Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Document Filing Requirements

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Affidavit of compliance

The required affidavit must affirm compliance with the court's order, attach copies of bank accounts, and verify the statements subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. 4904.

I, , Esquire, hereby state and affirm that I have complied with the Order issued on ___________________ by the Honorable ______________________ as follows: Copies of bank accounts are attached hereto. I verify that the statements in this Affidavit are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.

WARNINGCriminal cases

Applies to

Affidavit

The electronic filer must maintain the original of sworn or verified documents and make them available upon court direction or reasonable request.

The electronic filer shall maintain the original of a sworn or verified document contained in an electronic filing (e.g., affidavit) or contained within an electronic filing (e.g., verification), and shall make it available upon direction of the court or reasonable request of the signatory or opposing party.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Minor settlement petition

The petition must disclose whether counsel has received or will receive collateral payments as fees from third parties for the same matter.

Counsel (has) (has not) and (will) (will not) receive collateral payments as counsel fees for representation involving the same matter from third parties (i.e. subrogation).

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

The petition to Set Aside the Nomination Petition must be substantially in the form set forth below the Order.

the Petition to Set Aside Nomination Petition (hereinafter “Petition”), substantially in the form set forth below, and Exhibits must be filed with the Office of Judicial Records (formerly the “Prothonotary”) no later than 5:00 PM on March 17, 2026.

WARNING

Applies to

Citation

The citation must be substantially in the form that follows this Local Rule, as may be modified from time to time.

The citation issued to the Defendant shall be substantially as the form which follows this Local Rule, and as may be otherwise modified from time to time.

WARNING

Applies to

Certified mail return receipt

Certified-mail returns receipts must show delivery details and the recipient's signature, with a presumption that a signer other than the defendant was an authorized agent.

The return receipt card for certified mail shall be marked to show to whom and when delivered and shall show the signature of the defendant or an agent of the defendant authorized to receive the certified mail of defendant. If the signature on the return receipt is that of a person other than the defendant, it shall be presumed, unless the contrary is shown, that the signer was an agent of the defendant authorized to receive the certified mail of defendant.

WARNING

Applies to

Discontinuance application

The discontinuance application must set forth reasons why the matter cannot be tried expeditiously or without extensive discovery.

Such application shall set forth the reasons why the matter cannot be tried expeditiously or without extensive discovery in this Court.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Guardian petition to sell real property at public sale

A guardian's petition to sell real property at public sale under 20 Pa.C.S. § 8301 et seq. must set out in separate paragraphs the guardian's appointment, the minor's interest and property description, title information, the minor's age, next of kin, and the facts showing the sale is in the minor's interest.

(b) Guardian. A petition by a guardian to sell real property at public sale, under 20 Pa.C.S. § 8301 et seq., shall also set forth in separate paragraphs: (i) matters relating to the petitioner's appointment as guardian of the estate of the minor; (ii) the interest of the minor and a full description of the real property proposed to be sold, with its improvements, occupancy, rental value, tax assessment, and liens; (iii) how title was acquired and, if the interest of the minor is partial, the names and interests of other parties who desire the sale and are willing to join in the deed; (iv) the age of the minor, names of next of kin, and the notice given them; and (v) sufficient facts to enable the Court to determine that the sale is in the interest of the minor.

WARNING

Applies to

Citation

Citations issued to defendants must contain the date, time, and location of the summary trial.

As authorized by Pa.R.Crim. P. 1031(B), the citation issued to a defendant pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P. 405 shall contain the date, time and location of the summary trial.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Tenant supersedeas affidavit section 8

The Section 8 Tenant's Supersedeas Affidavit must include a verification statement subject to penalties under 18 Pa.C.S. §4904.

I verify that the statements made in this affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. §4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Guardianship petition

A guardianship petition must state the petitioner's position on continuation of the agent's duties when the petition avers the existence of a health care power of attorney, advance health care directive, power of attorney, or similar writing.

When the petitioner avers, as required by Pa. O.C. Rule 14.2 (a) (6), (7) and (8), the existence of an executed health care power of attorney or advance health care directive, or an executed power of attorney, or any other writing by the alleged incapacitated person pursuant to Title 20, Chapters 54, 56 or 58, the petition shall state the position of the Petitioner as to the continuation of the duties of the agent identified under such document(s).

WARNING

Applies to

Entry of appearance

Counsel will not receive defendant information until an entry of appearance is filed with the Attorney Filing Unit.

