Court of Common Pleas of Warren County, Pennsylvania Document Filing Requirements

CRITICAL

Applies to

Minor settlement petition

The petition form directs the petitioner to attach a copy of the retainer fee.

A copy of the retainer fee is attached.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Adoption petition

An adoption petition must have a proposed Preliminary Order scheduling the hearing attached.

A petition for adoption shall have a proposed Preliminary Order scheduling the adoption hearing attached thereto.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exception to hearing officer report

All exceptions must state the claimed available income and record evidence for both obligor and obligee, as well as the support amount that should have been ordered.

(4) All exceptions shall include a statement of the following: (a) the obligor's income available for support as claimed by the party filing the exceptions, together with a statement of the record evidence of the obligor's income; (b) the obligee's income available for support as claimed by the party filing the exceptions, together with a statement of the record evidence of the obligee's income; (c) the amount of support which should have been ordered.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for judgment on pleadings

A motion for judgment on the pleadings and its supporting brief must be filed with the Prothonotary and include a proposed scheduling order.

A motion for judgment on the pleadings and a brief in support thereof shall be filed with the Prothonotary and shall include a proposed scheduling order.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Entry of appearance

In a new civil case covered by the Stay and filed against the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General while the Stay is in effect, its attorney’s entry of appearance must be accompanied by a Praecipe to Stay the Action and a copy of the Order.

It is further ORDERED and DECREED that as to any new civil cases to which this Stay applies filed against the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General while this Stay is in effect, the entry of appearance by the attorney on behalf of the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General must be accompanied by a Praecipe to Stay the Action, together with a copy of this Order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Summons

A summons must state the hearing date, time, and place, obtained from the Court Administrator unless the District Justice cannot contact the Administrator.

If the District Justice issues a summons the summons shall indicate the date, time and place for the hearing which the District Justice shall obtain from the Court Administrator unless the District Justice is unable to contact the Court Administrator.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Wrongful death or survival settlement petition

The petition must identify other parties who may have an interest in the estate and list unpaid or outstanding estate claims.

(4) identify any other parties who may have a possible interest in plaintiff-decedent's estate, and list unpaid claims raised, or which are outstanding, in the decedent's estate;

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

The petition must comply with all requirements of Pa. O.C. Rule 14.2.

The petition shall comply with all of the mandates of Pa. O.C. Rule 14.2;

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

A motion presented as uncontested must include either written consent or a certification of contact and non-opposition from opposing counsel and any unrepresented parties.

If the moving party intends to present the motion as uncontested, the motion shall include a written consent by opposing counsel and any unrepresented parties or the motion shall include a certification that the moving party has been in contact with opposing counsel and any unrepresented parties and that opposing counsel and any unrepresented parties do not contest the motion.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Minor settlement petition

The petition includes a verification that its statements are true to the petitioner's knowledge, information, and belief and acknowledges the statutory penalties for unsworn falsification.

I, ________________________, am the petitioner in this action and hereby verify that the statements made in the foregoing petition to settle or compromise minor's action are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I understand that the statements in said petition are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. § 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Seminar fee waiver or reduction request

A seminar fee waiver or reduction request must include a verified affidavit of indigency or other proof of economic hardship under Pa. R.C.P. No. 240.

Any request for waiver or reduction of the fee shall be filed with the Court Hearing Officer and shall be accompanied by a verified affidavit of indigency or other proof of economic hardship in accordance with Pa. R.C.P. No. 240, at least five days prior to the scheduled seminar.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Motion

The hearing officer must file a scheduling motion with the Court Administrator stating when the Gagnon I hearing ended and whether the Gagnon II hearing concerns contested allegations or disposition only.

This shall be done by the hearing officer filing a motion with the Court Administrator requesting that a Gagnon II hearing be scheduled and advising in that motion as to when the Gagnon I hearing was completed. That motion shall also indicate whether the allegations are contested or whether the Gagnon II hearing will be for disposition purposes only.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

In forma pauperis petition

A defendant seeking in forma pauperis status must file a petition and affidavit substantially consistent with Form L124(b).

The defendant shall file a petition and affidavit in a form substantially consistent with Form L124(b) of these rules.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Wrongful death or survival settlement petition

The petition must show compliance with Pa. R.C.P. 2205 and identify by name, relationship, and address the intestate heirs who must be served with it.

(3) show compliance with Pa. R.C.P. 2205 and set forth the name, relationship and address of plaintiff- decedent's intestate heirs who must be served with a copy of the petition (as required by 20 Pa. C.S.A. § 2101, et. seq.)

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Adoption petition

An adoption petition lacking the specified mandatory or otherwise required information will not be presented for hearing.

(c) No petition for adoption shall be presented by the Clerk for hearing if it does not have all mandatory information, abuse of children record, or other required information.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

An appropriate petition must be filed with the Orphans' Court under Option 1.

An appropriate petition shall be filed with the Orphans' Court within thirty (30) days.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for argument

A party filing exceptions must immediately submit a motion for argument on the exceptions to the Domestic Relations Department.

(6) Any party filing exceptions shall immediately submit to the Domestic Relations Department a motion for argument on the exceptions.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition for rule to show cause

Must include

proposed order

A petition seeking a rule to show cause must include a proposed order in the form prescribed by Pa. R.C.P. 206.6(c).

A proposed order, in the form prescribed by Pa. R.C.P. 206.6(c), shall be attached to the petition.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Criminal case scheduling form

If a Magisterial District Judge accepts the waiver of a preliminary hearing pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P.541, the District Attorney shall schedule a court arraignment and complete a Criminal Case Scheduling Form in a form substantially consistent with Form L502 notifying the defendant of the date and place of his/her arraignment as well as any future, important dates and places in compliance with 37.R.Crim.P.L502.

If a Magisterial District Judge accepts the waiver of a preliminary hearing pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P.541, the District Attorney shall schedule a court arraignment and complete a Criminal Case Scheduling Form in a form substantially consistent with Form L502 notifying the defendant of the date and place of his/her arraignment as well as any future, important dates and places in compliance with 37.R.Crim.P.L502.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Complaint form

Complete and return the complaint form to Court Administration; alternative filing means are available to persons with disabilities upon request.

- 1. Complete the complaint form and return to Court Administration. Alternative means of filing complaints will be made available for persons with disabilities upon request.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Post trial or post hearing motion

For a post-trial or post-hearing motion concerning testimony, the moving party must arrange transcription of the testimony needed to resolve the issues.

(d) The moving party in all post-trial or post-hearing motions shall, if the argument relates to the testimony presented, arrange for the transcription of so much of the testimony as may be required to resolve the issues presented.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Official examiner report

The Court may appoint by special order an official examiner(s) who shall examine the assets held by any fiduciary and make a full written report thereon to the Court showing what assets belong to the estate, how they are registered or otherwise earmarked as the property of the estate to which they belong, and where and how the cash belonging to the estate is kept or deposited.

The Court may appoint by special order an official examiner(s) who shall examine the assets held by any fiduciary and make a full written report thereon to the Court showing what assets belong to the estate, how they are registered or otherwise earmarked as the property of the estate to which they belong, and where and how the cash belonging to the estate is kept or deposited.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition for rule to show cause

A petition seeking issuance of a rule to show cause must be filed in the Prothonotary's Office.

A petition seeking the issuance of a rule to show cause shall be filed in the Prothonotary's Office.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Certificate of service

After serving the motion, the moving party must file a certificate of service substantially in the form provided in the comment to Pa.R.Crim.P. 576.

Thereafter, the moving party shall file a certificate of service in substantially the same form as that set forth in the Comment to Pa.R.Crim.P. 576.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Summary judgment motion

A motion for summary judgment and its supporting brief must be filed with the Prothonotary and include a proposed scheduling order.

A motion for summary judgment and a brief in support thereof shall be filed with the Prothonotary and shall include a proposed scheduling order.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Official report

The official’s report must verify that written notice was given to formally appearing counsel and to parties who appeared without counsel.

(h) The official shall verify in the report that written notice has been given to counsel of record who have filed a formal appearance in the proceedings and to such other parties as have appeared without counsel.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Response to motion for judgment on pleadings

The opposing party’s response must include an answer and reply brief to the motion.

The opposing party shall file an answer and reply brief to the motion within thirty (30) days after service of the motion, unless the time for filing the response is modified by court order.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Notice of account filing

The notice to interested parties must state the date the Account will be presented for confirmation.

(a) State the date on which the Account will be presented to the Court for confirmation.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Indirect criminal contempt complaint

The arresting officer or victim must complete, sign, and file an indirect-criminal-contempt complaint using the form prescribed by Exhibit L1903.1A.

A complaint for indirect criminal contempt in the form prescribed by Exhibit L1903.1A shall be completed, signed and filed by the arresting officer or the victim.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Private sale petition

A private-sale petition must include affidavits in the form required by Pa. O.C. Rule 5.10(b), unless the Court orders otherwise.

