Court of Common Pleas of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Motion, Brief
Communication
Phone
Fax
Page & Word Limits2 rules
The case monitoring notice shall not exceed one page. If necessary, the caption may be abbreviated to accommodate this requirement.
- Case monitoring notice
- Up to 1 page
The cover sheet shall consist of only one page. Captions may be abbreviated. If additional space is necessary to list counsel and unrepresented parties, a separate sheet may be attached.
- Page limit
- Up to 1 page
Document Format Requirements16 rules
Unless otherwise required by another applicable rule or order of court, only the original of a brief or any other document is required to be filed..
The original and one copy of all documents to which rule L205.2(b)B applies shall be filed.
All pleadings, motions, petitions, briefs and other legal documents filed with the prothonotary shall be on paper size 8 ½ inches by 11 inches, unless otherwise required by rule or order of court.
- Paper size
- Letter
7. The form of the cover sheet shall be substantially as follows:
All electronic filings shall be in Portable Document Format ("PDF").
- File type
- Electronic filing
All requests for continuances of any matter before the court or board of arbitration shall be made on a one-page form as promulgated by the court and obtainable from the court scheduling office or www.lycolaw.org.
A report filed pursuant to Pa.O.C. Rule 2.10 shall be in the form of an affidavit and shall be filed at the same time that the account and statement of proposed distribution are filed.
The incapacity or guardianship petition must substantially follow the prescribed form and include all information specified in that form.
Court's wording
F. Petition. A petition for adjudication of incapacity and/or for appointment of a guardian of the estate of the person shall be substantially in the form prescribed by Lyc. Co. O.C.R. L14.5(e), and shall contain all the items of information referred to therein.
The legal-representation status report must be filed in duplicate using the prescribed form, and each copy should have the appropriately captioned prescribed order attached.
Court's wording
At least 14 days prior to the date established for hearing on the petition, petitioner shall file in duplicate a status report on legal representation, in substantially the form prescribed by Lyc. Co. O.C.R. L14.5(f), each of which should have attached, under the proper caption, the appropriate order, in substantially the form prescribed by Lyc. Co. O.C.R. L14.5(g).
The petition to adjudicate incapacity and appoint a guardian must substantially follow the form provided.
Court's wording
A. The Petition to Adjudicate Incapacity and for the Appointment of a Guardian. The petition to adjudicate incapacity and for the appointment of a guardian referred to in Lyc. Co. O.C.R. L14.2F shall be substantially in the following form:
The verified statement shall be substantially in the following form:
To the extent practicable, documents shall be formatted in accordance with the applicable rules governing formatting of paper documents.
Language used in the petition should be easily understood.
- Petition
Formatting
- •Petition language should be easily understood
Exhibits should be numbered in advance of their use in trial. Similarly, diagrams of the scene of an accident or incident should be prepared in advance and not from the witness stand.
Captions may be abbreviated. If additional space is necessary to list counsel and unrepresented parties, a separate sheet may be attached.
Document Filing Requirements100 rules
A conferencing request must be submitted to the Court Administrator on its form, state the reasons and required technical data, and report whether the other parties consent.
Court's wording
The request for video or audio conferencing shall be made by submitting to the Court Administrator the details of the request, on a form that is available from the Court Administrator. The request shall detail the reasons for the request and provide required technical data necessary to make the video or audio connection. Prior to making the request for conferencing, the requesting party shall determine whether or not all other parties consent to allow the video or audio appearance of the witness, and the consent on non-consent of parties shall be reported in the request form.
A written objection to dismissal must state why no qualifying docket activity appeared during the prior two years.
Court's wording
The publication shall be advertised one time and shall state the docket number, case caption, and name and office address of the Magisterial District Court and shall indicate that the cases listed shall be dismissed on the 31st day following publication unless a party to the case files with the Magisterial District Court a written objection to dismissal of the case setting forth reasons why no activity has appeared of record for the past two (2) years other than a filing of a not found return on a warrant of arrest.
A. Requests for ordinary transcripts shall be filed with the Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts or Register and Recorder, as appropriate, by using the transcript request form required by Pa.R.J.A. No. 4007(A).
A litigant seeking to waive all or part of transcript costs must file a petition with the appropriate filing office; the next steps depend on whether the waiver is granted in full, in part, or denied.
Court's wording
(1) If a litigant seeks to waive all or a portion of the costs of a transcript, that request shall be in the form of a petition which shall be filed in the appropriate filing office. If the court waives all of the transcript costs, the litigant shall proceed in accordance with L4007(B)(2). If the court waives only a portion of the transcript costs or denies the petition, the litigant shall proceed in accordance with L4007(B)(1).
If all costs have been waived by court order or a qualifying certification letter is provided, the litigant may file the request form directly with the appropriate office and must attach that order or letter.
Court's wording
(2) If a court order waiving all of the costs has been entered or a certification letter has been provided under Lyc. Co. R.G.C.B. L4008(B), the litigant need not submit the transcript request form to the senior court reporter. Instead, the litigant shall simply file the transcript request form with the appropriate filing office and attach the court order waiving the costs or the certification letter.
The form of the case monitoring notice shall be substantially as follows:
The case-monitoring-notice requirement applies to the stated civil actions and appeals, but not to matters filed under the Domestic Relations Code.
Court's wording
A. Case monitoring notice. This requirement applies to civil actions, statutory appeals and appeals from judgments of magisterial district judges, and any other civil matter requiring court action, except a matter filed under the Domestic Relations Code.
A proposed order granting the relief requested shall be attached to the cover sheet.
- Document
- Motion cover sheet
Must include
- •Proposed order
Such consideration must be requested if the date of the pretrial conference has been set or if the case has already been pre-tried.
A substantially conforming cover sheet must be attached to the front of covered requests for court orders; the procedure excludes motions for a continuance and also applies in orphans’ court.
Court's wording
B. Motion Cover Sheet. The procedure set forth in this section shall apply to every request for relief and/or application to the court for an order, whether by petition, motion, preliminary objection, exception, or stipulation, that the filing party desires to bring before the court or family court hearing officer, except a motion for a continuance (see rule L216 regarding continuance). NOTE: The use of this cover sheet is also required in orphans’ court; see, Lyc. Co. O.C.R. L3.4. 1. A cover sheet substantially in the form set forth in subsection 7 of this section shall be attached to the front of every request for a court order to which this rule applies.
If expedited consideration by the court is requested or required by statute or rule of procedure, the reason for such consideration shall be set forth on the cover sheet.
Any request for relief on the front of which an applicable Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure requires a specific order or notice to be attached shall include that order or notice directly following the cover sheet.
Each electronically filed document must bear the filing attorney's or unrepresented party's facsimile or typographical signature and include that filer's typed name, address, and telephone number.
Court's wording
Each electronically filed document shall be deemed to have been signed by the attorney, or party not represented by an attorney, authorizing such filing and shall bear a facsimile or typographical signature of such person, e.g. "I s l Adam Attorney". Each document electronically filed shall also include the typed name, address, and telephone number of the attorney or unrepresented party filing such document.
