all information required by subsections (A)(1) through (7), whether or not invasion of principal is sought.

(B) A Petition for Payment of Attorney’s Fees, regardless of whether invasion of principal is sought for payment of such fees, shall contain all the information set forth in subsections (A)(1)-(7) of this rule in addition to the following:

Applies to

Certificate of readiness

A Certificate of Readiness must contain the quoted notice concerning arbitration hearing, possible judicial hearing upon absence, waiver of trial de novo, and Arbitration Judge availability.

The Certificate of Readiness shall contain the following statement: “This matter will be heard by a Board of Arbitrators at the time, date, and place specified by the Chair of the panel 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. A hearing under the provisions of this notice shall be heard by the Arbitration Judge if his/her schedule so permits.”

Applies to

Certificate of readiness

At least thirty days before filing a Certificate of Readiness, the listing party must give notice, inquire about panel conflicts, and certify on the certificate that no conflicts exist; failure to certify causes rejection.

At least thirty days prior to filing a Certificate of Readiness, a party or attorney must notify all other parties or attorneys of the intention to list, as well as inquire as to any conflicts the other parties or attorneys may have with the arbitration panel scheduled for the term. The listing party or attorney must certify on the Certificate of Readiness that no conflicts exist with the arbitration panel. Failure to certify shall result in the rejection of the Certificate of Readiness.

Applies to

Certificate of readiness

A party filing a Certificate of Readiness must use the most current form or the filing will be rejected.

Parties filing a Certificate of Readiness form must ensure that the most current form is utilized. Failure to utilize the most current form shall result in the rejection of the Certificate of Readiness.

Applies to

Application for continuance

An Application for Continuance must certify whether all other parties concur in the continuance request.

The Application for Continuance shall certify that all other parties do or do not concur in the request.

Applies to

Application for continuance

If a party contests the panel Chair’s continuance decision, the application must be presented to the Arbitration Judge with specified dates, participant names, and the Chair’s decision.

If a party indicates an intention to contest the decision of the panel Chair, an Application for Continuance shall thereafter be presented to the Arbitration Judge, reciting the date the Application for Continuance was presented to the panel Chair, the date of the conference call, the names of the attorneys and parties who participated in the call, and the panel Chair’s decision.

Applies to

Transcript request

All transcript requests must be submitted using the standardized Request for Transcript form.

(A) All requests for transcripts shall be set forth on the standardized Request for Transcript form available in all filing offices (Prothonotary, Clerk of Courts, Register of Wills/Clerk of the Orphans’ Court and/or Domestic Relations) and at www.dauphincounty.org/government/Court-Departments/Self-Help-Center.

Applies to

Pleading or filing

Must include

ai disclosure

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must disclose whether generative AI was used in preparing any complaint, answer, motion, brief, or other pleading or filing.

attorneys and/or self-represented litigants shall disclose whether or not any use of generative artificial intelligence ("AI") in the preparation of any complaint, answer, motion, brief, or other pleading and/or filing submitted to the court.

Applies to

Pleading or filing

Must include

ai disclosure

Each covered filing must include an Affidavit Regarding Generative Artificial Intelligence using the prescribed text for the filer's applicable AI-use status.

Attorneys and/or self-represented litigants shall attach to each such filing an Affidavit Regarding Generative Artificial Intelligence exclusively using the applicable text below.

Applies to

Affidavit regarding generative artificial intelligence

Must include

ai disclosure

When generative AI was used, the affidavit must state that some portion was AI-drafted, that a human checked all AI-drafted material for accuracy, and that the filer remains responsible for the filing.

I, the signatory, hereby attest that some portion of this filing has been drafted by generative Artificial Intelligence. Any language drafted by generative Artificial Intelligence, including quotations, citations, paraphrased assertions, and legal analysis, has been checked for accuracy by a human being prior to its submission to the court. I understand that as the attorney/self-represented litigant signing this filing, I will be held responsible for the contents thereof according to the applicable rules of attorney discipline, regardless of whether generative Artificial Intelligence drafted any portion of this filing.

Applies to

Affidavit regarding generative artificial intelligence

Must include

ai disclosure

When generative AI was not used, the affidavit must state that no portion of the filing was drafted by generative AI.

I, the signatory, hereby attest that no portion of this filing has been drafted by generative Artificial Intelligence.

Applies to

Petition for release of escrow sums

A copy of a continuing petition for release of escrow sums must state the reasons for the requested sums, be served immediately on the tenant and all other parties of record, and be accompanied by proof of service.

If a landlord files a Petition for the Release of Sums from the Escrow Account on a continuing basis as permitted by Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. 1013(C)(6), a copy of the Petition, which shall state the reason(s) for the sums desired, shall immediately be served on the tenant and any other parties of record, with a proof of service.

Applies to

Motion

A party seeking discovery of confidential children and youth records must file a motion stating with particularity the scope, necessity, and authority for the discovery.

Pursuant to the Juvenile Act, 42 Pa. C.S. §6307, and the Child Protective Services Law, 23 Pa. C.S. §6840, any party to litigation seeking discovery of confidential reports and records of Dauphin County Services for Children and Youth (Child Protective Service Agency) shall file a motion stating with particularity the scope, necessity, and authority for the discovery sought.

Applies to

Objection

An objection must identify the portion of records sought to be withheld and state with particularity any privilege asserted.

Any objection must identify that portion of the reports of records sought to be withheld and state with particularity any privilege asserted thereto.

Applies to

Receipt

Must include

caption, case number

An attorney removing papers from the Clerk's Office with court permission must give a signed receipt identifying the case caption and number, the removed papers, and the removal date.

When an attorney removes papers from the Office of the Clerk of Court with permission of the Court she/he shall give a receipt therefore, setting forth the caption and number of the case, a description of the papers removed and the date of removal, which receipt shall be signed by the attorney removing the papers.

All papers filed with the Clerk of Courts must identify the filing attorney or party and provide an address for service.

All papers filed with the Clerk of Courts shall bear the name of the attorney or party filing them, and the address at which service can be made.

Applies to

Motion or petition

Pages of a motion or petition must be numbered consecutively beginning with page 2, with each page number at the bottom center.

Pages shall be consecutively numbered beginning with page 2 and said number shall appear on the bottom center of the motion/petition.

Applies to

All filings

The first page of every filing must show, in the upper-left corner, the attorney's or party's name, service address, and telephone number, plus an email address when email service will be used.

The name of the attorney or party, the address at which service can be made, a telephone number and email address of the attorney or party if service is to be effectuated by email shall appear on the top left hand corner of the first page of all papers filed in the Office of the Clerk of Courts.