Affidavits in the form required by Pa. O.C. Rule 5.10(b), unless otherwise ordered by the Court.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

A personal representative, trustee, or guardian's petition for public sale must have attached a certification of 20 business days' notice to nonconsenting or nonjoining parties and any required mortgagee consent.

The following exhibits shall be attached to the petition by a personal representative, trustee, or guardian to sell real property at public sale: (a) Certification that twenty (20) business days’ notice has been given to those parties who do not consent or join. (b) Consent by any mortgagee whose lien would otherwise not be discharged by the sale.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Surety company certificate

An authorized surety company may act as surety on an Orphans’ Court bond or obligation only if its currently effective Insurance Department certificate evidencing that right is filed of record.

Every surety company duly authorized to do business in Pennsylvania may become surety on any bond or obligation required to be filed by the Orphans’ Court; provided, that a currently effective certificate issued to it by the Insurance Department of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, evidencing the surety’s right, is filed of record.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Bond

If the Court requires a bond, the appellant must file it and obtain the Register of Wills’ approval.

If the Court requires that a bond be furnished, the appellant shall file a bond and secure its approval by the Register of Wills.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Index of exhibits and exhibits

The Official Court Reporter must file a copy of the Index of Exhibits together with copies of the exhibits in the Prothonotary’s Office.

(2) The Official Court Reporter shall file a copy of the Index of Exhibits with copies of the exhibits in the Prothonotary’s Office

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Additional bond

Unless cause is shown, an additional bond must have the same surety as the original bond.

The surety on any additional bond, except for cause shown, shall be the same as on the original bond.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Minor or incapacitated settlement petition

The petition must state the settlement terms, include specified annuity information when applicable, and otherwise comply with the cited rules.

(2) state the terms of the settlement, including the specific provisions of any annuity, if applicable, including the credit rating of the entity which assumes responsibility for future payments, the present cost of the annuity, periodic and lump sum payments, and otherwise comply with Pa. R.C.P. 2039 and 2064;

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

When the value of the gross real and personal estate of a decedent does not exceed the value of the statutory limitation, the personal representative, after the expiration of one (1) year from the first complete advertisements of the grant of letters, may present a petition to the Court with an account attached under the provisions of the PEF Code §3531 (20 Pa. C.S.A. §3531).

When the value of the gross real and personal estate of a decedent does not exceed the value of the statutory limitation, the personal representative, after the expiration of one (1) year from the first complete advertisements of the grant of letters, may present a petition to the Court with an account attached under the provisions of the PEF Code §3531 (20 Pa. C.S.A. §3531).

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Private sale petition

A private-sale petition must include a certification that 20 days’ notice was given to parties who do not consent or join.

The following exhibits shall be attached to the petition by a personal representative, trustee, or guardian to sell real property at private sale: (a) Certification that twenty (20) days’ notice has been given to those parties who do not consent or join.

CRITICALCivil cases

A certification must state that beneficiaries and unpaid creditors received the proposed petition and decree at least 20 business days before the petition is presented.

(1) A certification that a copy of the proposed petition and decree has been given to all beneficiaries and unpaid creditors at least twenty (20) business days prior to presentation of the petition.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Wrongful death or survival settlement petition

The petition must state the settlement terms, allocations, beneficiaries and amounts, intestate heirs, reasons for the settlement and allocation, and specified annuity details if applicable.

(2) state the terms of the settlement, including the specific allocation as between wrongful death and survival, name the wrongful death beneficiaries and the amount each is to receive, name the intestate heirs of Plaintiff- decedent as of the date the cause of action arose, state reasons why the settlement and allocation are reasonable, and otherwise comply with Pa. R.C.P. 2206. In the event a portion of the settlement is payable through the purchase of an annuity, set forth the credit rating of the entity which assumes responsibility for future payments, the present cost of the annuity, as well as the periodic and lump sum payments.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Appraisal

The appellant must provide its appraisal to the Board and the other parties entitled to notice within 60 days after filing the appeal.

The appellant shall provide the Board and the other parties entitled to notice of the appeal with a copy of appellant's appraisal within sixty (60) days of filing the appeal.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Criminal case scheduling form

At bindover or waiver of the preliminary hearing, the District Attorney must complete a Criminal Case Scheduling Form with an original and five copies substantially consistent with Form L502.

(c) At the time defendant is bound over to Court or waives his or her preliminary hearing, the District Attorney shall complete a Criminal Case Scheduling Form with an original and five copies substantially consistent with Form L502.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Minor settlement petition

The petition form directs the petitioner to attach a copy of the order.

A copy of the order is attached.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Notice of publication

Publication must include at least the contents of the notice required by 23 Pa. C.S.A. §2513(b).

(d) Publication shall include, at a minimum, the contents of the Notice required by 23 Pa. C.S.A. §2513(b).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery motion

Must include

certificate of conference

A discovery motion must include counsel's certification of efforts to resolve the matter with opposing counsel and interested unrepresented parties without court action, and that those efforts did not resolve the issues.

Motions relating to discovery shall include a certification by counsel for the moving party that counsel has conferred or attempted to confer with opposing counsel and any unrepresented parties having an interest in the motion in an attempt to resolve the matter without court action and has been unable to reach a satisfactory resolution of the issues presented.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exception to hearing officer report

Each exception to the specified Hearing Officer's Report must identify whether it asserts an erroneous finding of fact or an error of law.

(1) Each exception to the Hearing Officer's Report regarding child support, spousal support, and alimony pendente lite shall specifically identify whether the party filing the exception is asserting that: (a) the Hearing Officer made an erroneous finding of fact, or (b) the Hearing Officer made an error of law.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Deficient filing

A person who wishes to represent themselves or does not qualify for free counsel must bring the deficient filing into compliance with the violated law, court rule, or fee schedule.

IF YOU DESIRE TO REPRESENT YOURSELF OR DO NOT QUALIFY FOR FREE COUNSEL YOU ARE INSTRUCTED THAT YOU MUST BRING YOUR FILING INTO COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW, RULE OF COURT OR FEE SCHEDULE YOU HAVE VIOLATED OR YOUR RIGHTS OR CLAIM MAY BE PREJUDICED.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Preliminary objections

Preliminary objections must be filed with the Prothonotary and include a proposed scheduling order.

All preliminary objections shall be filed with the Prothonotary and shall include a proposed scheduling order.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

In forma pauperis application

The application must include proof of income for every household member when the office receives it.

Total household income is considered, due to the Federal Poverty Guidelines that this office follows. Therefore, you must provide proof of income for each member at the time we receive your application.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Minor or incapacitated settlement petition

The petition must state whether a medical supplier, including the Department of Public Welfare, has raised a lien or claim.

(3) state whether a lien or claim has been raised on behalf of any medical supplier, including the Department of Public Welfare;

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial statement

Each civil pretrial statement must include a narrative of trial facts, any unusual factual or legal questions with supporting legal citations, and an estimate of the time needed for each party’s case in chief.

In addition to the requirements governing the content of pretrial statements set out in Pa. R.C.P. 212.2 each pretrial statement in any civil case shall contain: (a) A narrative statement of the facts that will be offered by oral or documentary evidence at trial, (b) A statement of any unusual questions of fact or law; and in the event of the latter, supporting citations of counsel's position of the law. (c) An estimated length of time which will be required to present the parties' respective cases in chief.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Physician report

If the person is alleged to be unable to attend court, the petitioner must place a qualifying physician’s report in the record at the hearing.

if it is alleged that the alleged incapacitated person is unable to attend court, the petitioner, at the time of hearing, must make a part of the record a physician’s report dated within twenty (20) days of the hearing that the physician has examined the alleged incapacitated person and in the medical opinion of the physician, attending would be harmful to the alleged incapacitated person.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Criminal case scheduling form

When a case is bound over to court after the preliminary hearing, the District Attorney must schedule court arraignment and complete a Form L502-consistent scheduling form listing the arraignment and future important dates and places.

If the Magisterial District Judge, after completion of the preliminary hearing held pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P.542, binds the case over to court, the District Attorney shall schedule a court arraignment and complete a Criminal Case Scheduling Form in a form substantially consistent with Form L502, so the defendant is notified of the date and place of the arraignment as well as future, important dates and places in compliance with 37.R.Crim.P.L502.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Transcript request

Transcript requests must be filed on a standardized form with the Court Administrator.

All requests for transcripts shall be filed on a standardized form with the Court Administrator.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Minor or incapacitated settlement petition

A petition for approval of a minor or incapacitated person’s settlement must substantially follow the form set forth in the rule.

