Court of Common Pleas of Lehigh County, Pennsylvania
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Amended Pleading, Responsive Brief
- 1 copy • Upon Filing
Judgment on the Pleadings Motions
- 1 copy • Upon Filing
Preliminary Objections
- 1 copy • Upon Filing
Pretrial Statement
- 1 copy • Not Later Than 5 Days Before Pretrial Conference
Adjournments
- If a guardian ad litem or trustee ad litem is appointed within three weeks of the audit date, the audit date must be continued upon that appointee’s request.
- An arbitration hearing that begins but is not completed must continue the next available morning when the same panel members are scheduled and available.
- A continuance motion may be submitted directly to the assigned judge on the designated form by hand, mail, or fax, but the movant must first confer with counsel and unrepresented parties and state their positions in the motion.
- Cases not reached on the scheduled arbitration day must be continued by the court administrator’s office to the morning of the next generally available arbitration date.
- +5 more
Request must include
- A continuance application must be submitted to the designated judge at least five days before arbitration on the approved form, state all reasons, include opposing counsel’s position, and show good cause; a later-filed pretrial motion does not automatically continue the hearing.
Communication
Phone
Phone
Fax
Document Format Requirements27 rules
All requests for transcripts shall be set forth on the standardized form, Request for Transcript or Copy Form, available at http://www.lccpa.org/forms/RequestforTranscript.pdf
Legal papers must reserve a 3-inch top space on the first sheet, be bound only with a metal binder clip, and have consecutive numbering at the bottom.
Formatting
- •Pages must be numbered consecutively at the bottom
Court's wording
All legal paper shall conform to the following requirements: (a) The first sheet shall contain a 3-inch space from the top of the paper for all court stampings, filing notices, etc.; (b) Be firmly bound by means of a metal binder clip only and numbered consecutively at the bottom;
In all matters where briefs are to be filed, an original and one copy shall be filed with the Clerk and served upon the other interested parties in accordance with these Rules.
- Brief
Formatting
- •File an original and one copy of the brief with the Clerk
All briefs shall include proper legal citations conforming to the Uniform System of Citations and contain:
A required signature must be supplied as a scanned original signature, a digitalized signature, or the filer’s name preceded by “/s/” together with the attorney’s printed name.
Court's wording
A required signature shall be supplied either by filing a scanned image of the legal paper that bears the original signature of the filer, or, by affixing the digitalized signature, or the name of the filer preceded by /s/, and the printed name of the filer’s attorney, to the electronically filed legal paper.
All electronically filed legal papers shall be in Portable Document Format (hereafter, “PDF”).
- File type
A 3-inch margin at the top of the first page for timestamp and other official use.
- Margins
- Top 3 inches
Contain a 3-inch margin at the top of the first page for timestamp and other official use.
- Margins
- Top 3 inches
All documents filed through OFS must include page numbers, be in proper sequential order, in legible PDF format
- File type
Formatting
- •Documents must include page numbers
Party information and addresses must be entered using upper and lower case letters and without using any punctuation.
All legal papers shall be filed electronically in Portable Document Format (PDF).
- File type
The first sheet of every pleading, motion, or other legal filing must leave a three-inch space at the top for the Clerk’s stamp and other official use.
Court's wording
Pa.R.C.P. No. 204.1(3) requires that the first sheet of all pleadings, motions and other legal filings shall contain a 3-inch space from the top of the paper. This space shall be reserved solely for the use of the Clerk of Judicial Records – Civil Division for the electronic date and time stamp, and other official use.
A continuance application must use the court-approved continuance request form.
Court's wording
Any application for a continuance of a scheduled arbitration hearing shall be presented on the approved continuance request form to the administrative judge, civil division, or his designee, at least five (5) days prior to the arbitration date. The continuance request must be on a form approved by the court, and shall contain all of the reasons for the request for continuance.
Supreme Court-approved forms are to be used exclusively in Orphans’ Court and Register of Wills practice; the Court may also approve other forms, which are maintained on its website.
Court's wording
Except to the extent of Supreme Court-approved forms, which are to be used exclusively in practice before the Orphans’ Court and Register of Wills, and which are available on the website of the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, from time to time, the Court may approve other forms to facilitate practice and procedure before the Court and such forms are maintained at the Court’s website at www.lccpa.org/orphans.
(9) All pages shall be numbered consecutively. The number shall appear at the bottom center position of each page.
(10) All copies attached to documents shall be clear and legible.
(4) All documents shall be single-sided and double-spaced, except that quotations, footnotes and exhibits may be single-spaced.
- Line spacing
- Double
(1) The use of backers and/or toppers is prohibited.
(2) All documents shall be fastened together by staples.
- Binding
- Stapled
(7) Attachments smaller than 8-1/2” x 11” shall be attached to regular size paper by using scotch tape.
Do not highlight original-document text with colored markers; bolding or a different font style or size may be used instead.
Court's wording
(3) The text of original documents shall not be highlighted by the use of colored markers. Highlighting of text can be done by bolding or by using a different style and size of font.
(5) The font size of all documents shall be not less 12 points.
- Font size
- 12 points
(6) Paper shall be of good quality and shall not exceed 8-1/2” x 11” in size.
- Paper size
- Letter
(8) All exhibits shall be identified as such on the bottom center of each document as well as by exhibit tabs.
The settlement-conference report must follow the format approved by the court and provided by the civil court coordinator.
Court's wording
Within five (5) days following each settlement conference, the lawyer mediator shall submit to the court administrator’s office a written report in the format approved by the court provided to the lawyer mediator by the civil court coordinator at the time of appointment, which report shall identify the parties to the litigation, their counsel, whether any attorney failed to appear, offers/demands of settlement (except as provided in (e) (4) above), recommendations of the lawyer mediator, whether the case settled and/or the possibility of settlement, and whether additional involvement of the lawyer mediator is necessary to effectuate settlement.
The points for charge requested from the Pennsylvania Suggested Standard Civil Jury Instructions shall be listed only by section number and not set forth verbatim.
Unless leave of court is obtained or all parties agree otherwise, and excepting videotape depositions for use at trial, all depositions in cases filed with this court shall be taken in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania.
Document Filing Requirements246 rules
A search warrant application in a juvenile delinquency matter must be approved by an attorney for the Commonwealth before filing.
Court's wording
The District Attorney of Lehigh County having filed a certification pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P. 202, search warrants, in all circumstances, shall not be issued by any judicial officer unless the search warrant application has the approval of an attorney for the Commonwealth prior to filing.
For an ordinary transcript, the requester must file the original Request for Transcript Form with the filing office appropriate to the case type.
Court's wording
For an ordinary transcript, the party requesting a full or partial transcript of a trial or other court proceeding shall file the original Request for Transcript Form with the appropriate filing office (i.e., Clerk of Judicial Records – Civil Division, Clerk of Judicial Records – Criminal Division, Orphans’ Court, or the Domestic Relations Section) based upon the specific case type.
Legal Aid-approved litigants need not otherwise prove economic hardship but must attach a certification letter establishing financial eligibility and that the matter is under appeal or the transcript is necessary to advance current litigation.
Court's wording
Litigants who have been approved for representation by Legal Aid Services are not required to further prove economic hardship pursuant to section (B)(1) above; however, they must attach to their Request for Transcript Form a letter of certification from Legal Aid Services that the litigant meets financial eligibility and that the matter is under appeal or that the transcript being requested is necessary to advance the current litigation.
A request to waive or reduce transcript fees must be noted on the Request for Transcript Form and include a completed IFP petition, even if IFP status was previously granted.
Court's wording
Pursuant to Pa.R.J.A. 4008(B), a request to waive or reduce transcript fees shall be noted on the Request for Transcript Form and include a fully completed In Forma Pauperis Petition pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 240, even if IFP status was previously granted on the case.
Every attorney presenting or filing any paper with the Court or the Clerk shall endorse thereon his or her name, Supreme Court identification number, office address and telephone number.
(2) Accounts filed after the filing of a final account shall be designated “First (Second, as the case maybe) Supplemental Account to (Title of the original account);
Supplemental accounts shall conform to the original accounts in every detail, including form, execution and verification.
Qualifying appointed assets must be shown in a separate account and excluded from the donee’s own estate account unless the donor-jurisdiction court has adjudicated a blending.
Court's wording
Assets appointed by the donee of a testamentary power and which must be accounted for by the fiduciary of the donee because they were awarded by a court of the donor’s jurisdiction, shall be shown in an entirely separate account. Such assets shall not be included in an account of the donee’s own estate unless the court of the donor’s jurisdiction has adjudicated a blending by the donee of the appointed estate with his own.
Separate accounts of the appointed estate shall be captioned in the name of the state of the donor or the power. The caption shall also set forth accountant’s name, describing the accountant as fiduciary of the done, and the court which awarded the assets to accountant.
- Document
- Appointed estate account
- Placement
- Caption
The caption of all accounts filed for the estates of minors shall set forth the date of birth of the minor.
- Document
- Account
- Placement
- Caption
(3) When an account which has been filed is restated in its entirety, it shall carry the title of the original account with the words “As Restated” added;
(4) The titles “Amended” or “Revised Account” shall not be used.
(1) All accounts shall be designated consecutively, as the case may be, viz.: First and Partial, Second and Partial, etc.; First and Final, Second and Final, etc.;
Items of distribution shall not be blended with credit items. Accounts containing such blending shall not be filed, and if filed, will not be confirmed.
The accounts filed by Institutional Trustees and by Cemetery Companies as Trustee pursuant to 9 Pa. C.S.A. §308 shall include therein a schedule containing information sufficient to demonstrate compliance with 9 Pa. C.S.A. §303 regarding periodic deposits to permanent lot care funds.
An amended Petition for Adjudication/Statement of Proposed Distribution shall include all exhibits which are not already part of the record.
Notice of an amended petition must follow the manner used for a supplemental account and state the reason for the amendment.
Court's wording
Notice of an amended Petition for Adjudication/Statement of Proposed Distribution shall be given in the same manner as in the case of a supplemental account (Pa. O.C. Rule 2.5) and shall include the reason therefore.