Applies to

Proposed order

An attached proposed order must contain a distribution legend identifying all recipients, including attorneys or self-represented parties, Court Administration, and any other office receiving a copy; the clerk is not responsible for sending the order to unlisted persons.

If a proposed order or alternative orders are attached to any motion, petition or answers or responses thereto, the proposed order shall contain a distribution legend. The distribution legend shall include the name(s) and mailing address(es), telephone number(s), facsimile number(s) and e-mail address(es), if any, of all attorneys and/or self-represented parties to be served with a copy of the order. The distribution legend shall also list Court Administration and any other office that should receive a copy of the order including but not limited to the Prison, Probation Services and the Sheriff’s Office especially if the proposed order requests the release of a defendant from incarceration. The Clerk of Courts is not responsible for sending a copy of an order to anyone who is not listed in the distribution legend.

Applies to

Petition to invade principal

A Petition to Invade Principal must identify the guardian and appointment date or, for a non-guardian petitioner, state the petitioner’s relationship or interest in the incapacitated person.

(1) The name of the guardian and date of appointment, or, if the petitioner is not the guardian, the petitioner’s relationship to the incapacitated person or the nature of the petitioner’s interest.

Applies to

Petition to invade principal

A Petition to Invade Principal must summarize the inventory, its filing date, and the nature and present value of the estate and its income.

(2) A summary of the inventory, the date it was filed and the nature and present value of the estate and its income.

Applies to

Petition for payment of attorneys fees

A Petition for Payment of Attorney’s Fees must include a detailed listing of the work performed by the attorneys seeking payment.

(1) A detailed listing of the work performed by the attorney(s) to whom payment is sought.

Applies to

Petition to invade principal

A Petition to Invade Principal must state the incapacitated person’s address and income, if any.

(3) The address and income, if any, of the incapacitated person.

Applies to

Petition to invade principal

A Petition to Invade Principal must list the names and addresses of the incapacitated person’s dependents and all persons entitled to an intestate share of the estate.

(4) The names and addresses of the incapacitated person’s dependents and/or all persons who would be entitled to an intestate share of the incapacitated person’s estate.

Applies to

Petition to invade principal

A Petition to Invade Principal must state all claims known to the petitioner by the incapacitated person’s creditors.

(5) A statement of all claims of the incapacitated person’s creditors known to petitioner.

Applies to

Petition to invade principal

A Petition to Invade Principal must state all prior distributions allowed by the Court.

(6) A statement of all previous distributions allowed by the Court.

Applies to

Petition to invade principal

A Petition to Invade Principal must state the amount requested and the reasons for the requested distribution.

(7) A statement of the amount requested and the reasons for the requested distribution.

Applies to

Confidential document

A confidential filing must be accompanied by a cover sheet titled “Confidential Document Form.”

A. In accordance with the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts, attorneys and self- represented parties shall file the following confidential documents with the appropriate filing office (Prothonotary, Clerk of Courts, and Clerk of the Orphans’ Court) under a cover sheet titled “Confidential Document Form” designed and published by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts.

Applies to

Each filing

Attorneys and self-represented parties must comply with the Public Access Policy and applicable state and local rules, and certify compliance with each filing.

D. Attorneys and self-represented parties shall be solely responsible for complying with the provisions of the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts and the applicable state and local rules and shall certify their compliance to the Court. This certification shall accompany each filing and shall be substantially in the following form: “I certify that this filing complies with the provisions of the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts that require filing confidential information and documents differently than non-confidential information and documents.”

Applies to

Petition

A typewritten version of any holographic writing offered for probate or interpretation must be attached to the petition.

(1) A typewritten version of a holographic writing offered for probate or interpretation shall be attached to a petition.

Applies to

Notice of filing report

The notice must explain that the report and recommendation will be submitted to the court for review and confirmation if no timely exceptions are filed under Rule 9.7(a)(1).

The notice shall state that the report and recommendation will be submitted to the court for review and confirmation if no timely exceptions are filed in accordance with Rule 9.7(a)(1).

Applies to

Confidential information form

Attorneys and self-represented parties must file the Confidential Information Form in the appropriate filing office contemporaneously with the document.

B. Attorneys and self-represented parties shall file the Confidential Information Form in the appropriate filing office (Prothonotary, Clerk of Courts, and Clerk of the Orphans’ Court), contemporaneously with the document.

Applies to

Each filing

Attorneys and self-represented parties must comply with the applicable public access policy and state and local rules, and certify compliance with each filing.

D. Attorneys and self-represented parties shall be solely responsible for complying with the provisions of the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts and the applicable state and local rules and shall certify their compliance to the Court. This certification shall accompany each filing and shall be substantially in the following form: “I certify that this filing complies with the provisions of the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts that require filing confidential information and documents differently than non-confidential information and documents.”

Applies to

Request for transcript

A request to waive transcript costs must be submitted through an Application to Waive Transcript Costs filed with the Request for Transcript in the appropriate filing office.

(1) An Application to Waive Transcript Costs shall be filed in the appropriate filing office (Prothonotary, Clerk of Courts, Register of Wills/Clerk of the Orphans’ Court and/or Domestic Relations) along with a Request for Transcript.

Applies to

Proposed order

The proposed order must authorize the petitioner to enter a settlement and release, state the total settlement amount, and completely describe the distribution of those funds as proposed in the petition.

(a) The court’s authorization for the petitioner to enter into a settlement and release; (b) Reference to the total amount of the settlement; (c) A complete statement of the distribution of the settlement amount as set forth in the petition;

Applies to

Motion for appointment of hearing officer

A self-represented Entry of Appearance must be included when the filing party is unrepresented by counsel.

(e) A Self-Represented Entry of Appearance if the filing party is unrepresented by legal counsel.

Applies to

Divorce information sheet

The Divorce Information Sheet must be filed with the Prothonotary at the same time as either the Praecipe to Transmit Record under Pa.R.C.P. 1920.42 or the Motion for Appointment of Hearing Officer under Pa.R.C.P. 1920.51.

The Divorce Information Sheet shall be filed with the Prothonotary simultaneously with the filing of the Praecipe to Transmit Record pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1920.42 or the filing of the Motion for Appointment of Hearing Officer pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1920.51.

Applies to

Divorce information sheet

The Divorce Information Sheet must contain the parties’ Social Security numbers and information needed for the Prothonotary to submit required Pennsylvania vital statistics.