(b) Contents of petition. The petition shall be substantially in the form set forth hereunder, and shall:

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Motion

An uncontested motion must state that all parties or counsel consent, or that the motion seeks only a hearing or argument date.

An uncontested motion shall include a statement that all parties or their counsel of record have consented to the motion or that the only relief sought by the motion is a hearing or argument date.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Small estate petition

A small-estate petition must state the will’s probate date and any grant-of-letters date, whether bond was required and its amount, beneficiaries’ respective interests, and whether a beneficiary received or retained decedent’s property through wages under PEF Code §3101.

In addition to the requirements provided by the Rules in Chapter III, a petition shall set forth the following: (1) The date of the probate of the Will and of the grant of letters, if any, and whether the personal representative has been required to give bond and, if so, the amount. (2) A brief description of any beneficiaries’ respective interests and whether any of them has received or retained any property of the decedent by payment of wages under PEF Code §3101.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Answer

Answers to petitions or rules to show cause must conform to the applicable civil-procedure requirements for answers to complaints.

Answers shall conform to the requirements for answers to complaints in civil actions under the applicable Rules of Civil Procedure

CRITICAL

Applies to

Tax exemption appeal

A court appeal involving a claimed real-estate-tax exemption must include the complete Board hearing transcript, documentary evidence in the record, and the Board’s findings of fact and conclusions of law.

All appeals to court from a determination of the Board of Tax Assessment Appeals involving a claimed exemption from real estate tax shall be accompanied by the full and complete transcript of the hearing before the Board, together with all documentary evidence entered as part of that record and the Board's Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law in support of its decision.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Order to appear

The order must be attached at the front of the complaint or petition for modification and substantially follow the prescribed form.

The order to be attached at the front of the complaint or petition for modification shall be in substantially the following form:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Custody complaint or petition

A proposed order must accompany a custody complaint or petition, direct the defendant to appear at a specified time and place, and substantially follow Rule L1915.15(c).

(b) A proposed order shall be attached to the complaint or petition directing the Defendant to appear at a time and place specified. The proposed order shall be substantially in the form provided by Rule L1915.15(c).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exception to hearing officer report

An exception asserting factual error must identify the challenged finding, state the finding that should have been made, and specify supporting material for both findings.

(2) An exception asserting that the Hearing Officer made an erroneous finding of fact shall: (a) identify the erroneous finding; (b) state specifically the finding which should have been made by the Hearing Officer; (c) specify any document which supports, or any witness whose testimony supports, the finding which should have been made by the Hearing Officer; (d) specify any document or testimony which supports the Hearing Officer's finding.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Index of exhibits

The Official Court Reporter must maintain an Index of Exhibits using the stated form and fields, including a Confidential Information Sheet if required.

(2) The Official Court Reporter shall maintain the Index of Exhibits and shall use a form which shall be in the following format: Index of Exhibits Exhibit No. Description/Title Proponent Marked Rejected Admitted Confidential Information Sheet (If required)

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

List

The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General must provide the Court a list of its attorneys appearing in active civil cases in Forest and Warren County, with each attorney’s Pennsylvania Bar ID number.

It is further ORDERED and DECREED that the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General provide the Court with a list of their attorneys who have entered their appearance in an active civil case in Forest and Warren County along with their Pennsylvania Bar ID numbers.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Minor or incapacitated settlement petition

If the minor is at least sixteen years old, the petition must include the minor’s written approval of the proposed settlement and distribution.

(e) in the event that a minor is sixteen (16) years of age or older, his or her written approval of the proposed settlement and distribution thereof.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Minor settlement petition

The petition must include a physician's report describing the minor's present condition.

Attached hereto is a report by Dr._________ dated _______ which sets forth the present condition of the minor.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for appointment of court hearing officer

A motion for appointment of a Court Hearing Officer must attach the completed form required by Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1920.46.

(8) Attached hereto is the completed form required by Pa. R.C.P. No. 1920.46.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Affidavits and bond

The affidavits and bond must be filed with the Clerk for approval.

The affidavits and bond shall be filed for approval by the Clerk.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Arbitration report and award

The arbitration report and award must be signed by at least a majority of the board.

(a) After the case has been heard, the arbitrators shall prepare a report and award, which shall be signed by at least a majority of the board.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Agreement to be incorporated into divorce decree

When parties want a written agreement on ancillary matters incorporated into the divorce decree, they must file the agreement of record and stipulate in writing to its incorporation.

If the parties conclude a written agreement as to any or all ancillary matters and desire to have the agreement incorporated into the divorce decree the agreement to be so incorporated must be filed of record and the parties must stipulate in writing that they desire that the agreement be incorporated into the divorce decree.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Deposition copies

The proponent must submit copies of depositions as an exhibit at the same time as the original depositions are presented at trial.

The proponent shall simultaneously submit copies of depositions as an exhibit.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Summons notice

In the specified cases, the Issuing Authority must mail a notice substantially consistent with Form L510 with the summons.

In all summary cases where there is a likelihood of incarceration and in all court cases where a criminal action is commenced by summons, the Issuing Authority shall mail with the summons a notice substantially consistent with Form L510.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Surety affidavit

The surety affidavit must attach a qualifying real-estate appraisal or certified county tax assessment record and an attorney’s certificate of recorded liens.

3. That attached hereto is the appraisal of a licensed real estate appraiser within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania/or certified copy of the County tax assessment record. 4. That attached hereto is the certificate of an attorney of all recorded liens against the said realty.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition to settle wrongful death and survival actions

The petition form asks whether the decedent had a will and calls for a copy to be attached.

Decedent (did)(did not) have a will. A copy is attached.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Waiver of notice

A parent's waiver of hearing notice must be written and waive both notice and the right to appear.

Any waiver by a parent of the right to notice of hearing shall be in writing and shall include both a waiver of the right to notice of hearing and a waiver of the right to appear at the hearing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for appointment of court hearing officer

The motion form calls for a certification stating whether Rule 1920.33(a) applies and identifying when each party filed inventories.

(10) I hereby certify that Pa. R.C.P. No. 1920.33(a) is ___ applicable ____not applicable, and the inventories have been filed as follows: Plaintiff_______________ Date_________ Defendant_____________ Date_________

CRITICAL

Applies to

Wrongful death or survival settlement petition

A petition for approval of a wrongful death or survival settlement must substantially follow the form set forth in the rule.

(c) Contents of Petition. The Petition shall be substantially in the form set forth hereunder, and shall:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Hearing scheduling order

The order scheduling a civil contempt hearing must use a form identical to FORM 1901A.

The order scheduling a hearing shall be in a form identical to FORM 1901A.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion

Each motion must include a statement of authority; it may be a contemporaneously filed brief or, for routine motions without complex legal or actual issues, part of the motion.

All motions shall be supported by a statement of authority citing a statute, rule of court, or case law in support of the requested relief. The statement may be in the form of a brief filed contemporaneously with the motion or, in routine motions that do not raise complex legal or actual issues, in the body of the motion itself.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition for allowance

A petition for allowance involving a guardian appointed by another county’s Orphans’ Court or another state’s court must include a copy of the settlement approval order.

(b) Petitions for Allowance in those cases where a guardian has been appointed by the Orphans' Court Division of a county other than Warren/Forest County, or by a different state, shall be filed directly with such appointing court. A copy of the order approving the settlement shall be attached to the petition.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Form 1901a

FORM 1901A must have a second page outlining the actual Petition for Indirect Criminal Contempt.

This is only a cover sheet; the FORM needs a second page for the outline of the actual Petition for Indirect Criminal Contempt.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Transcript request

A litigant claiming economic hardship must attach a fully completed in Forma Pauperis Petition to the transcript request.

(4) Litigants claiming economic hardship must attach to their request for transcript a fully completed in Forma Pauperis Petition pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 240.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for appointment of court hearing officer

The motion must include a certificate of compliance with the specified filing requirements, unless the moving party certifies that one or more requirements do not apply.

and shall be accompanied by a certificate that the moving party has complied with the filing requirements of PA R.C.P. 1920.31(a)(1), 1920.33(a) and 1920.46 unless the moving party certifies that one or more of those rules is inapplicable.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Praecipe

The plaintiff’s attorney must present a praecipe in proper form before the Prothonotary marks or certifies the case settled or discontinued.

(e) 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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Civil contempt petition

The plaintiff must file a civil contempt petition with the Prothonotary, who then transmits it to the Court Administrator.

A petition for civil contempt shall be filed by the plaintiff with the Prothonotary and then transmitted by the Prothonotary to the Court Administrator.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Minor or incapacitated settlement petition

The petition must contain or be accompanied by a physician’s written report of the person’s present condition.

(a) a written report of a physician setting forth the present condition of the minor or incapacitated person;

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Private sale petition

A copy of the agreement of sale must be attached to the private-sale petition.