The title of each electronically filed document shall match the title of the docket entry.
An uncontested motion must state its basis on the page immediately after the cover sheet by written stipulation, counsel certification, or an unrepresented party's verified statement.
Court's wording
If a motion is presented as uncontested the basis therefore shall be set forth on a page immediately following the cover sheet in the form of a written stipulation of all interested parties or a certification of filing counsel or verified statement by unrepresented parties as to the basis upon which it is appropriate to enter the uncontested order.
A cover sheet that complies with rule L205.2(b)B shall be attached to any petition or request for relief requiring the issuance of a rule to show cause. The cover sheet includes thereon a rule to show cause order and no separate rule to show cause order is to be submitted.
A motion to compel discovery or for a protective order must include a separate, front-attached certification describing efforts to obtain concurrence and the result, including if prefiling contact could not be made.
Court's wording
All discovery motions to compel discovery or for a protective order shall include a certification by moving counsel that concurrence in the motion was sought from opposing counsel and pro se parties. The certification shall be contained on a separate page and attached following the cover sheet to the front of the motion. The certification shall state the following information: 1. the manner in which concurrence was sought; and, 2. whether or not concurrence was given, and if given in part and denied in part, the extent to which concurrence was given. If contact with opposing counsel or pro se parties can not be made prior to the filing of the motion, the moving party shall so state in the certification.
If briefs are ordered, the original and one copy shall be filed with the prothonotary, who shall forward the copy to the judge.
Emergency requests for a court order shall be filed with the prothonotary and then delivered by the filing party to the court administrator, who shall deliver the motion to an appropriate judge.
All emergency requests shall set forth on a separate page following the cover sheet a certification by filing counsel or pro se party that all interested parties were contacted in advance and given notice of the intention to present the emergency request and the details as to time and manner of such notice; or, if such notice
All emergency motions must have a motion cover sheet as required by these rules.
each party shall file the original and one copy of the pretrial statement
The pretrial statement shall be in substantially the following form:
Expert witnesses – list name and specialty and attach all expert reports.
When a praecipe to withdraw, discontinue, or mark as settled is filed, it shall be accompanied by one copy. The prothonotary shall forward the copy to the court scheduling technician.
Trial by a jury consisting of twelve members may be had if a written demand therefor is filed with the court as part of the original pre-trial memorandum. Such demand may appear on the pre-trial memorandum form under the heading "miscellaneous."
The notice shall be in the form required by the rules and shall include a description of the land involved.
All exceptions to any bill of costs shall be in writing and be specific
A request to mark a judgment satisfied requires an affidavit and, if required, additional proof of authority and signature authenticity; the affidavit may be waived only for a known county-bar member who appears in person for that purpose.
Court's wording
Whenever the prothonotary is requested to mark any judgment satisfied, whether by praecipe or otherwise, the person making or filing the request shall first satisfy the prothonotary by affidavit, and, if required by the prothonotary, by additional proof that he is the owner of the judgment or is otherwise duly authorized by such owner to cause the judgment to be marked satisfied or is a member of the bar and that the signature on the praecipe or satisfaction to be noted on the docket is genuine and authentic. Filing the affidavit required by this rule may be waived by the prothonotary only when a member of the bar of this county, known to the prothonotary or to a deputy prothonotary in attendance, appears in person in the office of the prothonotary for the purpose of satisfying a judgment.
The affidavit of the party or other person to the correctness of the bill and the attendance and materiality of the witnesses shall be annexed and shall be prima facie evidence to the taxing officer.
No judgment shall be satisfied by or on the order of any attorney at law unless such attorney shall have first entered his appearance for the plaintiff (defendant on a counterclaim).
Such exceptions shall be accompanied by a praecipe for a rule to show cause why the costs should not be re-taxed;
A landlord’s application under Pa. R.C.P.D.J. No. 1008B for the payment of sums deposited with the prothonotary shall be in the form of a motion and shall comply with the cover sheet requirement of rule L205.2(b)B.
A motion to revise a scheduling order must state the reason, proposed new trial term, and whether other parties concur, and must include the specified cover sheet; an uncontested motion must be identified as such on that sheet.
Court's wording
A request for a revision of the scheduling order may be made by filing a motion that sets forth the reason for the request and the proposed new trial term, along with a rule L205.2(b)B. motion cover sheet. The motion shall indicate whether or not all other parties concur with the request. If the motion is uncontested, the parties shall so indicate on the motion cover sheet. If the motion is contested, the court may schedule a conference which may, upon prior arrangement, be conducted by telephone.
A notice to plead must name the designated lawyer-referral and legal-aid offices and provide their listed contact information.
Court's wording
Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1018.1(c), the following are designated as the offices to be named in the notice to plead from which legal help can be obtained: IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER CONTACT: Pennsylvania Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service 100 South Street P.O. Box 186 Harrisburg, PA 17108-0186 Telephone (800) 692-7375 IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD A LAWYER, YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR LEGAL AID THROUGH: North Penn Legal Services Penn Tower Building 25 W. Third Street, Suite 400 Williamsport, PA 17701 Telephone (570) 323-8741
Every pleading for a party represented by a firm, partnership, or association must identify the supervising attorney who is expected to try the case.
Court's wording
Every pleading of a party represented by a firm or partnership or association of attorneys shall be endorsed so as to indicate clearly to the prothonotary the particular attorney who is supervising the conduct of the case and who is expected to try the same.
An attorney may withdraw when a new attorney enters an appearance contemporaneously; otherwise, withdrawal requires leave of court after notice to the party.
Court's wording
An attorney may withdraw an appearance as attorney for a party if the withdrawal occurs contemporaneously to the written entry of appearance of a new attorney. Otherwise, the withdrawal of appearance shall occur only upon leave of court after notice is given to the party.
A written withdrawal of appearance must be filed with the prothonotary in every attorney-withdrawal case.
Court's wording
In all cases where an attorney is withdrawing his or her appearance, including when a contemporaneous entry of appearance is filed by a new attorney or after leave is granted by the court to withdraw as counsel, a written withdrawal of appearance shall be filed with the prothonotary.
Preliminary objections shall be filed in accordance with local rule L205.2(b)B and processed in accordance with local rule L208.3(a) and L208.3(b).
Every complaint filed by a plaintiff and every complaint filed by a defendant against an additional defendant shall be in the form required by the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.
The notice shall contain a warning that final judgment may be entered within thirty (30) days of the court's order.
B. If a case is subject to compulsory arbitration, the case monitoring notice required by rule L205.2(b)A shall be marked accordingly (with the time required for discovery indicated) and filed in accordance with rules L205 and L1007.
Such award shall be noted on the award form contained in the court file, signed by all arbitrators and delivered to the prothonotary.
When exceptions are filed with the domestic relations office, they shall have attached to them a copy of the order to which the exceptions have been taken.
A rule L205.2(b)B motion cover sheet is required.
