Court of Common Pleas of Washington County, Pennsylvania
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies
- 1 copy
Motion
- 1 copy • At Least 24 Hours Before Presentation
Objections, Petition for Record Hearing
- Upon Filing
Proof of Service, Parenting Program Information, Parent Plan Form
- 1 copy • Prior to Initial Custody Meeting
Adjournments
- A party may continue a scheduled arbitration hearing once by filing a praecipe for continuance with the Prothonotary and paying a $50 fee.
- If the arbitration panels cannot reach all scheduled cases that day, the Court Administrator must continue the unreached cases to the next available date.
- If a party or counsel fails to comply with the rule, the Special Master may continue the mini-jury trial to a date selected by the Court Administrator.
- +14 more
Request must include
- Agreements for continuances must be communicated to the Court Administrator at least seven days before Argument Court, and an argument will be continued only for good cause.
- Agreements for continuances must be communicated to the Court Administrator at least seven days before Argument Court.
- Agreements for continuances or withdrawals must be communicated to the Court Administrator at least seven days before Argument Court, and an argument will be continued only for good cause.
- +1 more
Page & Word Limits4 rules
(1) Absent a court order for cause shown, the body of a brief shall not exceed 3,000 words.
- Brief
- Up to 3,000 words
Absent a court order for cause shown, the body of a brief shall not exceed 3,000 words. This rule shall not apply to any brief filed in support of, or in opposition to, a motion for post-trial relief pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 227.1.
- Brief
- Up to 3,000 words
(1) Absent a court order for cause shown, the body of a brief shall not exceed 3,000 words. (5) This rule shall not apply to any brief filed in support of, or in opposition to, a motion for post-trial relief pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 227.1.
- Brief
- Up to 3,000 words
(1) Absent a court order for cause shown, the body of a brief shall not exceed 3,000 words.
- Brief
- Up to 3,000 words
Document Format Requirements70 rules
Electronically filed legal papers shall be submitted in a portable document format (“PDF”).
- File type
- Electronically filed legal paper
If a legal paper contains a proposed order of court, the filing party shall separately file only the proposed order in a Microsoft Word format.
The clerk may only purge a case file upon closure of the case if the legal papers in the case record are scanned into the C-Track case management system in a PDF format.
- File type
(1) Non-conforming or illegible briefs may not be considered in the discretion of the Court. All briefsshall use a proportionally spaced typeface in fourteen (14) point font; the proportionally spaced typeface must include serifs, but sans-serif type may be used in headings and captions. All other physical characteristics of a brief shall comply with Wash.L.R.C.P. 204.1.
- Font size
- 14 points
All briefs shall use a proportionally spaced typeface in fourteen (14) point font; the proportionally spaced typeface must include serifs, but sans-serif type may be used in headings and captions. All other physical characteristics of a brief shall comply with Wash.L.R.C.P. 204.1.
- Font size
- 14 points
- Brief
If a legal paper contains a proposed order of court, the filing party shall separately file only the proposed order in a Microsoft Word format.
Electronically filed legal papers shall be presented in a portable document format (PDF).
- File type
(2) A required signature shall be supplied either by filing a scanned image of the legal paper that bears the original signature of the filer, or, by affixing the digitalized signature, or the name of the filer preceded by Isl, and the printed name of the attorney, to the electronically filed legal paper.
If a legal paper contains a proposed order of court, the filing party shall separately file only the proposed order in a Microsoft Word format.
Electronically filed legal papers shall be submitted in a portable document format ("PDF").
- File type
If a proponent offers into evidence a non-documentary exhibit, the proponent shall provide a photograph of the exhibit that does not exceed a size of 8.5 by 11 inches.
Formatting
- •The proponent must provide a photograph of the non-documentary exhibit
- •The photograph may not exceed 8.5 by 11 inches
Any photograph entered into the record may not be in a size larger than 8.5 by 11 inches. An oversized photograph may be used for demonstrative purposes if permitted by the Court.
Documentary exhibits may not be submitted in a size larger than 8.5 by 11 inches. Any document larger than those dimensions shall be considered a non-documentary exhibit.
Digital exhibits require the Court’s prior permission and must use a Court-acceptable format; the Court may order digital material in place of a physical exhibit, and proponents should arrange digital-media use well in advance without assuming their technology will be accepted.