The Divorce Information Sheet shall contain the Social Security Numbers of the parties to the divorce in accordance with 23 Pa.C.S. Section 4304.1(a)(3). The Divorce Information Sheet shall also contain information to enable the Prothonotary to submit required statistical information to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Health, Vital Statistics Division.

Applies to

Self represented party entry of appearance

Every unrepresented self-represented party in a family-law matter must file a written entry of appearance at each pending case docket.

All self-represented parties in family law matters shall file a written Self Represented Party Entry of Appearance in accordance with Pa.R.C.P. 1930.8 at all of their pending case dockets (custody, divorce, support, protection from abuse and paternity) where they are not represented by counsel.

Applies to

Motion and responses

Must include

proposed order

Every motion, answer, or response must be accompanied by a proposed order or alternative orders.

All motions and answers or responses thereto shall be accompanied by a proposed order (or alternative orders).

Applies to

Exhibit

For an exhibit containing confidential information or documents, the proponent must provide the appropriate confidential-information form to the Court Crier/Clerk when introducing the evidence.

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

Applies to

Index of exhibits

During court proceedings, the Court Crier/Clerk must maintain each party's Index of Exhibits using the court-administration form and specified format.

The Court Crier/Clerk shall maintain the Index of Exhibits for each party during the court proceedings. The Court Crier/Clerk shall use the form supplied by Court Administration which shall be in the following format:

Applies to

Index of exhibits

After court proceedings, the Court Crier must file the Index of Exhibits with the exhibits in the records office.

The Court Crier shall file the Index of Exhibits with the exhibits in the records office.

Applies to

Index of exhibits

In proceedings before a Divorce Hearing Officer or Juvenile Hearing Officer, the Hearing Officer must prepare the Index of Exhibits and file it with the exhibits in the records office.

The Hearing Officer shall prepare the Index of Exhibits and file the Index of Exhibits with the exhibits in the records office.

Applies to

Exhibit

For confidential exhibits in Divorce Hearing Officer or Juvenile Hearing Officer proceedings, the Hearing Officer must ensure that the appropriate confidential-information form is completed and filed with the exhibit.

The Hearing Officer shall ensure that a Confidential Information Form or Confidential Document Form for any exhibit offered into evidence that contains confidential information or confidential documents as defined in the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania was completed and filed with the exhibit.

Applies to

Product test discovery response

A party responding to product-test discovery must state who performed any pre- or post-incident product test, the test date, manner, purpose, and results.

Product tests. -- If you, or someone not an expert subject to Pa.R.C.P. No. 4003.5, performed a test before or after the incident on the product involved in the incident, state: (a) The identity of the persons who performed the test(s); (b) The date on which any test was performed; (c) The manner in which any test was performed; and (d) The purpose of any test and its results.

Applies to

Product recall warning discovery response

A party responding to discovery about the product must identify all recalls, recommendations, or warnings and any persons holding custody of referenced documents.

Recalls, recommendations, and warnings. -- With respect to the product involved in the incident, identify: (a) All recalls, recommendations, or warnings; and (b) Any persons who have custody of any document(s) referred to in your answer.

Applies to

Electronically filed document

Each electronically filed document's title must identify the document, filing parties, parties against whom relief is sought, and the nature of the relief sought.

The title of each electronically filed document shall include: (a) Descriptive title of the document; (b) Party or parties filing the document; (c) Party or parties against whom relief, if any, is sought; and ===== PAGE 2 ===== (d) Nature of the relief sought (e.g., Motion for Summary Judgment of Defendant ABC Corp. against Plaintiff Jones).

Applies to

Electronically filed legal papers

An electronic filing using a filer's username and password constitutes the party's signature; the filing must include the filer's signature block and attorney identification number, using either a scanned signature or /s/ with the filer's typed name.

The electronic filing of legal papers utilizing the username and password constitutes the party’s signature. The legal paper must include a signature block and the name of the filer under whose username and password the legal paper is submitted. The legal paper may be submitted with the filer’s scanned signature or /s/ and the filer’s name typed in the space where the signature would otherwise appear on the legal paper. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court Attorney Identification Number must be included under the signature line.

Applies to

Electronically filed legal papers

The required verification and signature pages for other executing parties must be included in the PDF electronic filing when submitted.

The Verification required by Pa.R.Civ.P. 206.3 and Pa.R.Civ.P. 1024 and the signature page(s) of any document or legal paper executed by any party other than the filing party must be included in the electronic filing in PDF format at the time the legal paper is submitted.

Applies to

Certificate of readiness

Parties filing a Certificate of Readiness must use the most current form, and the Prothonotary will reject an outdated form.

(9) The Certificate of Readiness form is available in the Prothonotary’s Office, in the Court Administrator’s Office and online at the Dauphin County website (www.dauphincounty.org). Parties filing a Certificate of Readiness form must ensure that the most current form is utilized. Failure to utilize the most current form shall result in the rejection of the Certificate of Readiness.

Applies to

Certificate of readiness

A party filing a Certificate of Readiness must use the most current form; an outdated form will be rejected.

(9) The Certificate of Readiness form is available in the Prothonotary’s Office, in the Court Administrator’s Office and online at the Dauphin County website (www.dauphincounty.org). Parties filing a Certificate of Readiness form must ensure that the most current form is utilized. Failure to utilize the most current form shall result in the rejection of the Certificate of Readiness.

Applies to

Objections and petition for record hearing

Must include

certificate of service

A party objecting to the recommendations must file an original and copy of the Objections and Petition for a Record Hearing with the Prothonotary within 5 days of service, together with proof of service on all parties and the Parenting Coordinator.

A party objecting to the Recommendations must file with the Prothonotary an original and copy of their Objections and a Petition for a Record Hearing before the Court within five days of service of the Summary and Recommendations together with a Proof of Service upon all parties and the Parenting Coordinator.

Applies to

Petition for approval of minors compromise

The petition must state the specified facts, parties, analyses, certifications, insurance information, liens or claims, requested authorization, settlement-account information, distribution of proceeds, and joinder certification.

(2) The petition shall set forth:

Applies to

Petition for approval of minors compromise

The petition must include specified exhibits documenting the minor's injuries, the incident, and any counsel-fee agreement.

(3) The petition shall contain the following exhibits:

Applies to

Amendment or supplement

Any court-required amendment or supplement to the petition must be filed of record.

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

Applies to

Petition for approval of minors compromise

Must include

proposed order

The petitioner must attach a proposed order on the face of the petition that substantially follows local rule 2039A and states the settlement authorization, total amount, distribution, account type, and withdrawal restriction.