Should the arbitrators appear for the hearing due to lack of notice that the matter had been previously settled, withdrawn or otherwise terminated, the disposition and the fact of their appearance shall be noted by the arbitrators on the award form and delivered to the prothonotary.
If the custody action is included in a count in a divorce complaint, an initial conference before a hearing officer will be scheduled upon the filing of a praecipe. The praecipe must include an updated criminal record/abuse history verification completed by the filing party and a blank verification form for the opposing party, along with the order/notice required by Pa. R.C.P 1915.15(c)..
If the exceptions raise an issue not addressed in the order, a transcript must be requested.
The exceptions and one copy shall be filed with the prothonotary, and shall have attached to them a copy of the order to which the exceptions have been taken.
The cover sheet shall indicate whether or not a transcript of the Family Court hearing is required..
Any request for relief under Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.14 shall be filed in the domestic relations office.
A party shall commence an action for paternity, independent of a claim for support, by filing a complaint in the domestic relations office.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Electronic filers must register with the designated system according to its user manual, and each registered user must be an individual rather than an organization or group.
Electronic filers must register with the prothonotary's designated electronic filing management system in accordance with the user manual. All registered users shall be individuals, not law firms, agencies, corporations, or other groups.
Page 15 | L205.4.A.3
Legal papers associated with the civil case types listed in A.2 may be filed electronically.
All legal papers as defined by Pa.R.C.P. 205.4(a)(2) associated with the civil case types listed in A.2. below may be filed electronically.
Page 15 | L205.4.A.1
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
If the need for conferencing was not known when the matter began, or a responding party requires it, the request must be submitted to the court administrator’s office at least 21 days before the hearing.
In the event that the need for conferencing is not known at the time the matter is commenced or if conferencing is required by a responding party, a request for conferencing shall be submitted to the court administrator’s office no less than 21 days before the scheduled hearing.
Page 7 | L8. Video/Audio Conferencing in Court Proceedings.
Requests for video or audio appearance of a trial witness shall be made by submitting the request for conferencing form contemporaneously with the filing of the pretrial statement.
Requests for video or audio appearance of a trial witness shall be made by submitting the request for conferencing form contemporaneously with the filing of the pretrial statement.
Page 7 | L8. Video/Audio Conferencing in Court Proceedings.
A timely objection triggers a hearing, which must be held 30 to 60 days after filing, with at least 30 days’ written notice.
If said written objection is filed within thirty (30) days of the publication, a hearing shall be scheduled to determine if dismissal is appropriate. The hearing shall be held by the Magisterial District Judge not less than thirty (30) days nor more than sixty (60) days after such filing, and the Magisterial District Court shall give at least thirty (30) days written notice thereof along with a copy of said written objections served by first class mail.
Page 8 | L1901. Termination of Inactive Summary Cases in the Magisterial District Courts
A listed case is to be dismissed on the 31st day after publication unless a party files a written objection within 30 days, stating why the docket lacked qualifying activity.
The publication shall be advertised one time and shall state the docket number, case caption, and name and office address of the Magisterial District Court and shall indicate that the cases listed shall be dismissed on the 31st day following publication unless a party to the case files with the Magisterial District Court a written objection to dismissal of the case setting forth reasons why no activity has appeared of record for the past two (2) years other than a filing of a not found return on a warrant of arrest.
Page 8 | L1901. Termination of Inactive Summary Cases in the Magisterial District Courts
A written objection must be filed within 30 days of publication; otherwise, the Magisterial District Court must dismiss the case.
iii. If said written objection is not filed within thirty (30) days of the publication, the Magisterial District Court shall dismiss the case.
Page 9
File the case monitoring notice with the notice of appeal in an administrative agency appeal.
ii. With the filing of a notice of appeal in an administrative agency appeal,
Page 11 | L205.2(b) Required cover sheets — A. Case monitoring notice
File the case monitoring notice within ten days after an answer is filed in a mortgage foreclosure, credit card collection, or forfeiture action.
i. Within ten days after an answer has been filed in a mortgage foreclosure action, a credit card collection case or a forfeiture action,
Page 11 | L205.2(b) Required cover sheets — A. Case monitoring notice
File the case monitoring notice with the complaint in a general civil case.
iii. With the filing of a complaint in a general civil case.
Page 11 | L205.2(b) Required cover sheets — A. Case monitoring notice
When a case begins by writ of summons, file the case monitoring notice with the complaint, not with the writ.
When a case is commenced by a writ of summons, the case monitoring notice shall be filed only with the filing of the complaint and not with the filing of the writ of summons.
Page 11 | L205.2(b) Required cover sheets — A. Case monitoring notice
An accepted legal paper is deemed filed at the date and time the electronic filing system received it.
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 prothonotary's designated electronic filing management system.
Page 17
If the court orders briefs, the filing deadline will be stated on the executed motion cover sheet, and the filer must file the original and one copy with the prothonotary.
Briefs may be ordered by the court and, if so ordered, the time for filing will be set forth on the executed motion cover sheet. If briefs are ordered, the original and one copy shall be filed with the prothonotary, who shall forward the copy to the judge.
Page 18 | L208.3 Motions. Procedures. Briefs.
Each party must file its pretrial statement at least seven days before the pretrial conference.
Not less than seven days before the date set for the pretrial conference, each party shall file the original and one copy of the pretrial statement and serve a copy on all other parties.
Page 19 | L212. Pretrial Conferences and Trial Scheduling
Exceptions to a bill of costs must be filed on or before the execution's return day.
All exceptions to any bill of costs shall be in writing and be specific and shall be filed on or before the return day of the execution.
Page 24 | Costs
After an appeal is filed, either party may apply for specified relief, and the matter must be heard within 14 days of filing.
At any stage of the proceedings following the filing of any appeal, either party may make an application for relief to the court, where relief is sought from scheduled payments, for special or unusual expenses, or to resolve other matters related to the appeal. The matter shall be heard within fourteen (14) days of filing.
Page 25 | L902. Appeal of a District Justice Judgment for Possession of Real Property
Within 10 days after judgment is entered, the plaintiff must advertise the judgment in the Lycoming Reporter and a newspaper of general circulation in Lycoming County.
Upon entry of judgment pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1066(a), the plaintiff shall, within ten (10) days thereafter, advertise the entry of judgment in the Lycoming Reporter and in a newspaper of general circulation in Lycoming County.
Page 27 | L1066. Entry of Judgment - Advertisement
The arbitrators must make the award within ten days after the hearing or its last adjournment.
After the case has been heard, the arbitrators shall make their award within ten days after the day of the hearing or the last adjournment thereof.
Page 29 | L1306. Awards
The recipient must join the action within twenty days after receiving the notice or the recipient’s cause of action will be barred and the action will proceed without them.
Notice required by Pa.R.C.P. No. 2232 Shall contain a statement of the pendency of the action, the prothonotary's number of the action, the parties in the action and nature thereof and that the person to whom it is addressed is required to join therein within twenty (20) days after receipt of such notice or his cause of action will be barred and the action will proceed without him.
