Court of Common Pleas of Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Adjournments
- Continuance applications for mediation must be written, delivered to the Court Administrator by hand, postal mail, or facsimile, and made at least 24 hours before the scheduled mediation.
Communication
Phone
Clerk
Document Format Requirements7 rules
Filed papers must be typed or printed single-sided on white 8½-by-11-inch paper, with specified margins and multiple sheets joined by a binder on the left.
- Margins
- Top 1 inch; Bottom 0.75 inches; Left 1 inch; Right 0.75 inches
- Paper size
- Letter
- Binding
- Bound on the left
Formatting
- •Use white paper
- •Type or print on one side only
Court's wording
(a) All papers or other documents filed with the Court shall be typed or printed on one side of 8 1/2" X 11" white paper. Margins of 1 inch shall be observed at the top and left-hand side of the sheet and margins of 3/4 inch shall be observed at the bottom and right-hand side of the sheet. Multiple sheets shall be joined with an appropriate binder on the left-hand side.
A motion must be written
Formatting
- •A motion must be written
The original and one copy of a motion shall be presented to the Prothonotary’s office, both of which shall be file stamped.
To the extent practicable it shall be formatted in accordance with the applicable rules governing formatting of paper documents, and in such other and further format as-the Court may require from time to time. All electronic filings shall be in PDF format. A document may exceed page limitation rules to a maximum of two (2) additional pages when the additional pages are attributed to the electronic conversion of filing process. The E-File system will automatically convert any filing to PDF/A format.
- File type
Court filings must be one-sided on white 8}" by 11" paper, observe the specified margins, and have multiple sheets joined with a binder on the left.
- Margins
- Top 1 inch; Bottom 0.75 inches; Left 1 inch; Right 0.75 inches
- Paper size
- Letter
- Binding
- Bound on the left
Formatting
- •Paper must be typed or printed on one side and be white
Court's wording
(a) All papers or other documents filed with the Court shall be typed or printed on one side of 8}" X 11" white paper. Margins of 1 inch shall be observed at the top and left-hand side of the sheet and margins of 3/4 inch shall be observed at the bottom and right-hand side of the sheet. Multiple sheets shall be joined with an appropriate binder on the left-hand side.
A motion seeking appointment of a master must use the form specified in Rule 1920.74 Pa.R.Civ.P.
Court's wording
When discovery is complete as to the claim(s) for which the appointment of a master is requested, a party seeking appointment of a master shall deposit in the Office of the Prothonotary the sum of $600.00 and shall move for appointment of a master in the form specified in Rule 1920.74 Pa.R.Civ.P.
All criminal procedural rules adopted by the Court of Common Pleas of Susquehanna County shall be referred to and may be cited as Susquehanna Rules of Criminal Procedure ("Susq.Crim.Rule _____").
Document Filing Requirements32 rules
An applicant’s bar-admission petition must be presented by a member of the Court’s Bar and show the applicant’s Pennsylvania bar admission, good moral character, and Susquehanna County residence or office.
Court's wording
(b) Admission to the Bar of this Court shall be by petition of the applicant, presented by a member of this Bar, which petition shall show that the applicant (1) has been admitted to the Bar of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and (2) is a person of good moral character; and (3) is a resident of Susquehanna County or has an office in Susquehanna County.
(c) Any filing by an attorney, not heretofore of record in the case, shall contain his or her current official address, telephone number and Pennsylvania attorney identification number.
(b) When a bond with individual surety is offered for approval, the bond shall not be approved unless it be accompanied by an affidavit which shows (1) the value of the property given as security and (2) a description of any liens upon it.
A petition seeking review of a bond or its surety must specifically state the objection.
Court's wording
(d) In all cases the form of the bond and the surety thereon shall be subject to review by the Court upon the filing of a petition stating specifically the objection thereto together with notice to the adverse party or his attorney.
A motion shall contain a statement as to whether a hearing or argument is requested, the estimated length of time needed, and a proposed rule to show cause under Pennsylvania Rule 208.4(b)(1).