Court's wording
An exhibit in a digital media format may only be offered with prior permission of the Court. Nothing in this rule shall prohibit the Court from ordering that a proponent provides an exhibit, or a copy or photograph of same, in a digital media format in lieu of a physical exhibit. The use of any digital media must be in a format that is acceptable to the Court. A proponent should never assume that their chosen technology will be acceptable or its use permitted; arrangements for the use of digital media should be made well in advance of the court proceeding.
The use of the C-Track case management system by a record office for the submission and/or storage of such exhibits and media shall be in a form and manner directed by the Court, or its designee.
All pleadings and legal papers filed with the Prothonotary shall be on white, letter- sized (8.5 inch by 11 inch) paper of good quality, and otherwise conform to the requirements of Pa.R.C.P. 204.1.
- File type
- Paper
- Paper size
- Letter
Formatting
- •White paper of good quality
(a) Footnotes shall be single-spaced and in 10-point font.
(b) The Caption Sheet on the document commencing the action (e.g., praecipe or complaint), shall have a margin at the top of three (3) inches for the stamp of the Prothonotary.
- Margins
- Top 3 inches
- Document commencing action
Attachments, supporting documents, and exhibits must be on letter-sized paper when filed, and differently sized originals must be resized and reproduced.
- Paper size
- Letter
- Attachment
- Supporting document
- Exhibit
Court's wording
(2) All attachments, supporting documents, and exhibits shall be on letter-sized (8.5 inch by 11 inch) paper at the time of filing with the Prothonotary. Documents that are sized differently in original form shall be re-sized and reproduced to comply with this rule.
(b) Every paper filed shall be fastened only at the top left corner of the pages with one staple, or, if the document is too thick, a metal fastener. Cloth tape and “bluebacks” shall not be used.
- Binding
- Stapled
(a) The lettering shall be in a font of no smaller than twelve-point size or an equivalent and shall substantially follow the format in Form of Caption Sheet below.
- Font size
- 12 points
- Caption sheet
Electronically filed legal papers shall be presented in a portable document format (PDF).
- File type
If a legal paper contains a proposed order of court, the filing party shall separately file only the proposed order in a Microsoft Word format.
- File type
- Word
A required signature on an electronically filed legal paper must use one of the stated scanned-image or electronic-signature methods.
Court's wording
A required signature shall be supplied either by filing a scanned image of the legal paper that bears the original signature of the filer, or, by affixing the digitalized signature, or the name of the filer preceded by /s/, and the printed name of the attorney, to the electronically filed legal paper.
All briefs shall use a proportionally spaced typeface in fourteen (14) point font; the proportionally spaced typeface must include serifs, but sans-serif type may be used in headings and captions. All other physical characteristics of a brief shall comply with Wash.L.R.C.P. 204.1. (5) This rule shall not apply to any brief filed in support of, or in opposition to, a motion for post-trial relief pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 227.1.
- Font size
- 14 points
Formatting
- •Use a proportionally spaced typeface that includes serifs
Every brief filed with the Domestic Relations Section shall contain an original and one (1) copy.
(a) All exceptions must be filed with the Domestic Relations Sections Docket Clerk. Any party filing exceptions shall provide an original and two (2) copies of the exceptions at the time of filing.
(b) The order must be clear and concise and shall adhere to both procedural and substantive statutory and case law requirements.
(a) The petitioner shall file an original and three (3) copies of the petition with the Domestic Relations Section Docket Clerk.
(b) The moving party shall proceed to the Office of the Court Administrator – Civil Division with an original and two (2) copies of the complaint or petition and the separate scheduling order for an assignment of a date and a time for the Initial Custody Meeting.
An objecting party must file an original and a copy of the objections and hearing petition within five days after service of the summary and recommendations.
Court's wording
A party objecting to the Recommendations must file with the Prothonotary an original and a copy of his or her Objections and a Petition for a Record Hearing before the Court within five (5) days of service of the Summary and Recommendations together with a Proof of Service upon all parties and the Parenting Coordinator.
Each exception shall set forth a separate objection precisely and without elaboration.
- Exception
Formatting
- •Each exception must set forth a separate objection precisely and without elaboration
The District Attorney, Public Defender, and/or employed Conflict Counsel may, if having adopted an automation program for case management which will create and track subpoenas, affix an electronic signature of the President Judge if he or she so approves for its use. The electronic signature shall have the same force and effect as a subpoena containing an original ink signature and pressed seal.