Page 33 | L2232. Notice of Pendency of Action
The proposed decree of distribution must be filed at the same time as the account and petition.
At the time of filing the account and petition for adjudication/statement of proposed distribution, the accountant shall also file a proposed decree of distribution to be issued by the court expressly confirming the account or approving the petition for adjudication/statement of proposed distribution and specifying, or indicating by reference to the petition for adjudication/statement of proposed distribution, the names of those to whom the balance available for distribution is awarded and the amount or share awarded to each.
Page 37 | L2.6. Proposed Decree of Distribution
The Rule 2.10 report must be filed at the same time as the account and statement of proposed distribution.
A report filed pursuant to Pa.O.C. Rule 2.10 shall be in the form of an affidavit and shall be filed at the same time that the account and statement of proposed distribution are filed.
Page 37 | L2.10. Foreign Heirs and Distributees
Objections to a master’s or auditor’s report must be filed within 20 days of notice of filing.
If no objections are filed to the report of a master or auditor within 20 days of the date of notice to interested parties of its filing, the clerk shall submit the report to the court for confirmation or adoption of the report’s recommendations.
Page 37 | L9.7. Confirmation of Report
Objections to an account or petition must be filed with the clerk within 20 days after service of the notice of account filing.
Objections to an account and/or a petition for adjudication/statement of proposed distribution shall be filed with the clerk within twenty (20) days of the date of service of the notice of account filing.
Page 37 | L2.7. Time for Filing Objections
A guardian of the estate must file the prescribed periodic report within one year of appointment and annually thereafter, or more frequently if the court directs.
Within one year of the date of appointment and annually thereafter, or with such greater frequency as the court may direct, every guardian of the estate of an incapacitated person shall file a periodic report of the guardian of the estate in substantially the form prescribed by the Pennsylvania Orphans= Court Rules.
Page 39 | J. Periodic report of the guardian of the estate
A guardian of the person must file the prescribed periodic report within one year of appointment and annually thereafter, or more frequently if the court directs.
Within one year of the date of appointment and annually thereafter, or with such greater frequency as the court may direct, every guardian of the person of an incapacitated person shall file a periodic report of the guardian of the person in substantially the form prescribed by the Pennsylvania Orphans= Court Rules.
Page 39 | I. Periodic report of the guardian of the person
The petitioner must file two copies of the legal-representation status report, using the prescribed form, at least 14 days before the hearing; each copy should have the appropriately captioned prescribed order attached.
At least 14 days prior to the date established for hearing on the petition, petitioner shall file in duplicate a status report on legal representation, in substantially the form prescribed by Lyc. Co. O.C.R. L14.5(f), each of which should have attached, under the proper caption, the appropriate order, in substantially the form prescribed by Lyc. Co. O.C.R. L14.5(g).
Page 39 | G. Status report on legal representation
The petitioner must provide the court with proposed findings of fact no later than the hearing, in a form suitable for adoption.
Petitioner shall provide to the court, at or before hearing, proposed findings of fact in a form suitable for adoption by the court at hearing.
Page 39 | H. Proposed findings of fact
A moving party in a pretrial proceeding should submit the video or audio conferencing request with the motion or petition.
Whenever video or audio conferencing is sought by the moving party in a pre-trial proceeding, the request should accompany the motion or petition.
Page 7 | L8. Video/Audio Conferencing in Court Proceedings.
Within five business days after receiving the form, the senior court reporter must complete the applicable court-use section and return it to the litigant with the estimated cost.
(a) Within five (5) business days from the date the form is received, the senior court reporter will complete the applicable portions of section V (“For Court use only”) of the transcript request form and return the form to the litigant thereby notifying the litigant of the estimated cost. Senior court reporter contact information is available at www.lyco.org/Courts/Court-Reporters.
Page 9 | L4007. Requests for Transcripts.
The prothonotary must notify the filer when a legal paper is accepted or rejected.
The prothonotary shall provide the filer with notification when the legal paper has been either accepted or rejected.
Page 17
The filing system is generally available except during routine maintenance, but staff review documents only during normal office hours, so filers are cautioned to submit required papers well before deadlines to allow correction and resubmission.
Note: Access to the prothonotary's designated electronic filing management system shall be always available, except during routine maintenance; however, legal documents can only be reviewed by prothonotary staff during normal office hours. Filers are cautioned to file required legal papers well in advance of any filing deadlines to enable timely correction and re-submission in the event a legal paper is not acceptable for filing.
Page 17
If a required brief is late, the court may treat the request as submitted by the defaulting party and proceed ex parte, or impose another appropriate sanction.
Where briefs are required and are not timely filed, the court may treat the request for relief as having been submitted by the defaulting party and proceed ex parte, or impose such other sanction as it shall deem appropriate.
Page 18 | L208.3 Motions. Procedures. Briefs.
Upon filing a case monitoring notice, the prothonotary must file-stamp and docket it and immediately forward it for judge assignment and further action.
When the case monitoring notice is filed, the prothonotary shall file stamp and docket the notice and immediately forward a copy to the court administrator who shall assign a judge to the case and forward the notice to that judge for further action, as follows:
Page 25 | L1007. Case Monitoring Notice. Scheduling Order. Trial/Hearing Scheduling
A mortgage foreclosure trial is scheduled at the next available time, but not sooner than 30 days after the notice date.
(1) Mortgage foreclosure – trial will be scheduled at the next available time, but no sooner than thirty (30) days from the date of the notice.
Page 25 | L1007. Case Monitoring Notice. Scheduling Order. Trial/Hearing Scheduling
A forfeiture pretrial conference is scheduled at the next available time, but not sooner than 30 days after the notice date.
(3) Forfeiture – a pre-trial conference will be scheduled at the next available time but no sooner than thirty (30) days from the date of the notice.
Page 25 | L1007. Case Monitoring Notice. Scheduling Order. Trial/Hearing Scheduling
An administrative agency appeal conference is scheduled at the next available time, but not sooner than 30 days after the notice date.
(4) Administrative agency appeal – a conference with the court will be scheduled at the next available time but no sooner than thirty (30) days from the date of the notice.
Page 25 | L1007. Case Monitoring Notice. Scheduling Order. Trial/Hearing Scheduling
The system must email the filer an acknowledgment of receipt and display an official notification including the time and date; the excerpt ends mid-sentence.
The prothonotary's designated electronic filing management system shall provide to the filer, using the email address registered by the filer, an email acknowledging that the filing was received. An official notification will also be displayed in the prothonotary's designated electronic filing management system, which includes the time and date, as a
Page 16 | L205.4.F.1
Service and Proof of Service Rules
A party objecting to a transcription must serve a written objection on the court reporter within the 30-day period.
Any party who wishes to object to the transcription shall do so within that thirty (30) day period by serving a written objection upon the court reporter.
Page 7
The Magisterial District Court must serve written notice of the hearing and a copy of the objections by first-class mail at least 30 days before the hearing.