(8) The Petitioner shall attach a proposed order which includes the caption to the face of the petition substantially in the form found in local rule 2039A which sets forth:

Applies to

Statement of matters complained of on appeal

For a direct appeal taken when no post-trial motions or exceptions were filed, appellant’s counsel must immediately file a concise statement of the matters complained of and intended to be argued and serve it on the originating judge or, for a visiting judge, the Court Administrator’s Office.

In every appeal from an order or decree of this Court to which no post-trial motions or exceptions were filed but such appeal is taken directly to an appellate court, appellant’s counsel shall, immediately upon taking the appeal, file of record a concise statement of the matters complained of and intended to be argued on appeal, and shall serve a copy thereof upon the judge from whose order or decree the appeal was taken, except that if such judge was a visiting judge such copy shall be served upon the Court Administrator’s Office.

Applies to

Notice of intention to enter default judgment

A notice of intention to enter judgment by default must be provided in both English and Spanish using substantially the prescribed form.

The notice of intention to enter judgment by default shall be set forth in both English and Spanish, substantially in the following form:

Applies to

Pretrial statement

All parties must file and serve a Pre-Trial Statement at least five days before the judge’s Pre-Trial Conference, containing the listed case, trial, settlement, expert, witness, exhibit, parenting-plan, history, seminar, and other relevant information.

No later than five (5) days prior to the Pre-Trial Conference with a Judge, all parties shall file a Pre-Trial Statement and serve copies on all other parties or their legal counsel. The Pre-Trial Statement must include the following:

Applies to

Pretrial statement

The parties must file and serve an updated Pre-Trial Statement no later than five days before a judge’s Custody Trial, including all previously listed items and any additional items directed by the judge.

No later than five (5) days prior to a Custody Trial before a Judge, the parties shall file an updated Pre-Trial Statement and serve copies on all other parties or their legal counsel which shall include the items listed above and any additional items as directed by the Judge.

Applies to

Divorce or annulment complaint or counterclaim

A divorce or annulment complaint or counterclaim containing a custody count must include the attachments required by Local Rule 1915.3 and comply with all other custody-action procedures.

A Divorce or Annulment Complaint or Counterclaim which includes a count for custody shall contain the attachments set forth in Local Rule 1915.3 and follow all other Custody action procedures.

Applies to

Pre hearing or post divorce petition or motion

Every pre-hearing or post-divorce petition or motion in a divorce matter must comply with Dauphin County Local Rule 205.2(a)(3)(b).

Any Pre-Hearing or Post-Divorce Petition or Motion in a divorce matter shall comply with Dauphin County Local Rule 205.2(a)(3)(b).

Applies to

Pre hearing or post divorce petition or motion

Must include

certificate of conference

The filing party must certify disclosure of the full petition or motion and proposed order to all parties by facsimile or electronic communication and state whether each party concurs or opposes it.

(1) The filing party shall certify that (s)he disclosed the full text of the Petition or Motion and Proposed Order to all parties by facsimile or electronic communication and whether each party concurs or opposes the Petition or Motion and Proposed Order in accordance with Dauphin County Local Rule 208.2(d).

Applies to

Contested petition or motion

Must include

proposed order, certificate of service

If any party opposes the petition or motion and proposed order or fails to respond timely, the moving party must attach a Rule to Show Cause, proposed order, certificate of service, and, for an unrepresented party, a self-represented party entry of appearance.

(2) If any party opposes the Petition or Motion and Proposed Order, or any party fails to respond in a timely manner, the Petition or Motion is contested and the moving party shall attach: (a) A Rule to Show Cause in accordance with Pa.R.C.P. 206.5; (b) A Proposed Order; (c) A Certificate of Service; (d) A Self-Represented Party Entry of Appearance if unrepresented by legal counsel.

Applies to

Uncontested petition or motion

Must include

proposed order

When all parties concur, the filing party must attach the proposed agreed order.

(3) If all parties concur, the Petition or Motion is uncontested and the filing party shall attach the proposed agreed Order.

Applies to

Report and recommendation

Must include

proposed order

After the hearing, the Divorce Hearing Officer must file and serve a Report and Recommendation and Proposed Order within 20 days in an uncontested action or 30 days in a contested action.

The Divorce Hearing Officer shall file a Report and Recommendation and Proposed Order with the Prothonotary within twenty (20) days in uncontested actions or thirty (30) days in contested actions from the date of the hearing and mail a copy of the Report and Recommendation and Proposed Order to all counsel and/or self-represented parties.

Applies to

Motion for appointment of hearing officer

Any party filing a Motion for Appointment of Hearing Officer must file an original and a copy with the Prothonotary.

(2) Any party shall file an original and a copy of the Motion for Appointment of Hearing Officer with the Prothonotary if proceeding under Dauphin County Local Rule 1920.51.

Applies to

Motion for appointment of hearing officer

The Motion for Appointment of Hearing Officer must include an updated Income and Expense Statement in the prescribed form.

(3) The Motion shall include the following attachments: (a) An updated Income and Expense Statement in the form required by Pa.R.C.P. 1910.27(c)(1).

Applies to

Motion for appointment of hearing officer

The Motion for Appointment of Hearing Officer must include an updated Inventory and Appraisement in the prescribed form.

(b) An updated Inventory and Appraisement in the form required by Pa.R.C.P. 1920.75.

Applies to

Motion for appointment of hearing officer

Must include

proposed order

The Motion must include a proposed order appointing the Hearing Officer and scheduling a Preliminary Conference.

(c) A proposed Order appointing the Hearing Officer and scheduling a Preliminary Conference in the form prescribed by Dauphin County Local Rule 1920.74(b).

Applies to

Motion for appointment of hearing officer

Must include

certificate of service

The Motion for Appointment of Hearing Officer must include a Certificate of Service.

(d) A Certificate of Service.

Applies to

Exceptions to report and recommendation

Exceptions to the Divorce Hearing Officer Report and Recommendation must be filed as an original and a copy with a Prior Court Involvement Statement.

(14) An original and a copy of Exceptions to the Divorce Hearing Officer Report and Recommendation shall be filed with the Prothonotary’s Office along with a Prior Court Involvement Statement in accordance with Dauphin County Local Rule 1931.

Applies to

Statement of written reasons

The issuing authority must contemporaneously provide written reasons when denying bail or setting a monetary bail condition, even if bail is posted immediately; the requirement does not apply to ROR or unsecured bail.