An amended petition must include the case caption, specified heading, required contents, and signatures of the original signers or their counsel of record.
- Document
- Amended petition for adjudication
Must include
- •Caption
Court's wording
An amended Petition for Adjudication/Statement of Proposed Distribution shall contain the caption of the case, a heading “Amended P etit ion for Adjudi cati on/ Statement of Proposed Distribution,” contents in conformity with Leh. O.C. Rule 2.5-3 hereof, and shall be signed by the parties who executed the Petition for Adjudication/Statement of Proposed Distribution or their counsel of record.
Counsel for the accountant must certify examination of the last recorded deed or its record and that the submitted description exactly matches the recorded deed.
Court's wording
Counsel for the accountant shall certify that he has examined the last recorded deed or the record thereof in the public office for the recording of deeds in the county in which the real estate is located and that the description submitted is a true and exact copy of the description contained in the recorded deed.
A proposed in-kind distribution generally requires a signed and acknowledged writing filed with the petition that identifies the elected assets, their allotment values, and the requested distribution order, subject to the stated exceptions.
Court's wording
Whenever unconverted personalty or realty is included in the balance of an account and distribution thereof in kind is proposed, a writing shall be filed with the Petition for Adjudication/Statement of Proposed Distribution, signed by the prospective distributee or distributees and acknowledged before a person duly authorized to take acknowledgments, setting forth his or their election to take in kind, designating clearly and accurately the particular asset or assets included in the election, stating the values at which said asset or assets shall be allotted, and requesting the Court to order distribution accordingly; provided that the foregoing rule shall not apply in the following instances:
A petition proposing distribution of unconverted real estate must include each parcel’s metes-and-bounds description, PIN, and the derivation of the decedent’s title.
Court's wording
Whenever the distribution of unconverted real estate is proposed, whether in satisfaction of a specific devise or a request for distribution in kind, there shall be submitted with the Petition for Adjudication/Statement of Proposed Distribution a description by metes and bounds and Parcel Identification Number (“PIN”) of each tract or parcel of realty to be distributed, together with a recital of the derivation of decedent’s title.
After final confirmation, a personal representative or interested party may petition regarding newly discovered assets without a supplemental inventory or formal accounting, and the petition must include the specified tax, claimant, distributee, and proposed-distribution information.
Court's wording
Whenever additional assets are discovered after audit and final confirmation of an account, a petition by the personal representative or any interested party may be presented to the Court without the filing of a supplemental inventory or a formal accounting. The petition shall set forth that no transfer inheritance tax is due or that any such tax due has been paid as shown by a true and correct copy of the official receipt therefor attached to the petition as an exhibit; that there are no known unpaid claimants of the estate or, if there be such claimants, the names, addresses, and amounts claimed by such claimants; the names and addresses of those entitled to receive distribution and the facts supporting such conclusions; and a Petition for Adjudication/Statement of Proposed Distribution.
(b) Any party distributing, paying or delivering money or other property to a distributee may, at the time thereof, require the distributee or his counsel to execute a Satisfaction of Award and shall file same with the Clerk.
(a) There shall be attached to all petitions as exhibits the originals or copies of all wills, codicils, agreements and other written instruments relied upon.
Whenever a written instrument in a language other than English is attached to a petition as an exhibit, it shall be accompanied by an English translation sworn to or affirmed by the translator to be a true and correct translation of the original.
An attorney’s signature on a petition certifies that any uncertified or unauthenticated copies are true and correct copies of the originals.
Court's wording
(b) The signature of an attorney to a petition shall constitute a certification by that attorney that all copies of written or printed instruments, records or documents which are not certified or authenticated, are true and correct copies of the original.
A non-petitioner who consents or joins must append a signed written Consent or Joinder substantially in the prescribed form.
Court's wording
Whenever a party other than a petitioner desires to consent to or join in the prayer of a petition, there shall be appended to the petition, a written “Consent” or “Joinder” signed by the parties substantially in the following form: I, , having read and considered the contents of the foregoing petition, do herewith waive the benefit of all requirements of notice of the presentation, or service upon me, of said petition, do authorize the Court to note my general appearance in said proceeding as though I had appeared personally or by counsel, do herewith waive all objections to the Court’s jurisdiction over my person, and do herewith [consent to the entry of an order as prayed for in said petition] or [join in the prayer of said petition].
(b) All “Consents” and “Joinders” shall be acknowledged before a notary public or other officer duly authorized to take the same.
Every petition must state which interested parties are petitioners or provide the required information about necessary parties’ consents or joinders.
Court's wording
All petitions shall aver that the interested parties are petitioners, or that all consents or joinders of all necessary parties are attached to the petition, or set forth the names of all necessary parties whose consents, approvals or joinders are attached to the petition and the names of all necessary parties whose consent or joinders are not attached to the petition.
Whenever service cannot be made as otherwise provided in this Rule and the facts thereof are made known to the Court by an affidavit supplementing the original petition or motion sought to be served, the Court may enter an order awarding an alias or pluries citation or other order (which may provide for service by publication or other means) as the Court deems necessary.
Briefs must use citations conforming to the Uniform System of Citations and include the specified title page, questions, case statement, argument sections, conclusion, and signature.
Court's wording
All briefs shall include proper legal citations conforming to the Uniform System of Citations and contain: (a) A title page upon which shall appear the caption of the case, including its file number; a designation of the party upon whose behalf the brief is filed and of the matter involved; (b) A statement or counter-statement of the questions involved; in which each question involved shall be set forth clearly and succinctly in a single sentence which can be answered either “Yes” or “No.”; (c) A statement or counter-statement of the case; (d) Summary of argument; (e) Argument, in which each question involved shall be the subject of a separate and distinct subdivision; (f) A short conclusion stating the precise relief sought; and (g) The signature of the attorney or pro se litigant filing the brief.
If filed pro se (an unrepresented party), shall be endorsed with his name, address and telephone number.
A petition requesting leave of court for alternative service is required. See, Leh.O.C. Rule 3.5-3.
If filed by an attorney, shall be endorsed with his name, Supreme Court Identification Number, office address, telephone number and facsimile number;
If mailed, requesting a return receipt, to a foreign country (many of which will not return the receipt card), set forth any facts indicating that the notice was received.
If the receipt is not signed or is not returned, the affidavit shall so state, together with the reason therefore, if known.
If notice was given by mail, facsimile or electronic transmission, the affidavit shall be substantially in the following form:
If notice was given by publication, an affidavit in the following form shall be
A legal paper filed electronically must include a signature block for the name of the authorized filer.
- Document
- Legal paper
- Placement
- Signature block
A petition seeking authority to receive life insurance or death benefit proceeds for a minor without an estate guardian must include the specified petitioner, minor, proceeds, bank-account, deposit-agreement, and parental-consent information.
Court's wording
A petition for authority to receive life insurance and/or death benefit proceeds payable to a minor without the appointment of a guardian of the estate shall include: (1) Petitioner’s name, address and relationship to the minor; (2) The minor’s date of birth and the name, address and relationship of the person with whom the minor resides; (3) The name[s] of the minor’s parent[s] who are not petitioners; (4) A description, including the name of the payor and policy/contract number[s], of the nature and amount of life insurance proceeds/death benefit[s] payable to the minor, including the name, date, place of death and relationship to the minor of the person whose death caused the proceeds to vest in the minor; (5) The name, complete branch address and telephone number of a federally insured bank in which the life insurance proceeds/death benefit[s] will be deposited to a restricted account in the minor’s name during minority; (6) Petitioner’s agreement to file the requisite proofs of deposit of the minor’s life insurance proceeds/death benefit to an interest-bearing bank account in the minor’s name alone, access to which is restricted during minority; and (7) Whether any parent of the minor who is not a petitioner is aware of and consents to the petition.
No Guardian ad litem or Trustee ad litem shall resign without prior approval of the Court pursuant to a petition.
Unless otherwise directed by the Court, requests for compensation shall be in the form of a petition filed with the Clerk and shall be accompanied by an itemized statement of services rendered.
The original order or notice transmitted to the Clerk for filing must identify each attorney or party served and include their names, addresses, and the dates and methods of service.
Court's wording
(b) Copies of orders and court notices generated by the Court Administrator shall be served by the Court Administrator, who shall indicate on the original transmitted to the Clerk for filing, each attorney or party served, including their names, as well as addresses, dates, and methods of service.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
The legal papers which shall be filed electronically shall encompass all written motions, written answers, and any notices or documents for which filing is required or permitted, including orders and attachments, except for the following: (i) applications for search warrants; (ii) applications for arrest warrants; (iii) exhibits offered into evidence, whether or not admitted in a court proceeding; (iv) submissions filed ex parte as authorized by law; (v) written allegations of delinquency; (vi) applications for continuance; and (vii) notice of appeals.
The legal papers which shall be filed electronically shall encompass all written motions, written answers, and any notices or documents for which filing is required or permitted, including orders and attachments, except for the following: (i) applications for search warrants; (ii) applications for arrest warrants; (iii) exhibits offered into evidence, whether or not admitted in a court proceeding; (iv) submissions filed ex parte as authorized by law; (v) written allegations of delinquency; (vi) applications for continuance; and (vii) notice of appeals.
Page 2 | Leh.R.J.C.P. 205(B)(1)(a)
The rule identifies written motions, answers, notices, and other filed or permitted documents, including orders and attachments, for electronic filing, with listed exceptions and specified alternative submission methods for continuance applications and notices of appeal.
The legal papers which shall be filed electronically shall encompass all written motions, written answers, and any notices or documents for which filing is required or permitted, including orders and attachments, except for the following: (i) submissions filed ex parte as authorized by law; (ii) exhibits offered into evidence, whether or not admitted in a court proceeding; and (iii) applications for continuance; and, (1) Applications for continuance for dependency cases can be submitted to Court Administration via facsimile at 610-871- 2779, via email at CAHelp@lehighcounty.org, or in person. (iv) notice of appeals. (1) Notice of Appeals for dependency cases can be submitted to the Clerk of Courts in person, or by mail with appropriate filing fees; or via email at COJRMotions- Orders@lehighcounty.org if the filing fee has been waived.
