Court of Common Pleas of Union County, Pennsylvania
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Judgment on Pleadings Motions
- 1 copy • Upon Filing
Opposition Brief
- 1 copy • Upon Filing
Preliminary Objections Supporting Brief
- 1 copy • Upon Filing
Response Brief
- 1 copy • Upon Filing
Document Format Requirements9 rules
All pleadings and other legal papers shall be printed in double space on white paper that is 8 ½ inches wide and 11 inches long, and shall be secured by appropriate metal or plastic fasteners.
- Line spacing
- Double
- Paper size
- Letter
- Pleading
- Legal paper
All exhibits shall be tabbed and labeled.
Legal papers must be filed in PDF; the Prothonotary converts hard-copy filings to PDF and returns the hard copy to the filing party for retention.
- File type
Court's wording
(b). Legal papers shall be presented for filing in a PDF. As authorized by Pa.R.C.P. 205.4 (b)(1), in the event a legal paper is presented for filing in a hard-copy format, the Prothonotary shall convert said legal paper into a PDF and shall maintain it in that format. The Prothonotary shall return the hard-copy legal paper to the filing party for retention of required by PA.R.C.P. 205.4 (b) (4).
The original and a sufficient number of copies for all parties to the proceeding shall be filed with the Prothonotary.
All requests for continuances shall be on forms provided by the Court Administrator, under the Court section of each county’s website. Visit: www.snydercounty.org or www.unioncountypa.org.
All briefs shall be filed in duplicate.
- Brief
Formatting
- •File briefs in duplicate
Exhibits must be formatted for the records office to maintain and retrieve, with specific requirements for oversized, voluminous, and digital evidence.
Court's wording
(c) Format of Exhibits. The custodian shall ensure that the format of an exhibit, including size and material, is compatible with the records office’s ability to maintain and retrieve it. This includes the following: (i) offering as an exhibit an 8 ½ by 11 inch copy of any oversized (larger than 8 ½ by 11 inches) documentary evidence; (ii) offering as an exhibit copies of any voluminous documentary evidence on a digital storage device; and (iii) offering any digital media (e.g., video and/or audio recordings) as an exhibit on a digital storage device in a format that uses publicly available software for retrieval, or includes any propriety software necessary for retrieval.
In such cases, the custodian shall ensure that a photograph (no larger than 8 ½ by 11 inches) of such evidence is offered as an exhibit and included in the index of exhibits.
Exhibits must be formatted for the records office to maintain and retrieve, including the specified paper-copy and digital-storage formats for oversized, voluminous, and digital evidence.
Court's wording
The custodian shall ensure that the format of an exhibit, including size and material, is compatible with the records office’s ability to maintain and retrieve it. This includes the following: (i) offering as an exhibit an 8 ½ by 11 inch copy of any oversized (larger than 8 ½ by 11 inches) documentary evidence; (ii) offering as an exhibit copies of any voluminous documentary evidence on a digital storage device; and (iii) offering any digital media (e.g., video and/or audio recordings) as an exhibit on a digital storage device in a format that uses publicly available software for retrieval, or includes any propriety software necessary for retrieval.
Document Filing Requirements56 rules
Pleadings and other legal papers to be filed must be accompanied by a cover sheet containing the specified party, attorney, caption, and document information.
- Document
- Pleadings and other legal papers
Must include
- •Caption
Court's wording
(2) All pleadings and other legal papers to be filed shall be accompanied by a cover sheet which shall include: (i) in the upper left-hand corner the name of the filing party, the name, address, and telephone number of the attorney representing the filing party, or if the party is not represented by counsel, the address and telephone number of the filing party; (ii) the full caption of the litigation; (iii) the title of the pleading or other legal paper; and the name and address of the attorney of record for any party, including the name of the attorney’s firm, or a designation that a party without an attorney is pro se, and the pro se party’s address.
(3) The cover sheet shall be substantially in the following form:
Electronic filing using an authorized username and password constitutes the filing party’s signature and, for an attorney, certification of authorization to file.
Court's wording
(1) The electronic filing of legal papers using an authorized User Names and Password shall constitute the filing party’s signature on electronic documents as provided by Pa.R.C.P 1023.1. and, if the filing party is an attorney, shall constitute a certification of authorization to file it as provided in Pa.R.C.P. 202.5.1.
Required verifications and other documents executed by clients or third parties must be scanned and attached to the electronic filing as a PDF when the legal paper is submitted.
Court's wording
(2) Verification of pleadings, as required by Pa.R.C.P. 206, and 1024, as well as any other documents executed by the client or third parties, such as Affidavits or Certifications of Service, shall be scanned and attached to the electronic filing in a PDF at the time the legal paper is submitted for electronic filing.
Personal identifiers in civil matters must comply with Pennsylvania’s Case Records Public Access Policy safeguards, and the Confidential Information Form is required.
Court's wording
(3) Personal Identifiers in civil matters, such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth, financial account numbers and names of minor children, must comply with the safeguards of the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania. The Confidential Information Form is required.
Any party filing a motion shall include a brief statement of the applicable authority empowering the court to grant the relief requested.