Whenever issuing authority commits a defendant without bail or sets bail with monetary condition pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P. Rule 524(C)(5), issuing authority must contemporaneously provide written reasons for the bail amount or the denial of bail. This requirement applies whenever issuing authority sets bail in a monetary amount even if the defendant posts it immediately. This requirement does not apply if bail is set at ROR or an unsecured amount.

Applies to

Amended self represented party entry of appearance

A self-represented party must immediately file an amended entry of appearance whenever address, telephone, or other contact information changes.

All self-represented parties shall be under a continuing obligation to file an amended Self Represented Party Entry of Appearance updating the self- represented party’s contact information immediately upon any change in their address, telephone number or other contact information.

Applies to

Record of proceedings

The appointed special-capacity officer must keep a record of all proceedings and record evidence objections, the offers’ purposes, and the grounds for the objections.

(b) cause a record to be kept of all proceedings before him; and if objection be made to the admission or rejection of evidence, note in the record the offer and its purpose as well as the objection and the grounds therefore; and

Applies to

Self represented party entry of appearance

The required self-represented-party entry of appearance must substantially follow the prescribed form.

The Self-Represented Party Entry of Appearance under this rule shall be substantially in the following form:

Applies to

Confidential information form abuse victim addendum

When the self-represented party is an abuse victim and the other party was the abuser, the Confidential Information Form Abuse Victim Addendum containing the party's address must be filed with the entry of appearance.

I am a victim of abuse and the other party to this action was the abuser. My address is listed on the Confidential Information Form Abuse Victim Addendum filed along with this Self-Represented Party Entry of Appearance.

Applies to

Confidential information form abuse victim addendum

The filer states that they are an abuse victim and that the other party was the abuser, and identifies where their telephone number and email address are listed.

I am a victim of abuse and the other party to this action was the abuser. My telephone number and email address are listed on the Confidential Information Form Abuse Victim Addendum filed along with this Self- Represented Party Entry of Appearance.

Applies to

Entry of appearance

A self-represented party must file a new form and, if applicable, the Confidential Information Form Abuse Victim Addendum whenever their address or telephone number changes.

5. I UNDERSTAND I MUST FILE A NEW FORM AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION FORM ABUSE VICTIM ADDENDUM (IF APPLICABLE) EVERY TIME MY ADDRESS OR TELEPHONE NUMBER CHANGES.

Applies to

Affidavit of deposit of minors funds

Counsel must provide an Affidavit of Deposit of Minor’s Funds within ten days after the order, substantially in the form prescribed by local rule 2039B.

A provision that counsel shall provide the court with an Affidavit of Deposit of Minor’s Funds within ten days from the date of the order. Said affidavit shall be substantially in the form found in local rule 2039B.

Applies to

Entry of appearance

The filing must include a certification that it complies with Pennsylvania's Case Records Public Access Policy for filing confidential information and documents.

I, _______________________________, certify that this filing complies with the provisions of the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania that require filing confidential information and documents differently than non- confidential information and documents.

Applies to

Application for judge appointment

The application must identify the parties, claims, cross or counterclaims, perceived discovery issues, and other pretrial or trial complexities.

The Application shall identify the parties, the causes of action, the nature of any cross or counterclaims and a brief summary of the perceived discovery issues and any other pretrial or trial complexities.

Applies to

Application for judge appointment

The application must state whether all other parties concur with the request.

The Application shall aver whether all other parties concur with the request.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of conference

Every motion must include certification that the full motion and proposed order were disclosed to all parties by facsimile or electronic communication before filing and that each party granted or denied concurrence.

All motions shall contain a certification indicating that the moving party has disclosed the full text of the motion and the proposed order to all parties by facsimile or electronic communication prior to the filing of the motion, and that concurrence to both the motion and proposed order has been given or denied by each party.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of conference

If the opposing party does not respond to the concurrence inquiry within a reasonable time, the motion must state that fact and will be deemed contested under Local Rule 208.3(b).

If the other party fails to respond to the inquiry regarding concurrence within a reasonable time, this fact must be contained in the motion and the motion will be deemed contested pursuant to Dauphin County Local Rule 208.3(b).

Applies to

Petition for release of escrow sums

The Petition for the Release of Sums from the Escrow Account must state the reasons for the sums desired.

a copy of the Petition, which shall state the reason(s) for the sums desired

Applies to

Proposed order

An attached proposed order or alternative order must include a distribution legend identifying all attorneys and self-represented parties to be served, with available contact information, as well as Court Administration, the Sheriff’s Office, and any other entity that should receive the order.

If a proposed order or alternative orders are attached to any motion, petition or answers or responses thereto, the proposed order shall contain a distribution legend. The distribution legend shall include the name(s) and mailing address(es), telephone number(s), facsimile number(s) and e-mail address(es), if any, of all attorneys and/or self-represented parties to be served with a copy of the order. The distribution legend shall also list Court Administration, the Sheriff’s Office and any other entity that should receive a copy of the order.

Applies to

Notice

Must include

caption

Unless otherwise provided by the Rules or an Act of Assembly, every notice must include the case caption, nature of the proceeding, known hearing information, relevant protected person’s name when not in the caption, fiduciary names and addresses, and counsel information for each fiduciary.

(e) Form of Notice: Except as otherwise provided in these Rules or as provided by Act of Assembly, every notice shall contain at least the following information: (1) the caption of the case; (2) a description of the nature of the proceeding; (3) the date, time and place when the matter is to be heard by the Court to the extent then known; (4) the name of the decedent, settlor, incompetent or minor, if not disclosed by the caption; (5) the names and addresses of all fiduciaries; and (6) the name and address of counsel for each fiduciary.

Applies to

Certificate of readiness

A party's request for oral argument must be noted on the Certificate of Readiness.

If desired by any party involved in a motion, an oral argument request must be so noted on the Certificate of Readiness.

Applies to

Certificate of readiness

A filer who does not want oral argument must ask whether any other party filing a brief wants to present it.

If the party filing the Certificate of Readiness does not desire oral argument, counsel or that party if unrepresented shall inquire if any other party filing a brief wishes to present oral argument.

Applies to

Certificate of readiness

If no party requests oral argument, counsel or an unrepresented party must note this on the Certificate of Readiness and certify that all interested parties’ wishes are accurately reflected.

If no oral argument is requested by any party, it must be so noted on the Certificate of Readiness. By filing a completed Certificate of Readiness, counsel or an unrepresented party certifies that said inquiry has been made and that the wishes of all interested parties are accurately reflected.

Applies to

Certificate of readiness

A Certificate of Readiness that does not indicate whether oral argument is requested will be rejected.