Document Filing Requirements330 rules
Each mediation statement must include the specified factual, legal, medical or expert, damages, and settlement information.
Court's wording
At least ten (10) days prior to the mediation, each party shall file a mediation statement which must include the following: (1) a succinct explanation of the facts and relief sought; (2) significant legal issues that remain unresolved; (3) summary of medical and expert reports (if applicable); (4) itemized list of damages; and (5) settlement posture and rationale.
For an adjudication awarding real estate, the attorney for the accountant must prepare the prescribed form and submit it to the Clerk for execution on final confirmation.
Court's wording
The following form shall be prepared by the attorney for the accountant and submitted to the Clerk for execution on final confirmation of an adjudication awarding real estate: Orphans' Court Division IN RE: ESTATE OF No. 63 -- In the Matter of the Account of
(a) Schedules of distribution shall include awards of real estate to the parties entitled thereto, whether individually, or, where the circumstances require, in undivided interests.
For a qualifying decedent, the petition for adjudication must include either the notice sent to the Department of Human Services and its response or the specified fiduciary affidavit.
Court's wording
(a) For decedents who died after August 15, 1994, and were over 55 years of age upon their demise, the provisions of 62 P.S. §1412(b) apply. Attached to the petition for adjudication shall be either: (1) the notice sent to the Department of Human Services and the Department's response; or (2) the Affidavit of the Fiduciary, that he has reason to know the financial affairs of the decedent prior to decedent’s death, and the Fiduciary affirmatively represents that decedent did not receive any medical assistance during the five years preceding decedent’s death.
(b) The real estate so awarded shall be described in the same detail and with the same particularity as is commonly required to be included in deeds, must recite how title was acquired, list the tax parcel identification number and the name and address of the individual who is to received real estate tax notices.
At the Motions Session, a copy of the preliminary objections must be presented with an original order scheduling argument and briefs.
Court's wording
When preliminary objections are filed to any pleading or proceeding in the Office of the Clerk after notice to opposing counsel, a copy shall be presented to the Court at its Motions Session along with an original Order for scheduling argument and briefs.
The Clerk assigns each proceeding a prescribed filing number, and all later papers in the matter must bear that number.
Court's wording
Each proceeding of the Orphans' Court Division shall be assigned a filing number by the Clerk, which number shall consist of three groups of numbers separated by hyphens, the first group to be "63", the second to be the last two digits of the year of filing, and the third, the number of the proceeding, in numerical order, in the year in which filed. All papers subsequently filed relating to that matter shall bear the same number.
If a legal paper contains a proposed order of court, the filing party shall separately file only the proposed order in a Microsoft Word format.
Electronically filed legal papers must include the authorized filer’s signature block and a required signature in one of the stated forms.
- Document
- Electronically filed legal paper
- Placement
- Signature block
Court's wording
A legal paper filed electronically must include a signature block for the name of the authorized filer. (3) A required signature shall be supplied either by filing a scanned image of the legal paper that bears the original signature of the filer, or, by affixing the digitalized signature, or the name of the filer preceded by /s/, and the printed name of the attorney, to the electronically filed legal paper.
The filer must separately e-file a Confidential Information Form and mark it confidential through the portal prompts when submitting it.
Court's wording
The electronic filer shall separately electronically file a Confidential Information Form and shall indicate that the form is a confidential filing at the time of their filing submission through the prompts on the C-Track E-Filing Portal.
The electronic filer shall separately file a publicly accessible Confidential Document Form indicating the confidential documents and the type of pleading.
To purge a case record, the clerk must file an attestation that the electronic documents represent a full and complete copy of the papers in the case file, in addition to any requirements that may be required by Pa.R.J.A. 507 or the County Records Committee (16 P.S. § 13001, et seq.).
A fiduciary’s petition seeking court approval or confirmation of a real-property sale must provide the listed sale and notice information, attach the written sale agreement, and include a proposed final order.
Court's wording
Returns of public or private sales of real property for the purpose of an approvalor confirmation by the Court shall be in the form of a petition by the fiduciary which shall set forth: (1) the manner in which notice was given; (2) the price obtained; (3) the name and address of the purchaser and that such purchaser was the highest bidder; (4) a complete copy of the written agreement of sale shall be attached; (5) whether any exceptions to the confirmation have been filed; and (6) a proposed final order of Court approving or confirming the sale.
A small-estate distribution petition must include the specified petitioner, decedent, beneficiary, estate, claim, notice, and requested-relief information.