When a timely and lawful jury-trial demand has been made, the parties must file a pre-trial memorandum as prescribed by the court.
Court's wording
Where a timely and lawful demand for a jury trial has been made, the District Court Administrator shall list the case for a pre-trial conference and require the parties to file a pre-trial memorandum as prescribed by the court.
A motion must be written, and shall contain a certification by counsel for the movant that he or she has sought concurrence in the motion from each party, and that it has either been given or denied. No concurrence need be sought from a pro se litigant.
Every motion shall be accompanied by a form order which, if entered by the court, would grant the relief sought in the motion
The Prothonotary of Susquehanna County, or his designee, is the person to be named in the notice to defend from whom information as to the availability of legal help can be obtained.
If a party wishes to submit the matter on brief only without attending oral argument, prior to the date of the oral argument, the party shall inform the court and all other parties, in writing, of the party's intention to submit on brief only.
Cases subject to arbitration under Susquehanna County Local Rule 1301 shall be listed therefore on a praecipe of either counsel or by agreement or reference filed with the Prothonotary.
If both parties are indigent, petition to proceed in forma pauperis shall be submitted to the Court in the form specified in Pa. R.C.P 240.
Further, if either party is indigent, he or she shall motion that the other party pay the full mediation fee and the Court will direct what party shall make payment.
If the parties accept an agreement resolving all custody issues, the mediator must prepare a Final Agreement and present it to the Court.
Court's wording
If the parties accept a Memorandum of Understanding which disposes of all of the issues regarding custody, it shall be the sole responsibility of the appointed Child Custody Mediator to prepare a Final Agreement and present it to the Court, and if the Final Agreement is found acceptable by the Court, it shall be made into a Final Order.
When the parties reach full agreement, the mediator must prepare a Memorandum of Understanding.
Court's wording
When the Child Custody Mediator determines that the parties have reached full agreement concerning the matter, he/she shall prepare a Memorandum of Understanding within ten (10) days following the mediation.
In those actions where the parties cannot reach any agreement, the Child Custody Mediator shall prepare and file a report pursuant to LOCAL CIVIL RULE 1940.6.
The no-resolution report must be in writing and provide no further explanation unless the parties agree to more disclosure and the mediator finds it beneficial.
Court's wording
If no resolution is reached during mediation, the Child Custody Mediator shall, within ten (10) days, report this in writing to the Court, without further explanation, unless the parties agree to additional disclosure and the Child Custody Mediator finds that additional disclosure will be beneficial.
Each electronically filed document shall be deemed to have been signed by the attorney or party represented by an attorney � •. I authorizing such filing and shall bear a facsimile or typographical signature of such person, e.g. "Isl Adam Attorney."
The title of each electronically filed document must identify the document, filing party, party against whom relief is sought if applicable, and nature of the relief.
Court's wording
The title of each electronically filed document shall include: •/ a) Descriptive title of the Document; b) Party or parties filing the document; c) Party or parties against whom relief, if any, is sought; and d) Nature of the relief sought (e.g. Defendant ABC Corporation's Motion for Summary Judgement Against Plaintiff Jones).
The filing party must retain the original hard copy for two years after the latest of the specified case, order, or appellate dispositions.
Court's wording
The filing party shall maintain the original hard copy of the document filed for two years after the later of: the disposition of the case; the entry of an order resolving the issue raised by the legal paper; or the disposition by an appellate court of the issue raised by the legal paper.
Each document E-Filed by an attorney shall also include the typed name, address, and telephone number of the attorney or unrepresented party filing such document. Attorneys shall include their Pennsylvania bar number.
Each electronically filed declaration and affidavit shall be deemed to have been signed by the declarant or affiant if an attorney or party not represented by an attorney has authorized such filing.
The electronic filing of a legal paper constitutes a certification by the filing party that the original hard copy was properly signed and, where applicable, verified; and a certification as provided by the signature to a legal paper under Pa.R.C.P. 1023.1(c), the violation of which shall be subject to the sanction provided in Pa.R.C.P. 1023.1(d).
