Court of Common Pleas of Lehigh County, Pennsylvania Filing Fees and Waivers

CRITICALCriminal cases

Fee

4.5 $

Applies to

Daily transcript electronic format

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

CRITICALCivil cases

Fee

$0.25

Applies to

Bound paper transcript

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.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Transcript fee waiver or reduction request

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.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Fee

500

Applies to

Initial registration

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;

CRITICALCriminal cases

Fee

0.75 $

Applies to

Transcript copy before filing paper format

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

CRITICAL

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

CRITICALCivil cases

Fee

$2.5

Applies to

Ordinary transcript

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;

CRITICALCriminal cases

Fee

0.5 $

Applies to

Transcript copy before filing electronic format

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.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Fee

6.5 $

Applies to

Same day transcript electronic format

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Fee

$4.5

Applies to

Daily transcript

A daily transcript in electronic format costs $4.50 per page if the Court Reporter can accommodate the request and the Presiding Judge approves.

for a daily transcript, $4.50 per page, if the Court Reporter is able to accommodate the request and the Presiding Judge approves; and

CRITICALCivil cases

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Fee

$3.5

Applies to

Expedited transcript

An expedited transcript in electronic format costs $3.50 per page if the Court Reporter can accommodate the request and the Presiding Judge approves.

for an expedited transcript, $3.50 per page, if the Court Reporter is able to accommodate the request and the Presiding Judge approves;

CRITICALCriminal cases

Fee

100

Applies to

Annual registration renewal

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;

CRITICAL

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Original service and writs

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.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Transcript

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.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Transcript fee waiver or reduction request

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Fee

$0.75

Applies to

Transcript copy

A paper copy of a transcript requested before the transcript of record is filed costs $0.75 per page.

$0.75 per page paper format;

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Petition for bail relief

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of appeal

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Fees must be payable to the County of Lehigh and delivered to the appropriate filing office based on case type; they cannot 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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Fee

$0.75

Applies to

Filed transcript copy

A paper copy of a transcript previously ordered, transcribed, and filed of record costs $0.75 per page.

$0.75 per page paper format; and

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Notice of appeal

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Fee

$6.5

Applies to

Same day transcript

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.

for same day delivery, $6.50 per page, if the Court Reporter is able to accommodate the request and the Presiding Judge approves.

CRITICAL

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Compulsory arbitration appeal

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.

CRITICALCriminal cases

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.

CRITICAL

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Fee

$0.5

Applies to

Transcript copy

An electronic copy of a transcript requested before the transcript of record is filed costs $0.50 per page.

$0.50 per page electronic copy.

CRITICALCivil cases

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:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of appeal

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.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Fee

2.5 $

Applies to

Ordinary transcript electronic format

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;

CRITICALCriminal cases

Fee

3.5 $

Applies to

Expedited transcript electronic format

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

CRITICALCriminal cases

Fee

0.25 $

Applies to

Bound paper transcript

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.

WARNINGCriminal cases

Applies to

Petition for dismissal and expungement

After completing all outstanding conditions following case closure, a defendant may petition for dismissal and expungement upon payment of the appropriate filing fee.

Upon satisfactory completion of all outstanding conditions subsequent to case closure, a defendant may petition the Court for dismissal of charges and expungement upon payment of the appropriate filing fee;

WARNING

The Presiding Judge may, in the Judge’s discretion, impose a reasonable surcharge for cases involving a secure electronic feed during the proceeding.

The Presiding Judge may impose a reasonable surcharge in cases involving a secure electronic feed during the proceeding. Such surcharge is at the discretion of the Presiding Judge.

WARNING

Fee

$3.5

Applies to

Expedited transcript electronic

An expedited electronic transcript 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;

WARNING

Fee

$0.5

Applies to

Transcript copy electronic before record filing

An additional electronic copy requested before the transcript of record is filed costs $0.50 per page.

(2) $0.50 per page electronic copy.

WARNINGCriminal cases

Applies to

Expungement

Expungement fees must be refunded to defendants who do not successfully complete ARD and are not entitled to expungement.

Expungement fees collected from those defendants who do not successfully complete the ARD Program and, therefore, are not entitled to expungement will be refunded;

WARNING

The Presiding Judge may impose a reasonable discretionary surcharge in specified complex cases requiring significant expansion of a Court Reporter’s dictionary.

The Presiding Judge may impose a reasonable surcharge in cases such as mass tort, medical malpractice, or other unusually complex litigation where there is a need for Court Reporters to significantly expand their dictionary. Such surcharges are at the discretion of the Presiding Judge.

WARNINGCriminal cases

Applies to

Secure electronic feed during proceeding

The Presiding Judge may, at the Judge's discretion, impose a reasonable surcharge for a secure electronic feed during a proceeding.

The Presiding Judge may impose a reasonable surcharge in cases involving a secure electronic feed during the proceeding. Such surcharge is at the discretion of the Presiding Judge.

WARNINGCivil cases

Filing fees paid in person at the Office of the Register of Wills may be paid in cash, by check, or by Visa, Mastercard, or Discover.

Payment of filing fees in person at the Office of the Register of Wills may be made in cash, check or by Visa, Mastercard and Discover.

WARNING

Legal Aid-approved litigants are not required to further prove economic hardship for a transcript-fee waiver or reduction request.