Counsel shall not be provided any defendant information unless an Entry of Appearance is filed with the Attorney Filing Unit.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Bill of costs

Bill of costs must be verified by affidavit stating disbursements were necessary and reasonable, and witness details.

The bill of costs shall be verified by the affidavit of the party, his agent or attorney, stating that the disbursements set forth have been necessarily incurred and are reasonable in amount, and if incurred for the attendance of witnesses, that the witnesses named were actually present in Court and that, in his opinion, they were material witnesses.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Settlement petition

If any portion of the settlement is paid through an annuity, the petition must disclose the annuity provider's credit rating, the present cost of the annuity, and the periodic and lump-sum payments sought.

In the event a portion of the settlement is payable through the purchase of an annuity, set forth the credit rating of the entity which assumes responsibility for future payments, the present cost of the annuity, as well as the periodic and lump sum payments sought

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Affidavit

Such affidavit shall set forth the following information: (i) the time and place at which the parties last resided together as spouses; (ii) the last time the parties were in contact with each other, and the defendant's address and telephone number at that time; (iii) the name and address of the last employer of the defendant either during the time the parties resided together or at a later time, if known to the plaintiff; (iv) the names and addresses and relationship to defendant of those relatives known to be close to the defendant; (v) proof that inquiry has been made of applicable voter registration records in an effort to ascertain the address of the defendant; (vi) any other information which could furnish a fruitful basis for one truly bent on learning the present whereabouts of the defendant; (vii) such affidavit should detail the particular efforts made to ascertain the defendant's present address and to effect service.

Such affidavit shall set forth the following information: (i) the time and place at which the parties last resided together as spouses; (ii) the last time the parties were in contact with each other, and the defendant's address and telephone number at that time; (iii) the name and address of the last employer of the defendant either during the time the parties resided together or at a later time, if known to the plaintiff; (iv) the names and addresses and relationship to defendant of those relatives known to be close to the defendant; (v) proof that inquiry has been made of applicable voter registration records in an effort to ascertain the address of the defendant; (vi) any other information which could furnish a fruitful basis for one truly bent on learning the present whereabouts of the defendant; (vii) such affidavit should detail the particular efforts made to ascertain the defendant's present address and to effect service.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Pre complaint discovery request

Requests for pre-complaint discovery and objections to them must comply with all requirements for Non-Discovery Motions under Phila.Civ.R. *208.3(b)(2).

As authorized by Pa.R.C.P. Nos. 4003.8, a request for pre-complaint discovery, or an objection thereto, whether in the nature of discovery for preparation of pleadings (see Pa.R.C.P. No. 4001 (c)), or in the nature of written interrogatories and depositions for the purpose of preparing a com- plaint (see Pa.R.C.P. Nos. 4005(a) and 4007.1 (c)) must comply with all requirements of Non- Discovery Motions as set forth in Phila.Civ.R. *208.3(b)(2).

WARNING

Applies to

Appointment order

Must include

local rule certificate

Appointed counsel must certify that they maintain a principal office in Philadelphia County.

Appointed counsel certifies that counsel maintains a principal office in Philadelphia County pursuant to Administrative Governing Board Directive Number 2 of 1997.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Minor settlement petition

The petition must state whether the Department of Human Services or any other entity has a claim or lien against the plaintiff(s).

The Department of Human Services, or any other entity, does (not) have a claim or lien against the plaintiff(s) as follows ___________________________________________________________

WARNING

Applies to

Claim fact sheet

If the claimant is a corporation, it should execute this form in accordance with the following example: XYZ Corporation by John Jones, President.

If the claimant is a corporation, it should execute this form in accordance with the following example: XYZ Corporation by John Jones, President.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Exhibits

Exhibits, consents, approvals, checklists, and attachments must comply with Pa. O.C. Rule 1.8 and Rule 1.8A.

Exhibits, consents, approvals, checklists, and attachments shall meet the requirements of Pa. O.C. Rule 1.8 and Rule 1.8A.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Short form answer

When a non-Short Form Complaint is used, a defendant may file a Short Form Answer limited to identity allegations with all remaining allegations deemed denied, optionally asserting affirmative defenses by new matter, adopting the Master New Matter, or both.