Failure to indicate whether or not oral argument is requested shall result in the rejection of the Certificate of Readiness.

Applies to

Statement of matters complained of

An appellant must file a concise statement of the matters complained of within 14 days after filing the notice of appeal.

In every appeal from an order or decree of this Court taken directly to an appellate court, appellant shall file of record a concise statement of the matters complained of on appeal no later than 14 days after filing notice of appeal.

Applies to

Pretrial statement

The pre-trial statement must include a brief narrative statement of the case and the legal issues.

(a) a brief narrative statement of the case and legal issues;

Applies to

Pretrial statement

The pre-trial statement must list the types and amounts of all claimed damages.

(b) a list of the types and amounts of all damages claimed;

Applies to

Pretrial statement

The pre-trial statement must state the estimated length of trial.

(c) the estimated length of trial;

Applies to

Pretrial statement

The pre-trial statement must identify any scheduling problems.

(d) any scheduling problems;

Applies to

Pretrial statement

The pre-trial statement must identify any special evidentiary issues.

(e) any special evidentiary issues;

Applies to

Pretrial statement

The pre-trial statement must include a realistic settlement offer or demand.

(f) a realistic settlement offer or demand;

Applies to

Pretrial statement

The pre-trial statement must certify that counsel discussed mediation in good faith with clients, opposing counsel, and any unrepresented parties in accordance with Dauphin County Local Rule 1001.

(g) a certification that counsel discussed mediation in good faith with his or her client(s) and with opposing counsel and with all unrepresented parties, if any, in accordance with Dauphin County Local Rule 1001.

Applies to

Pretrial statement

The pre-trial statement must provide the names of all witnesses.

(h) the names of all witnesses;

Applies to

Pretrial statement

The pre-trial statement must include copies of all expert reports.

(i) copies of all expert reports;

Applies to

Pretrial statement

The pre-trial statement must include both agreed stipulations and desired stipulations.

(j) stipulations agreed and stipulations desired.

Applies to

Application for judge appointment

If the parties do not all concur, a Rule to Show Cause must be attached to the application.

If not all parties concur, a Rule to Show Cause shall be attached to the Application.

Applies to

Petition

A continuing petition for release of escrow funds must state the reasons for the sums desired.

If a landlord files a Petition for the Release of Sums from the Escrow Account on a continuing basis as permitted by Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. 1013B, a copy of the Petition, which shall state the reason(s) for the sums desired, shall immediately be served on the tenant and any other parties of record, with a proof of service.

Applies to

Petition for approval of wrongful death and survival settlement

The petition must identify its purpose and claim background, state whether the decedent was intestate and attach the will if testate, identify beneficiaries and any minors, incapacitated persons, or guardians, analyze liability and damages, identify insurance coverage and collateral-source efforts, propose a supported apportionment between wrongful-death and survival recoveries, and disclose unpaid liens, claims, or debts.

(2) The petition shall set forth: (a) A heading briefly identifying the purpose of the petition; (b) The factual background of the claim; (c) Whether the decedent died intestate; if the decedent died testate, a copy of the will shall be attached to the petition; (d) Identification of the wrongful death beneficiaries; (e) Whether any wrongful death beneficiaries are minors or incapacitated persons and whether a guardian has been appointed for the person or estate; (f) Counsel’s analysis of the liability and damages issues relevant to the determination of the reasonableness of the proposed settlement; (g) The types and amounts of insurance coverage applicable to the claim and representation as to the efforts made to identify other collateral sources; (h) The proposed apportionment between wrongful death and survival recoveries including the factual basis for said apportionment; (i) Whether there are any unpaid liens, claims or debts.

Applies to

Petition for approval of wrongful death and survival settlement

The petition must state the proposed distribution of settlement funds, including the percentage of requested counsel fees and an itemization of costs supported by appropriate documentation.

(j) A statement of the proposed distribution of settlement funds, which includes the percentage of requested counsel fees and an itemization of costs. The petitioner shall attach appropriate documentation in support of the itemized costs;

Applies to

Petition for approval of wrongful death and survival settlement

The petition must include certification that the beneficiaries joined the terms of the proposed settlement and petition.

(k) Certification of joinder of the beneficiaries in the terms of the proposed settlement and petition.

Applies to

Petition for approval of wrongful death and survival settlement

The petition must include accident, medical, or expert reports concerning the alleged cause of death, any applicable counsel fee agreement, and Pennsylvania Department of Revenue correspondence approving the proposed allocation between wrongful-death and survival recoveries.

(3) The petition shall contain the following exhibits: ===== PAGE 2 ===== (a) Copies of accident, medical or expert reports related to the alleged cause of death of decedent; (b) The counsel fee agreement between any counsel seeking recovery of counsel fees and the administrator, executor or beneficiaries on whose behalf approval of settlement is sought; (c) A copy of correspondence from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue approving the proposed allocation of settlement funds between the wrongful death and the survival actions.

Applies to

Amendment or supplement to petition

Any amendment or supplement to the petition that the court requires must be filed of record.

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

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

caption, proposed order

The petitioner must attach a proposed order substantially conforming to local rule 2206A and include the petition caption on its face.

(7) The Petitioner shall attach a proposed order which includes the caption to the face of the petition substantially in the form found in local rule 2206A

Applies to

Bail certificate

Any designation of Dauphin County Pre-Trial Services Agency as supervisory surety must appear on the Bail Certificate as a condition of bail.

Any designation of Dauphin County Pre-Trial Services Agency as supervisory surety shall be listed on the Bail Certificate as a Condition of Bail pursuant to Rule 526 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Applies to

Request for assignment

A party must file a Request for Assignment using the latest format, together with a proposed citation, rule, or order containing a distribution legend, when the specified event occurs.

When the issuance of a citation is requested, or when any petition, account, objection, preliminary objection, exception to an auditor’s or master’s report, or motion is ready to be scheduled for a hearing, argument, or disposition by the Court, or when a conference with the Court is requested, a party must file a “Request for Assignment” using the latest format, together with a proposed citation, rule, or order which contain a distribution legend.

Applies to

Request for assignment

The Request for Assignment must identify the case, matters ready for assignment, responsive-pleading status, requested hearing or argument length, related cases, and the names and complete contact information of all counsel and self-represented parties.

The Request for Assignment must state: (a) the name and docket number of the case; (b) the title and date of the matter(s) ready for assignment; (c) whether all responsive pleadings have been filed or the time for responsive pleadings has elapsed; (d) if a hearing or argument is requested, the anticipated length of the hearing or argument; (e) a list of any related cases; and (f) the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of all counsel and self-represented parties.