A copy of the agreement of sale.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Appeal

An appeal must include the taxpayer and taxing-district names and addresses, property identification, grounds for appeal, and a photocopy of the Board’s decision if available.

1. Names and addresses of the taxpayer and the taxing districts; 2. Identification of the property, including street address and tax parcel number; 3. Reason(s) for the appeal. For the purposes of this section, where a challenge is based on fair market value, it shall be sufficient to state that the assessment pursuant to the applicable State Tax Equalization Board, common level or predetermined ratio, is excessive. Where the challenge is based on uniformity as the basis for the appeal it shall be sufficient to state lack of uniformity as the basis for the appeal. Where a challenge is based on class certification for the purposes of a class action suit, the appellant shall state with specificity the alleged error of law or abuse of discretion committed by the Board of Assessment Appeals. 4. Photocopy of the decision or the Board, if any.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Public defender application

A copy of the criminal complaint must be attached to the public defender application.

*ATTACH A COPY OF THE CRIMINAL COMPLAINT*

CRITICAL

Applies to

Bill of costs

A bill of costs must list witness and mileage details, include the required affidavit, and, when applicable, be filed with the relevant notice or subpoena and receipts for recoverable disbursements.

A bill of costs must contain the names of the witnesses, the date of their attendance, the number of miles actually traveled by them, and the place from which mileage is claimed. The bill shall be verified by the affidavit of the party filing it or his agent or attorney that the witnesses named were actually present in court, and that, in the attorney's opinion they were material witnesses. Where the service of a notice to appear, produce, or a subpoena was necessary, to compel the appearance of a witness or the production of evidence, such notice or subpoena, showing the time, place, and cost of service thereof, shall be filed with the bill. Any receipts for disbursements made for necessary exemplification of records, or in taking depositions in the case, or for other costs recoverable by law or rule of court, shall be filed with the bill.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Witness list

Each party must provide all other parties with the names of its trial witnesses, except later-determined rebuttal witnesses, within 150 days of the appeal date.

The names of all witnesses to be called at trial by any party, other than rebuttal witnesses later determined, shall be provided to all other parties within one hundred fifty (150) days of the appeal date.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Point for charge

Each point for charge must cite supporting case law or a statute.

Each point shall be supported by a citation of case or cases to support it or to a statute reference.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for appointment of court hearing officer

Motions to appoint a Court Hearing Officer must be filed in accordance with Local Rule L208.

Motions for appointment of a Court Hearing Officer shall be filed in accordance with Local Rule L208.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Minor or incapacitated settlement petition

The petition must include the specified identifying, guardian, address, and factual information.

(1) set forth the date of birth and social security number of the minor plaintiff or incapacitated person, the names and addresses of the minor's parents, the name of the plaintiff's guardian and the appointing court, the address of the plaintiff, and a factual recitation of the salient facts which form the bases of the cause of action;

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion for service by publication

A motion for publication service on a natural or putative father must state the mother's lack of knowledge and include the father's last known address, if known, and all attempts to determine his identity or address.

A Motion for Service by Publication upon a natural or putative father must aver that the natural mother does not know the identity and/or whereabouts of the natural or putative father. This Motion must include his last known address, if known, and must also specify all attempts made by the petitioner to determine the correct identity and/or address of the natural or putative father.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Corporate surety certificate

A corporation seeking approval as a surety must file the specified Insurance Commissioner certificate with the county Prothonotary.

No corporation shall be accepted as surety upon any bond to be approved by the Court unless such corporation has filed in the office of the Prothonotary of the County of the District a certificate issued by the Insurance Commissioner of the Commonwealth authorizing it to become surety on bonds, obligations and undertakings and certifying that such certificate has not been revoked by the Insurance Commissioner.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for appointment of court hearing officer

A Court Hearing Officer may not be appointed until the moving party complies with the specified rules, if applicable, unless the Court orders otherwise under Pa. R.C.P. 4019.

A Court Hearing Officer shall not be appointed unless and until the moving party has complied with Pa. R.C.P. 1920.31(a)(1), 1920.33(a) and 1920.46, if applicable, unless the Court has made an order pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 4019.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Minor or incapacitated settlement petition

The petition must contain or be accompanied by an sworn statement from the guardian and, if appropriate, the parents certifying the person’s condition and approval of the settlement and distribution.

(b) a statement under oath by the guardian and, if appropriate, the parent(s), certifying (i) the present physical or mental condition of the minor or incapacitated person, and (ii) approval of the proposed settlement and distribution thereof;

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

A guardian's petition for public sale of an incapacitated person's real property must include the information required for a minor's sale petition and sufficient additional facts to show the sale is in the incapacitated person's best interest.

A petition by a guardian to sell real property at public sale, under PEF Code §5521, shall set forth in separate paragraphs the same information as required for the sale by a guardian of a minor with sufficient additional facts to enable to Court to determine that the proposed sale will be in the best interest of the incapacitated person.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Praecipe

A party represented by private counsel may proceed in forma pauperis by filing a praecipe certifying that counsel provides free legal service and believes the party cannot pay the costs.

If the party is represented by an attorney other than the Public Defender or Court Appointed Counsel, the Clerk of Courts shall allow the party to proceed in forma pauperis upon the filing of a praecipe which contains a certification by the attorney that he or she is providing free legal service to the party and believes the party is unable to pay the costs.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Notice

The notice must include the petition and appraisal and state when confirmation and setting apart will be requested and may be allowed, and that confirmation will follow 20 days later unless exceptions are filed.

The notice shall contain a copy of the petition and the appraisal, and a statement that confirmation of the appraisal and the setting apart of the real estate to the next of kin will be requested and may be allowed by the Court at a stated time, and unless exceptions are filed thereto, confirmed twenty (20) days thereafter.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Notice of hearing

Must include

caption, case number

A hearing notice must include the case caption and number, appointment information, fiduciary name, hearing details, matters to be determined, and the Auditor’s or Master’s signature and contact information.

The notice shall include the following: (1) The caption and number of the case; (2) The fact and date of appointment; (3) The name of the fiduciary of the estate; (4) The time and place of hearing; (5) A general statement of the matters to be determined; and (6) The signature and the typewritten name, address, and telephone number of the Auditor or Master.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Current asset balances or values must be stated, and verification of all account balances must be attached.

ASSETS: State current balance or value and attach verification of all account balances.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Continuance motion

A continuance based on a matter in another Court of Common Pleas ordinarily requires that court’s scheduling order to predate the order at issue, and the order must be attached to the motion.

Absent extraordinary circumstances, a request for continuance based on proceedings scheduled in another Court of Common Pleas will be granted only if the other Court's scheduling order was issued before the order scheduling the proceedings for which the continuance is requested. If the motion is based on conflict with a matter scheduled in another Court of Common Pleas, the scheduling order from the other Court of Common Pleas shall be attached to the motion.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Return of sale

If no objection is filed, the Court may enter a decree confirming the sale upon submission of a return of sale.

If no objection is filed, the Court may enter a decree confirming the sale upon submission of a return of sale.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Small estate petition

The following items shall be attached as exhibits to the petition:

The following items shall be attached as exhibits to the petition:

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Preliminary arraignment notice

When a defendant appears without an attorney, the Issuing Authority must provide a written Form L510-consistent notice at preliminary arraignment, even if the defendant received it previously.

In all cases in which a defendant does not appear with an attorney, in addition to the Issuing Authority verbally advising the defendant as set forth in Pa.R.Crim.P.540(E), the Issuing Authority shall provide to the defendant at his/her preliminary arraignment a written notice in a form substantially consistent with Form L510, even if the defendant has previously received the same notice pursuant to 37.R.Crim.P.L510.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exception to hearing officer report

An exception asserting legal error must identify the statute, rule, regulation, or judicial decision the Hearing Officer failed to apply or applied improperly.

(3) An exception asserting that the Hearing Officer made an error of law shall identify the statute, rule, regulation, or judicial decision, not applied or improperly applied by the Hearing Officer.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

A motion requesting a hearing must state the estimated hearing duration, identify the judge who heard any prior matter, and include a proposed scheduling order.

When the motion requests a hearing it shall contain: (1) an estimate of the total amount of time the hearing will take and (2) the name of the judge who heard any prior matter in the case and (3) a proposed scheduling order.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Written appearance

Counsel must file a written appearance with the Clerk of Courts in every case by the time of arraignment.

Counsel representing a defendant shall file a written appearance in all cases in the office of the Clerk of Courts at or before the time of arraignment.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

In forma pauperis application

The application must be completed in full; unanswered questions result in its return, and inapplicable questions must be answered “N/A.”

The application must be completed in full. The application will be returned if any question is unanswered. If a question does not apply to you or your circumstances, then answer the question with N/A.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Criminal case scheduling form

When the official record is forwarded to the Clerk of Courts, the original Criminal Case Scheduling Form and all undistributed copies must be attached for distribution by the Clerk.