Page 4 | Leh.R.J.C.P. 1205(B)(1)(a)
Beginning January 1, 2023, legal papers in Orphans’ Court cases must be e-filed, except Guardians’ Inventories and Annual Reports, which may be filed on paper or through GTS.
Effective January1, 2023, the Orphans’ Court Division of the Court of Common Pleas of Lehigh County (hereafter, “the Court”), mandates the electronic filing of legal papers in all Orphans’ Court cases, with the exception of Guardians’ Inventories, pursuant to 20 Pa.C.S.A. §§5142 and 5541(b) and Guardians’ Annual Reports pursuant to 20 Pa.C.S.A. §5521(c)(i) and (ii), which may be filed in paper form with the Court, or filed through the AOPC’s Guardianship Tracking System (“GTS”).
Civil cases
Page 11 | Rule 4.7-1 ELECTRONIC FILING OF LEGAL PAPERS
Beginning January 1, 2023, papers regarding grants of letters and inheritance tax returns must be e-filed, while Wills and Codicils must also be filed on paper.
Effective January 1, 2023, the Clerk of Judicial Records of Lehigh County - Register of Wills Division (hereafter, “Register of Wills”), mandates the electronic filing of legal papers regarding the grant of letters and inheritance tax returns, provided however that testamentary writings (Wills and Codicils) must also be filed in paper form.
Civil cases
Page 11 | Rule 4.7-1 ELECTRONIC FILING OF LEGAL PAPERS
Legal papers are electronically filed through Odyssey File and Serve at the stated website.
The website for electronically filing legal papers through the Court’s electronic filing application known as “Odyssey File and Serve” (hereafter, “OFS”) is: https://pennsylvania.tylertech.cloud/ofsweb
Civil cases
Page 12 | Rule 4.7-1 ELECTRONIC FILING OF LEGAL PAPERS
All parties and counsel must register for OFS with a username and password, supply a valid email address, and create an account for paying filing fees.
To use the OFS system all parties and counsel must register User Name and Password by supplying a valid email address and creating an account for payment of filing fees.
Civil cases
Page 12 | Rule 4.7-1 ELECTRONIC FILING OF LEGAL PAPERS
(1)(a) The legal papers which shall be filed electronically shall encompass all written motions, written answers, and any notices or documents for which filing is required or permitted, including orders and attachments, except for the following: (i) applications for search warrants; (ii) applications for arrest warrants; (iii) any grand jury materials, except the indicting grand jury indictment or the investigating grand jury presentment; (iv) submissions filed ex parte as authorized by law; (v) submissions filed or authorized to be filed under seal; (vi) exhibits offered into evidence, whether or not admitted in a court proceeding; and
(1)(a) The legal papers which shall be filed electronically shall encompass all written motions, written answers, and any notices or documents for which filing is required or permitted, including orders and attachments, except for the following: (i) applications for search warrants; (ii) applications for arrest warrants; (iii) any grand jury materials, except the indicting grand jury indictment or the investigating grand jury presentment; (iv) submissions filed ex parte as authorized by law; (v) submissions filed or authorized to be filed under seal; (vi) exhibits offered into evidence, whether or not admitted in a court proceeding; and
Criminal cases
Page 20 | Leh.R.Cr.P. 576.1. ELECTRONIC FILING AND SERVICE OF LEGAL PAPERS
Criminal notices of appeal may be submitted in person or by mail with the required fee, or by email if the fee has been waived.
Notice of Appeals for criminal cases can be submitted to the Clerk of Courts in person, or by mail with appropriate filing fees; or via email at COJRMotions-Orders@lehighcounty.org if the filing fee has been waived.
Criminal cases
Page 21
Complete the Case Information, Party Information, and Filings sections, selecting Orphans’ Court as the location, Family as the category, and a case type from the menu.
Complete the Case Information Section by selecting “Orphans’ Court” as the Location: and “Family” as the Category, and selecting a Case Type from the dropdown menu then complete the Party Information Section and the Filings Section
Page 2 | I. General E-filing, G
The specified Petition for Adjudication/Statement of Proposed Distribution must be filed as a separate lead document in the same envelope.
“Petition for Adjudication/Statement of Proposed Distribution (OC Forms OC-01 through OC-05)” must be filed as a separate lead document in the same envelope
Page 3 | III. Notes For Certain Case Types — A. Formal Fiduciary Accounts
Civil Settlement Petitions and Orphans’ Court Settlement Petitions must be electronically submitted through OFS for Orphans’ Court review.
All Civil Settlement Petitions as well as Orphans’ Court Settlement Petitions must be electronically submitted through OFS for Orphans’ Court review as follows:
Page 3 | III. Notes For Certain Case Types — B. Settlement Petitions
Minor’s, Decedent’s, and Incapacitated Person’s Settlement Petitions must be submitted for review before filing.
Minor’s, Decedent’s and Incapacitated Person’s Settlement Petitions required to be submitted for review before filing pursuant to Leh. R.C.P. 2039, 2206 and 2056.
Page 3 | III. Notes For Certain Case Types — B. Settlement Petitions
For a Minor’s Compromise submission, start a new Orphans’ Court case in the Family category, select Minor’s Settlement, enter the specified party information, select the stated filing code, and upload the petition, exhibits, and proposed order.
Select a “Start A New Case” Select “Orphans’ Court” as the Location Select “Family” as the Category Select “Minor’s Settlement” as Case Type In Party Information section: • Enter full name of minor’s parent/guardian as “Petitioner” • Enter Minor’s initials and full name Select Draft Petition Settlement Minor’s Comp as the Filing Code. Upload the petition, exhibits and proposed order.
Page 3 | III. Notes For Certain Case Types — B.1.c(i) Minor’s Compromise
An Application for Listing on a scheduled Audit List must be filed as a separate lead document in the same envelope.
“Application for Listing” on a scheduled Audit List must be filed as separate lead document in the same envelope
Page 3 | III. Notes For Certain Case Types — A. Formal Fiduciary Accounts
For an Incapacitated Person submission, start a new Orphans’ Court case in the Family category, select Incapacitated Person’s Settlement, enter the specified party information, select the stated filing code, and upload the petition, exhibits, and proposed order.
Select a “Start A New Case” Select “Orphans’ Court” as the Location Select “Family” as the Category Select “Incapacitated Person’s Settlement” as Case Type In Party Information section: • Enter name of the Guardian of the Estate “Petitioner” • Enter name of the incapacitated plaintiff/person as the “Alleged Incapacitated Person” Select Draft Petition Settlement Incapacitated Person as the Filing Code. Upload the petition, exhibits and proposed order
Page 4 | III. Notes For Certain Case Types — B.1.c(iii) Incapacitated Person
File the listed proof-of-compliance documents in Orphans’ Court, not the Civil Division, using the applicable settlement case type and OC number and one of the listed filing codes.
File in Orphan’s Court (NOT in Civil Division) using the Minor’s Settlement case type and OC number, or the Death Case Settlement case type and OC number, by selecting from the following Filing Codes: Affidavit of Deposit of Minor’s Funds Attorney’s Certificate of Compliance re Deposit of Minor’s Funds Parent/Guardian’s Certification of Establishment of Restricted Account For Minor Proof of Purchase of Annuity
Page 4 | III. Notes For Certain Case Types — B.3 Proof of Compliance
After Orphans’ Court review, use the specific filing codes in the Settlement Case Management Order’s directions to formally file the settlement petition and proposed order.
Upon completion of Orphans’ Court review, Settlement Case Management Order are issued with Directions that include specific filing codes to be used to formally file the settlement petition and proposed order
Page 4 | III. Notes For Certain Case Types — B.2 Settlement Petitions Approved for Filing
For a Death Case submission, start a new Orphans’ Court case in the Family category, select Death Case Settlement, enter the specified party information, select the stated filing code, and upload the petition, exhibits, and proposed order.
Select a “Start A New Case” Select “Orphans’ Court” as the Location Select “Family” as the Category Select “Death Case Settlement” as Case Type In Party Information section: • Enter name of Executor/Administrator as the Petitioner • Enter full name of Decedent Select Draft Petition Settlement Death Case as the Filing Code. Upload the petition, exhibits and proposed order
Page 4 | III. Notes For Certain Case Types — B.1.c(ii) Death Case
Electronic filing and electronic service of legal papers are mandatory in civil cases, and are also mandatory in custody and divorce matters effective January 1, 2020, except Protection From Abuse and Domestic Relations cases.
In accordance with Pa. R. C. P. No.239.9, the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas mandates the electronic filing of legal papers in Civil cases and the electronic service of such papers effective March 19, 2018, and mandates the electronic filing of legal papers in Family cases (i.e. custody and divorce matters), with the exception of Protection From Abuse and Domestic Relations cases, and the electronic service of such papers effective January 1, 2020 as specifically defined within this rule.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Rule 205.4 ELECTRONIC FILING OF LEGAL DOCUMENTS FILED IN THE CLERK OF JUDICIAL RECORDS - CIVIL DIVISION
The rule's electronically filed legal papers include civil, custody, and divorce cases, but exclude Domestic Relations, Protection from Abuse, and Orphans’ Court matters.
In the context of this rule, “legal papers”, which shall be filed electronically shall be in all civil, custody and divorce cases, but not including Domestic Relations, Protection from Abuse cases or Orphans’ Court matters.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Rule 205.4 ELECTRONIC FILING OF LEGAL DOCUMENTS FILED IN THE CLERK OF JUDICIAL RECORDS - CIVIL DIVISION
Legal papers must be filed electronically through the Civil Division Clerk's Odyssey Electronic Filing System.
All legal papers shall be filed electronically through the Clerk of Judicial Records – Civil Division’s Electronic Filing System “Odyssey
Civil cases
Page 4 | Rule 205.4(c)(2) Website - Access to the Website
Counsel and unrepresented parties must apply for and receive a username and password to access the Electronic Filing System.
To obtain access to the Electronic Filing System, counsel and any unrepresented party must apply for and receive a User Name and Password.
Civil cases
Page 5 | Rule 205.4
A motion for special service must be electronically filed.
The motion is electronically filed.