The hearing shall be held by the Magisterial District Judge not less than thirty (30) days nor more than sixty (60) days after such filing, and the Magisterial District Court shall give at least thirty (30) days written notice thereof along with a copy of said written objections served by first class mail.
Page 8 | L1901. Termination of Inactive Summary Cases in the Magisterial District Courts
The plaintiff or appellant must file and serve an original and one copy of the case monitoring notice.
An original and one copy of a case monitoring notice shall be filed and served by the plaintiff or appellant:
Page 11 | L205.2(b) Required cover sheets — A. Case monitoring notice
After electronically filed original process is accepted, the filing party must provide the sheriff with the service fee and documents needed for service.
Once electronically filed original process has been accepted by the prothonotary, it shall be the responsibility of the filing party to provide to the sheriff the proper service fee and documents for service.
Page 17
The filing party is responsible for serving all other documents in accordance with the rules of civil procedure.
Service of all other documents shall be by the filing party, in accordance with the rules of civil procedure.
Page 17 | G. Service of Legal Papers.
Every party must be served with a copy of an ordered brief at the same time the brief is filed.
All parties shall be served with a copy of the brief contemporaneously with the filing of the brief.
Page 18 | L208.3 Motions. Procedures. Briefs.
Each party must serve a copy of its pretrial statement on all other parties at least seven days before the pretrial conference.
Not less than seven days before the date set for the pretrial conference, each party shall file the original and one copy of the pretrial statement and serve a copy on all other parties.
Page 19 | L212. Pretrial Conferences and Trial Scheduling
Service by publication must allow the person served at least ten days after publication to act.
Service by publication shall be made in such a manner that the person so served shall have at least ten (10) days after publication to act on the matter served by publication.
Page 22 | L430. Service by Publication
For real-property actions in which Pa.R.C.P. 410 permits service by publication, the notice must run for one week in the Lycoming Reporter and at least one newspaper of general circulation.
Where service by publication is permitted by Pa.R.C.P. 410, (concerning real property actions) the notice shall be published for one week in the Lycoming Reporter and at least one newspaper of general circulation.
Page 22 | L430. Service by Publication
Service is complete when the last complete publication appears, and proofs of publication must be filed before judgment or any other plaintiff action.
Service shall be complete upon the appearance of the last complete publication. Proofs of publication shall be filed before judgment or any other action is taken by the plaintiff.
Page 22 | L430. Service by Publication
Within the Commonwealth, original process in the specified equity, partition, waste-prevention, and limited declaratory-judgment actions may be served by the sheriff or a competent adult; in all other actions, it must be served by the sheriff.
Original process shall be served within the Commonwealth (i) by the sheriff or a competent adult in all actions in equity, in partition, to prevent waste, and for declaratory judgment when declaratory relief is the only relief sought, and (ii) by the sheriff in all other actions.
Page 22 | L400.1(b). Service of Original Process
A request for service under a special court order pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 430 must comply with Rule L206.
Any request for service pursuant to a special order of court under Pa.R.C.P. 430 shall comply with Rule L206.
Page 22 | L430. Service by Publication
A party filing a bill of costs must immediately notify the opposing party of the filing.
Any party filing a bill of costs shall immediately give notice of such filing to the opposite party
Page 24 | Costs
The praecipe for a rule to show cause must be served on the other party or parties in interest.
this to be served upon the other party or parties in interest.
Page 24 | Costs
The prothonotary must give the parties in interest at least four days' written notice of the time set for re-taxation.
Upon the filing of proper exceptions, together with a praecipe for such rule, the prothonotary shall immediately set a time for such re-taxation, with at least four (4) days notice in writing to the parties in interest and shall hear testimony if necessary.
Page 24 | Costs
In Commonwealth cases, the county commissioners must immediately be notified when a bill of costs is filed.
and in the case of Commonwealth cases, the county commissioners shall immediately be given notice.
Page 24 | Costs
The filer must provide recipients with a copy of the bill of costs at the same time as notice of filing.
Those who receive notice of such filing shall be given a copy of the bills of costs at the same time that notice of filing is given, the copy to be furnished by the party filing the bills.
Page 24 | Costs
The defendant may, upon authorization of the court, at any time pay into court, into the hands of the prothonotary, the amount he admits to be due, together with the costs up to the time, of which he shall give notice to the opposing party, or his attorney, within ten days thereafter.
The defendant may, upon authorization of the court, at any time pay into court, into the hands of the prothonotary, the amount he admits to be due, together with the costs up to the time, of which he shall give notice to the opposing party, or his attorney, within ten days thereafter.
Page 24 | Miscellaneous
The plaintiff must publish notice of entry of judgment in the Lycoming Reporter and a newspaper of general circulation in Lycoming County.
Upon entry of judgment pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1066(a), the plaintiff shall, within ten (10) days thereafter, advertise the entry of judgment in the Lycoming Reporter and in a newspaper of general circulation in Lycoming County.
Page 27 | L1066. Entry of Judgment - Advertisement
If a continuance is granted less than one week before the hearing, the requesting party or counsel must notify the panel members and all parties or counsel of record by telephone, fax, or email.
If the request is granted less than one week prior to the hearing, the requesting party or counsel shall contact the panel members and all parties or counsel of record by telephone, fax or email to inform them of the continuance.
Page 28 | L1304.1. Continuances
A written arbitration-continuance request must be served on all arbitration panel members and all parties or counsel of record.
A continuance request shall be submitted in writing to the court scheduling technician as required by rule L216C, not later than one week prior to the scheduled arbitration hearing, and served on all arbitration panel members and all parties or counsel of record.
Page 28 | L1304.1. Continuances
The hearing officer who entered the order must be served with the exceptions.
The hearing officer who entered the order shall be served with a copy of the exceptions.
Page 29 | L1910.12. Exceptions Procedure
Proof of service must be an affidavit accompanied by a copy of the notice and the return receipt, filed with the prothonotary.
Proof of service shall be by affidavit accompanied by a copy of the notice and the return receipt and shall be filed with the prothonotary.
Page 34 | L2232. Notice of Pendency of Action
The form scheduling order directs the petitioner to serve it on all parties and interested persons within the period specified in the order and provide proof to the court the specified number of working days before the proceeding.
4. ____ Petitioner shall ensure service of this scheduling order on all parties and interested persons within _______ days of the date of this order and shall provide the court with proof of service at least _______ working days prior to the scheduled proceeding.
Page 36 | L1.8(G), Order
When counsel is appointed for the alleged incapacitated person, the petitioner must serve the appointed attorney with the scheduling order, petition, and attachments.
5. _______________________________________________ is appointed as counsel for the alleged incapacitated person, and petitioner shall serve a copy of this scheduling order, petition and any attachments on the appointed attorney.
Page 36 | L1.8(G), Order
Notice of a master’s or auditor’s hearing must be given to the specified recipients at least 20 days before the hearing.
Notice of hearings to be held by a master or auditor shall be given at least 20 days before the date of the hearing to all those given notice of the request for the appointment of an auditor or master and all other interested parties.
