Court of Common Pleas of Lebanon County, Pennsylvania
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Appeal, Exception, Post Trial Motion
Brief
- 2 copies • Upon Filing
Brief, Memorandum of Law
- 2 copies • Upon Filing
Communication
Phone
Phone
Document Format Requirements9 rules
Submit two paper copies of this Order to the Legislative Reference Bureau and one electronic copy in Microsoft Word format only to bulletin(a)palrb.us for publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin;
- File type
- Word
All papers, pleadings, and documents filed with the Court shall be on 8 ½ by 11 inch paper.
- Paper size
- Letter
Legal papers shall be presented for filing in a Portable Document Format (PDF).
- File type
The required verification and applicable signature pages must be included in the electronic filing in PDF format.
- File type
Court's wording
(b) 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 pap er is submitted.
All motions shall be in writing with each allegation set forth in a separate numbered paragraph.
- Motion
Formatting
- •Each allegation must be set forth in a separate numbered paragraph
At the conclusion of a trial or hearing, record exhibits larger than 8½ by 11 inches must be reduced to that size.
Court's wording
(1) At the conclusion of a trial or hearing, all exhibits larger than 8½ x 11 inches , which are part of the record , shall be reduced to that size, and all tangible objects which are part
The 8½ x 11 inch reductions and color photographs shall be substituted in the record for the original exhibits and tangible objects unless the trial judge, upon motion or sua sponte, or an appellate court, shall direct otherwise.
Bulky, oversized, or otherwise impractical exhibits must be photographed in color, with the photograph no larger than 8½ x 11 inches.
Court's wording
All exhibits which are bulky, oversized or otherwise physically impractical for the custodian to maintain (including, but not limited to, weapons, contraband and hazardous materials), shall be photographed in color by the party originally proffering the evidence. The original exhibit shall be maintained by the party originally proffering the evidence and the photograph of the exhibit (no larger in size than 8½ x 11 inches) shall be e ntered into the record in lieu of the non -documentary exhibit.
Briefs, as required, shall be in the form prescribed by Pa.R.C iv.P. No. 210. Content thereof shall be as set forth in Pa.R.A.P. No. 2111.
Document Filing Requirements48 rules
The Landlord may challenge the truth and/or applicability of a Declaration by requesting, in writing, a hearing.
If a Declaration is provided to the Landlord prior to initiation of a Landlord-Tenant case, the Landlord shall file a copy of the Declaration along with the Complaint,
shall not hereafter be accepted by any judicial officer unless the complaint and affidavit has the approval of an attorney for the Commonwealth prior to filing.
(F) All petitions or motions setting forth allegations of fact shall be accompanied by a verification signed by a person having knowledge of the facts contained therein.
An electronic filing using the assigned CountySuite credentials constitutes the party's signature; the document must identify the filer in a signature block, may use a scanned signature or typed /s/ signature, and must include the attorney identification number under the signature line.
- Document
- Electronically filed legal paper
- Placement
- Signature block
Court's wording
The electronic filing of legal papers utilizing the username and password [assigned by CountySuite] 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. The correct format of the attorney signature is:
Each electronically filed document must identify the document, the filing party, any party against whom relief is sought, and the nature of the relief sought in its title.
Court's wording
The title of each electronically filed document shall include: (a) Descriptive title of the document; (b) [Identity of the] Party or parties filing the document; (c) [Identity of the] Party or parties against whom relief, if any, is sought; and (d) Nature of the relief sought (e.g., Motion for Summary Judgment of Defendant ABC Corp. against Plaintiff Miller).
The electronic filing must include the specified verification and any signature pages executed by a party other than the filer when the legal paper is submitted.
Court's wording
(b) 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 pap er is submitted.
The motion shall state the date and time of the f irst unsuccessful attempt to file the document electronically and why the delay was prejudicial.
Unless a petition is certified as uncontested, it must be accompanied by an Order or Rule to Show Cause that is substantially in compliance with Pa.R.Civ.P. 206. 6.
(C) The petitioner shall attach to the petition a proposed order substantially in the following form:
- Document
- Petition
Must include
- •Proposed order
(2) the respondent shall file an answer to the petition within twenty (20) days of service upon the respondent;
A Motion for Rule Absolute must append the specified Certificates of Service and include a proposed Order stating the uncontested relief.
- Document
- Motion for rule absolute
Must include
- •Proposed order
- •Certificate of service
Court's wording
All Motions for Rule Absolute shall append copies of all Certificates of Service averring that all opposing parties had been served with copies of the original petition and any Rule to Show Cause issued by the Court. A Motion for Rule Absolute must be accompanied by a proposed Order setting forth the relief that was uncontested.
When all opposing parties consent to requested relief, the moving party must certify the matter as uncontested and include a signed agreement, signed stipulation, or counsel’s specified verification.
Court's wording
A party seeking relief via a motion or petition shall certify the matter as uncontested if all opposing parties have consented to the requested relief. All uncontested requests for relief must be accompanied by one of the following: (1) An agreement signed by all parties to the dispute; (2) A stipulation signed by all counsel and/or parties; or (3) A verification signed by counsel indicating that counsel has personally communicated with all opposing counsel/parties and has received the concurrence of all opposing counsel/parties with respect to the requested relief.
A party may not file a discovery motion without filing and appending a certificate verifying efforts to resolve the dispute with opposing counsel.
Court's wording
No party will be permitted to file any motion pertaining to discovery unless that party files a certificate verifying that efforts have been made to resolve the discovery disput e with opposing counsel. Such certificate shall be appended to any discovery motion that is filed.