Civil cases
Page 42 | Requirements for Special Service Checklist
A notice of appeal in a delinquency case may be submitted in person, by mail with the appropriate filing fees, or by email if the filing fee has been waived.
Notice of Appeals for delinquency cases can be submitted to the Clerk of Courts in person, or by mail with appropriate filing fees; or via email at COJRMotions- Orders@lehighcounty.org if the filing fee has been waived.
Page 2 | Leh.R.J.C.P. 205(B)(1)(a)(vii)(1)
A party who declines electronic filing or cannot use or access the system may file legal papers in physical paper format.
Any party who declines to participate in electronic filing, or who is unable to electronically file legal papers, or who is otherwise unable to access the system, shall be able to file legal papers in a physical paper format.
Page 2 | Leh.R.J.C.P. 205(B)(1)(b)
Electronic filing of legal papers in the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas is permissive under Pa.R.J.C.P. 1205 and this rule.
The electronic filing of legal papers in the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas, 31st Judicial District, is permissive in accordance with Pa.R.J.C.P. 1205 and this rule.
Page 4 | Leh.R.J.C.P. 1205(A)
Petitions to resolve disputes involving alleged failure of the Court’s website may be filed and served on paper.
Petitions to resolve disputes involving alleged failure of the Court’s website, permitted by Pa. R.O.C. P. 4.7(e), may be filed and served in paper form.
Civil cases
Page 12 | Rule 4.7-1 ELECTRONIC FILING OF LEGAL PAPERS
A party who declines electronic filing or cannot electronically file or access the system may file legal papers in physical paper format.
Any party who declines to participate in electronic filing, or who is unable to electronically file legal papers, or who is otherwise unable to access the system, shall be able to file legal papers in a physical paper format in accordance with Pa.R.Cr.P. 576(a)(2).
Criminal cases
Page 21
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Requests for daily, expedited, or same-day transcripts, or for a secure electronic feed, must be filed with the appropriate filing office at least 10 days before the proceeding.
If a party is requesting daily, expedited or same day transcripts, or provisions for secure electronic feed, the request for such transcripts or service shall be filed with the appropriate filing office at least ten (10) days prior to the scheduled proceeding.
Page 2 | (A) Procedures for requesting a transcript
Accounts for a particular audit list must be filed by the closing date set for that list on the Court calendar.
Accounts to appear on a particular audit list shall be filed no later than the closing date fixed for that audit list by the Court calendar.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Rule 2.6-1
Objections may be made orally at the account’s first audit call, but must then be reduced to writing and filed within five business days.
Objections may be made orally when an account is first called for audit, in which event they shall be reduced to writing and filed in conformity with these Rules within five (5) business days thereafter.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Rule 2.7-1(a)
Answering briefs must be filed at least 20 days before argument.
Answering briefs shall be filed with the Clerk not less than twenty (20) days prior to the date for argument.
Civil cases
Page 7 | Rule 3.9-1. BRIEFS
The objector must file a brief within 20 days after the specified preliminary objections are filed.
Within twenty (20) days after preliminary objections not raising issues of fact have been filed, the objector shall file his or her brief with the Clerk and serve a copy thereof upon all other interested parties, failing which the preliminary objections shall be dismissed as of course.
Civil cases
Page 7 | Rule 3.9-1. BRIEFS
The return of notice must be filed with the Clerk no later than the date of the noticed event.
A return of notice shall be filed with the Clerk on or before the date set for the occurrence of the event for which notice has been given.
Civil cases
Page 8 | Rule 4.2-3. RETURN OF NOTICE. FORM OF AFFIDAVIT
An accepted legal paper accompanied by its filing fee is filed as of the date it was received.
The filing date of a legal paper accepted for filing that is accompanied by payment of the filing fee, is the date that it was received.
Civil cases
Page 12 | Rule 4.7-1 ELECTRONIC FILING OF LEGAL PAPERS
Unless the cited in forma pauperis rules provide otherwise, an accepted legal pleading filed without its fee is filed as of the date the fee is paid.
Except as otherwise provided by Pa.R.O.C.P. 1.40 and Pa.R.Civ.P. 240, pertaining to petitions to proceed in forma pauperis, the filing date of an accepted legal pleading unaccompanied by the filing fee, is the date on which the filing fee is paid.
Civil cases
Page 12 | Rule 4.7-1 ELECTRONIC FILING OF LEGAL PAPERS
Objections may be filed by the date and time set for confirmation, which must be at least 20 days after the affidavit is filed.
In the absence of objections, which may be filed on or before the date and time set for confirmation, which date shall not be less than twenty (20) days after the date of filing the Affidavit, the Court may enter an order confirming the sale and fixing or waiving additional security.
Civil cases
Page 15 | Rule 5.10-3. PUBLIC SALE. RETURN OF SALE. CONFIRMATION.
Each party must file the pre-hearing statement with the Clerk at least five business days before the conference.
At least five (5) business days prior to the date of the pre-hearing conference, each party shall file with the Clerk and serve upon each other party a written pre- hearing statement which shall contain:
Civil cases
Page 16 | Rule 7.1-2. PRE-HEARING CONFERENCE.
Any objections to an auditor’s or master’s report must be filed within 20 days after the report is filed.
Objections, if any, to the report of an auditor or master shall be filed within twenty (20) days of the filing of said report in accordance with Pa. O.C. Rule 2.7.
Civil cases
Page 17 | Rule 9.7-1. OBJECTIONS TO REPORT OF AUDITOR OR MASTER.
A petition for citation to show cause must be filed with the Clerk within 30 days after the Notice of Appeal is filed with the Register of Wills.
(a) A petition for citation to show cause why an appeal from the Register should not be sustained shall be filed with the Clerk within 30 days after the filing of a Notice of Appeal with the Register of Wills.
Civil cases
Page 18 | Rule 10.4-2. APPEALS FROM REGISTER. TIME FOR FILING PETITION. CONTENTS.
If no timely written answer or responsive pleading is filed, the petition’s or motion’s factual averments are deemed admitted, and the Court may grant the requested relief without further notice.
IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A TIMELY WRITTEN ANSWER OR OTHER RESPONSIVE PLEADING, THE AVERMENTS OF FACT SET FORTH IN THE ANNEXED PETITION OR MOTION SHALL BE DEEMED ADMITTED AND THE COURT sua sponte, OR AT THE REQUEST OF THE MOVING PARTY, MAY ENTER AN ORDER GRANTING THE PRAYER THEREOF WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE TO YOU.
Civil cases
Page 20 | APPENDIX A
The petitioner must file proof that the restricted account was established, in a form satisfactory to the Court, within 10 days after receiving the minor’s death benefit.
Your petitioner will file proof of the establishment of the restricted account, in the form satisfactory to the Court, within 10 days of the receipt of the death benefit payable to the minor.
Civil cases
Page 23
Counsel must file the depository’s sworn acknowledgment and both specified compliance certificates within 30 days of the Order.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that, within thirty (30) days of the date of this Order, (name of counsel to petitioner), Esquire, shall file with the Clerk of the Orphans’ Court Division, a sworn acknowledgment by an authorized official of the depository, that the balance of the money as herewith allotted to the minor has been deposited in a form of savings investment entitled in the minor’s name alone, subject to the restrictions on withdrawals hereinbefore imposed, and that said restrictions and the Orphans’ Court file number, have been noted on the bank’s records and in the passbook or on the certificate as directed; an Attorney’s Certificate of Compliance with Order Directing Deposit of Minor’s Funds, and a Parent’s/Legal Custodian’s Certificate of Compliance with Order Directing Establishment of Restricted Account for Minor.
Civil cases
Page 26 | Order
The clerk may not refuse a filing, and the court may not dismiss a case or grant or deny relief, for failure to comply with a local-rule requirement; the court must notify the party and allow a reasonable time to comply.
No pleading or other legal paper shall be refused for filing by the clerk of courts based upon a failure to comply with a requirement imposed by these rules. No case shall be dismissed nor request for relief granted or denied because of a failure to comply with such a requirement. If a party fails to comply with such a requirement, the court shall notify the party of the failure and provide a reasonable time for the party to comply with the requirement.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | Leh.R.Cr.P. 101.1. Construction of Rules; Consistency with Statewide Rules
Upon receipt of the filing, the Clerk must promptly give the Commonwealth’s attorney written notice, and the attorney may present relevant investigative reports for confidential review within ten days of that notice.
Upon the receipt of such filing, the Clerk of Courts–Criminal shall forthwith notify the attorney for the Commonwealth in writing of the filing and that he has ten (10) days from the date of said notification within which to present to the Judge assigned to review the Petition, for the latter’s confidential review, any investigative reports which the attorney for the Commonwealth may deem relevant to approval or disapproval of the complaint.
Criminal cases
Page 5 | Private Criminal Complaints
Each bail bondsman must annually file a Praecipe with the Clerk and attach updated documents required by subsection (b).
Each Bail Bondsman must annually update the documents required in subsection (b) of this rule by filing a Praecipe with the Clerk and attaching the relevant documents to that Praecipe;
Criminal cases
Page 14 | Requirements to Remain Qualified
Within 30 days, a bail bondsman must notify the President Judge and Department of Law in writing if charged with a covered non-summary offense or if the submitted license is revoked, suspended, or not renewed in any jurisdiction.
Each Bail Bondsman, , must, within 30 days, notify, in writing, the President Judge and the Department of Law if the Bail Bondsman has been charged with any non-summary criminal offense with the exception of misdemeanors under the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, or if the license submitted with the petition for approval has been revoked, suspended or not renewed in any jurisdiction;
Criminal cases
Page 14 | Requirements to Remain Qualified
A Bail Bondman contesting denial of an initial approval petition must file within 30 days of the denial.
Any Bail Bondman seeking to contest the denial of its petition for approval to post bail in the Thirty-first Judicial District must file a petition with the Clerk of Judicial Records, Criminal Division and serve the Department of Law within thirty (30) days of the date of denial of its initial petition, and set forth the relief requested and the factual basis therefor.
Criminal cases
Page 15 | Opportunity to be Heard
A Bail Bondman contesting a prohibition, revocation, or determination of ineligibility must file its petition within 30 days of that action.
