Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Electronic Filing Rules

CRITICAL

Applies to

Legal paper

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

(a) Commencing at 9:00 AM on January 5, 2009, parties shall electronically file all “legal papers,” as defined in Pa.R.C.P. No.205.4(a)(2), with the Office of Judicial Records through the Civil Trial Division’s Electronic Filing System as more specifically provided in Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure No. 205.4 and Philadelphia Civil Rule *205.2.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Account

For all accounts, counsel must electronically file, contemporaneously with the account, a specified set of papers including the filing checklist, petition, settlement and compensation agreements, income accounting waiver, tax receipt, and notice statement.

(1) All Accounts. Counsel shall electronically file the following papers contemporaneously with the account: (a) account filing checklist; (b) a Petition for Adjudication/Statement of Proposed Distribution; (c) copies of all agreements with respect to settlements and compromises; (d) copies of agreements, if any, with respect to the accountant's compensation, if credit therefor is taken in the account or requested at the audit; (e) a waiver of an income accounting by those entitled to the income, if the account does not contain a complete income accounting and such a waiver is not attached to the account; (f) ) the official receipt for any inheritance tax paid during the period of the accounting; and (g) ) a statement of the method and date of giving notice to all interested parties of the filing of the account and the Petition for Adjudication/Statement of Proposed Distribution and of the time of the audit, or alternatively, an averment that such notice shall be given and a certification thereof shall be submitted at the audit as hereinafter set forth.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Attorneys must establish an account with Username, Password, PIN, and email to use the Criminal Electronic Filing System.

An attorney must establish an account, apply for a Username, Password and Personal Identification Number ("PIN''), and supply an email address in order to use the Criminal Electronic Filing System.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Foreign fiduciary account

Counsel must electronically file specific foreign-fiduciary documents with an account when a share of the estate is distributable to a foreign fiduciary.

(8) Distribution to Foreign Fiduciary. In addition to the papers required by Rule 2.4B(1), at the time of filing an account, when a share of the estate is distributable to a foreign fiduciary, counsel shall electronically file:

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Civil mental health legal papers

All legal papers in civil mental health matters under the Mental Health Procedures Act must be filed electronically with the Office of Judicial Records unless the subsection (B) exception applies.

(A) Except as otherwise provided by subsection (B) of this rule, parties shall file legal papers, including original process, with the Office of Judicial Records by means of electronic filing in any civil mental health matter filed pursuant to the Mental Health Procedures Act of 1976, as amended, and the within rule.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Legal paper

Electronic filings in the Criminal Electronic Filing System may be submitted through www.philacourts.us in accordance with the filing instructions in the rule and posted on the site.

Electronic filings may be submitted through the website of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania: www.philacourts.us in accordance with the filing instructions contained in this rule and as may be otherwise provided at that site.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Legal papers

Electronic filing is authorized in Philadelphia County criminal cases for all legal papers, with express exclusions that must remain on paper until e-filing protocols are adopted.

The electronic filing of motions and other legal papers in the criminal courts of Philadelphia County is hereby authorized as specifically provided in this rule. The applicable general rules of court and court policies that implement the rules shall continue to apply to all filings regardless of the method of filing. Electronic filing and service shall be governed by this rule. Legal papers. In the context of this rule, the ‘’legal papers’’ which may be filed electronically shall encompass all written motions, written answers and any notices or documents for which filing is required or permitted, including orders, exhibits and attachments, but excluding: (i) applications for a search warrant; (ii) applications for an arrest warrant; (iii) grand jury materials; (iv) legal papers filed ex parte as authorized by law; and (v) legal papers filed or authorized to be filed under seal.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Electronic filings may be submitted through the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania website beginning April 1, 2013.