Court's wording
(a) Petitions under Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries Code §3102 for distribution of small estates shall set forth: (1) The name and address of the petitioner and his relationship to the decedent. (2) The name, date of death, and domicile of decedent, whether he died testate or intestate, the dates 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 in what amount. (3) The names and relationships of all beneficiaries entitled to any part of the estate under the will or intestate laws, a brief description of their respective interest, whether any of them has received or retained any property of the decedent by payment of wages under Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries Code §3101, or otherwise, and whether any of them are minors, incapacitated persons or deceased with the names of their f iduciaries, if any. (4) The person or persons, if any, entitled to the family exemption and, if a claim therefore is made in this petition, any additional facts necessary to establish the prima facie right thereto, as required by Rule 5.2. (5) An inventory of the real and personal estate of the decedent, with values ascribed to each item, either incorporated in the petition or attached as an exhibit. (6) A list showing the nature, amount and preference of all unpaid claims against the estate and indicating which are admitted. (7) If any unpaid beneficiary, heir, or claimant has not joined in the petition, a statement that ten (10) days’ notice of intention to present the petition has been given in accordance with these rules. (8) A prayer for distribution of the personal property to those entitled, and in appropriate cases for the discharge of the personal representative.
A small-estate distribution petition must have the listed exhibits attached, including the will, joinders, prior disbursements, and inheritance-tax payment proof.
Court's wording
(b) There shall be attached to the petition the following exhibits: (1) The original of the decedent's will if it has not been probated, or a copy of the will if it has been probated. (2) Joinders of parties in interest. (3) An itemized list of disbursements made prior to the filing of the petition, indicating the payor and whether the disbursements were in payment of administration expenses, preferred or ordinary debts, distribution or the family exemption; and (4) Proof of payment of inheritance tax.
The citation shall be made returnable to a day and time certain.
An appeal from the Register must be filed in duplicate with the Register as a petition containing the specified procedural, factual, party, and jurisdictional information.
Court's wording
Appeals taken from the judicial acts or proceedings of the Register shall be addressed to the Court, and filed in duplicate with the Register. The appeal shall be in the form of a petition, setting forth the nature of the proceedings before the Register, specifying the material points upon which it is based, and containing a concise statement of the relevant facts, and shall set forth the names of all interested parties and the necessary jurisdictional facts.
The custodian must maintain an exhibit index containing the specified case and exhibit information.
- Document
- Exhibit index
Must include
- •Exhibit list
Court's wording
The member of court staff designated as the custodian shall maintain create an index of all exhibits offered as evidence. The index shall set forth the name and docket number of the case, the number or letter of the exhibit, the proponing party, whether the exhibit was admitted or denied, and a description of the exhibit
If exhibits are transferred from the possession of the Court to a proponent, the Court shall enter an order reflecting the transfer. The order shall be docketed at the number for the applicable case
A copy of the exhibit index must be filed with the records office, and its docket description must identify where the exhibits are stored.
Court's wording
A copy of the index shall be filed with the records office. The records office shall docket and accept the index for filing. The docket description shall be in a manner as directed by the Court, or its designee, and must include a location describing where the exhibit(s) are being stored.
If a proponent offers into evidence a non-documentary exhibit, the proponent shall provide a photograph of the exhibit that does not exceed a size of 8.5 by 11 inches
Exhibits that contain confidential information or are a confidential document as defined in the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System shall be affixed with the appropriate form required by the Policy
To the extent any confidential and/or sealed exhibit is filed within the C-Track case management system, the records office shall mark the docket and maintain the exhibit in a manner prescribed by the Court, or its designee
When a juvenile enters admissions, the defense attorney must ensure the written colloquy is completed and submitted to the Court, and no admission may be accepted without it.
Court's wording
Every defense attorney representing a juvenile alleged to have perpetrated a delinquent act or acts where the juvenile is entering admissions shall ensure that the written colloquy required by amended Pa.R.J.C.P. 407 shall be completed prior to the date and time set for the adjudication hearing in the matter. No admission/s shall be accepted without the written colloquy completed and submitted to the Court.
(2) Every brief shall contain the following: (a) a brief history of the case; (b) a statement of the issue(s) involved; (c) a copy of, or reference to, the pertinent parts of any relevant document, report,recommendation, order, and/or transcript; (d) an argument with citations of the authority relied upon; (e) a citation or copy to any opinion of the Court or an agency involved in the case; and (f) a conclusion.