A discovery motion must include a signed certification that the moving party conferred or attempted to confer with all interested parties and could not resolve the matter without court action.
Court's wording
All motions relating to discovery shall include a certification signed by counsel for the moving party or by a pro se moving party that they have conferred or attempted to confer with all interested parties in order to resolve the matter without court action and that counsel or the pro se party has been unsuccessful in resolving the matter without court action.
In the event that a party files a motion that is not uncontested the motion shall be submitted accompanied by an order substantially in the form provided for in Pa.R.C.P. No. 208.4(b)(2).
When a motion is filed that has not been certified as uncontested any party opposing the relief requested in the said motion shall file a response to the motion and a short statement citing
All motions averring facts not of records shall be verified.
A Notice to Defend must name the designated county Office of the Court Administrator where legal help may be obtained, using the applicable county’s listed contact information.
Court's wording
As provided by Pa.R.C.P. No. 1018.1(c) the following offices are designated as the office to be named in the Notice to Defend where legal help may be obtained: For cases filed in Snyder County: Office of the Court Administrator Snyder County Courthouse P.O. Box 217 Middleburg, PA 17842 (570) 837-4359 For cases filed in Union County: Office of the Court Administrator Union County Courthouse 103 S. Second Street Lewisburg, PA 17837 (570) 524-8736
All preliminary objections shall be accompanied by a brief in support of the preliminary objections.
If a party wishes to have an evidentiary hearing or oral argument that party, at the time of the filing of their preliminary objections or their answer or responsive brief, shall submit a scheduling order substantially in the following form:
A motion for judgment on the pleadings filed pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No. 1034 shall be accompanied by a brief.
A request for oral argument or a hearing must include the parties’ available dates, which must be 20 to 60 days after filing the request, or the court will decline to consider it.
Court's wording
A request for oral argument or a hearing shall be accompanied by a list of dates when counsel for the requesting party, or the requesting party if pro se, counsel for the opposing party or parties, and any pro se opposing party are available for argument and/or hearing. The list shall be for dates not less than twenty (20) days nor more than sixty (60) days after the filing of the request. Failure to provide the said list shall cause the court to decline to consider the request.
All briefs shall be filed in duplicate.
Within five (5) days after service of the motion and brief upon the other parties the party filing the motion shall file a certificate of service.
- Document
- Motion for judgment on the pleadings
Must include
- •Certificate of service
A party requesting a hearing must complete the proposed order with a good-faith estimate of the time needed for the hearing and argument.
Court's wording
Any party requesting a hearing shall be responsible for completing the proposed order with a good faith estimate as to the amount of time that party believes will be necessary for a complete hearing and argument on the pending preliminary objections;
Argument on the said Motion and any response thereto shall be limited to a total of fifteen (15) minutes, unless, at the time of the filing of the proposed scheduling order the party requesting argument certifies that additional time is necessary. If additional time is necessary the party submitting the proposed scheduling order shall make a good faith estimate as to the total amount of time needed for argument by all parties.
Any party seeking oral argument shall, at the time of the filing of their motion or response, file an original and a sufficient number of copies of a scheduling order substantially in the form provided for in 17CV1028(c)(4).
A party filing a motion for summary judgment, shall, at the time of the filing of the said motion, file a brief in support thereof.
A party filing a response pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No. 1035.3(a) shall file a brief in support of their response contemporaneously with the filing of that response.
The objection shall specifically indicate the matters that must be preliminarily resolved and shall propose a timetable for their completion.
An agreement of reference for a matter not in litigation must be signed by counsel for all sides, filed with the Prothonotary, define the issue, and include factual stipulations when agreeable.
Court's wording
Matters not in litigation may be referred to a board of arbitrators by an agreement of reference, signed by counsel for all sides in the case. Such agreement shall be filed with the Prothonotary, who will forward a copy to the court administrator. Said agreement shall define the issue involved for determination by the board and, when agreeable, shall also contain stipulations with respect of facts.
After the case has been heard, the arbitrators shall make their report/award, which shall be signed by at least a majority of them.
The Prothonotary shall not mark or certify a case settled or discontinued until the attorney for the plaintiff has presented his or her praecipe in proper form.
A de novo appeal shall be allowed as a matter of course upon the filing of the affidavit of appeal and recognizance, and upon the aforesaid repayment of the arbitrators’ fees.
Divorce complaints and petitions concerning custody, partial custody, or visitation must include the court-provided form order referring the matter to mediation.
Court's wording
All counts in a divorce complaint and all petitions relating to custody, partial custody, or visitation of minor children shall include a form order referring the matter to mediation. The form shall be provided by the Court Administrator, under the Court section of each county’s website. Visit: www.snydercounty.org or www.unioncountypa.org.
A pleading seeking both a proceeding date and a temporary custody order pending mediation or the initial conference must state specifically the facts supporting the temporary order.
Court's wording
Any pleading which requests the scheduling of a proceeding and also requests entry of a temporary order to maintain de facto custody provisions pending m e d i a t i o n o r the initial conference shall set forth with specificity those facts supporting the request for the temporary custody order pending mediation or the initial conference.