Page 37 | L9.1. Notice of Auditor's or Master's Hearing
An auditor or master must give the specified parties notice when the report is filed.
At the time of filing the report, an auditor or master shall give notice of the filing of the report to all those given notice of the request for the appointment of an auditor or master and all other interested parties.
Page 37 | L9.6. Notice of Filing Auditor's or Master's Report
Notice in incapacity and guardianship matters must be given to sui juris heirs, including heirs who live outside Pennsylvania.
Notice in matters involving adjudication of incapacity or appointment or removal of a guardian for an incapacitated person is required on all persons who are sui juris individuals and are heirs of the alleged or adjudicated incapacitated person, as defined by the intestacy laws of Pennsylvania. Such notice is required even if the person does not reside within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Page 37 | L14.2. Incapacitated Persons
Petitioner shall serve the emergency guardianship petition in person on the alleged incapacitated person no more than 48 hours after the hearing is scheduled and no less than 48 hours before the hearing. In the event there is not 48 hours between the time the hearing is scheduled and the hearing date and time, petitioner shall serve the emergency guardianship petition in person on the alleged incapacitated person within a reasonable amount of time prior to the emergency guardianship hearing. What is a reasonable amount of time shall depend upon the circumstances, such as the amount of time that exists between the time the hearing is scheduled and the actual hearing date. It shall be in the court=s discretion to determine the timeliness of the service. Petitioner must offer evidence via affidavit and be prepared to present testimony to prove the reasonableness of the service.
Petitioner shall serve the emergency guardianship petition in person on the alleged incapacitated person no more than 48 hours after the hearing is scheduled and no less than 48 hours before the hearing. In the event there is not 48 hours between the time the hearing is scheduled and the hearing date and time, petitioner shall serve the emergency guardianship petition in person on the alleged incapacitated person within a reasonable amount of time prior to the emergency guardianship hearing. What is a reasonable amount of time shall depend upon the circumstances, such as the amount of time that exists between the time the hearing is scheduled and the actual hearing date. It shall be in the court=s discretion to determine the timeliness of the service. Petitioner must offer evidence via affidavit and be prepared to present testimony to prove the reasonableness of the service.
Page 38 | L14.2. Incapacitated Persons, D(1)
When notice is sent by first-class mail, a filed certificate of service must verify the address and attach a postal service certificate of mailing.
In the latter case, a certificate of service shall be prepared and filed verifying that the address used is the proper known or last known address, and attaching a postal service certificate of mailing.
Page 38 | L14.2. Incapacitated Persons
The petitioner must serve the specified interested persons and providers reasonably before the emergency hearing, using a reasonable method; telephone-only service is disfavored and allowed only when other methods would not be timely.
Petitioner shall serve the emergency guardianship petition on all persons who are sui juris individuals and would be entitled to share in the estate of the alleged incapacitated person if he or she died intestate at that time (even if the person does not reside within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania), on the agents under the alleged incapacitated person=s power of attorney, on the person or institution providing residential services to the alleged incapacitated person, and on such other parties as the court may direct, including other service providers, in any reasonable manner and within a reasonable amount of time prior to the emergency guardianship hearing. Any reasonable manner shall include service in person or by telephone, facsimile, mail, or electronic transmission depending upon the circumstances. However, service by telephone alone shall not be the favored method and shall be used only in circumstances where the other methods of service would not be timely.
Page 38 | L14.2. Incapacitated Persons, D(2)
The petition, notice, and citation must be personally served on the alleged or adjudicated incapacitated person by the sheriff or another competent adult, who must read the documents as specified and explain their contents as much as possible.
In all cases, service of the petition, notice and citation shall be made upon the alleged or adjudicated incapacitated person by personal service by the sheriff or by any other competent adult, and the person making such service shall read to the alleged or adjudicated incapacitated person the petition, notice and citation, and then for a second time the notice and citation. The person making service shall explain the contents to the extent possible.
Page 38 | L14.2. Incapacitated Persons
of a guardian for an incapacitated person, other than notice upon the alleged or adjudicated incapacitated person, shall be by personal service, by service in such manner as the court directs and/or as directed by statute in that particular case; or may be made by first class mail, postage prepaid, to the known or last known address.
of a guardian for an incapacitated person, other than notice upon the alleged or adjudicated incapacitated person, shall be by personal service, by service in such manner as the court directs and/or as directed by statute in that particular case; or may be made by first class mail, postage prepaid, to the known or last known address.
Page 38 | L14.2. Incapacitated Persons
The court determines whether the manner and timing of service were reasonable in light of the circumstances, and the petitioner must be prepared to prove reasonableness by affidavit and testimony.
What is a reasonable amount of time shall depend upon the circumstances, such as the amount of time that exists between the time the hearing is scheduled and the actual hearing date. It shall be in the court=s discretion to determine if the manner and timeliness of the service were reasonable. Petitioner must offer evidence via affidavit and be prepared to present testimony to prove that the manner and timeliness of the service were reasonable.
Page 39 | D
Notice and service of the guardian-of-the-person report must follow the manner directed by the court.
Notice and service of said report shall be in such manner as the court shall direct.
Page 39 | I. Periodic report of the guardian of the person
The petitioner must file a Pa.R.C.P. No. 405-compliant return of service confirming that the notice and citation were read and, when possible, explained to the respondent.
E. Return of Service. Petitioner is responsible for filing a return of service conforming to Pa.R.C.P. No. 405, which also confirms that the contents of the notice and citation of the petition were read and, to the extent possible, explained, to the respondent as set forth in paragraph C, above.
Page 39 | E. Return of Service
The petitioner must serve the executed motion cover sheet on the alleged incapacitated person and the specified counsel, potential intestate estate beneficiaries, power-of-attorney agents, residential service providers, and any other parties the court directs.
Petitioner shall serve the executed motion cover sheet on the alleged incapacitated person, counsel for the alleged incapacitated person, all persons who are sui juris individuals and would be entitled to share in the estate of the alleged incapacitated person if he or she died intestate at that time (even if the person does not reside within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania), on the agents under the alleged incapacitated person=s power of attorney, on the person or institution providing residential services to the alleged incapacitated person, and on such other parties as the court may direct, including other service providers.
Page 40 | K. Filing of emergency guardianship petition
A certified copy of the order must be served on the alleged incapacitated person, their counsel, and persons who would inherit from them if they died intestate.
A certified copy of this order shall be served on the alleged incapacitated person, counsel for the alleged incapacitated person, and all persons who are sui juris individuals and would be entitled to share in the estate of the alleged incapacitated person if he or she died intestate at that time.
Page 43 | Orphans' Court Rules
Notice of a bail-forfeiture order must be mailed forthwith by certified mail to the defendant’s last known address.
If the defendant does not comply with the conditions of the bail bond, the court shall enter an order pursuant to Pa. R. Crim. P. 536 and notice of such order of forfeiture shall be mailed forthwith by certified mail to the defendant at his last known address.
Page 45
Notice of proposed forfeiture of unclaimed cash deposits must be sent to the accused, any surety, and the attorney of record.