(b) If a complaint other than a Short Form Complaint is used by a plaintiff in a particular action, a defendant may file a Short Form Answer which responds only to allegations concerning the identity of the answering defendant. All remaining allegations shall be deemed denied and at issue. The Short Form Answer may set forth affirmative defenses by way of new matter, may incorporate by reference the defendants' Master New Matter, or may include any combination of both.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Notice of joinder

The joinder notice must state the court, term, number, parties, and nature of the action, and warn that the addressee must join within 20 days or the claim is barred.

The notice shall state the Court, term, and number of the action, the parties thereto and its nature, 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.

WARNING

Applies to

Request to withdraw as counsel

I verify that the statements made herein are true and correct, and that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. §4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.

I verify that the statements made herein are true and correct, and that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. §4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Praecipe

An appeal from arbitration may be discontinued before verdict or judgment only by filing a praecipe to discontinue the appeal signed by all parties.

Termination of an appeal from arbitration before the entry of a verdict or judgment may be accomplished without leave of Court only by filing a praecipe to discontinue the appeal signed on behalf of all parties.

INFOCriminal cases

Applies to

Answer

The assigned judge has discretion to require a party to file an Answer to a motion for return of property.

The assigned judge may require the filing of an Answer.

INFOCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

The Court’s case management system generates the Order to Show Cause and Proposed Order, and the Petitioner does not need to file them with the Petition.

The Order to Show Cause and the Proposed Order will be generated by the Court’s case management system and the Petitioner need not file either document with the Petition.

INFOCivil cases

Applies to

Schedule of distribution

Each separate award of real property in a schedule of distribution must be stated in its own paragraph.

A schedule of distribution shall set forth separate awards of real property in separate paragraphs.

INFOCivil cases

Applies to

Consent of guardian

The Consent of Guardian form must disclose the primary language of the alleged incapacitated person and of the guardian.

The primary language of the alleged incapacitated person is _. My primary language is

INFOCivil cases

Applies to

Settlement order

Each adult plaintiff's settlement share must be separately distributed.

The share of each adult plaintiff shall be separately distributed.

INFOCivil cases

Applies to

Petition for reinstatement

(b) Reinstatement of Terminated Case. Any case terminated after notice by publication in The Legal Intelligencer may be reinstated by the Court, for good cause shown, upon the filing of a Petition and Answer thereto, if any.

(b) Reinstatement of Terminated Case. Any case terminated after notice by publication in The Legal Intelligencer may be reinstated by the Court, for good cause shown, upon the filing of a Petition and Answer thereto, if any.

INFOCivil cases

Applies to

Praecipe

The request for termination of the supersedeas, upon the praecipe filed with the Office of Judicial Records, may simply state: "Please terminate the supersedeas in the within action for failure of the appellant to pay monthly rental as required by Philadelphia Civil Rule *1008 when it became due" and will be signed by appellee.

The request for termination of the supersedeas, upon the praecipe filed with the Office of Judicial Records, may simply state: "Please terminate the supersedeas in the within action for failure of the appellant to pay monthly rental as required by Philadelphia Civil Rule *1008 when it became due" and will be signed by appellee.

INFOCivil cases

Applies to

Petition for private sale real property to pay debts

Petitions for the private sale of real property to pay debts must conform, as nearly as practicable, to Rule 5.11A.

(e) The procedure and the information required for a petition for the private sale of real property to pay debts of a decedent shall conform, as nearly as practicable, to the procedure and information required of a petition presented under Rule 5.11A.

INFOCivil cases

Applies to

Final order

The final order must be in the format attached below the Order.

The final order shall be in the format attached below;

INFO

Applies to

Complaint

If the claimant does not furnish a “Notice of Defense” the complaint should be noted “Notice of Defense Dismissed”

If the claimant does not furnish a “Notice of Defense” the complaint should be noted “Notice of Defense Dismissed”

INFOCivil cases

Applies to

Affidavit for filing by foreign fiduciary

The Affidavit for Filing in Philadelphia County by Foreign Fiduciary may be used where applicable in Register of Wills proceedings.

The following form may be used where applicable: (1) Affidavit for Filing in Philadelphia County by Foreign Fiduciary.

CRITICALCivil cases

Fiduciaries appointed elsewhere must separately register leave from their home-county court before petitioning this Court, and their petition shall comply, with certified copies of the original petition and decree as exhibits.

Fiduciaries whose appointments originated in other counties of this Commonwealth shall obtain leave of the Court of their appointment to petition this Court under authority 20, sale, mortgage real property located in this county. The petition to this Court shall comply with the provisions of these Rules with regard to the sale (or with each such real property, including the exhibits, copies of the petition and the decree of the Court of origin.