(3) No supplemental brief(s) shall be filed, absent an order of court.
Every brief must include a case history, the issues, pertinent relevant materials or references, an argument with authority citations, relevant Court or agency opinions, and a conclusion.
Court's wording
Every brief shall contain the following: (a) a brief history of the case; (b) a statement of the issue(s) involved; (c) a copy of, or reference to, the pertinent parts of any relevant document, report, recommendation, order, and/or transcript; (d) an argument with citations of the authority relied upon; (e) a citation or copy to any opinion of the Court or an agency involved in the case; and (f) a conclusion.
Modify their hours of operation, including times when in-person payments and filings may be accepted in order to permit for screening of the public; provided however, that any modification must be submitted to the District Court Administrator for approval by the President Judge.
A notice of any modification of hours shall be posted on the door of the affected magisterial district court and displayed at www.washingtoncourts.us.
Email and/or facsimile filings will need to be followed by the original document (with original signatures) via mail or private delivery service, and include any applicable filing fee.
The proposed notice shall be in a form that complies with Pa. R. Civ. P. 230.2(f) and prepared by the District Court Administrator; such preparation shall include the date of proposed termination.
- Document
- Notice of proposed termination
Must include
- •Date of proposed termination
For the specified criminal complaints and arrest warrant affidavits, approval by an attorney for the Commonwealth is required before filing and may be obtained by telephone or electronic means.
Court's wording
shall not hereafter be accepted by any judicial officer unless the complaint and affidavit has the approval of an attorney for the Commonwealth prior to filing. As used in this Rule, “approval by an attorney for the Commonwealth” may be through the use of telephone, advanced communication technology, or other electronic methods.
The Pretrial Officer shall furnish a pretrial assessment report to the assigned Magisterial District Judge prior to the preliminary hearing.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Filings under Pa.R.O.C.P. 14.8 and Pa.R.J.A. 510 must be made in the Guardianship Tracking System, not C-Track.
Filings made pursuant to Pa.R.O.C.P. 14.8 and Pa.R.J.A. 510 must be done in the Guardianship Tracking System, and not via C-Track.
Civil cases
Page 6 | L-RULE 4.7. ELECTRONIC FILING
Grants of letters, inheritance tax returns, and original wills or codicils may not be filed electronically.
Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, the following legal papers may not be filed electronically: (i) Grant of letters; (ii) Inheritance tax return; and (iii) An original will or codicil.
Civil cases
Page 6 | L-RULE 4.7. ELECTRONIC FILING
Registered e-filing users must be individuals, and a legal paper must be filed by a party or counsel of record.
(5) Registered users that submit electronic filings shall be individuals, and not law firms, agencies, corporations, or other groups; provided, however, that the filer of a legal paper must be a party or counsel of record.
Civil cases
Page 7 | (d) Website and Filing Date
The C-Track E-Filing Portal, accessible through the Court’s website, is the designated website for electronic filing.
(2) The designated website for electronic filing is the C-Track E-Filing Portal, which can be accessed by clicking on the “e-File” link on the Court’s website (www.washingtoncourts.us).
Civil cases
Page 7 | (d) Website and Filing Date
Portal users must follow the applicable user manual, this local rule, and the designated website’s instructions.
(4) Use of the C-Track E-Filing Portal shall be in accordance with the user manual (if applicable), this local rule, and all instructions contained on the designated website.
Civil cases
Page 7 | (d) Website and Filing Date
All electronic filers must register with the C-Track E-Filing Portal through the designated website.
(3) All electronic filers must register with the C-Track E-Filing Portal by clicking on the “Register as an E-Filer” link of the designated website.
Civil cases
Page 7 | (d) Website and Filing Date
Represented parties and juvenile probation personnel must file legal papers electronically through PACFile when it can process them and no prohibition applies, subject to listed exceptions.
All parties represented by counsel and juvenile probation personnel are required to electronically file legal papers through PACFile with the clerk of courts, unless otherwise prohibited by Pa. R. J. C. P. 205(C), and for which PACFile has the technical capability to process. Legal papers that are exempt from filing by PACFile include: (1) applications for search warrants; (2) applications for arrest warrants; (3) exhibits offered into evidence, whether admitted or not, in a proceeding before a common pleas judge or hearing officer; and (4) submissions filed ex parte as authorized by law.