Any cash deposits not claimed within one year from the notice of full and final disposition of the case shall be deemed as fees and shall be forfeited to the court. Notice of such proposed forfeiture shall be sent to the accused, the surety, if any, and the attorney of record.
Page 45
The prothonotary must serve the executed motion cover sheet, bearing the scheduled time, on the parties.
The scheduled time shall be noted on the executed motion cover sheet and served upon the parties by the prothonotary in accordance with these local rules.
Page 18 | L208.3 Motions. Procedures. Briefs.
Service of copies of legal papers, that are allowed to be served by regular mail, may be made upon the party's attorney of record who maintains an office in
Service of copies of legal papers, that are allowed to be served by regular mail, may be made upon the party's attorney of record who maintains an office in
Page 22 | L440. Use of Prothonotary's Office Mail Box
Counsel may submit written itemized special-damages statements and related photographs or plans to the opposing side at least 10 days before trial; if no written objection is made five days before trial, proof of those materials is not required at trial.
Not less than ten (10) days before the day set for trial of any civil action, counsel may submit to opposing counsel of record or if no opposing counsel of record, to the opposing party, in writing, itemized statements of special damages claimed, such as bills for repairs, medical and hospital expenses or claims of a similar nature, and photographs or plans intended to be offered at the trial, and if not objected to in writing five (5) days prior to the trial, proof thereof shall not be required at the trial.
Page 27 | L1049. Itemized Statements Submitted Prior to Trial
The clerk must docket the completed cover sheet and promptly forward it to all parties identified on it.
The clerk shall docket and promptly forward the completed cover sheet to all parties identified on the cover sheet.
Page 35 | L1.8(F)
The court may impose additional service requirements by order when circumstances warrant.
The court may by order set additional service requirements, if the circumstances so require.
Page 35 | L1.8(F)
The prothonotary must docket the completed cover sheet and promptly forward it to all parties identified on it.
The prothonotary shall docket and promptly forward the completed cover sheet to all parties identified on the cover sheet.
Page 13 | B. Motion Cover Sheet, ¶ 6
Filing Fees and Waivers
In noncriminal cases, the party requesting conferencing must pay all associated court or Lycoming County costs.
In all noncriminal cases, the party requesting conferencing shall pay all court or Lycoming County costs associated with the conferencing request.
Page 8 | L8. Video/Audio Conferencing in Court Proceedings.
The litigant must pay a non-refundable deposit equal to 100% of the estimated transcript cost when filing the request form, using the filing office’s required payment method.
(b) The litigant ordering a transcript shall make a non-refundable deposit in the amount of 100% of the estimated cost of the transcript. The payment shall be made contemporaneously with the filing of the transcript request form, in the manner required by the office in which the form is filed.
Page 9 | L4007. Requests for Transcripts.
A litigant approved for legal-aid representation may obtain ordinary transcripts at no cost without proving hardship; legal aid may provide a certification letter with the specified eligibility and litigation information instead of a waiver petition.
(2) Litigants who have been approved for representation by legal aid services are not required to prove economic hardship and shall be entitled to obtain ordinary transcripts at no cost. In lieu of a petition to waive the transcript costs, legal aid services may provide a letter of certification verifying that the client meets financial eligibility for legal aid services and that the matter is under appeal or that the transcript being requested is necessary to advance the litigation. If a certification letter is provided, the litigant shall proceed in accordance with L4007(B)(2).
Page 10 | L4008. Transcript Costs Payable by a Requesting Party Other Than the Commonwealth or a Subdivision Thereof / Waiver of Costs.
If actual transcript costs exceed the deposit, the requesting party must pay the balance within seven calendar days of notice; if costs are lower, the filing office must issue a refund.
(4) If the actual costs are more than the deposit amount, the final balance shall be paid to the appropriate filing office within seven (7) calendar days from the date the requesting party is notified of the balance owed. If the actual costs are less than the deposit amount, the filing office shall issue a refund to the requesting party.
Page 10 | L4007. Requests for Transcripts.
Filing fees and payments must be paid when filing by an authorized credit card through the designated system; advance deposits are not allowed.
All filing fees and payments shall be made at the time of filing with an authorized credit card through the prothonotary's designated electronic filing management system. Authorized cards shall include Visa, MasterCard or Discover. Filing fees and payments may not be deposited in advance with the prothonotary.
Page 16 | L205.4.D.1
Transcript costs are set at the maximum rate allowed by Pa.R.J.A. No. 4008(A).
A. Costs. The costs for transcripts are established at the maximum rate allowed by Pa.R.J.A. No. 4008(A).
Page 10 | L4008. Transcript Costs Payable by a Requesting Party Other Than the Commonwealth or a Subdivision Thereof / Waiver of Costs.
A trial judge may impose a reasonable transcript surcharge in unusually complex cases requiring court reporters to significantly expand their dictionaries.
C. Additional Costs. A trial 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 trial judge.
Page 10 | L4008. Transcript Costs Payable by a Requesting Party Other Than the Commonwealth or a Subdivision Thereof / Waiver of Costs.
The prothonotary may charge a convenience fee to convert a legal paper or exhibit to PDF for electronic filing.
The prothonotary may charge a convenience fee for the conversion of a legal paper or exhibit to PDF format for electronic filing.
Page 16 | L205.4.D.2
A document otherwise subject to a fee will be accepted and time-stamped under Pa.R.C.P. 240(c) and (d) if accompanied by a praecipe or petition to proceed in forma pauperis.
Any document for which a fee would otherwise be charged, that is accompanied by a praecipe or petition to proceed in forma pauperis, will be accepted for filing and time-stamped in accordance with Pa.R.C.P. no. 240(c) and (d).
Page 16 | L205.4.D.1
Courtesy Copy Requirements
No courtesy copies of motions and briefs should be mailed to the judge or court administrator.
No courtesy copies of motions and briefs should be mailed to the judge or court administrator.
Page 18 | L208.3 Motions. Procedures. Briefs.
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
A party seeking to file a document under seal must designate it as sealed in the filing system and submit a proper sealing request; access is limited to the court, prothonotary staff, and applicable case participants.
Documents intended to be filed under seal shall be designated by the filing party as "sealed" in the prothonotary's designated electronic filing management system. The filing party must submit a proper request for sealing documents in addition to making the designation. The prothonotary will include the filing details and document title in the electronic filing system. The documents can be viewed only by the court, prothonotary office staff, and case participants, as applicable.
Page 16 | L205.4.E.1-2
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Before filing a motion to compel discovery or for a protective order, moving counsel must seek concurrence; if contact cannot be made before filing, the motion may proceed with that stated in the certification, but the duty to seek concurrence continues.
All discovery motions to compel discovery or for a protective order shall include a certification by moving counsel that concurrence in the motion was sought from opposing counsel and pro se parties. If contact with opposing counsel or pro se parties can not be made prior to the filing of the motion, the moving party shall so state in the certification. The moving party has a continuing obligation to contact opposing counsel or pro se parties to secure the concurrence or non-concurrence.
