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

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Summary judgment motion

A motion for summary judgment must include a supporting brief that complies with Rule 52-210.

Motions for Summary Judgment shall be accompanied by a Brief in Support Thereof and in compliance with Rule 52 - 210.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Objection

An objection to trial certification must state the proceeding's status and all reasons counsel believes the matter is not ready 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;

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Pretrial statement

Counsel’s pretrial statements must include the listed information in addition to what Pa.R.Civ.P. 212.2 requires.

(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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Legal paper

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.

(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.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Complaint and affidavit

For the listed offenses, the complaint and affidavit must receive approval from an attorney for the Commonwealth before filing or acceptance by a judicial officer.

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Hearing request

The Landlord may challenge the truth and/or applicability of a Declaration by requesting, in writing, a hearing.

The Landlord may challenge the truth and/or applicability of a Declaration by requesting, in writing, a hearing.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Certificate

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.

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Objection

An objection to trial certification must be accompanied by a Praecipe for Status Conference under Rule 52-212(G).

The objection shall be accompanied by a Praecipe for Status Conference as set forth in Rule 52 -212(G).

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion

A motion containing factual averments must include a verification or affidavit signed by someone with knowledge of the facts.

Motions setting forth factual averments must be accompanied by a verification or affidavit signed by a person having knowledge of the facts contained therein.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion or petition

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.

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion for rule absolute

Must include

proposed order, certificate of service

A Motion for Rule Absolute must append the specified Certificates of Service and include a proposed Order stating the uncontested relief.

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

A proposed order must accompany every motion.

All motions must be accompanied by a proposed Order.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Certificate

A party seeking to proceed to trial before the date in the Case Management Order must file a Certificate of Readiness for Trial with the Prothonotary.

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

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Discovery motion

Must include

certificate of conference

A party may not file a discovery motion without filing and appending a certificate verifying efforts to resolve the dispute with opposing counsel.

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Change of address notice

A change of address notice shall be filed should the address or other contact information of counsel change.

A change of address notice shall be filed should the address or other contact information of counsel change.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Electronically filed legal paper

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.

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:

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion

Must include

certificate of service

When service is completed, the moving party must file a Certificate of Service stating the date and method of service and the name of the person who served it.

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Video deposition

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.

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Digital video evidence

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.

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

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion

A statement of concurrence or non-concurrence shall be set forth in all motions.

A statement of concurrence or non-concurrence shall be set forth in all motions.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Uncontested motion

Must include

proposed order

A motion certified as uncontested must include a proposed Order incorporating the parties’ agreed relief.

Any motion certified as uncontested shall be accompanied by a proposed Order incorporating the relief agreed upon by all parties.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Electronically filed document

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.

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).

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Pretrial conference order

The order scheduling a pretrial conference must set forth the date for filing pretrial statements.

(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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion

A motion concerning a filing delay caused by CountySuite unavailability must state the date and time of the first unsuccessful electronic filing attempt and why the delay was prejudicial.

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Video evidence

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.

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Pretrial conference

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.

(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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

The proposed order requires the respondent to file an answer to the petition.

(2) the respondent shall file an answer to the petition within twenty (20) days of service upon the respondent;

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion

Every motion must contain a brief statement of the applicable authority.

All Motions filed shall contain a brief statement of the applicable authority.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

A petition must be accompanied by an Order or Rule to Show Cause substantially complying with Pa.R.Civ.P. 206.6, unless it is certified as uncontested.

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Complaint

If the Landlord receives the Declaration before the case begins, the Landlord must file a copy with the Complaint.

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,

CRITICALCivil cases

The proffering party must retain the original bulky exhibit and enter its photograph into the record in its place.

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Entry of appearance

Counsel able to receive information by email or facsimile must include that information in the Entry of Appearance.

Counsel who have the ability to receive information by email and/or facsimile number shall also include that information within their Entry of Appearance.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Exhibits

After trial or hearing, admitted exhibits and photographs of specified non-documentary evidence must be submitted to the custodian for filing.

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Preliminary objections

Preliminary objections must include a supporting brief that complies with Rule 52-210.

All Preliminary Objections must be accompanied by a Brief In Support Thereof and in compliance with Rule 52 -210.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Post trial motion

A Praecipe for Disposition substantially in the specified form must accompany post-trial motions.

Post-Trial Motions shall be accompanied by a Praecipe for Disposition substantially in the form set forth in Rule 52 -206.1(E)(1)

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition or motion

Petitions or motions alleging facts must include a verification signed by someone with knowledge of those facts.

(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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Summary judgment motion

A motion for summary judgment must include a Praecipe for Disposition substantially in the form prescribed by Rule 52-206.1(E)(1).

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).

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

Must include

proposed order

The petitioner must attach a proposed order substantially in the prescribed form to the petition.

(C) The petitioner shall attach to the petition a proposed order substantially in the following form:

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Exhibits

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.

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.

WARNINGCriminal cases

Applies to

Complaint and affidavit

Approval is not required for the listed robbery offense.

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];

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Confidential document

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.

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.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Praecipe for status conference

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.

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.]

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Praecipe for disposition

In contested matters with no disputed material facts, a party may file a Praecipe for Disposition substantially in the provided 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:

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Declaration

Each adult listed on the lease, rental agreement, or housing contract should complete the declaration.

Each adult listed on the lease, rental agreement, or housing contract should complete this declaration.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Legal document

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 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.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Praecipe for hearing

In contested matters with disputed factual issues, discovery may be conducted with leave of Court, and after permitted discovery is complete, a party may file a Praecipe for Hearing substantially in the provided 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:

INFOCivil cases

Applies to

Declaration

After a Declaration is deemed invalid, the Tenant may refile it with proof of changed circumstances showing that its criteria are satisfied.

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.

INFO

Applies to

Jury service form

Jurors do not need to add a digital signature to the provided forms.

3. Jurors are not required to add a digital signature to any forms provided.