Applies to

Search warrant application

A judicial officer must not issue the search warrant unless an attorney for the Commonwealth approved the application before filing.

shall not hereafter be issued by any judicial officer unless the search warrant application has the approval of an attorney for the Commonwealth prior to filing.

Applies to

Search warrant application

A judicial officer may not issue a search warrant application involving electronically stored data unless an attorney for the Commonwealth approves it before filing.

In addition, any search warrant application involving the search for electronically stored data of any type, including but not limited to search warrants for mobile telephones, computers, other electronic devices, USB drives, external hard drives, remotely stored data and social media accounts, shall not hereafter be issued by any judicial officer unless the search warrant application has the approval of an attorney for the Commonwealth prior to filing.

Applies to

Statement of written reasons

The issuing authority must use the Appendix A form to record the required written reasons for bail.

Issuing authority must use the form in Appendix “A” to this rule to record the reasons described in subparagraph (1).

Applies to

Statement of written reasons

When the Appendix A form is used, the issuing authority must file the written-reasons statement with the case, provide a copy to the defendant, and immediately send a copy to Dauphin County Prison if the defendant does not post bail when bail is set.

Whenever the form in Appendix “A” to this rule is used, issuing authority must file the statement of written reasons with the case, provide a copy to the defendant, and immediately transmit a copy to the Dauphin County Prison, if the defendant does not post bail at the time bail is set.

Applies to

Bail assessment

In making the bail assessments addressed by this rule, the issuing authority must consider the release criteria in Pa.R.Crim.P. Rule 523.

In making the above bail assessments, issuing authority must consider the release criteria in Pa.R.Crim.P. Rule 523.

Applies to

Media deposition

A proponent presenting a media deposition at trial must retain the media and simultaneously submit a transcript as an exhibit.

Media depositions presented at trial shall remain in the proponent’s possession. The proponent shall simultaneously submit a transcript of the deposition as an exhibit.

Applies to

Land use appeal notice

If the appellant does not include the required transcript-order certification, another party may seek dismissal of the appeal.

If appellant does not include a certification that appellant has ordered the transcript, any other party may file a petition requesting the Court dismiss the appeal.

Applies to

Confidential information form

Must include

caption

The Confidential Information Form must contain the same caption used for the scheduling order and petition.

Complete the caption as you did for the scheduling order and petition.

Applies to

Criminal record abuse history verification

Must include

caption

The criminal record or abuse history verification must contain the same caption as the custody complaint.

Complete the caption as you did for the custody complaint.

Applies to

Conference summary report

The Conference Summary Report must include all relevant information gathered by the Custody Conference Officer during the conference.

(a) All relevant information gathered by the Custody Conference Officer during the conference.

Applies to

Conference summary report

The Conference Summary Report must summarize the contested issues for decision by the Court.

(b) A summary of the contested issues to be decided by the Court.

Applies to

Conference summary report

The Conference Summary Report must list any qualifying criminal or abuse history that warrants an immediate evaluation under 23 Pa.C.S.A. §§ 5329 or 5330.

(c) List any criminal or abuse history on the parties’ Criminal History and Abuse Verification warranting the Court to immediately order an Evaluation pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S.A. §5329 or §5330.

Applies to

Conference summary report

The Conference Summary Report must summarize mental health or drug or alcohol problems raised at the conference and recommend whether an evaluation under Pa.R.C.P. 1915.8 should be ordered.

(d) Summarize any mental health or drug or alcohol problems raised at the Conference and recommend whether the Court should order an evaluation pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1915.8.

Applies to

Conference summary report

The Conference Summary Report must include any agreed interim Parenting Plan/Custody Order.

(e) Any agreed Interim Parenting Plan/Custody Order.

Applies to

Conference summary report

The Conference Summary Report must list the names and relationships of all persons residing in each party’s household.

(f) A list of the names and relationships of all persons who reside in each parties’ household.

Applies to

Conference summary report

The Conference Summary Report must include reports from appropriate agencies or experts.

(g) Any reports from appropriate agencies/experts.

Applies to

Conference summary report

The Conference Summary Report must state whether independent counsel should be appointed for the child or children.

(h) Whether independent counsel should be appointed for the child(ren).

Applies to

Conference summary report

The Conference Summary Report must state the present custody status of the child or children.

(i) The present status of the custody of the child(ren).

Applies to

Conference summary report

The Conference Summary Report must include any existing Parenting Plan or Custody Order.

(j) Any existing Parenting Plan/Custody Order.

Applies to

Certificate of readiness

A party may file an original and one copy of a Certificate of Readiness with the Prothonotary when the case is ready in all respects for arbitration.

When a case is READY IN ALL RESPECTS for arbitration, a party may file an original and one copy of a Certificate of Readiness with the Prothonotary in accordance with the timelines established in the Annual Court Calendar.

Applies to

Notice of entry of order decree or judgment

Forms containing the required bilingual notices must be furnished to the Prothonotary and made available to litigants and their attorneys.

An adequate supply of forms containing the bilingual notices required by these Rules shall be furnished by the Dauphin County Bar Association to the office of the Prothonotary, and shall be available for use by litigants and their attorneys.

Applies to

Petition

A rule to show cause should not be attached to a forfeiture petition.

No rule to show cause should be attached.

Applies to

Petition

A forfeiture petition’s caption must cross-reference any related criminal action by defendant name and docket number.

The Caption shall include a cross-reference by defendant name and docket number to any criminal action.

Applies to

Scheduling order

The Assigned Judge must issue a scheduling order identifying any additional briefing requirements and, if necessary, an argument date.

(12) The Assigned Judge shall issue a scheduling order, which will include any additional briefing requirements and an argument date (if necessary).

Applies to

Hearing notice

Hearings must occur at the Dauphin County Courthouse unless the parties or attorneys and Court Administrator agree otherwise in writing.

All hearings shall be in the Dauphin County Courthouse unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the parties or attorneys and the Court Administrator.

Applies to

Petition

The Court may require exhibits, consents, or approvals to a petition when required by governing authority or deemed necessary in the Court's equitable discretion.

(2) The Court may require the filing of exhibits, consents or approvals to a petition as may be required by Pennsylvania Orphans’ Court Rules, applicable statute, or other authority applicable to the petition, as may be deemed necessary in the discretion of the Court in exercise of its equity powers or application of equitable principles.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of conference

A motion is deemed contested when concurrence is denied or a party does not respond to the concurrence inquiry within a reasonable time.

