Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas Service and Proof of Service Rules

CRITICALCivil cases

Deadline

48 hours

Counsel for a party requesting transfer must serve notice of the hearing date upon all counsel of record and any unrepresented parties within 48 hours after receipt of the order scheduling the arbitration hearing and shall file an Affidavit of Service with the Office of Judicial Records.

Counsel for a party requesting transfer must serve notice of the hearing date upon all counsel of record and any unrepresented parties within 48 hours after receipt of the order scheduling the arbitration hearing and shall file an Affidavit of Service with the Office of Judicial Records.

CRITICALCivil cases

Service

Publication

The Sheriff must advertise real property execution sales once a week for three successive weeks in The Legal Intelligencer and a daily newspaper, with the first advertisement at least 21 days before the sale.

Writs of execution for the sale of real estate shall be advertised by the Sheriff once a week for three successive weeks in The Legal Intelligencer and in one daily newspaper of general circulation in this county; the first advertisement to be not less than twenty-one (21) days before the date of the sale.

CRITICALCriminal cases

For attorneys or parties without an electronic-filing account, service of e-filed documents must be completed by the traditional methods required under Pa.R.Crim.P. 576.

Service of electronic filings on any attorney or party who has not established an account as provided in subsection (b)(1) of this rule shall be made by the traditional methods required under Pa.R.Crim.P. 576.

CRITICALCivil cases

Service

Personal service

If the alleged incapacitated person is in a hospital, nursing home or other institution, service must be made upon an attorney or authorized personnel of the institution and notice of the hearing should be given to the director or other authorized official of such facility.

If the alleged incapacitated person is in a hospital, nursing home or other institution, service must be made upon an attorney or authorized personnel of the institution and notice of the hearing should be given to the director or other authorized official of such facility.

CRITICALCriminal cases

At preliminary arraignment the defendant must be given written notice of the next Court appearance (stating date, time, and place), and must be served with written notice of any subsequent Court action, though failure to receive notice does not excuse the duty to appear.

At preliminary arraignment each defendant shall be given written notice of his next Court appearance. This notice shall state the date, time and place of the required appearance. It shall be the responsibility of the defendant to appear for any scheduled Court action. The defendant shall be served with written notice of any subsequent Court action, but failure to receive notice will not relieve the defendant of the responsibility of appearing.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Order to show cause petition and attachments

Petitioner must serve the Order to Show Cause, Petition, and attachments on the Philadelphia County Board of Elections no later than March 17, 2026 by 5:00 PM.

(3) A copy of this Order to Show Cause, Petition and attachments must be served by the Petitioner on the Philadelphia County Board of Elections, Room 142 City Hall, Philadelphia, PA no later than March 17, 2026 by 5:00 PM.

CRITICALCivil cases

Guardian must serve notice of any report filing on intestate heirs and the residential care provider within 10 days after filing, using the attached form.

The Guardian shall serve a notice of the filing of any of these reports on all those persons, sui juris, who would be entitled to share in the estate of the incapacitated person if he/she died intestate, and the person or institution providing residential care services to the incapacitated person as well as to within ten (10) days after filing a report using the attached form. Pa. O.C. Rule 14.8(b).

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

Petitions under Section (B)(2) must be noticed as provided in Pa.O.C. Rule 3.5.

Petitions filed pursuant to Section (B)(2) above shall be noticed as provided in Pa.O.C. Rule 3.5.

CRITICALCivil cases

Service

Electronic service to agency

The Petition to Set Aside Nomination Petition and the Order to Show Cause must be served on an employee of the County Board of Elections, either electronically or at a specified location.

(1) Petition to Set Aside Nomination Petition and Order to Show Cause on __________________________ , an employee of the County Board of Elections on March___, at ______ AM/PM electronically at:___________________________ or at the following location:

CRITICALCivil cases

Petitions for Approval of Settlements in which minors have an interest shall be served on all parties of record and filed as follows:

Petitions for Approval of Settlements in which minors have an interest shall be served on all parties of record and filed as follows:

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Release order

If the grand jury does not indicted, the case is dismissed, the release order is sent to the custody record office, and defense counsel is notified by email, telephone, fax, or first class mail.