Any motion certified as uncontested shall be accompanied by a proposed Order incorporating the relief agreed upon by all parties.
- Document
- Uncontested motion
Must include
- •Proposed order
All Motions filed shall contain a brief statement of the applicable authority.
A statement of concurrence or non-concurrence shall be set forth in all motions.
All motions must be accompanied by a proposed Order.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Proposed order
Motions setting forth factual averments must be accompanied by a verification or affidavit signed by a person having knowledge of the facts contained therein.
When service is effectuated, the moving party shall file a Certificate of Service setting forth the date and method of service and the name of the individual who effectuated service.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Certificate of service
The Certificate of Readiness for Trial must substantially follow the provided form, including its certifications about discovery, motions, trial availability, settlement negotiations, depositions, contemplated dispositive motions, prior service, and objections.
Court's wording
I certify that all discovery in the above referenced matter is complete and that all pre -trial motions have been decided. All necessary parties and witnesses will be available; serious settlement negotiations have been conducted; All depositions for us e at trial have been completed or scheduled; No case dispositive motions are pending nor does any party contemplate the filing of same; that a copy of this certificate of readiness has been served on all counsel having an interest in the case no less tha n fifteen (15) days prior to the filing ; No party or counsel objects to the filing of the certificate of readiness.
Any party wishing to proceed to trial , prior to the date indicated in the Case Management Order , shall file with the Prothonotary a Certificate of Readiness for Trial
The objections shall include the following information: (a) A statement setting forth the status of the proceeding; (b) A statement of all reasons why counsel believes the matter is not ready for trial;
The objection shall be accompanied by a Praecipe for Status Conference as set forth in Rule 52 -212(G).
Counsel’s pretrial statements must include the listed information in addition to what Pa.R.Civ.P. 212.2 requires.
Court's wording
(A) In addition to the information required by Pa.R.C iv.P. 212.2, the pre-trial statements of counsel shall also include: (1) A statement of all proposed amendments to the pleadings: (2) A statement of admissions from the pleadings; (3) A statement of any special scheduling requests; (4) A list of all deposition objections that will have to be resolved by the Court prior to trial; (5) A statement of all witnesses (with addresses) intended to be called at trial; (6) An itemization of al l exhibits intended for utilization at trial; (7) An estimate of the time necessary for trial; (8) A statement of the issues to be determined at trial; and (9) A statement of any additional special requests.
(b) An order scheduling a pre -trial conference and setting forth the date on which pre -trial statements are to be filed pursuant to Pa.R.Civ.P. 212. 1.
Trial attorneys must attend the pretrial conference unless good cause is shown; unexcused failure to appear or file a pretrial statement may result in costs, counsel fees, or other sanctions.
Court's wording
(A) Except for good cause shown, the attorneys who will try the case shall attend the pre-trial conference. Unexcused failure of trial counsel to appear or to file a pre -trial statement may result in the imposition of costs, counsel fees or other sanctions as determined by the Court.
Video evidence presented at trial or a hearing must be marked as an exhibit and submitted to the custodian at the conclusion for inclusion in the record, unless the trial judge directs otherwise.
Court's wording
Whenever a video deposition of a witness or other video evidence is presented at trial or hearing, the video shall be marked as an exhibit . At the conclusion of the trial or hearing, the video shall be submitted to the custodian for inclusion in the record of the case , unless the trial judge, upon motion or sua sponte, shall direct otherwise.
The proffering party must retain the original bulky exhibit and enter its photograph into the record in its place.
Court's wording
All exhibits which are bulky, oversized or otherwise physically impractical for the custodian to maintain (including, but not limited to, weapons, contraband and hazardous materials), shall be photographed in color by the party originally proffering the evidence. The original exhibit shall be maintained by the party originally proffering the evidence and the photograph of the exhibit (no larger in size than 8½ x 11 inches) shall be e ntered into the record in lieu of the non -documentary exhibit.
A video deposition must be accompanied by a transcript marked as an exhibit and retained in the record; that transcript is the official transcript, and the reporter need not transcribe the audio if the record clearly identifies the admitted portion.
Court's wording
Whenever a video deposition of a witness is presented at trial or hearing, it shall be accompanied by a transcript of the deposition as required by Pa.R.C iv.P. 4017.1(a)(2). The accompanying transcript shall be marked as an exhibit and retained in the record of the proceedings. In the event the record of the trial or hearing is transcribed for appellate or other purposes, the exhibit of the transcript accomp anying the deposition shall be considered the official transcript of the testimony of the deponent. It shall not be necessary for the trial court reporter to also transcribe the audio portion of the videotape deposition which was presented at trial or hearing, so long as the record clearly reflects which part of the audio portion of the video deposition was offered into evidence and admitted.
Digital video evidence must be accompanied by a transcript of its dialogue, marked as an exhibit, and retained in the record; that transcript is the official transcript, and the reporter need not transcribe the audio portion.
Court's wording
Whenever evidence is presented at trial or hearing in digital format, it shall be accompanied by a transcript of any dialogue contained within the video. The accompanying transcript shall be marked as an exhibit and retained in the record of the proceedi ngs. In the event the record of the trial or hearing is transcribed for appellate or other purposes, the exhibit of the transcript accompanying the digital media shall be considered the official transcript of the video. It shall not be necessary for th e trial court reporter to also transcribe the audio portion of the video
After trial or hearing, exhibits admitted into evidence , as well as photographs of oversized, bulky and other non - documentary evidence shall be submitted to the custodian for filing pursuant to Pa.R.J.A. 5102.