(c) Any filing by an attorney, not heretofore of record in the case, shall contain his or her current official address, telephone number and Pennsylvania attorney identification number.
Police criminal complaints charging the listed offenses require approval by an attorney for the Commonwealth before filing to be accepted by a judicial officer.
Court's wording
The Susquehanna County District Attorney having filed the required certification pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P. 101A, criminal complaints by police officers charging violations of Crimes Code Section 2501, Criminal Homicide; Section 2502, Murder; Section 2505, Causing or Aiding Suicide; Section 2710, Ethnic Intimidation; Section 2901, Kidnapping; Section 3201, et seq., Abortion Act; or Section 5701, et seq., Wiretapping and Electronic Surveillance Act, shall not be accepted by any judicial officer unless the complaints have the approval of an attorney for the Commonwealth prior to filing.
The Susquehanna County District Attorney having filed the required certification pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P. 2002A, search warrant applications shall not be accepted by any judicial officer unless the application has the approval of an attorney for the Commonwealth prior to filing.
The master shall be empowered to direct the filing of such additional documents relating to financial or property matters as the master may deem necessary for his or her determination of the matter.
Parties ineligible for court ordered mediation, because of domestic violence, may request in writing that they be permitted, by the Court, to attend mediation.
Thereafter, pursuant to LOCAL RULE 1940.5(h), the Child Custody Mediator may be required to submit a Final Order to the Court.
A moving party may include a supporting brief it deems appropriate and necessary with its motion.
Court's wording
Every motion shall be accompanied by a form order which, if entered by the court, would grant the relief sought in the motion, and any supporting brief that the moving party deems appropriate and necessary.
The resident members of the Bar of Susquehanna County actively engaged in the practice of law in the county shall be hearing officers in support unless, upon written request to the District Court Administrator, they ask to be relieved of this responsibility.
With the parties' consent, the mediator may include a concise summary, specified background and dispute information, and any recommendations in the report.
Court's wording
With the consent of the parties, the Child Custody Mediator may state in the report a concise summary of the mediation, including the background of the action, the allegations of the parties concerning the areas of dispute, and the recommendations, if any, of the Child Custody Mediator concerning disposition.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Only individuals, not organizations or groups, may be registered users.
All registered users shall be individuals, not law firms, agencies, corporations or other groups.
Civil cases
Page 2 | A) Electronic Filing
Anyone intending to use E-Filing must register with the Teleosoft CountySuite Portal.
Any person intending to use E-Filing must register with the Teleosoft CountySuite Portal.
Civil cases
Page 2 | A) Electronic Filing
Users of the CountySuite Portal must follow its user manual.
All use of the CountySuite Portal shall be in accordance with the CountySuite Portal user manual.
Civil cases
Page 2 | A) Electronic Filing
Documents bearing third-party signatures may be filed electronically if the filer indicates that the original signatures are maintained in paper format.
Documents containing signatures of third-parties (i.e., unopposed motions, affidavits, stipulations, etc.) may also be filed electronically by indicating that the original signatures are maintained by the filing party in paper format.
Civil cases
Page 4 | B) Form of Documents Electronically Filed.
Civil actions, including family actions, may be filed electronically in the Court of Common Pleas of Susquehanna County.
All Civil Actions (Including Family Actions) filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Susquehanna County may be filed by E-Filing.
Civil cases
Page 2 | A) Electronic Filing
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
The respondent must file a brief no later than five days before the date identified in the truncated text.
The respondent shall file a brief no later than five (5) days prior to the date of
Civil cases
Page 4 | CIVIL RULE 1028(c). Preliminary Objections
The moving party must file its brief no later than 10 days before argument on preliminary objections.
The moving party shall file a brief no later than ten (10) days prior to the date of argument.
Civil cases
Page 4 | CIVIL RULE 1028(c). Preliminary Objections
The respondent must file its brief no later than 5 days before argument.
The respondent shall file a brief no later than five (5) days prior to the date of argument.
Civil cases
Page 5 | CIVIL RULE 1035.2(a). Motions for Summary Judgment
The moving party must file its brief no later than 10 days before argument.