Electronic filings may be submitted through the website of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania: http://www.courts.phila.gov beginning on April 1, 2013 in accordance with the filing instructions contained in this rule and as may be otherwise provided at that site.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion for allowance

Other Motions for Allowance must be filed with the Office of Judicial Records, decided by the Motion Court Judge unless the original Judge retained jurisdiction, and are exempt from Motion Court filing requirements under Rule *208.3(b)(3).

All other Motions for Allowance, irrespective of which Judge approved the original settlement, shall be filed with the Office of Judicial Records. All such motions shall be decided by the Motion Court Judge, except where the original Judge has retained jurisdiction of the case. Said motions are not subject to any further filing requirements of the Motion Court under Philadelphia Civil Rule *208.3(b)(3).

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Legal papers

All parties must file all legal papers with the Clerk electronically.

Parties shall file all legal papers with the Clerk by means of electronic filing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of appeal

Notices of Appeal and Motions/Petition for Discovery may not be filed electronically.

Notices of Appeal, as defined by Pennsylvania Rule of Appellate Procedure 102, and Motions/Petition for Discovery pursuant to Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure 4001 et seq., may not be filed electronically.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Affidavit of compliance

The Affidavit of Compliance must be filed electronically, either with the Office of Judicial Records or the Clerk of the Orphans' Court Division.

counsel shall electronically file an Affidavit of Compliance with the Court maintaining the docket of the matter, either with the Office of Judicial Records or with the Clerk of the Orphans' Court Division.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Response to motion for summary judgment

The adverse party must electronically file its response to a summary judgment motion.

The adverse party or parties must electronically file a response to the motion for summary judgment within thirty (30) days of service of the motion, as provided in Pa.R.C.P. No. 1035.3.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Legal paper

Beginning November 2, 2026, parties may e-file Divorce and Annulment legal papers through the Philadelphia Courts EFS.

Commencing at 8:00 A.M. on November 2, 2026, parties may electronically file all Divorce and Annulment “legal papers,” as defined by Pa.R.Civ.P. 205.4(a)(2), with the Clerk of Family Court through the Philadelphia Courts Electronic Filing System (“Electronic Filing System”), as more specifically provided in Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure No. 205.4 and Philadelphia Civil Rule *205.4.1.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Legal papers and exhibits

All legal papers and exhibits must be filed through the Court's website.

A filing party shall file all legal papers and exhibits at the Court's website.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Account of trustee

For trustee accounts, counsel must additionally file electronically a copy of the trust instrument, certified by the accountant or counsel as true and correct.

(3) Accounts of Constitutional Principles. In addition to the papers required by Rule 2.4B(1), at the time of the filing of an account of a trustee, counsel shall electronically file a copy of the trust instrument, certified by the accountant or counsel in a true and correct manner.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Proof of deposit

Proof of deposit for a restricted account must be electronically filed with the Court within 60 days.

Proof of deposit evidencing the restriction shall be electronically filed with the Court within sixty (60) days.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of appeal

Notices of Appeal from impoundment orders must be filed with the Office of Judicial Records, Civil, either electronically through the FJD website or at Room 296 City Hall.

Notices of Appeal from orders issued upon Requests for Release of an Impounded Vehicle pursuant to 75 Pa.C.S. §§ 6309, 6309.1 and 6309.2 are to be filed with the Office of Judicial Records, Civil (formerly, the Prothonotary), electronically through the website of the First Judicial District at www.courts.phila.gov, or at the following address: Office of Judicial Records, Civil Room 296 City Hall Philadelphia, PA 19107

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Objections

Objections to a schedule of distribution must be electronically filed with the Clerk.

Objections shall be electronically filed with the Clerk.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Objections response

Beneficiaries who object to a proposed settlement must electronically file their written objections or response through the Civil Electronic Filing System (Phila. Civ. R. *205.4 / Phila. O.C.R. 3.7.A).

If you object to the proposed settlement and/or proposed distribution, you must electronically file your written objections or Response to the Petition on or before _____________________, 20____, through the Civil Electronic Filing System as provided in Phila. Civ. R. *205.4 or Phila. O.C.R. 3.7.A.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion for allowance

Motions for Allowance in cases with an Orphans' Court-appointed guardian must be filed directly with the Orphans' Court Division.