If a case is presented to the Indicting Grand Jury and the defendant is not indicted, the District Attorney's Office will immediately notify an IGJ Supervising Judge and the case will be dismissed. If the defendant is in custody on the matter, an order directing the defendant's release on that matter will be sent to the Philadelphia County Prison Record Room or the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Record Room. If the defense attorney provided an e-mail address to the District Attorney's Office, a copy of the order will be e-mailed. Otherwise, the defense attorney will be notified by telephone, fax or first class mail.

CRITICAL

The removed attorney must serve a copy of the Order on all clients and file an Affidavit of Service, together with a copy of the Order, in each case where he/she is attorney of record, stating the client's current address.

The formerly admitted attorney shall serve a copy of this Order on all clients and shall file an Affidavit of Service (together with a copy of this Order) in connection with each case in which he/she is an attorney of record and he/she shall set forth in the Affidavit of Service the client's current address.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Notice of filing schedule

Service

Mail to all parties

Notice of the filing of a schedule of distribution must be sent by letter to each affected party's last known address no later than the day the schedule is filed, unless the party's consent is attached, with the attorney for the accountant certifying service and submitting the notice letter and recipient list.

Notice of the filing of the schedule of distribution shall be given to all interested parties affected thereby and to such other parties as the Court may direct, except those parties whose consents are attached. (i) Notice shall be given no later than the day of the filing of the schedule of distribution, by a letter addressed to the last known address of the party or to his or her attorney of record. (ii) It shall be sufficient return of notice for the attorney for the accountant to certify on the schedule that due notice of the filing thereof was given as required by this Rule. A copy of the letter of notice and a list of those to whom notice was sent shall be submitted with the schedule.

CRITICALCivil cases

Service

Mail to all parties

Each filed paper must be served on all other parties; service is complete upon mailing and proof must be attached at filing.

Unless otherwise provided by statute or rule of Court, a copy of each paper filed in any case other than the writ or complaint by which an action is commenced, or other original process, shall be served by the party filing it upon all other parties to the litigation or their attorneys of record. Such service shall be complete upon mailing and proof thereof shall be attached to the paper at the time of filing with the Office of Judicial Records.

CRITICALCivil cases

A copy of the petition must be served on parties who may have a possible interest in the action, per Phila. Civ. R. 2206(E).

Pursuant to Phila. Civ. R. 2206(E) Petitioner has served a copy of this Petition on the following parties who may have a possible interest:

CRITICALCivil cases

Service

Mail to all parties

Notice of the termination of the supersedeas shall be forwarded by first class mail to attorneys of record, or, if a party is unrepresented, to the party's last known address of record

Notice of the termination of the supersedeas shall be forwarded by first class mail to attorneys of record, or, if a party is unrepresented, to the party's last known address of record

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Records

Parties waive authenticity objections unless they serve a letter objection on all parties within thirty days of receiving the copies; admissibility objections are not waived.

If the records have been produced and copied in compliance with this regulation, unless a letter objection is served on all parties within thirty days of receipt of the copies of the records, the parties shall be deemed to have waived any objection to the authenticity or genuineness of such records for the purpose of any trial or hearing in the case designated in the caption of the Notice of Records Reproduction Request except, however, there shall have been no waiver of any objection to admissibility in evidence.

CRITICALCivil cases

Citations must be served on all directed parties, and the original citation with proof of service must be filed with the Clerk.

Petitions Requiring the Issuance of a Citation. (i) ) In accordance with Pa. O.C. Rule 3.5(a), service of the citation shall be made on all parties to whom the citation is directed, and the original citation with proof of service endorsed or annexed thereon shall be filed with the Clerk.

CRITICALCivil cases

A person not already subject to involuntary treatment must be served with the Petition and required notices at least three days before the scheduled hearing.

hearing shall be scheduled as soon as practicable, and the person must be served with a copy of the Petition and required notices at least three days before the scheduled hearing.