The moving party shall file a brief no later than ten (10) days prior to the date of argument.
Civil cases
Page 5 | CIVIL RULE 1035.2(a). Motions for Summary Judgment
In an inactive matter listed for general call, action must be taken or a written objection docketed before the call begins to avoid striking and dismissal with prejudice.
If no action is taken or no written objection is docketed in such a matter prior to the commencement of the general call, the Prothonotary shall strike the matter from the list and enter an order as of course dismissing the matter with prejudice for failure to prosecute, under the provisions of this rule.
Civil cases
Page 6 | CIVIL RULE 1901. Prompt Disposition of Matters; Termination of Inactive Cases
After the initial filing, the filing party must present the complaint or petition during Motions Court on a Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.
(b) After the initial filing, the filing party shall present the complaint or petition to the Court of Common Pleas during Motions Court on any Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.
Civil cases
Page 8 | CIVIL RULE 1940.3. Order for Child Custody Mediation. Selection of Child Custody Mediator.
The Court Administrator must schedule a custody conference within 45 days after the complaint or petition is presented.
Once presented, the Court Administrator shall schedule a custody conference within forty-five (45) days.
Civil cases
Page 8 | CIVIL RULE 1940.3. Order for Child Custody Mediation. Selection of Child Custody Mediator.
After determining that the parties have fully agreed, the mediator must prepare a Memorandum of Understanding within ten days following mediation.
When the Child Custody Mediator determines that the parties have reached full agreement concerning the matter, he/she shall prepare a Memorandum of Understanding within ten (10) days following the mediation.
Civil cases
Page 11 | CIVIL RULE 1940.5
If the parties reach a complete or partial resolution, the mediator must prepare and transmit a Memorandum of Understanding to the parties within ten days.
If the parties reach a complete or partial resolution, the Child Custody Mediator shall, within ten (10) days, prepare and transmit to the parties a Memorandum of Understanding.
Civil cases
Page 12 | CIVIL RULE 1940.6
If no resolution is reached during mediation, the Child Custody Mediator shall, within ten (10) days, report this in writing to the Court, without further explanation, unless the parties agree to additional disclosure and the Child Custody Mediator finds that additional disclosure will be beneficial.
If no resolution is reached during mediation, the Child Custody Mediator shall, within ten (10) days, report this in writing to the Court, without further explanation, unless the parties agree to additional disclosure and the Child Custody Mediator finds that additional disclosure will be beneficial.
Civil cases
Page 12 | CIVIL RULE 1940.6
A legal paper submitted without the required filing fee is deemed accepted for filing as of the date payment is received.
if a legal paper is submitted without the requisite filing fee, the legal paper shall be deemed to have been accepted for filing as of the date payment is received pursuant to 42 P.S. Section 21073(b).
Civil cases
Page 6 | F) Time of E-Filing
An accepted legal paper is deemed filed on the date and time the CountySuite Portal 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 CountySuite Portal;
Civil cases
Page 6 | F) Time of E-Filing
The defendant, through counsel, must notify the court of a plea agreement at least three days before jury selection, unless good cause is shown.
Except for good cause shown, notification to the court of the existence of a plea agreement shall be given by the defendant, through counsel, at least three (3) days prior to the date and time set for jury selection.
Criminal cases
Page 4 | CRIMINAL RULE 319. Pleas and Plea Agreements.
A party may praecipe a trial-ready civil case for the trial list, with the listing at least 60 days after the praecipe is filed.
Any party may, by praecipe filed in the Office of the Prothonotary, cause a civil case which is ready for trial to be placed on the trial list not less than sixty (60) days from the date the praecipe is filed.
Civil cases
Page 3 | CIVIL RULE 212. Civil Trials.
If no trial-list praecipe is filed within 240 days of service of the complaint, the Court will list the case for trial on its own motion.
If no praecipe for trial listing is filed within two hundred forty (240) days of service of the complaint, the Court shall list the case for trial on its own motion.
Civil cases
Page 3 | CIVIL RULE 212. Civil Trials.