Any recommended Interim Order of the Custody Conference Officer shall be submitted to the Court for approval and upon court approval shall have the effect of an Interim Order.
A custody case will be removed from the initial conference or pre-trial schedule and/ or the custody trial list only upon the filing of the settlement agreement and Court Order.
Both parties must submit a pre-trial statement at the scheduled conference in the Court-prescribed form or as governed by the cited rule and Court Order.
Court's wording
At the time set for the pre-trial conference, both parties shall submit a pre-trial statement in the form prescribed by the Court. O R s t r i c t l y c o m p l i e d w i t h t h e p r o v i s i o n s o f P a . R . C . P . N o . 2 1 2 . 2 ( a ) i n d i c a t e d i n C o u r t O r d e r .
The Petition for E m e r g e n c y Special Relief must be presented as a separate document titled "Petition for Emergency Special Relief."
2. Petition for Emergency Special Relief shall be filed when there is an immediate threat to the health, safety, or welfare of the child.
Any request by the parties for evaluations made after the initial conference and not made at the pre-trial conference or entered into by stipulation must be made by Petition for Rule to Show Cause alleging specific facts and reasons for the request.
The Emergency Petition for Custody must be a separate document apart from the Custody Complaint.
The Emergency Petition for Special Relief must be a separate document apart from the Petition for Modification or Petition for Contempt.
The Petition for Special Relief or Emergency Petition for Custody shall be filed with the Prothonotary.
The custodian must submit a numbered exhibit list with a description or identification of each exhibit and its admission or rejection status.
Court's wording
The custodian shall submit to the Court a numbered list of exhibits offered into evidence that includes the following: (i) a textual description or identification of each exhibit; and (ii) whether the exhibit was admitted into or rejected from evidence by the Court.
In such cases, the custodian shall ensure that a photograph (no larger than 8 ½ by 11 inches) of such evidence is offered as an exhibit and included in the index of exhibits.
- Document
- Index of exhibits
Must include
- •Exhibit list
All requests for continuances shall be on forms provided by the Court Administrator, under the Court section of each county’s website. Visit: www.snydercounty.org or www.unioncountypa.org.
shall contain a certification by counsel for the movant, or by the movant if not represented by counsel, that he or she has sought concurrence in the motion from each party, and that it has been either given or denied. No motion shall be filed without a certification of concurrence or nonconcurrence.
A motion must include a form of order granting the requested relief if all parties concur, or a form of order with the specified alternative provisions if they do not all concur.
Court's wording
Every motion which has been concurred with by all parties shall be accompanied by a form of order which, if approved by the Court, would grant the relief sought in the motion. Every motion that is not concurred with by all parties shall be accompanied by a form of order which includes alternative provisions for either a rule returnable for answer only or to schedule a date for hearing and argument before the court.
All motions filed with the Court must be written,
The custodian must submit a numbered list identifying each exhibit offered into evidence and stating whether the Court admitted or rejected it.
Court's wording
The custodian shall submit to the Court a numbered list of exhibits offered into evidence that includes the following: (i) a textual description or identification of each exhibit; and (ii) whether the exhibit was admitted into or rejected from evidence by the Court.
Distribution to those parties not automatically served via PACFile with a court order or notice must be filed with the Clerk of Courts office with a complete distribution ledger listing the names and addresses of all parties required to be served with a paper copy.
The staff member who serves the Misconduct Report shall record the date and time of service on the Misconduct Report immediately prior to giving the inmate a copy of the Misconduct Report.
Every misconduct is to be reported on a Misconduct Report.
The Misconduct Report must be written by a person with personal knowledge or by staff acting at that person’s direction.
Court's wording
The Misconduct Report shall be written by either the charging staff member or contract personnel who has personal knowledge of the misconduct or by a staff member at the direction of a person who has personal knowledge of the misconduct.
If appropriate, a motion must include a signed certification that its requested relief is uncontested; without it, the court will consider the motion contested.
Court's wording
A motion shall, if appropriate, include a certification signed by counsel for the moving party or by a pro se moving party that the relief requested in the motion is uncontested. Absent such certification the Court will consider a motion to be contested by one or more of the parties to the litigation
Failure to request oral argument in accordance with this rule shall constitute a waiver of oral argument.
Argument by the objecting and any answering parties shall be limited to a total of fifteen (15) minutes unless, at the time of the filing of the proposed preliminary objection or responsive brief, the party requesting argument certifies to the court that additional time is necessary.
A party seeking more than one-half hour for oral argument must certify the need and provide a good-faith estimate in its proposed scheduling order.
Court's wording
Oral argument shall be limited to a total of one-half (1/2) hour unless a party at the time of the filing of their proposed scheduling order certifies that additional time will be necessary. That party will be responsible for making a good faith estimate as to the total amount of time the parties will need for argument.
A. No exceptions may be filed to an Interim Order entered in a custody action.
1. Petitions for Special Relief shall be filed to address a specific circumstance that does not necessitate the modification of an existing Custody Order and does not involve the violation of the existing Custody Order.
If the stated change in circumstances and lack of agreement occur, either party may file a Petition for Special Relief that sets out all pertinent supporting facts or is verified by the filing party.