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

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Transcript

The Presiding Judge may impose a discretionary reasonable surcharge in specified complex cases requiring Court Reporters to significantly expand their dictionary.

The Presiding Judge may impose a reasonable surcharge in cases such as mass tort, medical malpractice, or other unusually complex litigation where there is a need for Court Reporters to significantly expand their dictionary. Such surcharges are at the discretion of the Presiding Judge.

WARNING

Fee

$0.25

Applies to

Bound paper transcript

A bound paper transcript costs the applicable electronic-format rate plus a $0.25-per-page surcharge.

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.

WARNINGCriminal cases

Applies to

Expungement

Expungement fees are charged in addition to other applicable ARD costs, fees, and restitution.

Expungement fees collected are in addition to any and all other applicable costs, fees and restitution assessed as part of the ARD Program;

WARNINGCriminal cases

Applies to

Expungement

Criminal defendants accepted into ARD will be charged fees to cover expungement upon successful completion of the program.

Criminal defendants accepted into the ARD Program will be charged appropriate fees to cover expungement which shall take place upon successful completion of the Program;

WARNINGCivil cases

Filing fees may be paid electronically by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or eCheck, but eCheck is limited to attorneys and law firms.

Payment of filing fees may be made electronically by: Visa, Mastercard and Discover. Electronic payment of filing fees by eCheck is limited to attorneys and law firms.

WARNING

Fee

$0.75

Applies to

Transcript copy paper before record filing

An additional paper copy requested before the transcript of record is filed costs $0.75 per page.

A request for a copy of any transcript, made prior to filing the transcript of record, in excess of the copy provided for in section (A)(4) of this Rule, shall be provided according to the following schedule: (1) $0.75 per page paper format;

WARNINGCriminal cases

The Presiding Judge may impose a reasonable surcharge in unusually complex cases requiring Court Reporters to significantly expand their dictionary.

The Presiding Judge may impose a reasonable surcharge in cases such as mass tort, medical malpractice, or other unusually complex litigation where there is a need for Court Reporters to significantly expand their dictionary. Such surcharges are at the discretion of the Presiding Judge.

WARNINGCivil cases

Fee

1

Applies to

Legal paper or exhibit conversion

Converting a paper legal paper or exhibit to PDF for filing incurs an administrative fee of $1.00 per page.

An administrative fee of $1.00 per page will be charged to convert a legal paper and/or exhibit presented for filing from paper form to PDF.

WARNINGCivil cases

All credit or debit card payments incur a convenience fee assessed by the card vendor.

All credit/debit card payments will incur a convenience fee assessed by the credit card vendor.

WARNING

Fee

$0.75

Applies to

Transcript copy paper previously filed

A paper copy of a transcript previously ordered, transcribed, and filed of record costs $0.75 per page.

A request for a copy of any transcript previously ordered, transcribed and filed of record shall be provided according to the following schedule: (1) $0.75 per page paper format;

WARNINGCivil cases

At the Office of the Clerk of the Orphans’ Court, filing fees may be paid in cash or by card; attorneys may also pay by check, and non-lawyers may pay by money order payable to the Clerk.

Payment of filing fees in person at the Office of the Clerk of the Orphans’ Court may be made in cash or by Visa, Mastercard and Discover. Attorneys may pay filing fees in person by check, and non-lawyers may pay filing fees in person by money order payable to the Clerk of the Orphans’ Court.

WARNING

Fee

$6.5

Applies to

Same day transcript electronic

An electronic transcript requested for same-day delivery 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.

WARNING

Fee

$2.5

Applies to

Ordinary transcript electronic

An ordinary transcript in electronic format costs $2.50 per page for the initially requesting party.

(a) for an ordinary transcript, $2.50 per page;

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Secure electronic feed

The Presiding Judge may impose a discretionary reasonable surcharge for cases involving a secure electronic feed during the proceeding.

The Presiding Judge may impose a reasonable surcharge in cases involving a secure electronic feed during the proceeding. Such surcharge is at the discretion of the Presiding Judge.

WARNINGCivil cases

A credit or debit card payment will incur a convenience fee set by the card vendor.

The credit or debit card will be charged with a convenience fee dictated by the credit card vendor.

WARNING

Fee

$4.5

Applies to

Daily transcript electronic

A daily electronic transcript 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

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Commencement of actions

The Civil Division Clerk may impose a Court-approved reasonable electronic-filing-services fee included in the commencement-of-actions fee, and collected fees may be used only to defray electronic filing costs.

The Clerk of Courts – Civil Division may impose a reasonable fee approved by the Court, to be included in the fee for Commencement of Actions, for the provision of electronic filing services. Such fees collected shall be maintained in a separate account and shall be used solely to defray the costs of electronic filing.

WARNINGCivil cases

Fee

1

Applies to

Legal paper or exhibit

A legal paper or exhibit submitted in hard copy incurs a $1-per-page administrative fee for conversion to PDF, and the Clerk must return the hard copy to the filing party for retention.

Any legal paper or exhibit submitted in hard copy/paper format shall incur an administrative fee of $1.00 per page for the Clerk of Judicial Records-Civil Division to convert the legal paper or exhibit to a Portable Document Format (PDF) and the Clerk of Judicial Records-Civil Division shall return the hard copy legal paper or exhibit to the filing party for retention as required by Pa.R.C.P. No. 205.4(b)(4).