Post-Trial Motions shall be accompanied by a Praecipe for Disposition substantially in the form set forth in Rule 52 -206.1(E)(1)
A change of address notice shall be filed should the address or other contact information of counsel change.
Counsel who have the ability to receive information by email and/or facsimile number shall also include that information within their Entry of Appearance.
All Preliminary Objections must be accompanied by a Brief In Support Thereof and in compliance with Rule 52 -210.
Motions for Summary Judgment shall be accompanied by a Brief in Support Thereof and in compliance with Rule 52 - 210.
Motions for Summary Judgment shall be accompanied by a Praecipe for Disposition substantially in the form set forth in Rule 52-206.1(E)(1).
Each adult listed on the lease, rental agreement, or housing contract should complete this declaration.
a. Exception - No approval shall be required for the following offenses: i. 18 Pa.C.S.A. §3701(a)(v) - Robbery (taking property by force however slight];
Any party filing a legal document containing confidential information , as that term is defined in Lebanon County Rule of Judicial Administration Rule 101, should do so by filing a redacted copy of the document together with a Confidential Information Form containing such confidential information pursuant to the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania.
Any party filing a document deemed to be confidential , as defined in the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania, should do so by filing the confidential document together with a Confidential Document Form.
(a) For all contested matters where no disputed issues of material fact exist, any party may file a Praecipe for Disposition substantially in the following form:
(a) For all contested matters in which there are disputed issues of fact, discovery may be conducted by leave of Court pursuant to Pa.R.Civ.P. 206.7. Following the completion of any permitted discovery, any party may file a Praecipe for hearing substantially i n the following form:
A party may request a status conference by filing a praecipe substantially in the provided form, identifying the previously assigned judge and each party’s counsel’s participation method and reachable telephone number.
Court's wording
Any party may request a status conference by filing a praecipe substantially in the following form: PRAECIPE FOR STATUS CONFERENCE TO THE PROTHONOTARY: Please transmit a request for a status conference to the Court, pursuant to Leb.R.Civ.P. 212. (1) Judge Previously Assigned to Matter: ____________________ (2) Plaintiff’s Counsel will be participating [in person] [by telephone]. The telephone number at which Plaintiff’s counsel can be reached is ___________________________________. Defendant’s counsel will be participating [in person] [by telephone]. The telephone number at which Defendant’s counsel can be reached is _____________________________. (3) [Repeat a statement as set forth in (1) or (2) for all other parties.]
At the end of trial or hearing, specified original exhibits must be returned to the presenting party, who must keep them until all appellate proceedings conclude unless the trial judge directs otherwise.
Court's wording
At the conclusion of the trial or hearing, the original documentary exhibits larger than 8½ x 11 and non - documentary exhibits shall be returned for safekeeping to the party who presented it and that party shall maintain custody of the exhibit until conclus ion of all appellate proceedings in the case, unless the trial judge, upon motion or sua sponte, shall direct otherwise.
If a Declaration has been deemed invalid, the Tenant may refile the Declaration, along with proof demonstrating a change in circumstances such that the criteria set forth in the Declaration have been satisfied.
3. Jurors are not required to add a digital signature to any forms provided.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Electronic filers must register with CountySuite in accordance with its User Manual.
Electronic filers must register with CountySuite in accordance with the CountySuite User Manual.
Civil cases
Page 3 | RULE 52-205.4: ELECTRONIC FILING AND SERVICE OF LEGAL PAPERS
Only individuals may be registered users; entities, including law firms and government entities, may not register as users.
All registered users must be individuals and not entities, including but not limited to law firms, agencies, corporations, or government entities.
Civil cases
Page 3 | RULE 52-205.4: ELECTRONIC FILING AND SERVICE OF LEGAL PAPERS
An accepted electronic document is the official record, and electronic filers need not file paper copies unless the Court or county rules specifically require them.
When the legal paper is accepted by the Prothonotary, the electronic document is the official record. An electronic filer is not required to file any paper copies unless specifically required by the Court or the Lebanon County Rules of Civil Procedure.
Civil cases
Page 7 | RULE 52-205.4: ELECTRONIC FILING AND SERVICE OF LEGAL PAPERS
E-filing means transmitting legal papers through the Prothonotary's system, not by fax or email.
As used in this Rule, electronic filing (e -filing) shall mean the electronic transmission of legal papers by means other than facsimile transmission or e -mail using the system made available by the Prothonotary.
Civil cases
Page 3 | RULE 52-205.4: ELECTRONIC FILING AND SERVICE OF LEGAL PAPERS
Jurors may submit completed forms by email to the listed address, using the form name as the subject line; no digital signature is required.
*Forms can now be submitted electronically, follow these steps: 1. Click on the form you want to complete. 2. Fill in your information. 3. Jurors are not required to add a digital signature to any forms provided. 4. Save the form to your PC. 5. Attach the form to a new email message. 6. Send to jury@lebanoncountypa.gov and use the name of the form for the subject line of the email.
Page 1 | Jury Service Forms
Legal papers may be filed electronically with the Prothonotary through CountySuite.
All legal papers may be filed electronically with the Prothonotary through CountySuite.
Civil cases
Page 3 | RULE 52-205.4: ELECTRONIC FILING AND SERVICE OF LEGAL PAPERS
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
If the Declaration is provided after the case is filed, either party must file a copy with the magisterial district judge as soon as possible.