All undistributed copies, together with the original Criminal Case Scheduling Form, shall be attached to the official record when it is forwarded to the Clerk of Courts as required by Pa.R.Crim.P. 547 and shall be distributed by the Clerk of Courts.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Magisterial district judge file

The Magisterial District Judge must immediately deliver the listed completed forms and any entered bail to the Judges Chambers or Court Administrator.

The Magisterial District Judge shall cause the following completed forms and bail, if entered, to be delivered immediately to the Judges Chambers or Court Administrator: (1) criminal complaint; (2) FORM 1901B (above), if any; (3) certificate of bail, if any was required, and discharge or commitment; and (4) receipts or copies of notice of the hearing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Minor or incapacitated settlement petition

When an allocation is proposed, the petition must state each party’s allocation and specific reasons; for multiple plaintiffs it must state each plaintiff’s amount and justify the allocation.

(d) if there is to be an allocation between parents and children or incapacitated persons, or among children or other parties, the amounts allocated to each party and the specific reasons for such allocation must be set forth. In the event more than one plaintiff is involved, whether minor, adult or incapacitated, Petitioner must set forth the amount each plaintiff is to receive and shall provide justification for the requested allocation;

CRITICAL

Applies to

Post trial relief motion

Post-trial motions must identify each alleged trial error and, if available, cite the transcript page and line.

Each point of trial error shall be specifically identified and referenced to the trial transcript (if available) by page and line.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Account filing advertisement

The Clerk’s advertisement must state when Accounts were filed and will be presented, identify each accountant by name and capacity, and give the stated information about objections and distribution.

The Clerk shall give notice by advertisement of the time when Accounts were filed and when they will be presented to the Court for confirmation. The advertisement shall include the names and capacity of respective accountants and shall also state that unless objections are filed with twenty (20) days after confirmation, the confirmation will be confirmed and distribution may be made in accordance with any Statement of Proposed Distribution filed with the Account.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Affidavit

Counsel's affidavit must certify compliance with the order and include a copy of the Certificate of Deposit and/or bank account showing the required restrictions.

Counsel shall file with the Prothonotary within sixty (60) days from the date of this final order, proof of the establishment of the accounts as required herein, by affidavit from counsel certifying compliance with this order. Counsel shall attach to the affidavit a copy of the Certificate of Deposit and/or bank account containing the required restrictions.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Legal paper

Must include

certificate of service

Legal papers other than original filings must contain a Certificate of Service in substantially the stated form, unless the Court waives the requirement on the moving party's request for good cause.

All legal papers, except original filings, shall contain a Certificate of Service. Upon request by the moving party this requirement may be waived by the Court at the Court's discretion for good cause shown. The Certificate of Service shall be substantially in the following form: (CAPTION) CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE This is to certify that in this case, previously assigned to Judge [insert the name of the Judge to whom the case was previously assigned], complete copies of this filing, including attachments, have been served upon the following persons, by the following means, and on the date(s) stated: Name and Address: Means of Service: Date of Service: ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________ Attorney's Name Address I.D. Number Telephone Number

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition for appointment of counsel

A petition for appointment of counsel in a civil action must use the form in Exhibit L240.

The petition for the assignment of counsel in a civil action shall be in the form set forth on Exhibit L240 of these rules.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Wrongful death or survival settlement compliance

Within 60 days after entry of a final order, counsel must file a compliance affidavit and submit a photocopy of the restricted certificate of deposit or bankbook as proof of deposit.

(d) Proof of Deposit and Compliance with Court Order. Within sixty (60) days of the entry of a final order, counsel shall file an affidavit with the Prothonotary substantially in the form set forth hereunder, certifying compliance with the court order and shall submit proof of deposit in the form of a photocopy of the restricted certificate of deposit or bankbook. The affidavit shall be substantially in the form set forth hereunder.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

All motions must be filed with the Prothonotary's Office and include a proposed scheduling order.

(a) All Motions shall be filed with the Prothonotary's Office and shall include a proposed scheduling order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition to settle wrongful death and survival actions

The petition form calls for the date and individuals to whom notice of the action was given.

Notice of the institution of the action as required by Pa. R.C.P. 2205 and Forest/Warren Rule L_______ was given on _________________to the following individuals:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Local rule

The District Court Administrator must file one copy of the local rule in the appropriate filing office for public inspection and copying.

File one (1) copy of the local rule in the appropriate filing office for public inspection and copying.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Post trial relief motion

The party filing post-trial motions must have the supporting transcript or relevant portion transcribed before argument.

The party filing post-trial motions shall cause the transcript or portion thereof to support the motion to be transcribed before the motion is argued.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for appointment of court hearing officer

The motion form calls for a certification stating whether Rule 1920.31(a) applies and identifying when each party filed income and expense statements.

(9) I hereby certify that Pa. R.C.P. No. 1920.31(a) is ____ applicable, ______not applicable, and the income and expense statements have been filed as follows: Plaintiff_______________ Date_________ Defendant_____________ Date_________

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

In forma pauperis application

Paperwork received concerning the filed charges must accompany the completed application.

Any paperwork you received concerning the charges filed against you must also accompany the completed application.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Point for charge

Each point for charge must be submitted separately numbered and contain the caption and point number.

Each point for charge shall be submitted to the Court separately numbered on stationary 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches, double-spaced, containing the caption and the point number.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Account

Accounts of personal representatives must be filed in duplicate.

Accounts of Personal Representatives to be Filed in Duplicate.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Transcript request

A transcript request must be made in writing to the Court Reporter and delivered to the Reporter.

The party requesting the transcript or portion thereof shall request the same to be transcribed by the Court Reporter in writing and deliver the request to the Reporter.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Appearance

An attorney or party who does not sign a pleading must enter an appearance by filing a written praecipe with the appropriate Prothonotary.

Appearances by attorneys or parties not signing pleadings shall be made by written praecipe filed with the Prothonotary of the respective Court in the District.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exception to hearing officer report

Exceptions must not contain discussion of the claims made.

(5) Exceptions shall contain no discussion of the claims made.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Post trial relief motion

Post-trial relief motions must be in writing.

All post-trial relief motions shall be in writing

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial disclosure

A party who first learns after the pretrial conference, despite reasonable diligence, of a need to use a witness, exhibit, hypothetical question, plot, or plan must promptly give the court and other counsel the information required in a pretrial statement, no later than 48 hours before jury selection or a non-jury trial begins, or the Court may refuse its use.

If a party, in the exercise of reasonable diligence, first becomes aware after the pre-trial conference of the necessity or desirability of using a witness, an exhibit, a hypothetical question, plot or plan, he shall forthwith provide the court and other counsel with the same information with respect to such witness, exhibit, hypothetical question, plot or plan as is required on the pre-trial statement set forth in Rule L212.2 above. Failure to provide such information no less than 48 hours before selection of the jury, or commencement of trial in a non-jury case, may, in the discretion of the court, justify refusal by the court to permit the use of such witness, exhibit, hypothetical question, plot or plan at trial.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Praecipe to transmit record

The praecipe to transmit the record must identify the paragraph and page numbers of the agreement containing the stipulation.

the praecipe to transmit the record shall refer to the paragraph and page number(s) of the agreement at which the stipulation may be found.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Surety affidavit

An individual offering non-corporate surety for court approval must execute the affidavit form provided by the Prothonotary.

In all cases where surety other than a corporation is required to be approved by the court for bonding purposes, the individual offering the surety for approval shall execute an affidavit in the following form which shall be provided by the Prothonotary.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

A petition for adjudication of incapacity and appointment of a guardian must include the specified guardianship, financial, document, attorney, and proposed-guardian information.

(a) A petition to adjudicate a persona incapacitated and to appoint a guardian shall set forth: (1) All matters required by Pa. O.C. Rule 14.2; (2) Whether the petition seeks limited or plenary guardianship and what powers are sought for a limited guardian; (3) Whether the proposed guardian wishes approval of any initial expenditures of funds at the hearing; (4) Whether the alleged incapacitated person executed a durable Power of Attorney and the name and current address of the attorney in fact; (5) Whether the alleged incapacitated person executed a Will or other testamentary document and the location of the original document; (6) Whether the alleged incapacitated person executed a Living Will, Advance Health Care Directive, or similar document and the location of the original document; (7) The name of the attorney who has represented the person in the recent past; and (8) Where appropriate, state therein the name of the proposed guardian and the relationship, if any, to the alleged incapacitated person, any fee arrangements and costs to be paid, the proposed fiduciary, and any interest the proposed fiduciary may have to the incapacitated person’s estate, if any.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Affidavit or verified statement

The affidavit or verified statement accompanying a discharge petition must state that the consenting parties are all interested parties or explain why any party did not consent.