Any Bail Bondman seeking to contest prohibition from posting additional bail, that its right to post bail has been revoked, or that it is otherwise ineligible to post bail in the Thirty-first Judicial District must file a petition with the Clerk of Judicial Records, Criminal Division and serve the Department of Law within thirty (30) days of the date of the prohibition, revocation or determination of ineligibility, and set forth the relief requested and the factual basis therefor.
Criminal cases
Page 15 | Opportunity to be Heard
A surety must pay a revoked bail forfeiture to the Clerk by close of business on the 91st day after the revocation order is entered, unless the deadline is extended or the forfeiture is set aside by court order.
(1) A bail that is revoked shall be deemed forfeited pursuant to Pa. C.S. §5747.1, and shall be paid to the Clerk by any surety by close of business on the 91st day following the entry of the order revoking the bail pursuant to the terms of Pa. C.S. §5747.1, or unless otherwise extended or set aside by Order of Court.
Criminal cases
Page 18 | Leh.R.Cr.P 536.1(a)(1)
Requests for daily, expedited, or same-day transcripts or secure electronic feed must be filed at least ten days before the proceeding.
If a party is requesting daily, expedited or same day transcripts, or provisions for secure electronic feed, the request for such transcripts or service shall be filed with the appropriate filing office at least ten (10) days prior to the scheduled proceeding.
Criminal cases
Page 23 | Transcript requests
A filing is dated when the Clerk of the Orphans’ Court accepts it.
The filing date is the date when a filing is accepted by the Clerk of the Orphans’ Court.
Page 1 | ORPHANS’ COURT EFILING GUIDELINES THROUGH ODYSSEY FILE & SERVE (OFS)
Filers must comply with all requirements and resubmit rejected filings.
It is the obligation of the filer to comply with all requirements and resubmit filings that are rejected.
Page 1 | ORPHANS’ COURT EFILING GUIDELINES THROUGH ODYSSEY FILE & SERVE (OFS)
Filed documents must be endorsed with the day and exact time of filing, and that endorsement is conclusive evidence of the filing date and time absent fraud, accident, or mistake.
Documents filed shall be endorsed with the day and exact time of filing, which endorsement, in the absence of fraud, accident or mistake, shall be conclusive evidence of such date and time of filing.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Rule 205.2 — Court Records
An accepted filing is deemed filed when received by the Electronic Filing System, except that a filing submitted without the required fee is deemed accepted when payment is received.
If a legal paper is accepted, it shall be deemed to have been filed as of the date and time it was received by the Electronic Filing System; however, if a legal paper is submitted without the requisite filing fee, the legal paper shall be deemed to have been accepted for filing as of the date payment is received
Civil cases
Page 5 | Rule 205.4(f)(iv)
Within six business hours after receiving a legal paper, the Clerk must notify the filer through the Electronic Filing System whether it was accepted or rejected.
Within six (6) business hours of the receipt of the legal paper, the Clerk of Judicial Records-Civil Division shall provide the filer with notification through the Electronic Filing System that the legal paper has been either accepted or rejected.
Civil cases
Page 5 | Rule 205.4(f)(iii)
Service and Proof of Service Rules
A party who declines electronic filing or electronic service, or cannot access the system, must be served legal papers in physical paper format.
Any party who declines to participate in electronic filing, or accept service of legal papers which were filed electronically, or who is otherwise unable to access the system, shall be served legal papers in a physical paper format.
Page 2 | Leh.R.J.C.P. 205(B)(1)(b)
A petition alleging delinquency must be served on the juvenile’s attorney, the attorney for the Commonwealth, and the juvenile probation officer by electronic transmission, first-class mail, or in person.
Petitions Alleging Delinquency shall be served upon the juvenile’s attorney, attorney for the Commonwealth, and the juvenile probation officer via electronic transmission, first-class mail, or in-person in accordance with Pa.R.J.C.P. 331(C).
Page 2 | Leh.R.J.C.P. 205(C)(2)
A petition alleging delinquency must be served on the child and guardian by first-class mail or in person.
Petitions Alleging Delinquency shall be served upon the child and the child’s guardian via first-class mail or in-person in accordance with Pa.R.J.C.P. 331(B).
Page 2 | Leh.R.J.C.P. 205(C)(1)
Subpoenas must be served on witnesses by certified mail, first-class mail, or in person, in accordance with Pa.R.J.C.P. 123(B)(1).
Subpoenas shall be served upon a witness via certified mail, first-class mail, or in-person in accordance with Pa.R.J.C.P. 123(B)(1).
Page 3 | Leh.R.J.C.P. 205
Service upon the Court Administrator must be completed electronically and automatically through PACFile.
Service upon the Court Administrator shall be done electronically and automatically through PACFile.
Page 3 | Leh.R.J.C.P. 205
A party who declines electronic filing or cannot use or access the system may file paper copies; such a party must be served paper copies if they decline electronic service or cannot access the system.
Any party who declines to participate in electronic filing, or who is unable to electronically file legal papers, or who is otherwise unable to access the system, shall be able to file legal papers in a physical paper format. Any party who declines to participate in electronic filing, or accept service of legal papers which were filed electronically, or who is otherwise unable to access the system, shall be served legal papers in a physical paper format.
Page 4 | Leh.R.J.C.P. 1205(B)(1)(b)
(2) Dependency Petitions, Shelter Care Applications, and Applications for Emergency Protective Custody shall be served upon the attorneys and the Office of Children and Youth Services via electronic transmission, first- class mail, or in-person in accordance with Pa.R.J.C.P. 1331(B)(2).
(2) Dependency Petitions, Shelter Care Applications, and Applications for Emergency Protective Custody shall be served upon the attorneys and the Office of Children and Youth Services via electronic transmission, first- class mail, or in-person in accordance with Pa.R.J.C.P. 1331(B)(2).
Page 5
Dependency Petitions and Shelter Care Applications must be served on the child and all guardians by certified mail and first-class mail, or in person.
(1) Dependency Petitions and Shelter Care Applications shall be served upon the child and all of the child’s guardians via certified mail and first-class mail, or in-person, in accordance with Pa.R.J.C.P. 1331(B)(1).
Page 5
Service on the Court Administrator must occur electronically and automatically through PACFile.
(4) Service upon the Court Administrator shall be done electronically and automatically through PACFile.
Page 5
Subpoenas must be served on witnesses by certified mail, first-class mail, or in person.
(3) Subpoenas shall be served upon a witness via certified mail, first-class mail, or in-person in accordance with Pa.R.J.C.P. 1123(B)(1).
Page 5
Copies of written requests for daily, expedited, or same-day transcripts, or secure electronic feed, must be delivered as required by subsection (2).
Copies of the written request shall be delivered in accordance with subsection (2).
Page 2 | (A) Procedures for requesting a transcript
The Court Reporter must serve the requesting party with a transcript copy after the balance is paid.
The Court Reporter shall file the transcript and serve the requesting party with a copy of the transcript upon payment of the balance owed by the requesting party to the appropriate filing office in accordance with the order of the Presiding Judge.
Page 2 | (A) Procedures for requesting a transcript
The requesting party shall also serve copies of the Request for Transcript Form upon: (a) the Judge presiding over the matter; and (b) the Court Reporter by delivering two (2) copies of the Request for Transcript Form to the Court Administrator’s Office located in Room 614; and (c) opposing counsel or the opposing party, if not represented.
The requesting party shall also serve copies of the Request for Transcript Form upon: (a) the Judge presiding over the matter; and (b) the Court Reporter by delivering two (2) copies of the Request for Transcript Form to the Court Administrator’s Office located in Room 614; and (c) opposing counsel or the opposing party, if not represented.
Page 2 | (A) Procedures for requesting a transcript
Notice of written objections must be mailed in accordance with Pa. O.C. Rule 2.7(a).
Notice of the filing of written objections must be mailed in accordance with Pa. O.C. Rule 2.7(a).
Civil cases
Page 4 | Rule 2.7-1(a)
Notice of a supplemental account’s filing must be given to all interested parties in accordance with Pa. O.C. Rule 2.5.
Notice of the filing of a supplemental account to be given to all interested parties in accordance with Pa. O.C. Rule 2.5.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Rule 2.6-2
Notice of a petition concerning after-discovered assets must be given in accordance with Pa. O.C. Rule 2.5.
Notice of such a petition shall be given in accordance with Pa. O.C. Rule 2.5.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Rule 2.4-4(b)
If notice is not given or 20 days do not elapse before the audit call, the Court will audit both accounts and the supplemental account must be served with the adjudication and order.
In the event the aforementioned notice is not given or that the requisite twenty (20) days between notice and the call for audit do not elapse, the Court will audit both accounts and a true and correct copy of the supplemental account will be served with the Court’s adjudication and order as provided by Leh. O.C. Rule 4.6-1.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Rule 2.5-3
Written notice of the account’s filing and audit call must be given to co-fiduciaries who did not join in stating the account.
Written notice of the filing of the account and the call thereof for audit shall be given to all co-fiduciaries who do not join in stating the account in accordance with Pa.O.C. Rule 2.5.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Rule 2.5-1
Whenever a supplemental account is filed before the original account is called for audit, notice thereof shall be given as nearly as possible in accordance with Pa. O.C. Rule 2.5 and proof of notice filed in accordance therewith, and, provided at least twenty (20) days elapse between the giving of such notice and the day on which the original account is called for audit, the Court will audit both the original and supplemental accounts.
Whenever a supplemental account is filed before the original account is called for audit, notice thereof shall be given as nearly as possible in accordance with Pa. O.C. Rule 2.5 and proof of notice filed in accordance therewith, and, provided at least twenty (20) days elapse between the giving of such notice and the day on which the original account is called for audit, the Court will audit both the original and supplemental accounts.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Rule 2.5-3
After objections are filed, a copy must immediately be served on the accountant and all other interested parties or their attorneys, and proof of service must be filed within ten days.
Immediately after objections have been filed with the Clerk, a copy of said objections to an account and/or Petition for Adjudication/Statement of Proposed Distribution shall be served upon the accountant and all other interested parties or their attorneys of record. Proof of such service shall be filed with the Clerk within ten (10) days of filing objections.