If the Declaration is not provided to the Landlord until after a Landlord-Tenant case has been filed, then either the Landlord or the Tenant shall file a copy of the Declaration with the magisterial district judge as soon as possible.
Civil cases
Page 3
When the Landlord requests a hearing on a Declaration, the judge must set it within 15 days, or as soon thereafter as the schedule permits.
If the Landlord requests a hearing on a Declaration, then the magisterial district judge shall: (a) Set a hearing within 15 days, or as soon thereafter as the schedule permits;
Civil cases
Page 3
OPPONENT'S BRIEF DUE 20-Dec 24-Jan 21-Feb 21-Mar 18-Apr 23-May 13-June 17-July 22-Aug 19-Sep 24-Oct 21-Nov
OPPONENT'S BRIEF DUE 20-Dec 24-Jan 21-Feb 21-Mar 18-Apr 23-May 13-June 17-July 22-Aug 19-Sep 24-Oct 21-Nov
Court notice · Notice of rule changes; check the effective date before relying on it
Page 1 | 2025 COURT CALENDAR (AMENDED)
The calendar lists the monthly due dates for the proponent's brief, from 6-Dec through 7-Nov.
PROPONENT'S BRIEF DUE 6-Dec 10-Jan 7-Feb 7-Mar 4-Apr 9-May 30-May 3-July 8-Aug 5-Sep 10-Oct 7-Nov
Court notice · Notice of rule changes; check the effective date before relying on it
Page 1 | 2025 COURT CALENDAR (AMENDED)
Registered users must update their address or other contact information in CountySuite within ten days after a change.
Registered users shall change their address or other contact information with CountySuite within ten (10) days of any change.
Civil cases
Page 3 | RULE 52-205.4: ELECTRONIC FILING AND SERVICE OF LEGAL PAPERS
The Prothonotary reviews filed papers during normal business hours and notifies the filing party of acceptance or rejection, but the filing date is the date CountySuite received the document.
Once filed, the legal paper shall be reviewed by the Prothonotary, and the filing party will receive notification that the legal paper was either accepted or rejected. Legal documents will only be reviewed by the Prothonotary staff during normal business hours. The date of filing shall be the date the document was received by CountySuite, not the date of acceptance.
Civil cases
Page 7 | RULE 52-205.4: ELECTRONIC FILING AND SERVICE OF LEGAL PAPERS
If a legal paper is accepted for filing by the Prothonotary, it shall be deemed to have been filed the date and time it was received by CountySuite. If a legal paper is submitted without the requisite fees, the legal paper shall be deemed to have been accepted for filing as of the date payment is received, pursuant to 42 P.S. §21073(b).
If a legal paper is accepted for filing by the Prothonotary, it shall be deemed to have been filed the date and time it was received by CountySuite. If a legal paper is submitted without the requisite fees, the legal paper shall be deemed to have been accepted for filing as of the date payment is received, pursuant to 42 P.S. §21073(b).
Civil cases
Page 8 | RULE 52-205.4: ELECTRONIC FILING AND SERVICE OF LEGAL PAPERS
Electronically filed documents must be filed by 11:59:59 p.m. EST/EDT on their due date.
The filing deadline for any document filed electronically shall be 11:59:59 p.m. EST/EDT on the date it is due.
Civil cases
Page 9 | RULE 52-205.4(H): Miscellaneous
The respondent must file an answer to the petition within 20 days after service.
(2) the respondent shall file an answer to the petition within twenty (20) days of service upon the respondent;
Civil cases
Page 14 | RULE 52-206.6: RULE TO SHOW CAUSE - ISSUANCE AS OF COURSE
In matters where factual disputes will be resolved by affidavits or depositions, those materials must be filed with the Prothonotary’s Office within 20 days after the answer is filed.
(D) For any matter where disputes of fact are to be resolved by affidavit and/or depositions, said affidavits and/or depositions shall be filed with the Prothonotary’s Office within 20 days following the filing of the answer.
Civil cases
Page 14 | RULE 52-206.6: RULE TO SHOW CAUSE - ISSUANCE AS OF COURSE
To be considered at Motions Court, a motion must be filed with the Prothonotary by 4:30 p.m. on the preceding Tuesday.
To be considered at Motions Court, motions must be filed with the Prothonotary no later than 4:30 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to Motions Court
Civil cases
Page 20 | Time for Motions Court
Counsel wishing to object to certification of a matter for trial must file the objection within ten days after receiving the Certificate of Readiness for Trial.
If any counsel wishes to object to the certification of the matter for trial, that party shall file such objection within ten (10) days following receipt of the Certificate of Readiness for Trial.
Civil cases
Page 26 | Certification for Trial
The Plaintiff must file a pretrial statement at least 60 days before the scheduled pretrial conference.
(1) by Plaintiff no less than sixty (60) days prior to the date of the scheduled pretrial conference.
Civil cases
Page 27 | RULE 52-212.2: PRE-TRIAL STATEMENTS
The Defendant must file a pretrial statement at least 30 days before the scheduled pretrial conference.
(2) by Defendant no less than thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled pretrial conference.
Civil cases
Page 27 | RULE 52-212.2: PRE-TRIAL STATEMENTS
Pretrial statements must be filed by the Plaintiff at least 60 days, the Defendant at least 30 days, and an Additional defendant at least 15 days before the scheduled pretrial conference.
(B) Pretrial statements shall be filed: (1) by Plaintiff no less than sixty (60) days prior to the date of the scheduled pretrial conference. (2) by Defendant no less than thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled pretrial conference. (3) by Additional defendant no less than fifteen (15) days prior to the scheduled pretrial conference.