If no amended pleading is filed within 20 days in response to preliminary objections, the District Court Administrator will schedule the objections as the court schedule permits.
If, in response to preliminary objections, no amended pleading has been filed within twenty (20) days, preliminary objections shall be scheduled by the District Court Administrator as the current court schedule permits.
Civil cases
Page 4 | CIVIL RULE 1028(c). Preliminary Objections
Submitting preliminary objections on briefs only does not change the previously indicated brief deadline unless the Court directs otherwise.
However, briefs are still due on the date previously indicated by the Court, unless otherwise directed.
Civil cases
Page 4 | CIVIL RULE 1028(c). Preliminary Objections
The CountySuite Portal is to be available at all times except during routine maintenance.
access to the CountySuite Portal shall be available at all times, except for routine maintenance
Civil cases
Page 7 | F) Time of E-Filing
Prothonotary staff review legal documents only during normal office hours.
legal documents can only be reviewed by Prothonotary staff during normal office hours.
Civil cases
Page 7 | F) Time of E-Filing
Filers are cautioned to submit required legal papers well before their deadlines so there is time to correct and resubmit unacceptable papers.
Therefore, filers are cautioned to file required legal papers well in advance of any filing deadlines to enable timely correction and resubmission in the event a legal paper is not acceptable for filing.
Civil cases
Page 7 | F) Time of E-Filing
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Notice of a petition for review of a bond or its surety must be given to the adverse party or the party’s attorney.
(d) In all cases the form of the bond and the surety thereon shall be subject to review by the Court upon the filing of a petition stating specifically the objection thereto together with notice to the adverse party or his attorney.
Civil cases
Page 2 | CIVIL RULE 105. Bonds and Surety.
The filing party must serve a copy of the trial-list praecipe on the District Court Administrator.
The filing party shall serve a copy of the praecipe on the District Court Administrator who shall cause the case to be listed for trial.
Civil cases
Page 3 | CIVIL RULE 212. Civil Trials.
Parties must serve copies of their briefs on the District Court Administrator no later than five weekdays before argument.
Copies of briefs shall be served by the parties upon the District Court Administrator no later than five (5) weekdays prior to the date set for argument.
Civil cases
Page 3 | CIVIL RULE 227.1. Post-trial Relief.
The movant or respondent must serve copies of post-trial motions and responses on the District Court Administrator.
A copy of all motions for post-trial relief and responses thereto shall be served by the movant or respondent on the District Court Administrator who shall schedule the matter for argument.
Civil cases
Page 3 | CIVIL RULE 227.1. Post-trial Relief.
Motions for judgment on the pleadings must be filed with the Susquehanna County Prothonotary's Office, and notice of filing must be served on the District Court Administrator.
All Motions for Judgment on the Pleadings shall be filed with the Susquehanna County Prothonotary's Office and notice of the filing shall be served on the District Court Administrator.
Civil cases
Page 4 | CIVIL RULE 1034(a). Motions for Judgment on the Pleadings
Summary judgment motions must be filed with the Prothonotary, and notice of filing must be served on the District Court Administrator.
All Motions for Summary Judgment shall be filed with the Susquehanna County Prothonotary's Office and notice of the filing shall be served on the District Court Administrator.
Civil cases
Page 5 | CIVIL RULE 1035.2(a). Motions for Summary Judgment
The District Court Administrator must send the parties or their attorneys written hearing notice by ordinary mail at least 30 days before the hearing.
(b) The District Court Administrator shall promptly fix the date, time and place of hearing and shall by court order give written notice thereof sent by ordinary mail to the parties or their attorneys of record not less than thirty (30) days prior to the hearing.
Civil cases
Page 6 | CIVIL RULE 1303. Hearing Notice
The Prothonotary must send written notice of the arbitrator appointments to each appointed board member by ordinary mail.
(a) The Prothonotary shall give notice of the appointment in writing sent by ordinary mail to each member of the board of arbitrators appointed in accordance with this section.