Page 18 | L208.2 Motions. Form. Content.
When the court deems a response necessary, it is due within 20 days unless the court orders a shorter or longer period; untimely or non-contested responses may result in the matter being treated as uncontested.
(b). Motion response. If the court deems a response is necessary, the response shall be filed within twenty (20) days unless the court orders a shorter or longer time. If a response is not timely filed, or if a response is filed raising no contested issue of fact, the court may deem the matter as being uncontested and may accept all factual averments as true and issue a dispositive order accordingly without further argument, upon motion of the moving party or in its own discretion. If a response is filed raising disputed issues of fact the court will hold an evidentiary hearing or proceed in such other manner as the court shall direct.
Page 19 | Motion response
Opposing counsel and pro se parties may not unreasonably refuse concurrence, and the court may award fees, expenses, or other permitted sanctions for an unreasonable refusal after concurrence was properly sought.
Concurrence may not be unreasonably refused by opposing counsel or pro se parties. If the court finds that concurrence was properly sought, and was unreasonably refused, the court may award attorneys fees and expenses to the moving party, and may impose such other sanctions as are permitted by the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.
Page 18 | L208.2 Motions. Form. Content.
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Continuance requests must use and complete the court's one-page form and be submitted to the scheduling technician; fax submission is permitted, and the original is unnecessary unless requested.
All requests for continuances of any matter before the court or board of arbitration shall be made on a one-page form as promulgated by the court and obtainable from the court scheduling office or www.lycolaw.org. The form shall be completed as indicated and submitted to the court scheduling technician who will deliver it timely to the judge involved. The judge will take action on the request and will return it to the court scheduling technician for filing. Distribution to the parties will be made by the prothonotary, unless the court directs otherwise. Continuance requests on the required form may be submitted to the court scheduling technician by fax, and if so, the original need not be submitted unless requested by the court.
Page 21
Applications for continuance under Pa.R.C.P. No. 216 are due no later than the time set for pre-trial conferences.
Applications for continuance under Pa.R.C.P. No. 216 shall be submitted no later than the time set for pre-trial conferences.
Page 21
A foreseeable prior commitment will not support a continuance if counsel has not made a reasonable attempt to secure substitute counsel.
No continuances will be granted by reason of prior commitment of counsel in any court, state or federal, where such commitment was reasonably foreseeable and counsel has not made a reasonable attempt to secure substitute counsel.
Page 21
An arbitration continuance requires a court order and good cause; the written request must be submitted to the court scheduling technician no later than one week before the hearing, with late-granted continuances requiring notice to the panel and parties.
A. Continuances shall be granted only by court order for good cause shown. A continuance request shall be submitted in writing to the court scheduling technician as required by rule L216C, not later than one week prior to the scheduled arbitration hearing, and served on all arbitration panel members and all parties or counsel of record. If the request is granted less than one week prior to the hearing, the requesting party or counsel shall contact the panel members and all parties or counsel of record by telephone, fax or email to inform them of the continuance.
Page 28 | L1304.1. Continuances
Requests to continue a conference or hearing before a hearing officer must be directed to the family court hearing office for decision by the hearing officer.
Requests for continuances of conferences or hearings before a hearing officer shall be directed to the family court hearing office for decision by the hearing officer.
Page 33 | L1920.53. Hearing by Hearing Officer. Report
Requests for continuances must use forms provided by the court administrator.
L578. Continuances. All requests for continuances shall be on forms provided by the court administrator.
Page 46 | L578. Continuances.
A request solely to continue the pretrial conference or trial, but not to extend discovery deadlines, must follow rule L216.
If the only relief requested is a continuance of the pretrial conference or trial (and not an extension of the discovery deadlines), the procedure to be followed is that required by rule L216.
Page 26 | L1007. Case Monitoring Notice. Scheduling Order. Trial/Hearing Scheduling
Lawyers should agree on scheduling meetings, depositions, hearings, and trial dates, and should not unreasonably refuse a reasonable scheduling accommodation.
3. Respect other lawyers’ schedules as your own. Seek agreement on meetings, depositions, hearings and trial dates. A reasonable request for a scheduling accommodation should never be unreasonable refused.
Page 49 | Working Rules for Professionalism
6. Grant extensions of time when they are reasonable and when they will not have a material, adverse effect on your client’s interest.
6. Grant extensions of time when they are reasonable and when they will not have a material, adverse effect on your client’s interest.
Page 49 | Working Rules for Professionalism
For settlement purposes, the court may in its discretion extend the pretrial conference to a settlement conference date or for a summary jury trial.
For settlement purposes the court in its discretion may extend the pretrial conference to a settlement conference date or for a summary jury trial.
Page 20 | L212.E. Extensions
Chambers Communication Rules
Unless all transcript costs have been waived, the litigant must first send the request form to the senior court reporter by preferred email, fax, or U.S. or courthouse mail before filing it.
(1) Unless all of the costs have been waived under Lyc. Co. R.G.C.B. L4008(B), before filing a transcript request form, the litigant shall first submit the transcript request form to the senior court reporter via email (preferred), or fax (570-327-2288), or U.S. or courthouse mail (48 West Third Street, Williamsport, PA 17701).
Page 9 | L4007. Requests for Transcripts.
Before an arbitration hearing, the plaintiff’s attorney or a self-represented plaintiff must notify the court administrator and all arbitrators if the case is settled, withdrawn, or otherwise terminated.
In all cases which are settled, withdrawn, or otherwise terminated at any time prior to the arbitration hearing, the attorney for the plaintiff (or the plaintiff if acting pro se) shall so notify the court administrator and the arbitrators (including any substitute).
Page 29 | L1315. Settlements
Registered users must notify the prothonotary within ten days of a change in firm name, address, fax number, or email address.
Parties or attorneys who register to use prothonotary's designated electronic filing management system shall provide notification within ten days of any change in firm name, address, fax number, or email address.
Page 17 | H. Obligation of Registered Electronic Filing Users to Maintain Proper Contact Information.
The parties are directed to confer to resolve issues raised in the motion or petition; if they resolve an issue before the scheduled date, the moving party must immediately notify the scheduling technician, assigned judge or hearing officer, and all counsel or unrepresented parties in writing or by email.
NOTICE: The parties are directed to confer for the purpose of resolving any issue raised in the motion/petition. If a resolution is reached prior to the scheduled date, the moving party shall immediately notify the court scheduling technician, the judge or hearing officer assigned to hear the matter, and all counsel of record or parties if unrepresented. Such notice may be in writing or by email.
Page 36 | L1.8(G), Notice
For accessibility and accommodation information, contact the Court Administrator’s office at (570) 327-2330; arrangements must be made at least 72 hours before a hearing or other court business.
For information about accessible facilities and reasonable accommodations available to disabled individuals having business before the court, please contact the Court Administrator's office, telephone number (570) 327-2330. All arrangements must be made at least 72 hours prior to any hearing or business before the court.
Page 22 | L250.1. Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990