CRITICALCivil cases

Copy of exceptions must be served on other parties.

and a copy served on other parties.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Continuance and deferral application

The Continuance & Deferral Application must be served on opposing counsel and unrepresented parties at the same time it is filed with the Arbitration Center.

A copy of the Continuance & Deferral Application must be served, as required, on opposing counsel and unrepresented parties contemporaneously with its filing with the Arbitration Center.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Citation

Service

Personal service

Petitioner shall cause to be served (by personal service) the Citation with Notice and Petition, pursuant to the provisions of 20 Pa.C.S. §5511(a) and Pa.O.C. Rule 14.2, upon the alleged incapacitated person at least twenty (20) days prior to the court hearing.

Petitioner shall cause to be served (by personal service) the Citation with Notice and Petition, pursuant to the provisions of 20 Pa.C.S. §5511(a) and Pa.O.C. Rule 14.2, upon the alleged incapacitated person at least twenty (20) days prior to the court hearing.

CRITICAL

Service

Electronic service

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).

If the pleading or legal paper is accepted for filing, it will be electronically served as authorized by Pa.R.C.P. No. 205.4(g)(1)(ii) and service shall be effectuated as provided in Pa.R.C.P. No. 205.4(g)(2)(ii).

CRITICALCivil cases

An Alias Citation must be served on the alleged incapacitated person at least 20 days before the newly scheduled hearing date, in the same manner as the original citation.

The Alias Citation must be served on the alleged incapacitated person at least twenty (20) days prior to the newly scheduled hearing date, in the same manner as the original citation.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Decree

Counsel must serve and read the decree and statement of rights to Ivan Smith.

Counsel for the petitioner shall cause to be served upon and read to Ivan Smith a copy of this Decree and the following Statement of Rights

CRITICAL

Service

Electronic service

E-filed legal papers are automatically served on prior e-filers; the filing party must serve all others, and hard-copy filings must be served by the filing party.

If a legal paper is electronically filed, the Civil Electronic Filing System will automatically serve all persons who have previously submitted electronic filings in the same case, pursuant to Philadelphia Civil Rule *205.4 and Pa.R.C.P. No. 205.4(g), but the filing party must serve all others as required by rules of court. All legal papers filed in a hard-copy format must be served by the filing party as required by rules of court.

CRITICALCivil cases

The moving party must immediately serve conformed copies of all filed documents on all counsel of record and unrepresented parties.

The moving party shall immediately serve conformed copies of all documents filed with the Motion Clerk on all counsel of record and unrepresented parties, as required by Pa.R.C.P. 440.

CRITICALCivil cases

If the alleged incapacitated person is a veteran, notice of the hearing must be given to the Veterans' Administration.

If the alleged incapacitated person is a veteran, notice of the hearing must be given to the Veterans’ Administration.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Nuisance complaint

Nuisance complaints must be served by Writ Servers in Philadelphia or by Pennsylvania constables outside Philadelphia; the Court may continue the matter if a defendant has not received notice.

served in the same manner as provided in the Court of Common Pleas Rules of Civil Procedure for Equity Actions, except that service shall be made by Writ Servers in Philadelphia or by Pennsylvania constables on a county outside of Philadelphia. If the Court is not satisfied that a named defendant has received notice of the proceedings or order, the matter shall be continued by the Court for service.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Records subpoena

The records custodian must be given at least ten days to produce records.

The notice or subpoena must give the records custodian at least ten days within which to produce the records

CRITICAL

Service

Mail

If a defendant fails to appear for a summary trial scheduled by first class mail, the hearing is rescheduled and the defendant is served personally or by registered mail, return receipt requested.