Civil cases
Page 6 | CIVIL RULE 1303. Hearing Notice
When the stated conditions apply, the support obligee must promptly serve the Domestic Relations Section with copies of the court order and support agreement.
Where a contract or agreement for support has been made an order of this Court and where that contract or that agreement provides that it may be enforced by an action in accordance with the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, the support obligee shall promptly serve upon the Domestic Relations Section of the Court a copy of the order of court along with a copy of the contract or agreement.
Civil cases
Page 7 | CIVIL RULE 1910.1(b)(1). Contract or Agreement for Support.
A Memorandum of Understanding concerning a partial agreement must be sent to the parties by postal mail and is not binding until incorporated into the Court's Final Order.
The Memorandum of Understanding regarding the proposed partial agreement shall be sent to the parties via postal mail and shall not become binding until incorporated into the Final Order of the Court.
Civil cases
Page 11 | CIVIL RULE 1940.5
The full-agreement Memorandum of Understanding must be sent to the parties by postal mail and is not binding until adopted by the Court.
The Memorandum of Understanding shall be sent to the parties via postal mail and will not become a binding agreement until adopted by the Court.
Civil cases
Page 11 | CIVIL RULE 1940.5
The mediator must transmit the Memorandum of Understanding to the parties and, if a party requests it, also send a copy to that party's counsel.
If the parties reach a complete or partial resolution, the Child Custody Mediator shall, within ten (10) days, prepare and transmit to the parties a Memorandum of Understanding. At the request of a party, the Child Custody Mediator shall also transmit a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding to the party's counsel.
Civil cases
Page 12 | CIVIL RULE 1940.6
After an E-Filing is accepted, the filing party must provide the sheriff with the required service fee and documents for original service and writs; the portal does not provide legal service.
Once an E-Filing 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 original service and writs. The CountySuite Portal does not include legal service.
Civil cases
Page 7 | G) Service of Legal Papers
The attorney for the Commonwealth must give the defendant notice of the date and time set for tendering the plea.
The attorney for the Commonwealth shall give notice thereof to the defendant.
Criminal cases
Page 3 | CRIMINAL RULE 319. Pleas and Plea Agreements.
The attorney for the Commonwealth must set the arraignment date and time and give notice to the defendant.
The attorney for the Commonwealth shall fix the date and time of arraignment and give notice thereof to the defendant.
Criminal cases
Page 3 | CRIMINAL RULE 303. Arraignment.
A person filing a motion or petition must apprise the Court of its contents by presenting it at Motions Court or serving a copy on the District Court Administrator.
Any person filing a motion or petition shall apprise the Court of its contents either by presentation at Motions Court or by service of a copy on the District Court Administrator,
Criminal cases
Page 3 | CRIMINAL RULE 300. Motions and Petitions.
The defendant must receive a copy of the parole order.
(1) The defendant shall receive a copy of the order.
Criminal cases
Page 4 | CRIMINAL RULE 1406. Immediate Parole Upon Serving Minimum D.U.I. Sentence.
At the first non-jury-trial court held on or after September 1 each year, the Clerk of Courts must list qualifying inactive criminal proceedings and notify the District Attorney, any private prosecutor, and the defendant as provided by Pa.R.J.A. No. 1901(c).
The Clerk of Courts shall list at the first non-jury-trial court held on or after September 1 of each year all criminal proceedings in which no steps or proceedings have been taken for two years or more prior thereto and shall give notice thereof to the District Attorney, any private prosecutor and the defendant as provided by Pa.R.J.A. No. 1901(c).
Criminal cases
Page 4 | CRIMINAL RULE 1901. Prompt Disposition of Matters; Termination of Inactive Cases.
When these rules require service of a legal paper on the District Court Administrator, written notice that it was filed of record may satisfy the service requirement.
Whenever these rules require service of a legal paper upon the District Court Administrator, that requirement may be satisfied by written notice to the District Court Administrator that the legal paper has been filed of record.
Civil cases
Page 4 | CIVIL RULE 440. Service.
Electronic filing does not itself constitute service of documents.
Electronic filing does not include service of any documents.