The affidavit or verified statement to the petition shall include an averment that the parties who have signed the consents to discharge are all the parties interested in the estate, or the reason for the failure of any party to consent.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Wrongful death or survival settlement petition

The petition must state whether a medical supplier, including the Department of Public Welfare, has raised a lien or claim.

(5) state whether a lien or claim has been raised on behalf of any medical supplier, including the Department of Public Welfare; and

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to delay appointment of arbitrators

An objection requesting delay in appointing arbitrators must identify the matters requiring preliminary resolution and propose a timetable for resolving them.

The objection shall specifically indicate the matters that must be preliminarily resolved and shall propose a timetable for their completion.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Adoption hearing submission

At the hearing, counsel must attach a copy of all costs, counsel fees, and other expenses incurred for the adopters to pay.

(d) At the time of hearing, counsel shall attach a copy of all costs, counsel fees, and any other expenses incurred to be paid by the adopters.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pre hearing statement

If they have not already done so, the parties must file pre-hearing statements within 20 days of the appointment order’s date.

If not filed already the parties are ordered to file their pre-hearing statements within twenty (20) days from this date.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Counter appraisal

Other parties must provide the appellant with any counter-appraisal within 90 days after receiving the appellant’s appraisal.

The other parties shall then have ninety (90) days from the receipt of the appellant's appraisal to provide the appellant with a counter-appraisal.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Exceptions

Exceptions must specifically identify the alleged error and grounds, and exceptions alleging a failure to find a fact must identify and support the omitted fact; general, vague, or argumentative exceptions will not be considered.

(e) Exceptions filed must point specifically to the error of fact or law complained of and state clearly the grounds for the objections thereto in separate paragraph form, with one issue raise in each paragraph. General, vague, or argumentative exceptions will not be considered. Where the exception is of the nature that the official failed to find a fact, the exception shall state the nature of the fact the official should have found and shall give reason to support it from the record and shall specifically identify the fact not found in the record.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion or petition

A motion or petition alleging matters not of record in the case must be verified under Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1024.

Motions or petitions containing allegations of matters not of record in the case must be verified in accordance with Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1024.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Sale notice

The advertised sale notice must include the property's size if known and location, improvements, any deed or surveyor's description, the last recorded deed grantee and record reference, and recorded liens and secured parties.

such notice shall contain: (a) The size of the property, either by acreage or square feet, if known, as well as the street or road location, and reference to any landmarks that may identify the property. (b) A list of all improvements on the property and the nature thereof. (c) A deed description or surveyor’s description of the property, if any. (d) The name of the grantee of the last recorded deed of the subject premises, together with the Deed Book and page of the record. (e) The recorded liens thereon and the identity of the secured party.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Income information must be provided for each category, with verification attached for every amount.

INCOME: Indicate amount or N/A for each category. VERIFICATION MUST be attached for each amount.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Agreement of reference

An agreement of reference for a matter not in litigation must be signed by counsel for all sides, filed with the prothonotary and of record, and define the issues; it may contain factual stipulations and takes the place of pleadings.

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(s) involved for determination by the board and may contain stipulations of fact. In such cases, the agreement shall take the place of the pleadings in the case and be filed of record.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

The petition must state the decedent’s date of death; grant-of-letters date; bond amounts, filing date, and sureties; specified estate valuations and prior sale proceeds; details of the sale; known liens and interested parties’ interests; and a request concerning additional security.

In a sale of real estate, whether public or private, by a personal representative acting without benefit of an order of Court, directing or authorizing such sale, but who was required to give bond, the personal representative shall present a petition to the Court before the proceeds of the sale are paid by the purchaser setting forth: (1) The date of death of the decedent. (2) The date of the grant of letters to the petitioner. (3) The amount of the bond(s) filed by the petitioner, the date of such filing, and the name(s) of the surety. (4) The total valuation of the personal estate as shown on the inventory and appraisement, if any, and the total proceeds of any real estate sold previously. (5) A short description of the real property sold, the name(s) of the purchaser(s), the amount of the consideration to be paid, and the terms of the sale. (6) A list of all liens of record known to petitioner, including: mortgages, delinquent taxes, judgements, etc., and the names and relationships of all interested parties with a brief description of their respective interests. (7) A prayer for an order fixing the amount of additional security or for an order excusing the filing of additional security.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

caption, proposed order, certificate of service

Each motion must include the case caption, motion description, reasons, requested relief, certificate of service, and proposed order.

All motions and reasons therefore, shall be typewritten or printed, signed by a party or counsel of record and shall contain the caption of the case, a description of the motion, the reasons therefore, the relief requested, a certificate of service, and a proposed order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for appointment of court hearing officer

The motion must certify that the fees have been paid in full, and the Prothonotary must certify payment in writing on the face of the motion.

In the motion the moving party shall certify to the Court that these fees have been paid in full and the Prothonotary shall certify in writing on the face of the motion that the fees have been paid.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Minor or incapacitated settlement petition

If the person is represented by a guardian ad litem, the guardian ad litem must submit an opinion on the settlement’s reasonableness and requested allocation.

(g) Opinion of Guardian. When the minor or incapacitated person is represented by a guardian ad litem, the guardian ad litem shall submit a statement concerning his/her opinion as to the reasonableness of the proposed settlement and requested allocation of the gross settlement proceeds.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for appointment of court hearing officer

The motion form calls for certification that all required Court Hearing Officer fees have been paid.

(15) I hereby certify that all Court Hearing Officer’s fees required to be paid have been paid.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition for allowance

A petition for allowance when no guardian has been appointed must include a copy of the settlement approval order.

(c) Petitions for Allowance in those cases where a guardian has not been appointed shall be filed with the Orphans' Court Division of the appropriate county or other state. A copy of the order approving the settlement shall be attached to the petition.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Sentencing order

When sentencing a defendant to probation or granting parole, the Court must state in its order that the county's general probation and parole rules apply, unless the Court deletes them in that order or a later order.

The Court, whenever sentencing a defendant to probation or granting parole, shall state in its order that the general rules, regulations and conditions governing probation and parole in Forest and Warren Counties shall be applicable and all of the following shall apply unless specifically deleted by the Court in its order or in a subsequent order:

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Account

A personal representative who delivers assets in satisfaction of the exemption must report them as a credit in the account.

When the personal representative, at his/her own risk delivers assets of the estate in satisfaction of the exemption, he/she shall set forth the same as a credit in the account.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

A guardian's petition for public sale of a minor's real property must state the specified information in separate paragraphs.

A petition by a guardian to sell real property at public sale, under PEF Code §5144 or §5155, shall set forth in separate paragraphs: (1) The age of the minor. (2) The names of the minor’s next of kin and the notice given them of the presentation of the petition. (3) How title was acquired, stating the date and place of probate of the Will or recording of the deed. (4) A recital of the provisions of the Will or deed relating to the real property to be sold. (5) The nature and extent of the interest of the minor, of the guardian, and of the third persons in the real property. (6) A full description of the real property to be sold, the improvements thereon, by whom it is occupied, its rental value and current common level ration value. (7) Sufficient facts to enable the Court to determine that the proposed sale will be in the best interest of the minor.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Motion

A contested motion must state that one or more parties or counsel contest it, or that it seeks relief beyond a hearing or argument date.

A contested motion shall include a statement that one or more parties or their counsel of record contest the motion or that the motion seeks relief other than a hearing or argument date.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Photograph of oversized or bulky exhibit

For an oversized or bulky exhibit, the proponent must take a photograph and submit it to the Official Court Reporter before or during the proceedings.

(1) If the exhibit is oversized or bulky, the proponent shall maintain custody of the exhibit. A photograph shall be taken by the proponent of the oversized or bulky exhibit and submitted to the Official Court Reporter either before or during the court proceedings.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Affidavit

The affidavit form calls for copies of bank accounts to be attached.

Copies of bank accounts are attached hereto.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition for allowance

A petition for allowance involving a guardian appointed by the Warren/Forest County Orphans’ Court Division must be filed directly with that division and include a copy of the settlement approval order.

(a) Petitions for Allowance in those cases where a guardian has been appointed by the Orphans' Court Division of Warren/Forest County shall be filed directly with such division. A copy of the order approving the settlement shall be attached to the petition.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition to settle wrongful death and survival actions

The petition form calls for a copy of the Register’s Decree to be attached.

A copy of the Decree of the Register is attached.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Waiver of arraignment

A defendant with counsel of record may waive arraignment by filing a Waiver of Arraignment Form substantially similar to Form L571.

A defendant who has counsel of record may, prior to arraignment, waive the arraignment by filing a Waiver of Arraignment Form in the Clerk of Courts’ office substantially similar to Form L571.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Every motion must be supported by a statement citing legal authority, which may be a contemporaneously filed brief or, for routine noncomplex motions, appear in the motion itself.