Civil cases
Page 27 | RULE 52-212.2: PRE-TRIAL STATEMENTS
An Additional defendant must file a pretrial statement at least 15 days before the scheduled pretrial conference.
(3) by Additional defendant no less than fifteen (15) days prior to the scheduled pretrial conference.
Civil cases
Page 28 | RULE 52-212.2: PRE-TRIAL STATEMENTS
A person with a possessory or legal interest in an admitted exhibit may file a claim for it within 30 days after trial.
Notwithstanding the above, any person who has a possessory or legal interest in any exhibit which has been introduced into evidence may file a claim for such exhibit within thirty (30) days after trial.
Civil cases
Page 31 | RULE 52-205.2(a): PAPERS AND DOCUMENTS; FILING
A motion for additional arbitrator compensation must be filed and decided before the arbitrators file their report.
Such motion shall be filed and ruled on prior to the filing of the report of arbitrators.
Civil cases
Page 37 | Compensation for arbitrators
The board must file its report and award within 20 days after the hearing concludes.
The board shall file its report and award within twenty (20) days after the conclusion of the hearing.
Civil cases
Page 38 | RULE 52-1303: HEARING AND NOTICE
The hearing must occur within 90 days after the board is appointed unless the court extends the time by order.
The hearing shall be held within ninety (90) days after appointment of the board, unless extended by Order of Court.
Civil cases
Page 38 | RULE 52-1303: HEARING AND NOTICE
The last days for listing for argument are the dates shown for each month in the 2026 calendar.
LAST DAY FOR LISTING FOR ARGUMENT 25-Nov 30-Dec 27-Jan 2-Mar 23-Mar 28-Apr 2-June 30-June 28-July 25-Aug 29-Sept 22-Oct
Page 1 | LAST DAY FOR LISTING FOR ARGUMENT; PROPONENT'S BRIEF DUE; OPPONENT'S BRIEF DUE; ARGUMENT COURT
Opponents' briefs are due on the dates shown for each month in the 2026 calendar.
OPPONENT'S BRIEF DUE 19-Dec 23-Jan 20-Feb 27-Mar 17-Apr 22-May 26-June 24-July 21-Aug 18-Sept 23-Oct 20-Nov
Page 1 | LAST DAY FOR LISTING FOR ARGUMENT; PROPONENT'S BRIEF DUE; OPPONENT'S BRIEF DUE; ARGUMENT COURT
Proponents' briefs are due on the dates shown for each month in the 2026 calendar.
PROPONENT'S BRIEF DUE 3-Dec 9-Jan 6-Feb 13-Mar 2-Apr 8-May 12-June 10-July 7-Aug 4-Sept 9-Oct 6-Nov
Page 1 | LAST DAY FOR LISTING FOR ARGUMENT; PROPONENT'S BRIEF DUE; OPPONENT'S BRIEF DUE; ARGUMENT COURT
The Landlord may request an order for possession within 120 days after the stay is terminated.
The Landlord may request an order for possession within 120 days of the date the stay is stricken, dismissed, lifted or otherwise terminated, as provided by Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. Rule 515(B).
Civil cases
Page 4
LAST DAY FOR LISTING FOR ARGUMENT 26-Nov 31-Dec 28-Jan 25-Feb 25-Mar 28-Apr 20-May 23-June 29-July 26-Aug 30-Sep 28-Oct
LAST DAY FOR LISTING FOR ARGUMENT 26-Nov 31-Dec 28-Jan 25-Feb 25-Mar 28-Apr 20-May 23-June 29-July 26-Aug 30-Sep 28-Oct
Court notice · Notice of rule changes; check the effective date before relying on it
Page 1 | 2025 COURT CALENDAR (AMENDED)
A registered user may move for relief from an untimely filing caused by CountySuite unavailability within ten days of the filing attempt.
If a registered user believes the unavailability of CountySuite prevented a timely filing, the registered user may file a motion within ten (10) days of the registered user’s attempt to file the document.
Civil cases
Page 9 | RULE 52-205.4(H): Miscellaneous
A Declaration may be filed at any stage before the Tenant is removed from the property.
However, a Declaration may be filed at any stage in the proceedings prior to removal of the Tenant(s] from the property.
Civil cases
Page 3
The party filing the Praecipe for Disposition may request oral argument in it, and another party may request oral argument by Praecipe within five days after it is filed.
A party filing a Praecipe for Disposition substantially in the form indicated in Rule 52-206.1(E)(1) may include a request for oral argument within the Praecipe for Disposition. Any other party may request oral argument by filing a Praecipe within five (5) days following the filing of the Praecipe for Disposition.
Civil cases
Page 22 | RULE 52-211: ORAL ARGUMENT
Service and Proof of Service Rules
To invoke the CDC Order’s protection, a tenant must provide the landlord with an executed copy of the specified declaration.
b. In order to invoke the protection of the CDC Order, the Tenant must provide to their Landlord an executed copy of the form Declaration for the CDC’s Temporary Halt in Evictions to Prevent Further Spread of COVID-19, a copy of which is attached hereto and available at http://www.pacourts.us/forms/for-the-public.
Civil cases
Page 2 | ORDER
Each adult listed on the lease, rental agreement, or housing contract must complete and provide a declaration to the landlord.
(1) Every adult listed on the lease, rental agreement, or housing contract shall complete and provide a Declaration to the Landlord.