Civil cases
Page 5 | Rule 2.7-2. OBJECTIONS. SERVICE. RETURN.
In the absence of a responsive pleading and/or after the pleadings have closed, any party may file a praecipe, substantially in the form set forth in Appendix B, requesting that the Court proceed on the motion or petition and send a copy of said praecipe to each party by regular mail.
In the absence of a responsive pleading and/or after the pleadings have closed, any party may file a praecipe, substantially in the form set forth in Appendix B, requesting that the Court proceed on the motion or petition and send a copy of said praecipe to each party by regular mail.
Civil cases
Page 6 | Rule 3.5-2. PRAECIPE.
The objector must serve a copy of the brief on all other interested parties.
Within twenty (20) days after preliminary objections not raising issues of fact have been filed, the objector shall file his or her brief with the Clerk and serve a copy thereof upon all other interested parties, failing which the preliminary objections shall be dismissed as of course.
Civil cases
Page 7 | Rule 3.9-1. BRIEFS
Whenever briefs are required, they must be served on the other interested parties in accordance with the Rules.
In all matters where briefs are to be filed, an original and one copy shall be filed with the Clerk and served upon the other interested parties in accordance with these Rules.
Civil cases
Page 8 | Rule 4.1-2. BRIEFS
When notice is given by publication, the last notice must be published at least 20 days before the applicable return day, hearing, sale, or other act.
Whenever notice of the intention to do any act, including the sale of real property, is given by publication, the last published notice shall be not less than twenty (20) days prior to the return day, the day of hearing, the day fixed for the sale or the day fixed for the doing of said act.
Civil cases
Page 8 | Rule 4.2-2. TIME FOR NOTICE BY PUBLICATION
All notices published under the rule must appear in the Lehigh Law Journal.
The Lehigh Law Journal shall be the legal periodical for the publication of all notices.
Civil cases
Page 8 | Rule 4.2-1. NOTICE BY PUBLICATION
Upon receiving notice that an adjudication order confirming a formal fiduciary account has been entered, the accountant’s counsel must immediately serve a true copy on each person required to receive the account and petition under Pa. O.C. Rule 2.5 and on each attorney of record.
Promptly upon receipt of notice of entry of an adjudication order confirming a formal fiduciary account, counsel for the accountant shall immediately serve a true copy of the adjudication and order upon: (1) Every individual required to be served with the account and the Petition for Adjudication/Statement of Proposed Distribution pursuant to Pa. O.C. Rule 2.5; (2) Each attorney of record;
Civil cases
Page 10 | Rule 4.6-1. Adjudication and Order. Service. Method. Proof.
Counsel for the accountant must file proof of service immediately after serving the adjudication and order.
(b) Immediately upon effecting service of the adjudication and order as provided in (a) hereof, counsel for the accountant shall file proof of such service.
Civil cases
Page 11
After a public-sale petition is granted, notice of the sale must be advertised, posted at the specified locations, and mailed to all interested parties, including the applicable Attorney General.
After grant of a petition for public sale of real property, notice of the time and place of the proposed sale and a description, stating the size and location of the property to be sold, shall be given by: (1) Advertisement once a week for three (3) successive weeks in accordance with the requirements of Leh. O.C. Rules 4.2-1 and 4.2-2, provided that if the property is located in a county other than Lehigh County then by advertisement as aforesaid in the legal periodical and in a newspaper of general circulation published in the county in which the property is located; (2) Posting at a conspicuous place on the real property to be sold and at three (3) different public places in the vicinity of the real property; and (3) Regular mail to all interested parties, including the Attorney General of the state in which any charitable party in interest is domiciled in accordance with the requirements of Pa. O.C. Rule 4.4.
Civil cases
Page 15 | Rule 5.10-2. PUBLIC SALE. NOTICE.
Filing Fees and Waivers
A notice of appeal submitted by mail must include the appropriate filing fees; email submission is available if the fee has been waived.
Notice of Appeals for delinquency cases can be submitted to the Clerk of Courts in person, or by mail with appropriate filing fees; or via email at COJRMotions- Orders@lehighcounty.org if the filing fee has been waived.
Page 2 | Leh.R.J.C.P. 205(B)(1)(a)(vii)(1)
Dependency-case notices of appeal may be submitted to the Clerk of Courts in person or by mail with the appropriate filing fees, or by email if the filing fee has been waived.
Notice of Appeals for dependency cases can be submitted to the Clerk of Courts in person, or by mail with appropriate filing fees; or via email at COJRMotions- Orders@lehighcounty.org if the filing fee has been waived.
Page 4 | Leh.R.J.C.P. 1205(B)(1)(a)(iv)(1)
The transcript is prepared only after the Presiding Judge approves it and the requester pays the deposit to the appropriate filing office as ordered by the judge.
The Court Reporter shall prepare the transcript upon: (a) the approval of the Presiding Judge; and (b) payment of the deposit by the requesting party to the appropriate filing office in accordance with the order of the Presiding Judge.
Page 2 | (A) Procedures for requesting a transcript
After the requester pays the balance owed as ordered by the Presiding Judge, the Court Reporter must file the transcript and serve the requester with a copy.
The Court Reporter shall file the transcript and serve the requesting party with a copy of the transcript upon payment of the balance owed by the requesting party to the appropriate filing office in accordance with the order of the Presiding Judge.
Page 2 | (A) Procedures for requesting a transcript
All fees must be payable to the County of Lehigh and delivered to the filing office appropriate to the case type; fees may not be paid directly to the Court Reporter or Transcriptionist.
All fees shall be made payable to the “County of Lehigh” and shall be delivered to the appropriate filing office (i.e., Clerk of Judicial Records – Civil Division, Clerk of Judicial Records – Criminal Division, Orphans’ Court, or the Domestic Relations Section) based on the case type. No fees shall be paid directly to the Court Reporter or Transcriptionist.
Page 4 | (H) Payment of fees
In addition to the payment of the published filing fee, the following may be required:
In addition to the payment of the published filing fee, the following may be required:
Civil cases
Page 17 | Rule 10.1-1. SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
Upon approval of the required petition, each bail bondsman must pay the Clerk an initial registration fee of $500, subject to change by the Clerk.
Upon approval of a petition required in subsection (a) of this rule, each Bail Bondsman shall pay to the Clerk an initial registration fee of $500.00, or such amount as may be established from time to time by the Clerk;
Criminal cases
Page 14 | Coverage: Issuing Warrants; Preliminary Arraignments and Summary Trials; and Setting and Accepting Bail
Each bail bondsman must renew registration annually, provide required certifications, and pay the Clerk a $100 renewal fee or another amount established by the Clerk with the President Judge’s approval.
Each Bail Bondsman must renew the required registration with the Thirty- first Judicial District, provide all certifications required by this rule and pay to the Clerk an annual renewal fee of $100.00, or such amount as may be established from time to time by the Clerk with the approval of the President Judge;
Criminal cases
Page 14 | Requirements to Remain Qualified
A Bail Bondsman or Insurer filing a petition for bail relief must pay court costs and/or filing fees as determined by the Clerk of Judicial Records, Criminal Division, which may be amended from time to time.
(3) Any Bail Bondsman or Insurer who files with the Court of Common Pleas of Lehigh County a petition for bail relief, including but not limited to a petition to vacate bail forfeiture or a petition to exonerate surety, shall be responsible for the payment of court costs and/or filing fees as determined by the Clerk of Judicial Records, Criminal Division and may be amended from time to time.
Criminal cases
Page 18 | Leh.R.Cr.P 536.1(a)(3)
Notice of Appeals for criminal cases can be submitted to the Clerk of Courts in person, or by mail with appropriate filing fees; or via email at COJRMotions-Orders@lehighcounty.org if the filing fee has been waived.
Notice of Appeals for criminal cases can be submitted to the Clerk of Courts in person, or by mail with appropriate filing fees; or via email at COJRMotions-Orders@lehighcounty.org if the filing fee has been waived.
Criminal cases
Page 21
The court reporter prepares the transcript after the presiding judge approves it and the requesting party pays the deposit ordered by the judge.
The Court Reporter shall prepare the transcript upon: (a) the approval of the Presiding Judge; and (b) payment of the deposit by the requesting party to the appropriate filing office in accordance with the order of the Presiding Judge.
Criminal cases
Page 22 | Rule 4009(A)(3)
A daily transcript in electronic format costs $4.50 per page if the Court Reporter can accommodate the request and the Presiding Judge approves.
(c) for a daily transcript, $4.50 per page, if the Court Reporter is able to accommodate the request and the Presiding Judge approves; and
Criminal cases
Page 23 | Fees – original transcript – requesting party
A request to waive or reduce transcript fees must be noted on the Request for Transcript Form and include a completed IFP petition, even if IFP status was already granted.
Pursuant to Pa.R.J.A. 4008(B), a request to waive or reduce transcript fees shall be noted on the Request for Transcript Form and include a fully completed In Forma Pauperis Petition pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 240, even if IFP status was previously granted on the case.
Criminal cases
Page 23 | Economic hardship
A same-day transcript in electronic format costs $6.50 per page if the Court Reporter can accommodate the request and the Presiding Judge approves.
(d) for same day delivery, $6.50 per page, if the Court Reporter is able to accommodate the request and the Presiding Judge approves.
Criminal cases
Page 23 | Fees – original transcript – requesting party
Legal Aid Services clients need not separately prove economic hardship, but must attach a certification letter confirming financial eligibility and either that the matter is under appeal or that the transcript is necessary to advance the litigation.
Litigants who have been approved for representation by Legal Aid Services are not required to further prove economic hardship pursuant to section (B)(1) above; however, they must attach to their Request for Transcript Form a letter of certification from Legal Aid Services that the litigant meets financial eligibility and that the matter is under appeal or that the transcript being requested is necessary to advance the current litigation.
Criminal cases
Page 23 | Economic hardship
An ordinary transcript in electronic format costs $2.50 per page for the party initially requesting it.