Motions for Allowance in those cases where a guardian has been appointed by the Orphans’ Court Division shall be filed directly with such Division.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition for approval of settlement

Petitions for approval of settlement in cases without an initiated civil action must be filed electronically with the Clerk of the Orphans' Court Division.

(2) For cases in which a civil action has not been initiated in the Trial Division, and no civil docket number has been assigned, Petitions for Approval of Settlement shall be electronically filed with the Clerk of the Orphans' Court Division.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Excluded legal papers (search warrants, arrest warrants, complaints, etc.) must be filed in paper format until electronic protocols are adopted.

Until such time as necessary protocols are adopted to permit the electronic filing of these excluded legal papers, they shall be filed in paper format so as to limit potential harm to any party and to protect the confidentiality of information as provided by law.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Legal paper

Legal papers filed with a Motion and Agreement to Seal the Record must be submitted in hard-copy and cannot be e-filed.

In the context of this rule, any legal paper filed contemporaneously with a Motion and Agreement to Seal the Record may not be filed electronically. All such legal papers must be submitted for filing to the Clerk of Court in hard-copy format.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Affidavit of compliance

Counsel must electronically file the Affidavit of Compliance with the court maintaining the docket, either with the Office of Judicial Records or the Clerk of the Orphans' Court Division.

Within sixty (60) days of the entry or a final Order of Distribution, counsel shall electronically file an Affidavit of Compliance with the Court maintaining the docket of the matter, either with the Office of Judicial Records or with the Clerk of the Orphans' Court Division.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Transcript request

Transcript requests must be submitted through the electronic Transcript Ordering System; requestors unable to access TOS may email a standard Request for Transcript form to transcripts@courts.phila.gov.

Requests for transcripts must be submitted through the electronic Transcript Ordering System (“TOS”) accessible through the website of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania at www.courts.phila.gov. A standard Request for Transcript form may be utilized by Requestors who cannot access the Transcript Ordering System. The Request for Transcript form is available on the Court’s website at www.courts.phila.gov/forms and must be emailed to transcripts@courts.phila.gov.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Account of agent under power of attorney

Counsel must electronically file a certified copy of the power of attorney at the time of filing an account of an agent under power of attorney.

(7) Accounts of Agents under Power of Attorney. In addition to the papers required by Rule 2.4B(1), at the time of filing an account of an agent under power of attorney, counsel shall electronically file a copy of the power of attorney, certified by the accountant or counsel to be true and correct.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Guilty plea

Defendant may not plead guilty by mail or electronically for certain violations requiring prison sentence.

If the defendant has been cited for violation of 75 Pa.C.S. § 1543 (B), and other violations which require the imposition of a prison sentence upon a guilty plea or adjudication, the defendant may not plead guilty by mail or electronically, and the summary trial will be held as scheduled, unless it is rescheduled by the Court.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Guardianship reports

(1) Guardian shall file all inventories, annual reports, and final reports in accordance with 20 Pa. C.S. §5521(c), Pa. O.C. Rule 14.8, and Pa.R.J.A. No. 510(b). Reports and inventories may be filed in either an electronic format or a physical paper format. Reports and inventories filed in an electronic format shall use the Guardianship Tracking System.

(1) Guardian shall file all inventories, annual reports, and final reports in accordance with 20 Pa. C.S. §5521(c), Pa. O.C. Rule 14.8, and Pa.R.J.A. No. 510(b). Reports and inventories may be filed in either an electronic format or a physical paper format. Reports and inventories filed in an electronic format shall use the Guardianship Tracking System.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Affidavit of return of sale

The affidavit of return of sale must be electronically filed with the Court and must state the price, purchaser information, high-bidder averment, and proof of notice.