All motions shall be supported by a statement of authority citing a statute, rule of court, or case law in support of the requested relief. The statement may be in the form of a brief filed contemporaneously with the motion or, in routine motions that do not raise complex legal or factual issues, in the body of the motion itself.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Minor or incapacitated settlement petition

Must include

proposed order

The petition must contain or be accompanied by a proposed order.

(f) a proposed Order.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition for adjudication statement of proposed distribution

Must include

proposed order

A Proposed Decree of Distribution must accompany papers filed under Pa. O.C. Rule 2.4.

A Proposed Decree of Distribution, which will confirm the Account and approve the Petition for Adjudication/Statement of Proposed Distribution, shall accompany the papers filed pursuant to Pa. O.C. Rule 2.4.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Report filing notice

The written report-filing notice must state that the report will be presented to the Court for confirmation unless exceptions are filed within 20 days from the report’s filing date.

Upon completion of the report, the official shall file it in the office of the Clerk and shall give notice in writing that the report has been filed to counsel for all parties who appear formally during the proceedings and to such parties as appear without counsel. Said notice shall inform all parties that unless exceptions are filed within twenty (20) days from the date of the filing of the report, it will be presented to the Court for confirmation.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

A personal representative’s petition for a public sale of real property must set out the listed information in separate paragraphs.

A petition by a personal representative to sell real property at public sale, under PEF Code §3353, shall set forth in separate paragraphs: (1) The name, residence, and date of death of the decedent, whether the decedent died testate or intestate, and the date of the grant of letters. (2) That the personal representative is not otherwise authorized to sell by the PEF Code or is not authorized or is denied the power to do so by the Will, or that it is desirable that the sale have the effect of a judicial sale, stating the reasons. (3) Whether an inventory and appraisement have been filed, the total value of the property shown therein, and the value at which the real property to be sold was included therein. (4) If the personal representative entered bond with the Register, the name of the surety and the amount of such bond. (5) The names and relationships of all interested parties, a brief description of their respective interests, whether any of them are minors, adjudicated incapacitated, or deceased, or, if so, the names and the record of the appointment of their fiduciaries, if any. (6) A full description of the real property to be sold, the improvements thereon, by whom it is occupied, its rental value if applicable and current common level ratio value.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Private sale petition

When the power to sell is not granted by a will, trust instrument, or statute, a private-sale petition must conform as closely as practicable to the rules for the fiduciary’s public-sale petition.

Where the power to sell real property is not granted by will, trust instrument, or statute, a petition by a personal representative, trustee, or guardian to sell real property at private sale shall also conform as closely as practicable to all requirements of these rules with regard to a petition to sell reap property at public sale by the fiduciary.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

A trustee's petition for public sale must set out the specified title, trust, interested-party, property, authority, and best-interests information in separate paragraphs.

A petition by a trustee to sell real property at public sale, under PEF Code §7792 shall also set forth in separate paragraphs: (1) How title was acquired, starting with the date and place of probate of the Will or recording of the deed. (2) A recital of the relevant provision of the Will or deed pertaining to the real property to be sold, and the history of the trust. (3) The names and relationships of all interested parties; a brief description of their respective interest; whether any of them are minors, adjudicated incapacitated, or deceased, and if so, the names and record of appointment of their fiduciaries, if any. (4) A full description of the real property to be sold, the improvements thereon, by whom it is occupied, its rental value, if applicable, and current common level ratio value. (5) That the Trustee is not otherwise authorized to sell by the PEF Code or is denied the power by the truest instrument or that it is advisable that the sale have the effect of a judicial sale, state the reason. (6) Sufficient facts to enable the Court to determine that the proposed sale is for the best interests of the Trust.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Court hearing officer fee petition

A specially appointed Court Hearing Officer must petition for fees and detail time, services, and expenses in compliance with local motions practice.

the specially appointed Court Hearing Officer shall file a petition or petitions for the payment of the Court Hearing Officer’s fees detailing the time and services spent and rendered, and expenses incurred, all in compliance with local motions practice.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Minor settlement petition

The petition must include an oath-backed statement from the minor's parents, guardian, or guardian ad litem addressing the minor's condition and approval of the proposed settlement and distribution.

Attached hereto is a statement, under oath, of the minor's parents and/or guardian and/or guardian ad litem certifying the physical and/or mental condition of the minor, as well as the parents' and/or guardian's and/or guardian ad litem's approval of the proposed settlement and distribution.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Minor settlement petition

For a minor who is 16 or older, the petition must include the minor's written approval of the proposed settlement and distribution.

Attached hereto is the written approval of the proposed settlement and distribution by the minor, who is sixteen (16) years of age or older.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Wrongful death or survival settlement petition

The petition must state the decedent’s date of death, the personal representative’s name, and the county of appointment, and attach a copy of the Register’s Decree.

(1) set forth the date of death of plaintiff-decedent, the name of the personal representative of the estate and the county of appointment. A copy of the Decree of the Register must be attached;

CRITICAL

Applies to

Minor or incapacitated settlement petition

The petition must contain or be accompanied by counsel’s professional opinion on the settlement’s reasonableness and its basis.

(c) a statement of the professional opinion of counsel as to the reasonableness of the proposed settlement and the basis for such opinion; and

CRITICAL

Applies to

Minor or incapacitated settlement compliance

Within 60 days after entry of a final order, counsel must file an affidavit certifying compliance and submit a photocopy of the restricted certificate of deposit or bankbook as proof of deposit.

(h) Proof of Deposit and Compliance with Court Order. Within sixty (60) days of the entry of a final order, counsel shall file an affidavit with the Prothonotary certifying compliance with the court order, and shall submit proof of deposit in the form of a photocopy of the restricted certificate of deposit or bankbook. The affidavit shall be substantially in the form set forth hereunder.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Confidential information form

A person filing a document containing confidential information must use and file a Confidential Information Form.

persons who file documents that contain confidential information as defined by the Public Access Policy shall use and file a Confidential Information Form in order to comply with this Policy.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for appointment of court hearing officer

A copy of the appointment motion must be filed with the permanent Court Hearing Officer.

A copy of the motion shall be filed with the permanent Court Hearing Officer.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

The petition must include facts sufficient for the Court to determine that the sale is desirable for proper estate administration and distribution.

Sufficient facts to enable the Court to determine that the sale is desirable for the proper administration and distribution of the estate.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Brief

A brief that refers to deposition testimony, affidavits, interrogatory answers, or similar material must append a copy of the portion referenced.

Briefs, which refer to deposition testimony, affidavits, answers to interrogatories, etc. shall have appended to the brief a copy of that portion of the testimony referenced in the brief.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Appraisal

An appraisal is generally required for a family exemption, except for specified assets or when the Court excuses it.

Unless otherwise directed by the Court, no appraisal shall be required if the exemption is claimed from: (1) Cash or from stocks, bonds, securities, or other choices in action which have an immediate determinable market value; or (2) Real estate or personal property, the value of which is agreed to by all parties in interest that are sui juris, or if not sui juris, the fiduciaries for such non-sui juris individuals. In all other cases, an appraisal shall be necessary, unless specifically excused by the Court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

A petition requesting a hearing must state the estimated hearing duration and the name of any judge who heard a prior matter in the case.

When the petition requests a hearing it shall contain: (1) an estimate of the total amount of time the hearing will take and (2) the name of the judge who heard any prior matter in the case.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

A discharge petition must have the written consent of all interested parties and the surviving or successor fiduciary attached; the consent may be included in an attached satisfaction of award.

Written consent of all interested parties and of the surviving or successor fiduciary, shall be attached to the petition. Such consent may be included in a satisfaction of award attached to the petition.

CRITICAL

Applies to

De novo appeal

A de novo appeal requires filing an affidavit of appeal and recognizance and repaying the compensation paid to the arbitration board.

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 compensation paid to the board of arbitration.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

The petitioner must place the prescribed notice to the respondent on the petition's face sheet.

The petitioner shall notify the respondent on the face sheet of the petition of the following:

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

A review-hearing petition must include the matters required by Pa. O.C. Rule 14.3, the prior court’s name and location, and whether the person can conduct their own affairs.

A petition to adjudicate whether there has been any significant change in the capacity of a person who was formerly adjudicated to be incapacitated shall set forth: (a) All matters required by Pa. O.C. Rule 14.3; (b) The name and location of the court which adjudicated incapacity; and (c) Whether the former incapacitated person is capable of conducting his/her own affairs.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Wrongful death or survival settlement petition

Must include

proposed order

The petition must have a proposed order attached.

(6) attach a proposed order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Affidavit

Counsel's affidavit must certify compliance with the Order and include a copy of the restricted deposit certificate or bank account.