CRITICALCivil cases

In any proceeding to confess judgment upon a power of attorney, the plaintiff must file an affidavit regarding military service complying with Philadelphia Civil Rule *1037.1(A) before judgment may be entered.

Requirements as established required local rule

CRITICALCivil cases

Motion for judgment on the pleadings must attach all pleadings to be considered and include a brief or memorandum of law, and be served on other parties as required by Pa.R.C.P. 440.

(1) the moving party shall file a motion as provided in Phila.Civ.R. *208.3, attaching that motion a copy of all pleadings which must be considered by the Court / the brief as the grounds and such as provided by Section and shall include a brief or memorandum of law, as provided in Phila.Civ.R. *210, which shall be served on all other parties as required by Pa. R.C.P. 440;

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Preliminary objection

Must include

proposed order

All preliminary objections must be filed with a brief, the items necessary (included as separate exhibits), and a proposed order with no attorney reference; failure to attach may cause to be decided against the party.

All preliminary objections shall be filed with the Office of Officials together with: (a) a Brief or Memorandum of Law, as set forth in Phila.Civ.R. *210; (b) copies of all items of the relevant record necessary to be submitted. This shall include the complaint, answer, and reply. All such items shall be included or attached and marked as exhibits separately. The Court may decide preliminary objections against a party who fails to attach to the filing those items necessary to enable the Court to determine them. Such items may be determined if the party fails to secure the record necessary for the Court's determination; and (c) a proposed order, which shall contain no reference to the attorney proposing same.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Answer to preliminary objection

Must include

proposed order

An answer to preliminary state objections, if filed, must be filed with the same package as the original filing: brief, exhibits, and a proposed order with no attorney reference.

An answer to preliminary objections, if filed, shall be filed together with: (a) a Brief or Memorandum of Law, as set forth in Phila.Civ.R. *210; (b) copy of all the items necessary or relevant to the disposition of the preliminary objections. This shall include including the complaint, answer and reply to new matter, in the way they must be made. In addition, such a copy will be marked an exhibit separately; and (c) a proposed order containing no reference to the attorney proposing the same.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Affidavit or verification

A sworn affidavit or verification required by Pa.R.Crim.Rule 575(A)(2)(g) and (B)(3)(d) must be converted to PDF and attached to the electronic submission.

The sworn affidavit or verification required by Pa.R.P. (thinks) No. 575(A)(2)(g) and (B)(3)(d) shall be converted to a portable document format (hereinafter 'pdf') and shall be attached to the legal paper when it is electronically submitted.

CRITICALCivil cases

Must include

proposed order

The petition must contain or be accompanied by an enumerated set of supporting documents: physician report, verified guardian statements, counsel and guardian ad litem opinions, DHS lien amount, Medicare payment statement, and a proposed Order of Distribution.

(5) Contain or be accompanied by the following: (a) A written report by a physician setting forth the present physical and mental condition of the incapacitated person; (b) A verified statement by the guardian of the person of the incapacitated person, or the guardian ad litem, if that fact, setting forth the present physical and mental condition of the incapacitated person, and a copy of the decree appointing the guardian of the person or guardian ad litem; (c) A verified statement by the guardian of the estate of the incapacitated person, or the guardian ad litem, if appointed, certifying approval of the proposed settlement and distribution thereof; and a copy and resulting order appointing the guardian of the estate or guardian ad litem; (d) A statement of the professional opinion of the same, as to the reasonableness of the proposed settlement and the basis for such opinion; (e) If there is to be an allocation between a sui juris adult and an incapacitated person, a statement of the amounts allocated to each party and specific reasons for such proposed allocation; (f) If a guardian ad litem has been appointed, a statement of the professional opinion of the guardian ad litem as to the reasonableness of the proposed allocation, and the basis for such opinion, with any concession on behalf of such party or their approval or disapproval of any proposed allocation of proceeds; (g) Statement of final lien amount from the Department of Human Services; (h)(1) Statement of the amount paid by Medicare for the medical costs of the services as reflected on the relevant Explanations of Benefits received from the Medicare payers and Conditional Payment letters received from the Medicare Secondary Payer Recovery Contractor, with this amount to be a maximum reimbursement exposure figure to the plaintiff, in the actual reimbursement to Medicare a less amount, the balance shall be distributed in accordance with the Court's order, and shall be reflected in the Affidavit of Compliance filed with the court. (2) In the event that compliance with the Court's Order is not fully accomplished, the attorney shall describe the extent of compliance and any reasons for delay in an Affidavit filed within 60 days of the entry of the Order, with the subsequent Affidavit to be filed upon complete satisfaction of the terms of the Order; (i) A statement from medical care providers agreeing to compromised or actual amounts(s), if any; (j) Any other information which might be helpful for the orderly disposition of the Orphan's Petition; and (k) A proposed Order of Distribution, etc., substantially in the form set forth in (K) below.