Court's wording
Should a significant change in circumstances arise after entry of an Interim Order and before the pre-trial conference necessitating a modification of the Interim Order, which modification cannot be amicably agreed upon pending the pretrial conference, either party may file a Petition for S p e c i a l R e l i e f of the Interim Order, setting forth all pertinent facts in support thereof or verified by the filing party.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Counsel and unrepresented parties must register with CountySuite Portal for a username and password before accessing the electronic filing system.
(2) CIVIL legal papers can be filed electronically through CountySuite Portal, located on prothonotary’s county website. To obtain access to the Electronic Filing System, counsel or any unrepresented party must first register with the CountySuite Portal for a User Name and Password.
Page 5 | 17CV205.4(c)(2)
Electronic filing of civil legal papers through CountySuite Portal is permitted under Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 205.4.
(a)(1). The Snyder County Court of Common Pleas does hereby permit electronic filling of all legal papers with the Prothonotary through its electronic filing system, CountySuite Portal, as well as the electronic service of such papers, under terms more specially provided in Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 205.4.
Page 5 | 17CV205.4(a)(1)
A pleading or legal paper that complies with the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure may not be refused based on a local electronic-filing rule, procedure, or practice.
(2) No pleading or other legal paper that complies with the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure shall be refused for filing by the Prothonotary or the Electronic Filing System based upon a requirement of a local rule or local administrative procedure or practice pertaining to the electronic filing of legal papers.
Page 6 | 17CV205.4(e)(2)
Attorneys and self-represented parties filing legal papers electronically must establish a PACFile account through the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania Web Portal.
Attorneys or self-represented parties who file legal papers electronically must establish a PACFile account using the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania Web Portal.
Page 29
The listed warrant applications, grand jury materials subject to the stated exceptions, authorized ex parte or sealed submissions, and evidence exhibits must not be filed electronically.
The following documents are excluded from the definition of “legal paper” and are therefore prohibited from being filed electronically: (1) applications for search warrants, (2) applications for arrest warrants, (3) any grand jury materials, except the indicting grand jury indictment or the investigating grand jury presentment, (4) submission filed ex parte as authorized by law, (5) submissions filed or authorized to be filed under seal, and (6) exhibits offered into evidence, whether or not admitted, in a court proceeding;
Page 29
PACFile is the exclusive system for electronic filing.
“the system” the PACFile electronic filing system, developed and administered by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, is the exclusive system for electronic filing.
Page 29
The Prothonotary must provide a printable acknowledgment through CountySuite Portal showing receipt of the legal papers and the date and time received.
The Prothonotary shall provide, through the CountySuite Portal, an acknowledgement that the legal papers have been received, including the date and time of receipt, in a form which can be printed for retention by the filing party.
Page 5 | 17CV205.4(c)(3)
The Prothonotary must provide access to CountySuite Portal at all times except during required maintenance.
(c)(1). The Prothonotary shall provide access to CountySuite Portal (CIVIL electronic filing system) at all times, except during periods of required maintenance.
Page 5 | 17CV205.4(c)(1)
Attorneys and self-represented parties who are unable and unwilling to participate in electronic filing may file and serve legal papers in physical paper format.
Attorneys or self-represented parties who are unable and unwilling to participate electronic filing of documents are permitted to file and serve the legal papers in a physical paper format.
Page 29 | H. Service of Legal Papers
Electronic filing of legal papers through PACFile under Pa.R.Crim.P. 576.1 is permitted but not required.
Legal papers may be filed electronically using the PACFile electronic filing system pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P. 576.1. Electronic filing is permissive and not mandatory.
Page 28 | 17CR576.1 Electronic Filing in Criminal Dockets
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
The filing time and date for an electronically filed legal paper are those registered by the Electronic Filing System.
(3) The time and date of filing a legal paper and any receipt of the legal paper filed electronically shall be that registered by the Electronic Filing System.
Page 5 | 17CV205.4(c)(3)
A legal paper submitted without the required filing fee is deemed filed only on the date the Prothonotary receives the fee payment.
such legal paper shall only be deemed to have been filed on the date that said filing fee payment was received by the Prothonotary.
Page 6 | 17CV205.4(f)(4)
Authority supporting opposition to the motion is due within 20 days after service; without a response and opposition brief, the motion will be considered uncontested by a non-responding party.
appropriate authority in support of opposition to the said motion within twenty (20) days after service of the motion. Absent the filing of a response and brief in opposition to the motion the Court will consider the motion to be uncontested by any non-responding party.
Page 9
Unless an amended pleading is filed, the party whose pleading is challenged must file an opposition brief within 20 days after service of the preliminary objection.
Absent the filing of an amended pleading, the party whose pleading is the subject of the preliminary objections shall file a brief in opposition to the preliminary objection within twenty (20) days of service of the preliminary objection.
Page 10 | 17CV1028(c) Preliminary Objections
The certificate of service must be filed within five days after service of the motion and brief on the other parties.
Within five (5) days after service of the motion and brief upon the other parties the party filing the motion shall file a certificate of service.