Civil cases
Page 2 | ORDER
The magisterial district judge must deliver a copy of the hearing notice to all parties.
Deliver a copy of the hearing notice to all parties.
Civil cases
Page 3
You must provide a copy of the declaration to your landlord, property owner, or other person with the right to evict or remove you.
Under the CDC’s order you must provide a copy of this declaration to your landlord, owner of the residential property where you live, or other person who has a right to have you evicted or removed from where you live.
Civil cases
Page 7 | Supplemental Instructions
After an electronic filing is accepted, the filing party must provide the Sheriff with the proper service fee and documents for original service and writs.
Once an electronic filing has been accepted by the Prothonotary, it shall be the responsibility of the filing party to provide to the Sheriff the proper service fee and documents for original service and writs.
Civil cases
Page 8 | RULE 52-205.4: ELECTRONIC FILING AND SERVICE OF LEGAL PAPERS
The filing party must serve filed documents under the applicable court rules; CountySuite does not serve them.
The filing party is responsible for service of the filed documents in accordance with the applicable rules of court. CountySuite does not have a service component.
Civil cases
Page 8 | RULE 52-205.4: ELECTRONIC FILING AND SERVICE OF LEGAL PAPERS
The petitioner is responsible for serving the rule on all interested parties.
(4) petitioner shall be responsible for service of this rule upon all interested parties.
Civil cases
Page 14 | RULE 52-206.6: RULE TO SHOW CAUSE - ISSUANCE AS OF COURSE
The moving party must serve the motion and proposed order on all other parties under Rule 52-440, with notice of the Motions Court presentation date and time.
It shall be the responsibility of the moving party to serve a copy of the Motion and proposed Order on all other parties in accordance with Leb.Co.R.Civ.P. 52 -440. (2) Service must include notice of the date and time at which the matter will be presented in Motions Court.
Civil cases
Page 19 | Service
Motions must be served on opposing counsel or parties and the Court Administration Office by 4:30 p.m. on the preceding Wednesday.
and must be served upon all opposing counsel and/or parties and the Court Administration Office no later than 4:30 p.m. on the Wednesday preceding Motions Court.
Civil cases
Page 20 | Time for Motions Court
A motion will not be disposed of unless the pertinent parties or counsel are present, or a certificate establishes service by 4:30 p.m. on the preceding Wednesday.
No Order disposing of a Motion will be made unless all pertinent parties and/or their counsel are present or unless a Certificate of Service exists establishing service of the Motion no later than 4:30 p.m. on the Wednesday preceding Motions Court;
Civil cases
Page 21 | RULE 52-209
A copy of the Certificate of Readiness for Trial must be served on all counsel having an interest in the case at least fifteen days before filing.
that a copy of this certificate of readiness has been served on all counsel having an interest in the case no less tha n fifteen (15) days prior to the filing
Civil cases
Page 25 | Certification for Trial
The party filing a document is responsible for serving it on all other parties or their counsel.
It shall be the responsibility of a party filing a document to insure that the document is served upon all other parties or their counsel.
Civil cases
Page 32 | RULE 52-440: SERVICE ON OPPOSING PARTIES
When publication service is appropriate, publish the notice once in the Lebanon County Legal Journal and once in a Lebanon County newspaper of general circulation, using the specified address unless the court orders otherwise.
Service by publication , when appropriate , shall be made by publishing the appropriate notice one (1) time in the Lebanon County Legal Journal and one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation in Lebanon County. The address on the notice required by Pa.R.Civ.P. 430 shall be the same office designated by the Court in Leb.R.Civ.P. 1018. For purposes of this Rule , the Lebanon County Legal Journal is designated as the legal publication for the Court of Common Pleas of Lebanon County unless otherwise spec ified by Order of Court.
Civil cases
Page 32 | RULE 52-430: SERVICE BY PUBLICATION
For service by mail, a party may leave copies of all filed documents and proposed orders with stamped, addressed envelopes at the Prothonotary’s Office; the Prothonotary mails them and files a Certificate of Service that is prima facie proof of service.
(D) Service shall be accomplished by either of the following methods: (1) By leaving at the Prothonotary’s Office a copy of all filed documents and proposed Orders together with stamped envelopes addressed for each opposing counsel and/or unrepresented litigant(s). The Prothonotary shall use the envelopes provided to serve all filed documents and accompanying Orders of Court by mail. Thereafter, the Prothonotary shall complete and file a Certificate of Service in compliance with sub -section (C). Such certificate shall constitute prima facie proof that service was accomplished;
Civil cases
Page 33
The person effecting service must file a Certificate of Service identifying everyone served, the service method and date, the destination, and the server’s name and signature.
(C) A Certificate of Service must be filed by the person effecting service setting forth the following: (1) the names of all persons served; (2) the method of service; (3) the date of service; (4) the address, fax number or email location to which service was made; and (5) the name and signature of the person who personally effectuated service.
Civil cases
Page 33
Service may be made by facsimile or email to the address listed on counsel’s latest Entry of Appearance.
by facsimile transmission or email transmission, to the address set forth on counsel’s latest Entry of Appearance.
Civil cases
Page 33
A party may directly serve filed documents on opposing parties or counsel but must file a Certificate of Service; the Prothonotary serves any court-issued Order or Rule to Show Cause and files a certificate that is prima facie proof of service.