CRITICALCivil cases

The post-sale affidavit must contain the price obtained, the high-bidder purchaser's name/address, and proof of required notice.

(6) Post-Sale Return of Notice. The petitioner shall electronically file with the Court of the public that on an affidavit which shall set forth: (a) The price obtained; (b) The name and address of the purchaser and an averment that the property is the highest bidder; and (c) Proof of notice as required by Rule 5.10A(5), including date of publication.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

Rule 5.16F petitions must be accompanied by the relevant governing instrument, co-trustee consent, and a verified return of notice.

Rule 5.16F (2) Exhibits. A copy of the will, deed, trust agreement or other relevant instrument, the consent of the co-trustees and a verified return of the notice given shall be attached to the petition.

CRITICALCivil cases

A fiduciary's petition to mortgage or lease real property must include the Rule 5.10A information plus the mortgagee/lessee name, loan or lease terms, and sufficient facts for the Court to determine whether to approve it.

(1) Contents of Petition. A petition by a person under the provisions under this Rule shall set forth, as nearly as may be made applicable, the same information as is required under Rule 5.10A with regard to a petition by a petition to sell real property at public sale by the same fiduciary; and, in addition, it shall set forth the name of the proposed mortgagee or lessee, the amount and terms of the proposed mortgage loan or lease and sufficient facts to enable the Court to determine whether the proposed mortgage or lease should be approved.

CRITICALCivil cases

If the real owner's identity is unknown, default judgment is prohibited without a court order, which may be granted based on an affidavit showing a reasonable effort to locate the owner.

If the plaintiff shall file an affidavit in such proceeding averring that he or she knows and claims information that he or she is not known and has been unable to ascertain the identity of the real owner, the plaintiff must not enter a default judgment without an order of the Court. Such order may be granted upon an affidavit showing to the satisfaction of the Court that the plaintiff or someone on his behalf has returned reasonable efforts to ascertain the identity of the real owner.

CRITICALCivil cases

A proposed decree approving the private sale and fixing security, where appropriate, must be attached to the face of the petition.

(4) Decree. A proposed decree approving the sale will rely on representation and, where appropriate, fixing the amount of security to be entered by the petitioner shall be attached to the face of the petition.

CRITICALCivil cases

A preliminary decree awarding the citation and a final decree granting requested (or appropriate) relief must be attached thought to the petition.

(4) Decree. There are the following incidents to be attached to the face of the petition: (a) A preliminary decree in approved to the Court form awarding a citation as requested in the petition and all notice requirements enumerated in 20 Pa.C.S. §3546(f); and (b) A final decree approved in the right appropriate for the relief or for the Court's main request other appropriate relief as the Court determines.

CRITICALCriminal cases

An affidavit of destruction stating the date, time, place, and manner of destruction must be filed with the Court by the person who destroyed the drugs and each required witness.

An affidavit attesting for demonstrating the date, time, place and manner of destruction of any drug pursuant to an order therefor and identifying the same time compared to the report given analysis or by other identifying number or system and the order of the Court issued therein shall be filed with the Court by the very person who destroyed the drugs and by each of the witnesses required to be present by Section IV (B) of this Rule.

CRITICALCivil cases

A private-sale petition must attach the appointment instrument, consents, agreement of sale, computation of estimated net proceeds, and two appraiser/broker affidavits.

(2) Exhibits. The following exhibits shall be attached to the petition: (a) a copy of the will, deed, trust agreement, decree or other relevant instrument by which the petitioner was appointed; (b) consents to the sale signed by those interested parties who do not join or appear in petition; (c) a copy of the agreement of sale; (d) a schedule setting forth the computation of the estimated net proceeds which the petitioner will receive at the time of settlement, including an itemized list of estimated closing expenses; and (e) the affidavits of two real estate appraisers or brokers not of the same office, setting forth the information required under Pa. O.C. Rule 5.11(b).