Page 12 | 17CV1034(a) Motions for Judgment on the Pleadings
A party opposing the motion must file its response and supporting brief within 20 days after service of the motion.
All parties opposing the said motion shall file a response and a brief in support of their response within twenty (20) days of the service of the motion.
Page 13
A party objecting to the Praecipe must file a motion for delay within 20 days.
If the other party objects to the filing, that party shall, within the (20) days, file a motion requesting delay in the appointment of arbitrators pending completion of the pre-trial discovery and filings.
Page 15 | 17CV1301.1 Cases for Submission
The arbitration award must be submitted within 10 days after the hearing or the last adjournment.
An award must be submitted within 10 days after the day of the hearing or the last adjournment thereof.
Page 18 | 17CV1306 AWARDS
An appeal must be taken no later than 30 days after entry of the award; the source text ends mid-sentence.
Said appeal shall be taken not later then 30 days after the date of the entry of the award of
Page 20 | 17CV1309
An appeal must be filed within 30 days; otherwise, judgment will be taken on the award.
If no appeal is filed within 30 days, judgment shall be taken on the award.
Page 21
For an inactive civil matter, action must be taken or a written objection docketed before the general call begins to avoid 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.
Page 21 | 17CV1901. Prompt Disposition of Matters; Termination of Inactive Cases
The Petition for Emergency Special Relief shall be filed with the Prothonotary simultaneously with the Petition for Modification or Petition for Contempt.
The Petition for Emergency Special Relief shall be filed with the Prothonotary simultaneously with the Petition for Modification or Petition for Contempt.
Page 25 | D. Existing Cases – Modification Of Existing Custody Order Requested Or Contempt Of Existing Custody Order
The Petition for Emergency Special Relief shall be filed with the Prothonotary simultaneously with the Custody Complaint.
The Petition for Emergency Special Relief shall be filed with the Prothonotary simultaneously with the Custody Complaint.
Page 25 | Emergency Special Relief
Unless the presiding judge instructs otherwise, the custodian must submit exhibits at the conclusion of the proceeding so they can be docketed within the next five business days.
Unless instructed otherwise by the presiding judge, the custodian shall submit any exhibits to the Court at the conclusion of the court proceeding in order to ensure that the exhibits are filed with the records office for incorporation into the docket within the next five business days.
Page 26 | 17CV5102 Custody of Exhibits
The report must be written and submitted before the end of the same day or shift the violation becomes known; if delayed, it must include a justification.
The Misconduct Report will be written and submitted to the Lieutenant, Prison Supervisor or OIC before the tour of duty concludes on the same day/shift that the charging staff member or contract personnel have knowledge of the violation. If not, the Report must include a justification for the delay.
Page 35 | Misconduct Report
The Lieutenant and Prison Supervisor must meet with the inmate to dispose of the misconduct charges within seven working days.
The Lieutenant and Prison Supervisor will meet with the inmate for disposition of the misconduct charge(s) within seven working days.
Page 36 | C. Informal Resolution of Misconduct
The filing party is responsible for delays, disruptions, interruptions, or legibility problems with electronic filing unless they are caused by CountySuite Portal failure.
(e)(1) A filing party shall be responsible for any delay, disruption or interruption of the electronic signals and legibility of the document electronically filed, except when caused by the failure of the CountySuite Portal.
Page 6 | 17CV205.4(e)(1)
If a pleading or legal paper is not accepted when presented for filing, the Electronic Filing System must immediately notify the filing party.
(3) If a pleading or other legal paper is not accepted upon presentation for filing the Electronic Filing System will immediately notify the party presenting the legal paper for filing.
Page 6 | 17CV205.4(e)(3)
The Court may order nunc pro tunc filing if a good-faith electronic filing attempt fails and the party shows reasonable efforts to present and file the paper timely.
(ii) If a party makes a good faith effort to electronically file a legal paper but it is not received, accepted or filed by the Electronic Filing System, the Court may order that the paper be accepted and file nunc pro tunc upon a showing that reasonable efforts were made to timely present and file the paper.
Page 6 | 17CV205.4(e)(4)(ii)
If the opposition brief is not filed on time, the preliminary objections will be considered unopposed by the non-responding party.
Absent the filing timely of the said brief the Court will consider the preliminary objections to be unopposed by the non-responding party;
Page 10 | 17CV1028(c) Preliminary Objections
If a timely response and supporting brief are not filed, the Court will consider the motion unopposed.
Absent the filing timely of a response and brief in support of the response the Court will consider the motion to be unopposed.
Page 13
A civil action is referred to arbitration 20 days after the required Praecipe is filed.
A civil action will be referred to arbitration (20) days after the filing with the Prothonotary and the Court Administrator of a Praecipe signed by either party or its counsel indicating the matter is ready for arbitration.
Page 15 | 17CV1301.1 Cases for Submission
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Electronic service of civil legal papers is permitted under Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 205.4.
(a)(1). The Snyder County Court of Common Pleas does hereby permit electronic filling of all legal papers with the Prothonotary through its electronic filing system, CountySuite Portal, as well as the electronic service of such papers, under terms more specially provided in Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 205.4.