(a) for an ordinary transcript, $2.50 per page;
Criminal cases
Page 23 | Fees – original transcript – requesting party
An expedited transcript in electronic format costs $3.50 per page if the Court Reporter can accommodate the request and the Presiding Judge approves.
(b) for an expedited transcript, $3.50 per page, if the Court Reporter is able to accommodate the request and the Presiding Judge approves; and
Criminal cases
Page 23 | Fees – original transcript – requesting party
A transcript prepared in bound paper format costs the applicable electronic-format rate plus $0.25 per page.
When the transcript is prepared in bound paper format, the costs shall be in accordance with paragraph (1) relating to electronic format plus a surcharge of $0.25 per page.
Criminal cases
Page 23 | Fees – original transcript – requesting party
A copy of a transcript requested before the transcript of record is filed costs $0.75 per page in paper format if it exceeds the copy provided under section (A)(4).
(1) $0.75 per page paper format; and
Criminal cases
Page 24 | Fees - copies of transcript
A copy of a transcript requested before the transcript of record is filed costs $0.50 per page in electronic format if it exceeds the copy provided under section (A)(4).
(2) $0.50 per page electronic copy.
Criminal cases
Page 24 | Fees - copies of transcript
Fees must be payable to the County of Lehigh and delivered to the filing office appropriate for the case type; they may not be paid directly to the Court Reporter or Transcriptionist.
All fees shall be made payable to the “County of Lehigh” and shall be delivered to the appropriate filing office (i.e., Clerk of Judicial Records – Civil Division, Clerk of Judicial Records – Criminal Division, Orphans’ Court, or the Domestic Relations Section) based on the case type. No fees shall be paid directly to the Court Reporter or Transcriptionist.
Criminal cases
Page 24 | Payment of fees
Select a filing-code fee closest to the estate or trust value; any fee shortfall will be billed to the filer.
Select the filing code fee that most closely approximates the value of the estate/trust; any shortfall will be billed to the filer
Page 3 | III. Notes For Certain Case Types — A. Formal Fiduciary Accounts
Electronic filing fees may be paid in person at the Clerk’s counter by cash, check, or credit or debit card.
The Clerk of Judicial Records-Civil Division will accept payment of electronic filing fees in cash, checks, credit or debit card when filing in person at the counter in the Clerk of Judicial Records-Civil Division.
Civil cases
Page 5 | Rule 205.4(d)(1)(iii)
Electronic filing fees may be paid by the listed credit or debit cards or by eCheck.
The Clerk of Judicial Records – Civil Division will accept electronic payment of all filing fees with the following credit and debit cards: Discover, MasterCard, American Express, Visa and eCheck.
Civil cases
Page 5 | Rule 205.4(d)(1)(i)
The filing party must provide the proper service fee to the Lehigh County Sheriff for Original Service and Writs after the electronic filing is accepted.
Once an electronic filing has been accepted by the Clerk of Judicial Records-Civil Division, it shall be the responsibility of the filing party to provide to the Sheriff of Lehigh County, the proper service fee and the documents for Original Service and Writs.
Civil cases
Page 6 | Rule 205.4(g)(i)
Compulsory arbitration appeals must be timely filed with the Clerk of Judicial Records—Civil Division and include the lesser of $750 or 50% of the amount in controversy.
All appeals compulsory arbitration must be timely filed with the Clerk of Judicial Records—Civil Division accompanied by payment in the amount of $750.00 or 50% of the amount in controversy, whichever is less.
Civil cases
Page 27 | Rule 1308 APPEALS FROM ARBITRATION
A transcript prepared in bound paper format costs the applicable electronic-format rate plus $0.25 per page.
When the transcript is prepared in bound paper format, the costs shall be in accordance with paragraph (1) relating to electronic format plus a surcharge of $0.25 per page.
Civil cases
Page 39 | (C)(2) Fees – original transcript – requesting party
An ordinary transcript in electronic format costs $2.50 per page for the party initially requesting it, except the Commonwealth or its subdivisions.
for an ordinary transcript, $2.50 per page;
Civil cases
Page 39 | (C)(1)(a) Fees – original transcript – requesting party
Courtesy Copy Requirements
All parties must deliver a copy of the pretrial statement to the assigned judge’s chambers no later than five days before a scheduled pretrial conference.
Notwithstanding the requirements of Pa.R.C.P. 212.1(b), in the event a pre-trial conference is scheduled, a pre-trial statement shall be filed by all parties, and a copy delivered to chambers of the assigned judge, not later than five (5) days prior to the pre-trial conference.
Civil cases
Page 10 | Rule 212.1 Trial Dates, Discovery Deadlines, Pre-Trial Statements
A time-stamped copy of preliminary objections must be delivered to the court administrator’s office for the assigned judge.
Preliminary objections shall be filed with the clerk of courts, served upon the adverse parties or their counsel, and a time-stamped copy thereof shall be delivered to the court administrator’s office for delivery to the assigned judge.
Civil cases
Page 17 | Rule 1028(c)(1) PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS
A copy of the motion for summary judgment and its supporting brief must be delivered to the court administrator for the assigned judge.
A motion for summary judgment shall be filed with the clerk of courts, and shall be accompanied by a supporting brief. A copy of the motion and brief shall be delivered to the court administrator’s office for transmittal to the assigned judge.
Civil cases
Page 18 | Rule 1035.2(a)(1) MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT
A copy of the amended pleading or responsive brief must be delivered to the court administrator’s office for the assigned judge.
Within twenty (20) days after service of the preliminary objections, the adverse parties or their counsel shall file an amended pleading or a responsive brief with the clerk of courts, serve same upon the opposing parties or counsel, and deliver a copy to the court administrator’s office for delivery to the assigned judge.
Civil cases
Page 18 | Rule 1028(c)(3) PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS
A copy of the motion for judgment on the pleadings and its brief must be delivered to the court administrator for the assigned judge.
A motion for judgment on the pleadings shall be filed with the Clerk of Courts, Civil Division, and shall be accompanied by a supporting brief. A Copy of the motion and brief shall be delivered to the court administrator’s office for transmittal to the assigned judge.
Civil cases
Page 18 | Rule 1034(a)(1) MOTION FOR JUDGMENT ON THE PLEADINGS
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
A document filed with the civil clerk may not disclose anyone's Social Security number unless a court order specifically authorizes disclosure.
(12) No document submitted for filing to the clerk of courts – civil shall disclose the social security number of any person, except as specifically authorized by court order.
Civil cases
Page 3 | Rule 205.2(a) FILING OF LEGAL PAPERS WITH THE CLERK OF COURTS
A document containing confidential information as defined by the Policy must be filed with a Confidential Information Form and a redacted document.
contain confidential information as defined by the Policy shall use and file a Confidential Information Form, along with the redacted document, in order to comply with the Policy.
Civil cases
Page 17
The Rule contemplates that this investigative material remain confidential, and that the attorney for the Commonwealth will notify the Court if nothing is to be filed by his office.
The Rule contemplates that this investigative material remain confidential, and that the attorney for the Commonwealth will notify the Court if nothing is to be filed by his office.
Criminal cases
Page 5 | Private Criminal Complaints—Comment
The referenced pleadings need not be redacted or filed with a Confidential Information Form, and exhibits need not be separately filed using Confidential Document forms.
Records Public Access Policy, such pleadings are not to be redacted and need not be filed with Confidential Information Form and exhibits are not to be separately filed with Confidential Document forms.
Page 3 | II. Public Access Policy and Electronic Filing
Filing Bundling Requirements
When an exhibit to a pleading is a Confidential Document as defined in §8.0 of the Case Records Public Access Policy, the exhibit and the Confidential Document Form required by §8.0 are to be filed as the same Lead Documents within the same envelope as the pleading (e.g. “Minor’s Compromise Petition;” “Confidential Information Form”, “Confidential Document Form – Medical/Psyc Records;” “Proposed Order”).
When an exhibit to a pleading is a Confidential Document as defined in §8.0 of the Case Records Public Access Policy, the exhibit and the Confidential Document Form required by §8.0 are to be filed as the same Lead Documents within the same envelope as the pleading (e.g. “Minor’s Compromise Petition;” “Confidential Information Form”, “Confidential Document Form – Medical/Psyc Records;” “Proposed Order”).
Page 2 | II. Public Access Policy and Electronic Filing, C
File multiple pleadings in one envelope as separate Lead Documents; include petition exhibits in the petition’s Lead Document unless an exhibit is confidential.
Multiple pleadings are to be filed in single envelope as separate Lead Documents (exhibits referenced in a petition are to be included as part of that Lead Document, unless an exhibit is a Confidential Document, See, Section II (3) below).
Page 2 | I. General E-filing, E
When §8.0 requires it, file the redacted pleading and Confidential Information Form as separate Lead Documents in the same envelope.
When required by §8.0 of the state Case Records Public Access Policy, redacted pleadings filed with a Confidential Information Form, are to be filed as two separate Lead Documents within the same envelope, e.g. “ Minor’s Compromise Petition (redacted)” “ Confidential Information Form” “ Proposed Order”
Page 2 | II. Public Access Policy and Electronic Filing, B
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
A discovery motion must state that counsel conferred and made a good-faith effort to resolve each matter, or made a good-faith effort to confer but could not do so.
A motion relating to discovery must aver (i) that counsel for the movant or petitioner has conferred with opposing counsel and all unrepresented parties with respect to each matter set forth in the motion and has made a good faith effort to resolve the parties’ differences, but has been unable to do so; or (ii) that counsel has made a good faith effort to confer, but has been unable to do so.
Civil cases
Page 7 | Rule 208.2(e) — Discovery Motions
Unless a motion is certified as uncontested, the judge must provide an opportunity for argument in a format selected by the judge and communicated by written notice to all parties.
Unless the motion is certified as uncontested, the assigned judge shall provide an opportunity for argument either orally in open court, by written briefs, or by telephone conference, as the judge shall direct by written notice to all parties.
Civil cases
Page 8 | Rule 208.3(a)(5) — Procedures for the Disposition of Certain Motions
The Court may direct the parties and counsel in any proceeding to appear for a pre-hearing conference.
In any proceeding before the Court, the Court may direct the parties and counsel to appear for a pre-hearing conference.