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

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Account

An account must be electronically filed by 3 p.m. on the fifth Wednesday before the audit list is called.

An account to appear on a particular audit list must be electronically filed not later than 3 p.m. on the fifth Wednesday preceding the day on which such list will be called.

CRITICALCivil cases

Parties must electronically file all legal papers through the Civil Trial Division's Electronic Filing System.

Commencing at 9:00 AM on January 5, 2009, parties shall electronically file all "legal papers," as defined in Pa.R.C.P. No. 205.4(a)(2), with the Office of Judicial Records through the Civil Trial Division's Electronic Filing System as more specifically provided in Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure No. 205.4 and Philadelphia Civil Rule *205.4.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition for involuntary treatment not already subject

A petition for involuntary treatment of a person not already subject to treatment must be filed with the Office of Judicial Records.

(C) Filing of Petition. The Petition must be filed with the Office of Judicial Records.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of appeal

Notices of Appeal from Traffic Division proceedings must be filed with the Traffic Division Appeals Unit at 800 Spring Garden Street.

Notices of Appeal from Traffic Division proceedings are to be filed with the Philadelphia Municipal Court Traffic Division, which will accept them on behalf of the Office of Judicial Records, Criminal (formerly, the Clerk of Courts and Clerk of Quarter Sessions), at the following address: Philadelphia Municipal Court Traffic Division Appeals Unit 800 Spring Garden Street Philadelphia, PA 19123

CRITICAL

Legal papers filed electronically shall be filed through the Electronic Filing System, which shall be accessible through the website of the First Judicial System of Pennsylvania, https://www.courts.phila.gov, or at such other website as may be designated from time to time.

Legal papers filed electronically shall be filed through the Electronic Filing System, which shall be accessible through the website of the First Judicial System of Pennsylvania, https://www.courts.phila.gov, or at such other website as may be designated from time to time.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Plea

Defendant may plead not guilty in person, online, via IVR, or by mail.

The defendant may plead not guilty in person at the Traffic Division, on-line through the Court’s website, www.courts.phila.gov (click the “Municipal Court Traffic Division” link under the section entitled “Courts of the District”), through the Court’s IVR (Interactive Voice Response system), or by mail by following the instructions contained on the back of the citation.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Private criminal complaint

Private criminal complaints must be filed with the District Attorney's Office.

Private criminal complaints shall be filed with the District Attorney's Office.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Application for additional treatment

An application for additional periods of court-ordered involuntary treatment must be filed with the Office of Judicial Records and served as required by Section 304(b)(3).

(3) Filing and Service of Petition. The Petition must be filed with the Office of Judicial Records and served as required by Section 304(b)(3).

CRITICALCriminal cases

Both attorneys and self-represented parties must register with the Criminal Electronic Filing System by obtaining a username, password, PIN and email before they may e-file.

An attorney must establish an account, apply for a Username, Password and Personal Identification Number (“PIN’’), and supply an email address in order to use the Criminal Electronic Filing System. An attorney is responsible for the actions of other individuals whom the attorney authorizes to use the attorney’s account. Parties who are proceeding without counsel must also establish an account, apply for a Username, Password and Personal Identification Number (“PIN’’), supply an email address and be authorized to access their cases through the Criminal Electronic Filing System.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Schedule of distribution

A schedule of distribution must be electronically filed with the Clerk when directed by the Auditing Judge or at the election of the accountant.

(1) Filing. When directed by the Auditing Judge or at the election of the accountant, a schedule of distribution, in the form approved by the Court, shall be electronically filed with the Clerk. The Auditing Judge, in his or her discretion, may direct that only awards of real property or personal property, to be distributed in kind, need be included in the schedule of distribution.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

Petitions must be e-filed at fjdefile.phila.gov; petitioners unable to e-file may file in person in Room 296 City Hall.