Page 5 | 17CV205.4(a)(1)
Court notices, orders, and judgments must be served under Rule 440, not through the CountySuite electronic filing system.
(3) Copies of all Notices, Orders or Judgments from the Court in any action shall be served according to Rule 440, not through CountySuite electronic filing system.
Page 7 | 17th Judicial District - Civil Rule 205.4
Electronic service is complete when the paper is sent to the recipient’s email address or the filing system sends the filer notice that the paper is filed and available on the system website.
(2) Service by electronic transmission is complete when a legal paper is sent: (i) to the recipient’s electronic mail address, or (ii) to an electronic filing system website and an e-mail message is sent to the filer by the electronic filing system that the legal paper has been filed and is available for review on the system’s website (CountySuite Portal).
Page 7 | 17th Judicial District - Civil Rule 205.4
After electronic filing is accepted or original process is filed, the filing party must provide the sheriff with the proper fee and documents for original service and writs; the electronic system does not effect service to the sheriff’s department.
Note: Once the electronic filing has been accepted or the original process has been filed by the Prothonotary; it shall be the responsibility of the filing party to provide the sheriff with the proper service fee and documents for original service and writs. The electronic system does not include legal service to this department.
Page 7 | 17th Judicial District - Civil Rule 205.4
Legal papers other than original process may be served under Rule 440 or by non-fax electronic transmission to parties who previously filed electronically in the same case.
(g)(1) Copies of all legal papers other than original process filed in an action or served upon any party to an action may be served: (i) as provided by Rule 440; or (ii) by electronic transmission, other than facsimile transmission, to all parties who have previously submitted electronic filing in the same case, pursuant to the 17th Judicial District - Civil Rule 205.4 and Pa.R.C.P. 205.4 (g).
Page 7 | 17th Judicial District - Civil Rule 205.4
The party filing a motion is responsible for serving the motion and order under the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.
The party filing the motion shall be responsible for service of the motion and order in accordance with the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.
Page 8 | 17CV208.3(a) Motions – Filing Procedure
The party filing preliminary objections must file an affidavit of service within five days after service of the objections.
The party filing the preliminary objections shall file an affidavit of service within five (5) days of the service of the preliminary objections;
Page 10 | 17CV1028(c) Preliminary Objections
The party requesting a hearing or argument must serve the scheduling order on all other parties after it is entered.
Upon the entry of an order scheduling hearing and/or argument it shall be the responsibility of the party requesting hearing and/or argument to serve the order on all other parties.
Page 12
The party requesting oral argument must serve a true and correct copy of the scheduling order on all parties.
The party requesting oral argument shall be responsible for serving a true and correct copy of the scheduling order on all of the parties.
Page 14
The Court Administrator must send the nominee list to each party or the party’s attorney within 7 days after receiving the praecipe.
The list of attorneys nominated to the potential board shall be sent by the Court Administrator to each party or his or her attorney within 7 days of the receipt of the praecipe.
Page 17 | 17CV1303 HEARINGS
The final arbitration board must be sent to the parties’ attorneys.
A final board shall be sent to the attorneys of the parties.
Page 17 | 17CV1303 HEARINGS
Notice of a continuance must be sent by the Court Administrator to the parties and the court.
on notice sent by the Court Administrator to the parties and the court.
Page 18 | 17CV1303.3 Continuances
Once the award is indexed, written notice must be mailed immediately to the parties or their attorneys, with a copy to the Court Administrator.
Upon the award being indexed, the Prothonotary shall give immediate written notice of the award to all the parties, or their attorneys, by regular mail and a copy to the Court Administrator.
Page 19 | 17CV1308
If the case settles, is withdrawn, or otherwise terminates after each arbitrator is notified but before the hearing date, the party who filed the praecipe must serve notice on the Court Administrator and each arbitrator.
In the event that a case shall be settled, withdrawn, or otherwise terminated by or between the parties at any time subsequent to the notification to each arbitrator, as provided for in 17CV1302.C, but prior to the date scheduled for hearing, the party filing the praecipe for appointment of a Board of Arbitrators shall be responsible for causing notice of the settlement, withdrawal, or termination to be served upon the Court Administrator and each of the arbitrators.
Page 20 | 17CV1308
If the case settles, is withdrawn, or otherwise terminates after the appointment praecipe is filed but before the board is named, the party who filed the praecipe must serve notice on the Court Administrator.
In the event that a case shall be settled, withdrawn, or otherwise terminated by or between the parties at any time subsequent to the filing of a praecipe requesting the appointment of a Board of Arbitrators but prior to the naming of that board by the Court Administrator pursuant to 17CV1302, the party filing the praecipe for appointment of a Board of Arbitrators shall cause notice of the settlement, withdrawal, or termination of the action to be served upon the Court Administrator.
Page 20 | 17CV1308
Establishing a PACFile account constitutes consent to electronic filing and electronic service of documents filed through PACFile.
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 576.1 (D)(2) , the establishment of the PACFile account constitutes consent to participate in electronic filing, including acceptance of service electronically of any document filed using PACFile.