Civil cases
Page 2 | A) Electronic Filing
Any other party may serve the filing party with a notice to produce the signed hard copy for inspection.
Any other party at any time may serve upon the filing part a notice to produce for inspection the signed hard copy
Civil cases
Page 4 | B) Form of Documents Electronically Filed.
Filing Fees and Waivers
After discovery is complete on the relevant claims, a party seeking a master must deposit $600 and move in the specified form, subject to the stated in forma pauperis exceptions.
When discovery is complete as to the claim(s) for which the appointment of a master is requested, a party seeking appointment of a master shall deposit in the Office of the Prothonotary the sum of $600.00 and shall move for appointment of a master in the form specified in Rule 1920.74 Pa.R.Civ.P. Where the requesting party has been granted in forma pauperis status, the court shall direct the opposing party to deposit the aforementioned sum. Where both parties have been granted in forma pauperis status, the court will hear the matter without having recourse to a master.
Civil cases
Page 7 | CIVIL RULE 1920.51(2)(i). Divorce Master
A nonrefundable $20 fee must be collected when a covered custody action or petition is commenced or filed.
(a) Upon commencement of an action for custody, partial custody or visitation of minor children, or the filing of a petition seeking modification or contempt of an existing order or seeking relocation, the Prothonotary shall collect a nonrefundable fee of $20.00 which will be used to benefit the newly enacted custody mediation program.
Civil cases
Page 8 | CIVIL RULE 1940.3. Order for Child Custody Mediation. Selection of Child Custody Mediator.
The parties must pay the $500 initial mediation fee to the Prothonotary at least seven days before mediation, with each party paying half.
An initial fee of $500.00 shall be paid by the parties to the Office of the Susquehanna County Prothonotary at least seven (7) days prior to the mediation. Each party shall pay one half of the mediation fee.
Civil cases
Page 9
Additional fees may be assessed as necessary by the Court in accordance with the recommendation of the Child Custody Mediator. These fees shall be paid to the Office of the Susquehanna County Prothonotary before mediation continues.
Additional fees may be assessed as necessary by the Court in accordance with the recommendation of the Child Custody Mediator. These fees shall be paid to the Office of the Susquehanna County Prothonotary before mediation continues.
Civil cases
Page 9
Filing fees and payments must be paid at filing through the CountySuite Portal by an authorized credit card, and may not be deposited in advance with the Prothonotary.
All filing fees and payments shall be made at the time of filing with an authorized credit card through the CountySuite Portal. � ds, I -� Authorized cards shall include Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. Filing fee and payments may not be deposited in advance with the Prothonotary.
Civil cases
Page 5 | D) Filing Fees
When filing the final report, the master must submit a statement of work performed, and the $50-per-hour fee is allocated between the parties with credit for the initial deposit.
At the time his or her final report is filed, the master shall present to the court a statement of work performed. Payment of the master’s fee of $50.00 per hour will be allocated between the parties with appropriate credit given for the initial $600.00 deposit.
Civil cases
Page 8 | CIVIL RULE 1920.51(2)(i). Divorce Master
Fees billed through the CountySuite Portal must include the Prothonotary's statutory filing fees.
Filing fees billed by CountySuite Portal shall include the Prothonotary's statutory filing fees.
Civil cases
Page 5 | D) Filing Fees
The Prothonotary may charge an e-filing convenience fee in accordance with the Prothonotary's fee schedule.
The Prothonotary is authorized to charge a convenience fee for E-Filing as set forth in the Prothonotary's fee schedule.
Civil cases
Page 5 | D) Filing Fees
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
A party seeking to file a document under seal must designate it as sealed in the CountySuite Portal and submit a separate proper request; the designation alone does not seal the document.
Documents intended to be filed under seal shall be designated by the filing party as "sealed" in the CountySuite Portal. However, designation of documents as "sealed" does not seal the document. The party must submit a proper request for sealing documents in addition to making the designation in the CountySuite Portal.
Civil cases
Page 5 | E) Sealed Documents
The sealed document's filing details and title appear in the E-File system, and the document may be viewed only by the Court, Prothonotary staff, and case participants.