(1) In accordance with Dauphin County Local Rule 208.2(d), if a moving party certifies that concurrence has been denied by a party or if a party fails to respond to the inquiry regarding concurrence within a reasonable time, said motion shall be deemed contested.

Applies to

D.C.S.I. No. 302

D.C.S.I. No. 302 requires information about pre-incident vehicle damage, repairs, repair costs or estimated damages, the last state inspection, and any vehicle defect or problem.

Motor vehicle damage. -- With respect to any vehicle you owned that was involved in the incident, state: (a) The nature of any damage existing prior to the incident; (b) The identity of any person who performed repairs to the vehicle following the incident; (c) The total amount of the repair bill(s), or if not yet repaired, the total estimated cost of repairing the vehicle or the estimated value of the damages to the vehicle (include the identity of the person furnishing any such estimate); (d) The date and place of last state inspection prior to the incident and identify the person making said inspection; and (e) The nature of any defect in or problem with the vehicle and the length of time such defect or problem existed.

Applies to

D.C.S.I. No. 303

D.C.S.I. No. 303 requires information about the vehicle's destination, departure point and time, trip purpose, stops and departures, operator familiarity, and incident weather and roadway conditions.

Motor vehicle operation. -- With respect to the vehicle you operated or in which you were a passenger, state: (a) The destination and the point and time of departure of the vehicle; (b) The purpose of the trip or journey in the vehicle; (c) The time and place of all stops and departures between the commencement of the trip or journey and the time of the incident; (d) Whether the operator of the vehicle was familiar with the surrounding area of the incident; and (e) The weather conditions at the time of the incident, including visibility and roadway conditions.

Applies to

Medical malpractice complaint

A medical malpractice complaint must identify each person alleged to have caused the injury and state, for each person, whether the claimant alleges qualification, diagnosis, consent, hygiene, technique, treatment, procedural, or other negligence as applicable.

Cause of injuries. -- Identify each person that you claim caused your injury and, with respect to each such person, state whether you claim that: (a) He/she was not qualified to undertake the type of treatment, surgery, or examination he/she gave; (b) He/she failed to diagnose your injury correctly; (c) He/she did not obtain proper consent or authorization; (d) He/she did not maintain proper standards of hygiene or sterilization; (e) He/she failed to use modern techniques and procedures; (f) He/she did not give the correct treatment; (g) He/she failed to observe proper preoperative, operative, or postoperative procedures, specifying which; or (h) He/she was otherwise negligent (specifying the nature of the negligence).

Applies to

Certificate of readiness

The motion becomes ready for assignment when the briefing requirements are met or the briefing periods expire; at that point, either party may file an original and one copy of a Certificate of Readiness with the Prothonotary.

(5) The Motion for Summary Judgment is ready for assignment to a judge when all briefing requirements set forth in (1), (2), and (3) above have been met or the time permitted for the filing of briefs has elapsed. At that point, either party may file an original and one copy of a Certificate of Readiness with the Prothonotary.

Applies to

Certificate of readiness

The Prothonotary must forward the original Certificate of Readiness to the Court Administrator’s Office and retain a copy in the case file.

(6) The Prothonotary shall forward the original Certificate of Readiness to the Court Administrator’s Office and retain a copy in the file.

Applies to

Scheduling order

The assigned judge must issue a scheduling order that includes any additional briefing requirements and, if necessary, an argument date.

(8) The Assigned Judge shall issue a scheduling order, which will include any additional briefing requirements and an argument date (if necessary).

Applies to

Notice of release to credit reporting agencies

The notice must substantially follow the form prescribed by the standing order.

The notice shall be substantially in the following form:

Applies to

Order scheduling conference briefs and oral argument

The Court must promptly issue an order scheduling a conference, briefing, and/or oral argument.

(16) The Court shall promptly issue an Order scheduling a conference, the filing of briefs and/or oral argument.

Applies to

Certificate of readiness

When a case is ready in all respects for scheduling for trial without a jury, a party may file an original and one copy of a Certificate of Readiness with the Prothonotary.

(1) When a case is READY IN ALL RESPECTS to be scheduled for a trial without a jury, any party may file an original and one copy of a Certificate of Readiness with the Prothonotary.

Applies to

Petition

The Prothonotary must send the original petition to the Court Administrator’s Office and keep the copy in the file; that office must assign the petition to a judge for disposition.

The Prothonotary shall forward the original petition to the Court Administrator’s Office and shall retain the copy in the file. The petition shall be assigned to a judge for disposition by the Court Administrator’s Office.

Applies to

Conference summary report

As a general rule, a family matter is assigned to a judge who has handled a contested family law case for that family.

4. As a general rule, if a Judge has handled a contested family law case for that family, the matter will be assigned to that Judge.

Applies to

Proposed order or rule to show cause

Counsel and self-represented litigants are strongly encouraged, but not required, to include stamped envelopes for listed recipients with all proposed orders and Rules to Show Cause.

Counsel and self-represented litigants are strongly encouraged to include stamped envelopes addressed to the attorneys and/or self- represented parties listed in the distribution legend along with all proposed orders and/or Rules to Show Cause.

Applies to

Proposed order

The proposed order should identify the specific relief requested.

The proposed order should identify the relief sought, e.g. continuance, rule to show cause, request status or discovery conference, amend a complaint, etc.

Applies to

Certificate of readiness

If a response is filed within 30 days, either party may file a Certificate of Readiness listing the case for non-jury trial under Dauphin County Local Rule 1038.

If a response is filed within thirty (30) days, either party may thereafter file a Certificate of Readiness listing the case for a non-jury trial pursuant to Dauphin County Local Rule 1038.

Applies to

Oral argument request

A party may request oral argument under Local Rule 211.

(8) Oral argument may be requested as set forth in Local Rule 211.

Applies to

Administrative application for status conference

After filing a complaint, a party may file an Administrative Application for Status Conference.

After the filing of a complaint, a party may file a pleading designated as an Administrative Application for Status Conference.

Applies to

Administrative application for status conference

A status conference may address discovery deadlines, witnesses and testimony, settlement, case-management issues, and trial facilitation.

A status conference may be requested for the purpose of setting a discovery deadline; exchanging information regarding witnesses and expected testimony; settlement discussions; discussion of special requests or problems or for facilitating the case to trial.

Applies to

Statement of written reasons

The issuing authority may use the Appendix A form to document reasons for setting bail conditions or unsecured or ROR bail.

Issuing authority may use the form in Appendix “A” to this rule to record reasons for setting bail conditions or for setting unsecured or ROR bail.