Page 29
Legal papers, including court orders and notices, must be served under Pa.R.Crim.P. 576 on attorneys or parties without a PACFile account, including the listed court offices.
Service of legal papers on any attorney or party who has not established an Account as provided in subsection (C ) of this rule shall be made in accordance with Pa.R.Crim.P.576. Specially, the following offices must be served in accordance with Rule 576: Court Administration, Probation, Sheriff and Court Reporter. This applies to the service of court orders and notices.
Page 29 | H. Service of Legal Papers
Service on an attorney or defendant participating in PACFile must be made electronically.
Service upon an attorney or defendant participating in the system shall be done electronically.
Page 30 | H. Service of Legal Papers
The inmate must be personally served with the report on the day it is written; if service is delayed, the Lieutenant or Prison Supervisor must determine why and provide justification.
The inmate shall be personally served with the Misconduct Report the same day the report is written. If the Misconduct Report is not served the same day the report is written, the Lieutenant or Prison Supervisor must determine why the Report was not served and supply justification.
Page 35 | B. Service of Misconduct Report
The charging staff member may not serve the Misconduct Report.
Someone other than the charging staff member will serve the Misconduct Report.
Page 35 | B. Service of Misconduct Report
An inmate charged with listed misconduct must receive a copy of the Misconduct Report.
An inmate charged with any of the listed misconduct will receive a copy of the report.
Page 35 | Misconduct Report
With prior written agreement, court orders are served on the agreeing party by the Prothonotary only by email, not through the electronic filing system.
The party upon prior written agreement will be served court orders only via e-mail by the Prothonotary, not by the electronic filing system.
Page 7 | 17th Judicial District - Civil Rule 205.4
An email address appearing on letterhead alone does not authorize electronic service of legal papers.
An electronic mail address set forth on letterhead is not sufficient basis under this rule to permit electronic service of legal papers.
Page 7 | 17th Judicial District - Civil Rule 205.4
Filing Fees and Waivers
The filing party must pay electronic filing costs under the current Prothonotary fee schedule using approved MasterCard, Visa, or Discover credit.
(d) A filing party shall pay the cost of the electronic filing of a legal paper by approved credit: MasterCard/ VISA/ Discover. All costs according to the current Prothonotary fee schedule.
Page 5 | 17CV205.4(d)
The Prothonotary may refuse a legal paper submitted without the required filing fee.
(4) The Prothonotary is authorized to refuse a filing of a legal paper submitted without the required filing fee;
Page 6 | 17CV205.4(f)(4)
If notice is not timely and an arbitrator appears for the scheduled hearing, the party who moved for appointment must pay the fees provided by the rule.
In the event that the notice is not given in a timely manner, and an arbitrator or the arbitrators appear for the scheduled hearing, the party who moved for appointment of the arbitrators shall be responsible for paying the fees provided for in this rule.
Page 20 | 17CV1308
A party appealing an arbitrator’s decision or award must prepay the board members’ fees to the county.
Any party to the proceeding may appeal from the decision or award of the arbitrators to the Court of Common Pleas, upon prepayment to the county of the fees of the members of the board.
Page 20 | 17CV1309
Repayment of the arbitrators’ fees is a condition of a de novo appeal, and those fees cannot be taxed as costs or recovered in another proceeding.
Repayment to the County of the fees of the members of the board shall not be taxed as costs or be recoverable in any proceeding. A de novo appeal shall be allowed as a matter of course upon the filing of the affidavit of appeal and recognizance, and upon the aforesaid repayment of the arbitrators’ fees.
Page 21
Applicable fees for electronically filed legal papers must be paid electronically to the Clerk of Courts at the time of filing.
Applicable filing fees for the electronically filed legal papers shall be paid electronically to the Clerk of Courts simultaneously with the filing.
Page 29
A party granted In Forma Pauperis status is not required to pay filing fees to the Clerk of Courts.
A party who was granted In Forma Pauperis status shall not pay filing fees to the Clerk of Courts.
Page 29
If the case settles, is withdrawn, or otherwise terminates on the hearing date before the scheduled start time, the arbitrators are entitled to half the base fee.
The foregoing notwithstanding, if the case is settled, withdrawn, or otherwise terminated by or between the parties on the date scheduled for the hearing, but prior to the scheduled starting time, the arbitrators shall be entitled to one-half (1/2) of the base fee as set forth in Subsection A of this rule.
Page 20 | 17CV1308
When the required notice is given timely, the board members are not entitled to fees.
In the event that the notice provided for in the preceding sentence is given in a timely manner, the board members shall not be entitled to any fees.
Page 20 | 17CV1308
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Upon filing an opposition brief to preliminary objections, the Prothonotary must forward a copy of the brief to the judge’s chambers.
Upon the filing of brief in opposition to the preliminary objections a copy of the brief shall be forwarded to the judge’s chambers by the Prothonotary.
Page 10 | 17CV1028(c) Preliminary Objections
Upon filing preliminary objections and their supporting brief, the Prothonotary must forward a copy of the brief to the judge’s chambers.