(2) By directly serving copies of all filed documents upon all opposing parties or their counsel in accordance with sub - section (B) of this rule. The party serving such documents shall be required to file a Certificate of Service in compliance with sub -section (C) above. Once the court issues any Order or Rule to Show Cause, the Prothonotary shall serve a copy of that document on all parties or their counsel by any method permitted in sub -section (B). Thereafter, the Prothonotary shall file a Certificate of Service in compliance with sub -section (C). Such certificate shall constitute prima facie proof that service was accomplished.
Civil cases
Page 34
The board chair must set the hearing's time and place and give written notice at least 30 days beforehand to the parties, their counsel, and the other arbitrators.
The chairman of the Board of Arbitrators shall fix the time and place for a hearing and shall give at least thirty (30) days written notice to all parties, their counsel and the other arbitrators
Civil cases
Page 38 | RULE 52-1303: HEARING AND NOTICE
For specially scheduled arbitration panels, Court Administration must set the hearing's time and place and give written notice at least 30 days beforehand to the parties, their counsel, and the arbitrators.
For specially scheduled Arbitration panels established pursuant to Rule 52 -1302(E), Court Administration shall fix the time and place for a hearing and shall give at least thirty (30) days written notice to all parties, their counsel and the arbitrators.
Civil cases
Page 38 | RULE 52-1303: HEARING AND NOTICE
Service may be made by any method permitted by the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.
Service under this rule may be effectuated by any method permitted by the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, including
Civil cases
Page 32 | RULE 52-440: SERVICE ON OPPOSING PARTIES
Petitions must be served on all opposing parties in accordance with Rule 52-440.
All petitions must be served upon all opposing parties in accordance with Rule 52-440.
Civil cases
Page 10 | RULE 52-206.1(a): Petitions
Filing Fees and Waivers
A legal paper submitted without the requisite fees is not deemed accepted for filing until payment is received.
If a legal paper is accepted for filing by the Prothonotary, it shall be deemed to have been filed the date and time it was received by CountySuite. If a legal paper is submitted without the requisite fees, the legal paper shall be deemed to have been accepted for filing as of the date payment is received, pursuant to 42 P.S. §21073(b).
Civil cases
Page 8 | RULE 52-205.4: ELECTRONIC FILING AND SERVICE OF LEGAL PAPERS
Electronic filers must report payment errors to the Prothonotary’s office as soon as possible and no later than 45 days after payment.
Electronic filers shall alert the Prothonotary’s office of any payment errors as soon as possible and not later than forty -five (45) days after the payment date.
Civil cases
Page 6 | RULE 52-205.4: ELECTRONIC FILING AND SERVICE OF LEGAL PAPERS
E-filing fees may be paid by credit card, but future filing fees cannot be paid through advance deposits.
(1) The Prothonotary will accept credit cards for payment of all e-filing fees. The Prothonotary will not accept advance deposits for payment of future filing fees.
Civil cases
Page 6 | RULE 52-205.4: ELECTRONIC FILING AND SERVICE OF LEGAL PAPERS
The Prothonotary may charge a credit-card convenience fee in the amount stated in the current fee schedule.
(2) The Prothonotary is authorized to charge a convenience fee for credit card payments. The convenience fee will be as stated in the current Prothonotary fee schedule.
Civil cases
Page 6 | RULE 52-205.4: ELECTRONIC FILING AND SERVICE OF LEGAL PAPERS
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Two copies of every brief or memorandum of law must be provided to Court Administration when filed with the Prothonotary.
Two copies of all Briefs and/or Memoranda of Law shall be provided to Court Administration simultaneously with their filing in the Prothonotary’s Office.
Civil cases
Page 2 | RULE 52-205.2(a): PAPERS AND DOCUMENTS; FILING
Copies of appeals, exceptions, and post-trial motions must be provided directly to the chambers of the judge whose decision is challenged.
Copies of all Appeals, Exceptions or Post -Trial Motions are to be provided directly to the Chambers of the Judge whose decision is being challenged.
Civil cases
Page 2 | RULE 52-205.2(a): PAPERS AND DOCUMENTS; FILING
Two copies of each brief must be delivered to Court Administration when the brief is filed with the Prothonotary.
Two (2) copies of any brief shall be delivered to Court Administration simultaneously with the filing of the brief with the Prothonotary.
Civil cases
Page 22 | RULE 52-210: FORM OF BRIEFS
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
A filing party seeking to file documents under seal must designate them as sealed in CountySuite and submit a proper motion to the Court; the designation alone does not seal them.
(1) Documents intended to be filed under seal shall be designated as “sealed” in CountySuite. However, designation of documents as “sealed” does not seal the documents. In addition to making the designation in CountySuite, the filing party must also submit a proper Motion for sealing documents to the Court.
Civil cases
Page 6 | RULE 52-205.4: ELECTRONIC FILING AND SERVICE OF LEGAL PAPERS
Confidential Information Forms and documents properly filed with a Confidential Document Form under the cited policy are sealed without a motion.
(2) Confidential Information Forms and documents properly filed with a Confidential Document Form pursuant to Case Records Policy of the United Judicial System of Pennsylvania will be sealed without motion.
Civil cases
Page 6 | RULE 52-205.4: ELECTRONIC FILING AND SERVICE OF LEGAL PAPERS
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Civil applications requiring judicial action must be presented at a Motions Court session unless excluded by this rule or Pa.R.Civ.P. 208.1.
All civil applications to the Court requiring action by a Judge, except those hereafter excluded or otherwise excluded by Pa.R.Civ.P. 208.1 , shall be presented to the Court at a session of Motions Court.