The filing details and document title will appear in the E-File system. The document can be viewed only by the Court, the Prothonotary staff, and case participants.
Civil cases
Page 6 | E) Sealed Documents
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Before filing a motion, counsel must seek concurrence from each party and include a certification stating whether concurrence was given or denied; concurrence need not be sought from a pro se litigant.
A motion must be written, and shall contain a certification by counsel for the movant that he or she has sought concurrence in the motion from each party, and that it has either been given or denied. No concurrence need be sought from a pro se litigant.
Civil cases
Page 3 | CIVIL RULE 208.3(a). Motions Procedures.
After being apprised of a motion or petition, the Court shall, where necessary, set a hearing or argument and establish a briefing schedule.
whereupon the Court shall, where necessary, fix a time for hearing or argument, or both, and establish a briefing schedule.
Criminal cases
Page 3 | CRIMINAL RULE 300. Motions and Petitions.
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Continuances are within the President Judge's discretion and must be reset to a definite day and time no more than 30 days after the original date.
(c) All continuances shall be in the sound discretion of the President Judge and shall be made to a day and time certain not more than thirty (30) days from the date originally set.
Civil cases
Page 6 | CIVIL RULE 1303. Hearing Notice
Continuance applications for mediation must be written, delivered to the Court Administrator by hand, postal mail, or facsimile, and made at least 24 hours before the scheduled mediation.
All applications for continuances of mediations shall be made in writing to the court and shall be delivered via hand delivery, postal mail, or facsimile to the Court Administrator no less than 24 hours before the scheduled mediation.
Civil cases
Page 10
A proceeding will be dismissed unless good cause for continuing it is shown at the general call.
If no good cause for continuing a proceeding is shown at the general call, an order for dismissal shall be entered forthwith by the court.
Criminal cases
Page 4 | CRIMINAL RULE 1901. Prompt Disposition of Matters; Termination of Inactive Cases.
The master alone schedules hearings and conferences and may grant a continuance upon a representation of good cause; a party may challenge the determination by motion to the court.
All hearings and conferences shall be scheduled solely by the master. Continuances may be granted by the master upon representation that good cause exists. Where a party disagrees with a master’s continuance determination, the party may present the matter to the court by motion.
Civil cases
Page 8 | CIVIL RULE 1920.51(2)(i). Divorce Master
The Court may grant an extension for preparing the Memorandum of Understanding for good cause shown.
Extensions for preparation may be granted by the Court for good cause shown.
Civil cases
Page 11 | CIVIL RULE 1940.5
Chambers Communication Rules
A party choosing to submit on the briefs without oral argument must notify the court and all other parties in writing before the argument date.
If a party wishes to submit the matter on brief only without attending oral argument, prior to the date of the oral argument, the party shall inform the court and all other parties, in writing, of the party's intention to submit on brief only.
Civil cases
Page 5
Registered portal users must notify CountySuite Portal within 10 days of a change in firm name, delivery address, fax number, or email address.
Parties or attorneys who register to use the CountySuite Portal system shall notify CountySuite Portal within ten (10) days of any change in firm name, delivery address, fax number or e-mail address.
Civil cases
Page 7 | H) Obligation of registered E-File Users to Maintain Proper Delivery Information
A hearing or argument will take place unless the Court receives timely contrary notice, written or later confirmed in writing, by agreement of counsel or unrepresented parties.
The hearing or argument shall take place, unless timely notice to the contrary, either written or later confirmed in writing, be given to the Court by agreement of counsel or unrepresented parties.
Civil cases
Page 4 | CIVIL RULE 1028(c). Preliminary Objections
The Prothonotary and Clerk of Courts may be contacted by telephone at the listed number and extensions during the stated office hours.
Prothonotary & Clerk of Courts County Courthouse 31 Lake Avenue (PO Box 218) Montrose, PA 18801 Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Telephone: (570) 278-4600 Civil - Ext. 6641 Criminal - Ext. 6642 Collections - Ext. 6677
Page 1 | Contact Information