Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Filing Rules

Electronic filings must include a signature block, with the filer's name preceded by '/s/' typed where the signature would appear.

The Office of Judicial Records provides an acknowledgment with the date and time of receipt for each e-filed legal paper.

Accepted e-filings are electronically served pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No. 205.4(g)(1)(ii) and served as provided in (g)(2)(ii).

Parties must electronically file all legal papers through the Civil Trial Division's Electronic Filing System commencing January 5, 2009.

The Office of Judicial Records accepts cash, checks, and American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa credit and debit cards for filing fees.

All legal papers filed electronically must be in portable document format (PDF).

If a defendant fails to submit the Notice of Defense and appears to defend, the Court may grant a continuance requiring the defendant to return to court on a different day.

Legal papers submitted with a Motion and Stipulation to Seal the Record must be filed in paper format until protocols permitting their electronic filing are adopted.

Parties or witnesses with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations by telephone, letter, or in person at least 3 business days before a proceeding or within 3 business days after service of the complaint, whichever is later.

Defendants in the Consumer Credit Card Diversion Program must attend the mandatory Conciliation Conference as scheduled by Court Order.