If the defendant fails to appear for a summary trial scheduled by first class mail, the hearing will be rescheduled the defendant shall be served personally or by registered mail, return receipt requested.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Arbitration hearing notice

Upon having been informed that the case is ripe for a Compulsory Arbitration Hearing, the Court shall issue an Order substantially in the form set forth hereunder scheduling the Compulsory Arbitration Hearing, and the case shall proceed in the same manner as any other Compulsory Arbitration case. It shall be plaintiff’s responsibility to immediately serve the subrogee and the defendant(s) with notice of the Arbitration hearing date and to file an Affidavit of service with the Office of Judicial Records prior to the Arbitration Hearing date.

Upon having been informed that the case is ripe for a Compulsory Arbitration Hearing, the Court shall issue an Order substantially in the form set forth hereunder scheduling the Compulsory Arbitration Hearing, and the case shall proceed in the same manner as any other Compulsory Arbitration case. It shall be plaintiff’s responsibility to immediately serve the subrogee and the defendant(s) with notice of the Arbitration hearing date and to file an Affidavit of service with the Office of Judicial Records prior to the Arbitration Hearing date.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Service

Electronic service

Electronic filing satisfies service for account holders; traditional service required for non-account holders.

(g) Service of Legal Papers. (1) Use of the Criminal Electronic Filing System shall constitute the filer's certification that the submission is authorized and that electronic notice and service of other documents through the Criminal Electronic Filing System will be accepted by the filer. (2) The submission of an electronic filing shall satisfy the service requirements of Pa.R.Crim.P. 576 on any attorney or party who has established an account as provided in subsection (b)(1) of this rule. (3) Service of electronic filings on any attorney or party who has not established an account as provided in subsection (b)(1) of this rule shall be made by the traditional methods required under Pa.R.Crim.P. 576.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Deadline

24 hours

Applies to

Application to modify bail

Counsel must serve the District Attorney with a bail modification notice at least 24 hours before the scheduled hearing unless the judge or District Attorney waives it.

the Motion Court. The District Attorney shall be served with notice of the application by counsel for the applicant at least twenty-four (24) hours before the scheduled hearing unless waived by the Motion Court Judge or the District Attorney.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Affidavit of service

Service

Personal service

An affidavit of service of the petition and citation on the alleged incapacitated person, with specified recitals, must be submitted on the date of the incapacity hearing.

On the date of the hearing for determination of incapacity, the following shall be submitted: (a) an affidavit of service of the petition and citation on the alleged incapacitated person, attached to or endorsed upon the original citation, reciting that the petition and citation were explained to the maximum extent possible in language likely to be understood by the alleged incapacitated person and that a copy of each was left with him or her;

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

Petitions under Section (B)(1) must be served as provided in Phila.Civ.R. *205.4(f)(7) and Pa.R.C.P. No. 205.4(g).

Petitions filed pursuant to Section (B)(1) above shall be served as provided in Phila.Civ.R. *205.4(f)(7) and Pa.R.C.P. No. 205.4(g).

CRITICALCivil cases

The Guardian shall serve a notice of the filing of any of these reports on all those persons, sui juris, who would be entitled to share in the estate of the incapacitated person if he/she died intestate, and the person or institution providing residential care services to the incapacitated person as well as to within ten (10) days after filing a report using the attached form. Pa. O.C. Rule 14.8(b).

The Guardian shall serve a notice of the filing of any of these reports on all those persons, sui juris, who would be entitled to share in the estate of the incapacitated person if he/she died intestate, and the person or institution providing residential care services to the incapacitated person as well as to within ten (10) days after filing a report using the attached form. Pa. O.C. Rule 14.8(b).

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Records subpoena notice

Non-represented parties whose records are requested must receive notice at the same time as counsel, including notice of copy costs.

Whenever the records of a non-represented party or a person who is not a party are requested, that party or person must be given notice at the same time it is given to counsel. The non-represented party will also receive notice of the cost for a copy.

CRITICALCivil cases

Service

Publication

When the Sheriff returns n.e.i. or not found for a respondent, the Sheriff must serve by publishing notice once a week for two successive weeks in The Legal Intelligencer and a general circulation newspaper, with the last publication at least 15 days before the hearing.