The Petitions must be electronically filed at: https://fjdefile.phila.gov/. However, Petitioners who are unable to file their Petitions electronically may file in-person in Room 296 City Hall.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Motions and other legal papers

Electronic filing of motions and other legal papers is authorized in Philadelphia County criminal courts.

The electronic filing of motions and other legal papers in the criminal courts of Philadelphia County is hereby authorized as specifically provided in this rule.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Criminal document

The First Judicial District continues to operate its own Criminal Electronic Filing System under Rule 576 unless and until a local PACFile implementation plan is agreed upon.

Until such time, the First Judicial District’s Criminal Electronic Filing System implemented pursuant to Rule 576 shall continue.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Account of trustee special needs trust

For special-needs trust accounts, the trustee must also e-file a certified copy of the trust instrument, a Letter of No Objection from PA DHS, and a notice statement to the PA DHS Special Needs Trust Depository and SSA.

(4) Accounts of Trustees of Special Needs Trusts. In addition to the papers required by Rule 2.4B(1), at the time of the filing of an account of a trustee of a special needs trust, counsel shall electronically file: (a) a copy of the trust instrument, certified by the accountant or counsel to be true and correct; (b) letter of No Objection from counsel for the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services; and (c) statement of method and date of notice to Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Special Needs Trust Depository and Social Security Administration.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition for continued involuntary treatment

A petition for continued involuntary treatment of a person already subject to treatment must be filed with the Office of Judicial Records and served as required by Section 304(b)(3).

(C) Filing and Service of the Petition. The Petition must be filed with the Office of Judicial Records and served as required by Section 304(b)(3).

CRITICALCivil cases

Petitioner's counsel must electronically file a certification of mailing identifying all noticed parties and the notice provided.

Counsel to petitioner shall electronically file with the Clerk, prior to the return date of the citation, a certification of mailing which shall list the names and addresses of all parties to whom notice was so given, including a copy of the notice given.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition for approval of settlement

Petitions for Approval of Settlements in Trial Division civil cases must be electronically filed with the Office of Judicial Records.

For cases in which a civil action has been initiated in the Trial Division, Petitions for Approval of Settlements shall be electronically filed with the Office of Judicial Records,

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Account of guardian of minor

For guardian-of-a-minor accounts, counsel must also e-file the appointing will/deed/decree, a statement that claimants received audit notice, and a statement of the former minor or adjudicated matter setting out majority, the account examination and approval, and the requested discharge upon distribution.

(5) ) Accounts of Guardians of the Estates of Minors. In addition to the papers required by Rule 2.4B(1), at the time of the filing of an account of a guardian of the estate of a minor, counsel shall electronically file: (a) a copy of the will, deed or decree by which the guardian was appointed; (b) a statement that notice of the audit has been given to all known, unpaid claimants; (c) a statement of the former minor or, if the former minor has been adjudicated an incapacitated person, of the guardian of the estate of the former minor, setting forth the date the former minor attained majority; and that the former minor or the guardian of the estate of the former minor: (i) ) has examined the account; (ii) approves the account and requests that it be confirmed; and (iii) at the guardian of the estate of the minor shall be discharged upon distribution to the former minor or to the guardian of the estate of the former minor of the balance shown in the account, subject to such additional credits as may be authorized by law

CRITICAL

All legal papers must be filed electronically through the Civil Trial Division's Electronic Filing System, accessible via the First Judicial District website.

(i) Website. All legal papers shall be filed electronically through the Civil Trial Division’s Electronic Filing System (“Electronic Filing System”) which shall be accessible through the website of the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania, http://courts.phila.gov, or at such other website as may be designated from time to time.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of appeal

Motions to Appeal Nunc Pro Tunc and Notices of Appeal Nunc Pro Tunc must also be filed with the Traffic Division.

Motions to Appeal Nunc Pro Tunc and Notices of Appeal Nunc Pro Tunc shall also be filed with the Philadelphia Municipal Court Traffic Division which will transmit the record to the Court of Common Pleas, Trial Division, Criminal.