Civil cases
Page 16 | Rule 7.1-2. PRE-HEARING CONFERENCE.
After a response is filed or the response period expires, the judge may schedule oral argument and, if scheduled, written notice of the date will be given to counsel and unrepresented parties.
After a response to the motion is filed or after the response period has elapsed, the assigned judge may schedule the motion for oral argument. If so, written notice of the argument date will be given to counsel for the parties and to any unrepresented parties.
Civil cases
Page 18 | Rule 1034(a)(4) MOTION FOR JUDGMENT ON THE PLEADINGS
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
If a guardian ad litem or trustee ad litem is appointed within three weeks of the audit date, the audit date must be continued upon that appointee’s request.
Whenever a guardian ad litem or a trustee ad litem is appointed within three (3) weeks of the audit date, then the audit date shall be continued if requested by the guardian ad litem or the trustee ad litem.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Rule 2.5-2
Except for continuances under subsection (b), a preliminary-hearing continuance request must be made by written motion stating good cause, presented to the designated court official with 48 hours’ advance notice to the defendant, counsel, or Commonwealth’s attorney.
(c) Except as provided in section (b) of this Rule, all requests for continuances of preliminary hearings shall be presented to the District Justice Court Administrator, or in his absence to an appropriate Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, in the form of a written motion setting forth good cause for the same with forty-eight (48) hours advance notice to the defendant or his counsel or the attorney for the Commonwealth.
Criminal cases
Page 19 | Leh.R.Cr.P. 542. CONTINUANCES OF PRELIMINARY HEARINGS BEFORE DISTRICT JUSTICES
A District Justice may grant a preliminary-hearing continuance requested by the Defendant or Commonwealth only for the minimum necessary period, with all continuances in the case limited to 21 aggregate days from the hearing’s first scheduled date.
(b) Thereafter a District Justice may grant continuances of the preliminary hearing upon the request either of the Defendant or the Commonwealth provided that such continuances are limited to the minimum period necessary and do not, in the aggregate number of days for all continuances in the case, exceed twenty-one (21) days from the date upon which the preliminary hearing was first scheduled.
Criminal cases
Page 19 | Leh.R.Cr.P. 542. CONTINUANCES OF PRELIMINARY HEARINGS BEFORE DISTRICT JUSTICES
A continuance motion may be submitted directly to the assigned judge on the designated form by hand, mail, or fax, but the movant must first confer with counsel and unrepresented parties and state their positions in the motion.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, motions for continuance may be presented directly to the assigned judge on the continuance form available from the court administrator’s office. Such motions may be submitted directly to the assigned judge’s chambers by hand delivery, by mail, or by facsimile transmission. Prior to submitting any such motion, the movant or his/her counsel shall confer with all counsel of record and any unrepresented parties to determine their position with respect to the continuance request, and shall indicate their position in the motion.
Civil cases
Page 8 | Rule 208.3(a)(4) — Procedures for the Disposition of Certain Motions
Cases not reached on the scheduled arbitration day must be continued by the court administrator’s office to the morning of the next generally available arbitration date.
In the event that the panels of arbitrators are unable to reach all of the cases scheduled for arbitration on a particular day, the arbitration hearing for those cases that are not reached shall be continued by the court administrator’s office to the morning of the next available date for arbitrations generally.
Civil cases
Page 23 | Rule 1303(d) HEARING
An arbitration hearing that begins but is not completed must continue the next available morning when the same panel members are scheduled and available.
In the event that an arbitration hearing has been commenced but is not concluded on the day scheduled for the arbitration hearing, the arbitration hearing shall be continued to the morning of the next available date that the same members of the arbitration panel which commenced hearing the case are scheduled and available to hear arbitration cases.
Civil cases
Page 24 | Rule 1303(d) HEARING
A continuance application must be submitted to the designated judge at least five days before arbitration on the approved form, state all reasons, include opposing counsel’s position, and show good cause; a later-filed pretrial motion does not automatically continue the hearing.
Any application for a continuance of a scheduled arbitration hearing shall be presented on the approved continuance request form to the administrative judge, civil division, or his designee, at least five (5) days prior to the arbitration date. The continuance request must be on a form approved by the court, and shall contain all of the reasons for the request for continuance. Amplification of reasons, by letter or in person, will not be considered by the court. The application for continuance will not be considered unless it contains the position of opposing counsel, either by signature of the opposing counsel or by verification of the counsel presenting the request for continuance. Good cause shall be required for continuance of an arbitration hearing. The filing of a pre-trial motion after a case has been scheduled for arbitration will not result in an automatic continuance of the arbitration hearing.
Civil cases
Page 24 | Rule 1303.1(a) CONTINUANCES
For a continuance request made fewer than five days before the hearing, the court may grant a continuance only for good cause that was not apparent five days before the scheduled hearing.
If an application for continuance is not made at least five (5) days prior to the arbitration hearing, then a continuance shall only be granted by the court for good cause which was not apparent five (5) days prior to the date set for the arbitration hearing.
Civil cases
Page 24 | Rule 1303.1(c) CONTINUANCES
A continuance will not be granted from a definite arbitration date selected by counsel.
Continuances will not be granted from a date certain selected by counsel.
Civil cases
Page 24 | Rule 1303.1(b) CONTINUANCES
For purposes of the continuance rule, all co-defendants are treated as one party.
(e) For purposes of this Rule all co-defendants shall be regarded as one (1) party.
Criminal cases
Page 19 | Leh.R.Cr.P. 542. CONTINUANCES OF PRELIMINARY HEARINGS BEFORE DISTRICT JUSTICES
If a continuance is granted, the court administrator sets a definite hearing date, or counsel may choose an available date if all counsel agree; that choice certifies the date was cleared with opposing counsel and the court administrator.
If the application for continuance of a scheduled arbitration hearing is granted, the court administrator shall select and set a date certain for the arbitration hearing to be held. Counsel may select a date certain for the continuance of the arbitration hearing from a list of available dates provided by the court administrator’s office, provided that all counsel agree to said date. A selection of a date certain certifies to the court that the date has been cleared with opposing counsel and the court administrator.
Civil cases
Page 24 | Rule 1303.1(b) CONTINUANCES
A party may move for, and the court may grant, an extension of the discovery-completion period.
unless the time for completion of discovery has been extended by the court upon motion of any party.
Civil cases
Page 25 | As Set by the Court Administrator
Filing a dispositive motion within 30 days of the scheduled arbitration hearing is not grounds for continuing the hearing unless good cause is shown.
(e) The filing of dispositive motions within thirty (30) days of the scheduled arbitration hearing shall not be grounds for continuance of the hearing unless good cause is shown.
Civil cases
Page 26
Chambers Communication Rules
A Bail Bondsman must advise the Clerk within 14 days of a material change in circumstances, unless another period is specifically provided.
failing to advise the Clerk within fourteen (14) days (or such other time period as may be specifically set forth) of any change in circumstances which would materially affect any of the statements, information or certifications required by 531.2(b) or (c) herein;
Criminal cases
Page 15 | Prohibited Conduct
Counsel and the lawyer mediator may not communicate ex parte unless all parties consent.
No ex parte communications shall take place between the lawyer mediator and counsel for the litigants without consent of all parties to the litigation.
Civil cases
Page 12 | Rule 212.4(e)(4) — Settlement Conferences
The Court Administrator must email assigned arbitrators their hearing dates and locations, and send them a case and counsel list before the scheduled arbitration.
The Court Administrator shall, by email addressed to the email address on file with the Court Administrator, notify all arbitrators assigned to an arbitration panel of the dates on which the arbitration panel is assigned to hear arbitration cases and the location of the arbitration hearings. In addition, prior to the scheduled arbitration date, the Court Administrator shall, by said email, send all of the arbitrators assigned to the arbitration panel a list containing the names of the cases to be heard, the names of the parties and the names of all counsel for the parties.
Civil cases
Page 23 | Rule 1303(b) HEARING
An arbitrator who believes there is a conflict must immediately notify the Court Administrator in writing, state the reasons, and copy all counsel or unrepresented parties.
In the event any of the arbitrators believes that he/she has a conflict of interest in connection with hearing any particular case, the arbitrator shall immediately notify the Court Administrator in writing that the arbitrator believes there is a conflict of interest and the reasons therefore, with a copy to all counsel or unrepresented parties involved in the particular case.
Civil cases
Page 23 | Rule 1303(b) HEARING
DUI continuance applications in Common Pleas cases may be submitted to Court Administration by fax, email, or in person.
Applications for continuances on DUI cases at the Common Pleas level can be submitted to Court Administration via facsimile at 610-871-2779, via email at DUIContinuance@lehighcounty.org, or in person.
Criminal cases
Page 21
Continuance applications in criminal Common Pleas cases may be submitted to Court Administration by fax, email, or in person.
Applications for continuance for criminal cases at the Common Pleas level can be submitted to Court Administration via facsimile at 610-871-2779, via email at CAHelp@lehighcounty.org, or in person.
Criminal cases
Page 21
A complaint may be directed to the AOPC Coordinator for Court Access using the listed contact information.
Contact the Coordinator for Court Access at the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC). Marisa Lehr, Esq. P.O. Box 61260 Harrisburg, PA 17106-1260 phone: 717-231-3300, fax: 717-231-3327 marisa.lehr@pacourts.us
Page 2 | How Can I Make a Complaint?
A complaint may also be directed to the U.S. Department of Justice using the listed contact information.
Contact the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). Federal Coordination and Compliance Section Civil Rights Division U.S. Department of Justice 950 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20530 (888) 848-5306
Page 2 | How Can I Make a Complaint?
Counsel should check in at the arbitration site on the hearing date and be prepared to begin when directed.
On the date of the arbitration hearing, all counsel should check in with the representative of the court administrator’s office located at the site of the arbitration. Cases in which all parties have checked in and have indicated they are ready to proceed will be assigned to a panel for hearing, by the representative of the court administrator’s office after consultation with the panel chairman. All cases on the list are intended to be reached, and all counsel should be prepared to commence their case at the time they are directed to report for the arbitration.
Civil cases
Page 23 | Rule 1303(c) HEARING