In all cases where the Sheriff has made a return of n.e.i. or not found as to any respondent named in the petition, the Sheriff without further order of the Court shall accomplish service by publishing once a week for two successive weeks both in The Legal Intelligencer and one newspaper of general circulation in Philadelphia County, the last such publication to appear at least fifteen days prior to the day fixed for the hearing of such petition, a notice to the respondent or respondents not previously served of the filing of the petition and the date fixed for hearing thereon.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Discovery motion

The moving party must immediately serve the discovery motion and proposed order with notice and certificate of service, with at least 10 days' notice unless emergency or waiver.

The moving party shall immediately serve a copy of the Discovery Motion and proposed order (which shall contain no reference to the attorney proposing same), together with a Notice of Presentation and Certificate of Service (substantially in the form attached hereto) on all counsel of record and unrepresented parties as required by Pa.R.C.P. 440. Except in cases of emergency or waiver by consent of all parties, at least ten (10) days’ prior written notice shall be required.

CRITICALCivil cases

Petitions for Approval of Settlements involving incapacitated persons must be served on all parties of record.

Petitions for Approval of Settlements in which incapacitated persons have an interest shall be served on all parties of record and filed as follows:

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Order

If the court issues a decision immediately after argument, the presenting party must send a copy of the order to each attorney of record.

If the decision of the Court is issued immediately after the argument the party presenting the motion shall send a copy of the order to each attorney of record and

CRITICAL

No electronic service for e-filed documents; filing party must serve all parties.

(7) No pleading or legal paper accepted for filing through FSX will be electronically served. The filing party must serve all parties as required by rules of court.

CRITICALCivil cases

If there are no known intestate heirs, notice must also be given to the Attorney General at the Eastern Regional Office in Philadelphia.

(b) Service. If there are no known intestate heirs, notice shall also be given to the Attorney General at the Eastern Regional Office in Philadelphia.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Records subpoena

All parties must receive fifteen days notice before the records reproduction service serves a records subpoena on a custodian.

The record reproduction service will give fifteen days notice to all parties before it serves a records reproduction subpoena or other notice or request upon the records custodian;

CRITICALCivil cases

The petitioner must file or bring to the hearing an Affidavit of Service stating the date and time of service, in the attached format.

The petitioner shall file before the hearing or bring at the hearing an Affidavit of Service indicating the date and time of service of the Petition and of the Order to Show Cause. The Affidavit of Service shall be in the format attached below;

CRITICALCivil cases

Service

Mail to all parties

Parties not served through the Electronic Filing System must be served by first-class mail with notice and a copy of the petition.

Service to all parties in interest not effectuated through the Electronic Filing System shall be effectuated by mailing Notice of the filing of the Petition and a copy of the Petition by first-class United States mail, postage prepaid.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Praecipe for order or decree

The filer must serve all interested parties with the praecipe no later than filing and attach a certificate of service identifying who was served and how.

(2) The party filing a praecipe for an order or decree must serve all interested parties with the praecipe according to the provisions of Pa.R.O.C.P. 4.3 no later than the date that the praecipe is filed, and shall attach a certificate of service listing the names and addresses of those individuals and entities who were served with the praecipe, and by what means they were served.

CRITICALCivil cases

Service

Electronic service to opposing party

The Petition to Set Aside Nomination Petition and the Order to Show Cause must be served on the Respondent, either electronically or at a specified location.

(2) Petition to Set Aside Nomination Petition and Order to Show Cause on Respondent, _____________________________ on March ___, 2026 at ______ AM/PM electronically at:___________________________ or at the following location:

CRITICALCriminal cases

The surety must produce the defendant for all required Court appearances under penalty of forfeiture of the bail bond, and no other notice to the surety is required.

THE SURETY IS UNDER OBLIGATION TO PRODUCE THE DEFENDANT FOR ALL REQUIRED COURT APPEARANCES UNDER PENALTY OF FORFEITURE OF THE SURETY’S BAIL BOND. NO OTHER NOTICE TO THE SURETY SHALL BE REQUIRED.