Civil cases
Page 17 | RULE 52.208.3(A)(1): Scope of Rule
Before seeking motion relief, a party must contact opposing counsel to seek concurrence, except in emergencies; no concurrence request is required of an unrepresented litigant, and every motion must state whether concurrence was obtained.
Except in emergency circumstances, any party seeking relief from the Court by way of motion shall contact all opposing counsel to seek concurrence with respect to that motion. A statement of concurrence or non-concurrence shall be set forth in all motions. It shall not be necessary for a moving party to seek concurrence from a unrepresented litigant.
Civil cases
Page 17 | RULE 52.208.3: MOTIONS AND MOTIONS COURT
After a Praecipe for Disposition is filed, the Court will set a briefing and/or argument schedule and notify all parties.
(b) Once a Praecipe for Disposition has been filed, the Court will establish a schedule for filing of briefs and/or argument and notify all parties of that schedule.
Civil cases
Page 12 | Praecipe for Disposition
If a response to a Rule to Show Cause raises disputed material facts, either party may file a substantially conforming Praecipe for Hearing, after which the Court notifies the parties of the hearing date and time.
When the Court has issued a Rule to Show Cause and a party files a response raising disputed issues of material fact, either party may file a Praecipe for Hearing substantially in the form set forth in Rule 52 -206.1(E)(2). Once a Praecipe for Hearing has been filed, the Court will notify all parties of the date and time assigned for that hearing.
Civil cases
Page 15 | (C) Praecipe for Hearing
If a response to a Rule to Show Cause presents no disputed material facts, either party may file a substantially conforming Praecipe for Disposition, after which the Court sets and communicates a briefing and/or argument schedule.
When the Court has issued a Rule to Show Cause and a party files a response with no disputed issues of material fact, either party may file a Praecipe for Disposition substantially in the form set for in Rule 52 -206.1(E)(1). Once a Praecipe for Disposition has been filed, the Court will establish a schedule for filing of briefs and/or argument and notify all parties of that schedule.
Civil cases
Page 15 | (B) Praecipe for Disposition
Oral trial or hearing motions, uncontested motions, summary-judgment motions, post-trial motions, assigned-judge pretrial motions, and motions for preliminary injunction seeking immediate ex parte relief need not be presented at Motions Court; the rule specifies filing, service, or routing procedures for several categories.
The following motions need not be presented in a session of Motions Court: (a) Motions made orally at trial or hearing. (b) Uncontested motions – All uncontested motions are to be filed with the Lebanon County Prothonotary together with a certificate signed by counsel indicating that the motion is uncontested. All uncontested motions will proceed in accordance with Leb.Co.R.Civ.P. 52-208.2(D) (c) Motions for Summary Judgment – Motions for Summary Judgment will proceed in accordance with Leb.Co.R.Civ.P. 52 -1035.2 (d) Post-Trial Motions – Post-Trial Motions will proceed in accordance with Leb.Co.R.Civ.P. 227.1. (e) Motions in Limine, Discovery Motions and other Pre-trial Motions where a case has already been assigned to a Judge shall be filed with the Prothonotary and served on all other counsel/ unrepresented litigants. Thereafter, the presiding Judge will decide how the motion is to be resolved. (f) Motions for Preliminary Injunction seeking immediate ex parte relief – These motions are to be filed with the Prothonotary and a copy shall be given immediately to the Court Administrator’s Office. These matters shall thereafter proceed as directed by the assigned Judge.
Civil cases
Page 17 | RULE 52.208.3(A)(2): Scope of Rule
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
When a motion is first presented, a responding party is entitled to a continuance upon submitting a written request to the Lebanon County Court Administration Office.
When a Motion is sought to be presented for the first time, a responding party shall be entitled to a continuance upon written request submitted to the Lebanon County Court Administration Office.
Civil cases
Page 20 | Time for Motions Court
In cases involving relief impacting children, a continuance is not granted as of course; the presiding judge decides whether to grant the request.
In cases involving relief impacting children, no continuance request will be granted as of course and such continuance request shall be granted or denied at the discretion of the presiding judge.
Civil cases
Page 20 | Time for Motions Court
Any party may request a subsequent continuance in writing from the Court Administration Office, and the presiding Judge decides whether to grant it.
Any party may request subsequent continuances via a written request to the Court Administration Office, which shall be granted or denied at the discretion of the presiding Judge.
Civil cases
Page 20 | Time for Motions Court
Chambers Communication Rules
If the questionnaire is still incomplete during the weekend before reporting, complete it and bring it; at any other time, call Court Administration during the stated hours.
If you forgot to complete and/or return your questionnaire and it is the weekend before your jury duty reporting date, simply complete each of the questions and bring the form with you when you report for jury duty. If, however, you discover that you have not completed and/or returned your questionnaire at any other time, please call Court Administration, 717-228-4440 (Mon-Fri. 8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.).
Page 1 | What if I forgot to complete and/or return my questionnaire?
Jurors with hearing, sight, or mobility concerns should notify the Court Administration Office before service.
If you have a hearing, sight or mobility concern, please advise the Court Administration Office prior to your service.
Page 1 | Courtroom Accessibility to the Physically Challenged
Jurors who are selected for trial are asked to either check the Lebanon County website's Jury Trial List page OR call (717) 272-0820 after 5:00 P.M. each night to listen to a recorded message with reporting instructions.
Jurors who are selected for trial are asked to either check the Lebanon County website's Jury Trial List page OR call (717) 272-0820 after 5:00 P.M. each night to listen to a recorded message with reporting instructions.
Page 1 | First Day of Jury Service