Upon the filing of preliminary objections and a supportive brief a copy of the brief shall be forwarded to the judge’s chambers by the Prothonotary;
Page 10 | 17CV1028(c) Preliminary Objections
When a motion for judgment on the pleadings and supporting brief are filed, the Prothonotary must forward a copy of the brief to the judge’s chambers.
Upon the filing of a motion for judgment on the pleadings and a supportive brief a copy of the brief shall be forwarded to the judge’s chambers by the Prothonotary.
Page 12 | 17CV1034(a) Motions for Judgment on the Pleadings
When the response brief is filed, the Prothonotary must forward a copy to the judge’s chambers.
Upon the filing of a brief in support of the response a copy of the brief shall be forwarded to the judge’s chambers by the Prothonotary.
Page 13
When a summary judgment motion and supporting brief are filed, the Prothonotary must forward a copy of the brief to the judge’s chambers.
Upon the filing of a motion for summary judgment and a supportive brief a copy of the brief shall be forwarded to the judge’s chambers by the Prothonotary.
Page 14 | 17CV1035.2(a) Motions for Summary Judgment
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Evaluations filed with the Court are not available for public inspection and must be sealed by the Prothonotary.
Any evaluation filed with the Court shall not be available for public inspection and shall be sealed by the Prothonotary.
Page 24 | 17CV1915.5. Physical/Mental/Psychological Examinations and Home Studies
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Before seeking court action on a discovery matter, the moving party must confer or attempt to confer with all interested parties and be unsuccessful in resolving the matter.
All motions relating to discovery shall include a certification signed by counsel for the moving party or by a pro se moving party that they have conferred or attempted to confer with all interested parties in order to resolve the matter without court action and that counsel or the pro se party has been unsuccessful in resolving the matter without court action.
Page 8 | 17CV208.2(e) Discovery Motions - Certification
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A motion for continuance must be written unless exceptional circumstances prevent a written motion.
A Motion for Continuance shall be in writing, unless exceptional circumstances prevent a written motion.
Page 9 | 17CV216.1 Written Motion
Before filing or making an oral motion for continuance, the moving party must make every reasonable effort to notify and seek agreement from all interested parties.
Before filing a written Motion for Continuance or making an oral motion for continuance every reasonable effort shall be made to notify and seek the agreement of all interested parties.
Page 9 | 17CV216.1 Written Motion
A motion for continuance must be made as soon as possible after the moving party learns of the circumstances necessitating it.
A Motion for Continuance shall be made as soon as possible after the circumstances necessitating the request become known to the moving party.
Page 9 | 17CV216.1 Written Motion
Continuances shall be granted only by court order for good cause shown on notice sent by the Court Administrator to the parties and the court. Requests for continuances shall be submitted in writing in the form of a motion. A motion for continuance should be filed not later then 3 days prior to the scheduled date for the arbitration hearing.
Continuances shall be granted only by court order for good cause shown on notice sent by the Court Administrator to the parties and the court. Requests for continuances shall be submitted in writing in the form of a motion. A motion for continuance should be filed not later then 3 days prior to the scheduled date for the arbitration hearing.
Page 18 | 17CV1303.3 Continuances
A criminal proceeding will be dismissed at the general call unless good cause for continuing it is shown.
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.
Page 21 | 17CV1901. Prompt Disposition of Matters; Termination of Inactive Cases
A civil matter will be dismissed at the general call unless good cause for continuing it is shown.
If no good cause for continuing a matter is shown at the general call, an order shall be entered forthwith by the court for dismissal.
Page 21 | 17CV1901. Prompt Disposition of Matters; Termination of Inactive Cases
Chambers Communication Rules
An arbitrator unable to serve because of a conflict or similar reason must inform the Court Administrator, who must appoint a successor.
After having been identified as a member of an arbitration panel under the methods set forth previously in Section 17CV1302, and after having been scheduled to serve on an arbitration panel on a date certain, pursuant to (A) above, should an arbitrator be unable to serve due to a conflict of interest, conflict in scheduling, or other such reason, that arbitrator shall inform the Court Administrator, who shall appoint a successor arbitrator.
Page 18 | 17CV1303.1 Scheduling of Hearings
Registered users must keep delivery information current and immediately notify CountySuite Portal and the Prothonotary’s office of changes to the listed details.
**Registered Users are obligated to maintain proper delivery information and shall notify the CountySuite Portal and the Prothonotary’s office immediately regarding changes in: name, firm, address, facsimile, or e-mail address.
Page 5 | 17CV205.4(c)(2)
Junior Lawyer Participation Incentives
The Court Administrator must apportion arbitration assignments between attorneys with more than five years’ experience and those with less than five years’ experience.
A. Upon receipt of a Praecipe, the Court Administrator shall nominate, from the list of attorneys, a board of potential arbitrators. The nominations shall be made in a rotational fashion from the members of the bar eligible for assignment, except where an attorney is excused by reason of incapacity, illness, or other disqualification. The Court Administrator shall further be responsible for apportioning assignments between members with more than five years’ experience and those under five years. No more than one member of a family, firm, professional corporation or association shall be nominated to serve on one potential board.
Page 16 | 17CV1302 LIST OF ARBITRATORS