Within sixty (60) days from the date of this final Order, counsel shall file with the office of Civil Administration an Affidavit from counsel certifying compliance with this order. Counsel shall attach to the Affidavit a copy of the Certificate of Deposit and/or bank account containing the required restrictions.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

Must include

caption, proposed order, certificate of service

Petitions must include the case caption, petition description, reasons, requested relief, and a proposed order, with the notice, certificate of service, and court-administrator information attached as the last page.

All petitions and reasons therefore, shall be typewritten or printed, signed by a party or counsel of record and shall contain the caption of the case, a description of the petition, the reasons therefore, and the relief requested. A proposed order shall be included. For all petitions, the notice, the certificate of service, and the information for the court administrator shall be attached as the last page to the petition.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Audio video recording copies

Copies of audio or video recordings presented during proceedings must be submitted to the Official Court Reporter before or during the proceedings.

(2) Copies of audio and/or video recordings presented during the court proceedings shall be submitted to the Official Court Reporter either before or during the court proceedings.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Appraisal

Each appraisal must certify that the appraiser’s fee is not contingent on the appeal’s result.

Appraisals must certify that the appraiser's fee is not contingent upon the results of the appeal.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Filing

All filings must comply with the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania’s Case Records Public Access Policy.

All filings shall comply with the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pleading or legal paper

Cover sheets must comply with Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 205.5 where applicable; otherwise, every pleading or legal paper of two or more pages must have a cover sheet in substantially the prescribed form.

(1) Cover sheets shall comply with Pa R.C.P. 205.5 as applicable. (2) In all other cases, every pleading and legal paper, of two or more pages, shall have a cover sheet in substantially the following form:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Filing containing confidential information

Persons filing documents that contain confidential information as defined by the Public Access Policy must use and file a Confidential Information Form.

(A) Pursuant to Section 7 of the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case records of the Appellate and Trial Courts, persons who file documents that contain confidential information as defined by the Public Access Policy shall use and file a Confidential Information Form in order to comply with the Policy.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Preliminary objections

Preliminary objections must be supported by a statement of authority citing a statute, court rule, or case law; it may be a contemporaneously filed brief or, for noncomplex objections, appear in the objections themselves.

All preliminary objections shall be supported by a statement of authority citing a statute, rule of court, or case law in support of the requested relief. The statement may be in the form of a brief filed contemporaneously with the preliminary objections or, if the preliminary objections do not raise complex legal or factual issues, in the body of the preliminary objections.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Adoption hearing submission

The petitioner's attorney must submit a Proposed Decree of Adoption to the Court at the hearing.

At the time of the hearing, the attorney for petitioner shall submit a Proposed Decree of Adoption to the Court.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Appeal petition

Must include

caption

An appeal from the Register of Wills must be addressed to the Orphans’ Court in petition form with the appropriate caption and must include the listed information and materials.

(a) Appeals taken from a judicial act or proceedings before the Register of Wills shall be addressed to the Orphans’ Court with the appropriate caption. The appeal shall be in petition form. (b) The petition shall set forth: (1) The caption; (2) A heading briefly indicating the purpose of the petition; (3) The nature of the proceedings before the Register; (4) A copy of any Will or instrument in controversy; (5) A statement of the facts and circumstances upon which appellant relies; (6) A precise statement of the questions of law or fact involved; (7) The names and addresses of all interested parties; and (8) A prayer for relief desired.

WARNING

Applies to

Filing deficiency notice

A notice about a noncompliant filing must use the prescribed wording, including the legal-help information.

The notice shall be as follows: NOTICE. YOU HAVE FILED A DOCUMENT WITH THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF FOREST/WARREN COUNTY THAT IS NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW, RULE OF COURT OR FEE SCHEDULE. YOU ARE ADVISED THAT YOUR FAILURE TO COMPLY MAY RESULT IN PREJUDICE TO YOUR RIGHTS OR CLAIM. YOU SHOULD CONSULT A LAWYER IMMEDIATELY. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD A LAWYER YOU SHOULD CONTACT THE FOLLOWING AGENCIES TO OBTAIN LEGAL HELP: PA Lawyer Referral Services Northwestern Legal Services PA Bar Association First Niagara Bldg., 4th Floor 100 South Street 315 Second Ave., Suite 401 Harrisburg, PA 17108 Warren, PA 16365 Phone (800) 692-7375 Phone (800) 665-6957

WARNING

Applies to

Reasonable accommodation request form

The accommodation request form includes a certification, signature, and date fields for the requestor.

I hereby certify that an Americans with Disabilities Act accommodation is required in the above-captioned action on the date stated. Signature: _____ Date: _____

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Case management order

After pleadings close, the Court must issue a Case Management Order setting certain dates for discovery, pre-trial motions, a pre-trial conference, and jury selection when demanded.

(a) For all Orphans’ Court cases, the Court shall issue a Case Management Order after the close of the pleadings. This Case Management Order shall set dates certain for the completion of discovery, the filing of all pre-trial motions, a pre-trial conference, and jury selection, where demanded.

WARNING

Applies to

Exception to hearing officer report

Noncompliant exceptions or exceptions not briefed as ordered may be deemed waived.

(7) Exceptions which are not in compliance with this rule or which are not briefed as ordered may be deemed to have been waived.

WARNING

Applies to

Request to participate electronically

The court may allow argument by telephone or videoconference in its discretion if counsel promptly requests electronic participation in writing from the Court Administrator.

The court, in its discretion, may hear any argument by telephone or videoconference, provided counsel has made a prompt request to participate electronically in writing to the Court Administrator.

WARNING

Applies to

Reasonable accommodation request form

To request a reasonable accommodation, please complete the Request for Reasonable Accommodation Form (Appendix A) and return it to: Court Administrator 204 Fourth Avenue Warren, PA 16365

To request a reasonable accommodation, please complete the Request for Reasonable Accommodation Form (Appendix A) and return it to: Court Administrator 204 Fourth Avenue Warren, PA 16365

WARNING

Applies to

Petition to settle or compromise minors action

The Petition to Settle or Compromise Minor's Action includes a petitioner verification and acknowledgment of the penalties for unsworn falsification.

VERIFICATION I, _____________________________, am the Petitioner in this action and hereby verify that the statements made in the foregoing Petition to Settle or Compromise Minor's Action are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I understand that the statement in said Petition are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. § 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities. ___________________________ _____________ Petitioner Date

WARNING

Applies to

Point for charge

Points for charge must not repeat the same point using different words.

Each point for charge shall not be repetitious by structuring the same point with different words.

WARNINGCriminal cases

Applies to

Public defender application

The public defender application must identify the county where charges were filed by circling it; failure may delay processing or result in return of the application.

REQUIRED: In which county have charges been filed against you? CIRCLE the county. (Failure to circle a county will delay the processing of your application and may result in your application being returned to you.)

WARNING

Applies to

Court official verification

The verifying official must retain a copy in the court case file and provide the original to the service provider for billing.

VERIFYING OFFICIAL SHALL MAINTAIN A COPY IN THE COURT'S CASE FILE AND PROVIDE THE ORIGINAL TO THE SERVICE PROVIDER FOR SUBMISSION WITH BILLING.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Official examiner report

(c) Make a written report including findings of fact, conclusions of law, and, when appropriate, recommendations for the consideration of the Court.

(c) Make a written report including findings of fact, conclusions of law, and, when appropriate, recommendations for the consideration of the Court.

WARNING

Applies to

Affidavit

The affidavit includes the stated verification subjecting its statements to the penalties for unsworn falsification to authorities.

I verify that the statements in this affidavit are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa. C.S. § 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.

WARNING

Applies to

Notice

The notice informs the beneficiary about the settlement petition and states that a copy of the petition is enclosed.

You are hereby notified that,____________, Administrator/Executor of the Estate of __________, deceased has filed (or will file) on ______, a Petition to Approve a Settlement of a Wrongful Death and Survival Action. A copy of that Petition is enclosed.

INFOCriminal cases

Applies to

Written appearance

Signing Form L502 or a waiver of arraignment, or endorsing an information or appointment under Pa.R.Crim.P. 122, constitutes a written appearance.

The signing of a Criminal Case Scheduling Form (Form L502) or waiver of arraignment by defense counsel or representative or the endorsement of an information or appointment pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P. 122 shall constitute a written appearance.

INFOCriminal cases

Applies to

Waiver of courtroom appearance

A defendant may consent to a proceeding by signing, or authorizing counsel of record to sign, a Waiver of Courtroom Appearance substantially consistent with Form L119 before or at the time of the proceeding.

(a) A defendant may consent to a proceeding being conducted using two-way simultaneous audio-visual communication by signing or authorizing his/her counsel of record to sign a Waiver of Courtroom Appearance in a form substantially consistent with Form L119 of these rules prior to or at the time of a two-way simultaneous audio-visual communication.