Page 1 | RULE L-205. ELECTRONIC FILING AND SERVICE OF LEGAL PAPERS
A party unable to participate in PACFile may file papers in physical format and must be served papers in physical format.
(C) Any party who is unable to participate in PACFile may file legal papers in a physical paper format with the clerk of courts, and shall be served legal papers in a physical paper format.
Page 3 | RULE L-1205. ELECTRONIC FILING AND SERVICE OF LEGAL PAPERS
Counsel-represented parties and guardian ad litems must file processable legal papers electronically through PACFile, subject to stated exceptions.
(B) All parties represented by counsel and guardian ad litems are required to electronically file legal papers through PACFile with the clerk of courts, unless otherwise prohibited by Pa. R. J. C. P. 1205(C), and for which PACFile has the technical capability to process. Legal papers that are exempt from filing by PACFile include: (1) submissions filed ex parte as authorized by law; and (2) exhibits offered into evidence, whether admitted or not, in a proceeding before a common pleas judge or hearing officer.
Page 3 | RULE L-1205. ELECTRONIC FILING AND SERVICE OF LEGAL PAPERS
Judges must publish procedures for submitting motions by non-in-person methods, including postal mail or electronic mail.
All judges shall provide procedures for acceptance of motions by means other than in-person (e.g., postal mail or electronic mail) for publication on the Courts' website and in the Washington County Reports.
Page 5 | III. Motions Court and Argument Court
Filing offices are to accept in-person filings unless exigent circumstances are presented to the District Court Administrator and approved by the Court.
In-person filings are to be accepted within the filing offices, absent exigent circumstances as are presented to the District Court Administrator and approved by the Court.
Page 9 | IX. Filing Offices
An open filing office may not limit filing services to appointments or reduce its normal hours for accepting legal documents.
If a filing office is open to conduct business it shall not limit services to “appointment only,” or otherwise reduce the normal hours it is open to accept the filing of legal documents.
Page 10 | IX. Filing Offices
PACFile is the exclusive system for electronic filing.
The exclusive system for electronic filing is the PACFile System, developed and administered by the Administrative Office of the Pennsylvania Courts and located on Pennsylvania’s Unified Judicial System Web Portal at: https://ujsportal.pacourts.us/MyServices.aspx
Criminal cases
Page 4 | Rule L-5761.1(E)(1) PACFile
Paper-format legal papers must be accepted; the Clerk converts them to PDF and adds them to the system, and the converted PDF is treated as the original, subject to the stated exclusion.
Any legal paper submitted for filing to the Clerk of Courts in paper (or “hard-copy”) format shall be accepted by the Clerk of Courts in that format and shall be retained by the Clerk of Courts as may be required by applicable rules of Court and record retention policies. The Clerk of Courts shall convert such hard-copy legal paper to .pdf and add it to the system, except those legal papers excluded from electronic filing pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P. 576.1 (C). Once converted to .pdf, the .pdf version of the legal paper shall be deemed and treated as the original legal paper and may be used by the parties and the Court for all purposes, including but not limited to, court hearings and trials in the Court of Common Pleas, 27th Judicial District.
Criminal cases
Page 5 | Rule L-5761.1 Electronic Filing and Service of Legal Papers
Judges must provide procedures for accepting motions by non-in-person means, such as postal or electronic mail, and publish those procedures on the Courts' website and in the Washington County Reports.
For the duration of the judicial emergency or until further Order of Court, common pleas judges shall conduct Motions Court remotely using ACT. All judges shall provide procedures for acceptance of motions by means other than in-person (e.g., postal mail or electronic mail) for publication on the Courts' website and in the Washington County Reports.
Page 4 | III. Motions Court and Argument Court
Filing offices are to accept in-person filings, subject to the stated exigent-circumstances process.
In-person filings are to be accepted within the filing offices, absent exigent circumstances as are presented to the District Court Administrator and approved by the Court.
Page 8 | IX. Filing Offices
A complaint may be submitted in person or by mail to the designated contact.
The complaint may be submitted in person or by mail, to the following contact:
Page 3 | Filing Procedures
For the specified custody, divorce, and protection-act matters, mandatory e-filing is stayed, over-the-counter filings must be accepted until further order, and electronic filing remains permitted.
AND NOW, this 13th day of December, 2024, it is hereby ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that the mandatory electronic filing provisions of Washington County Local Rule of Civil Procedure L-205.4(a) shall be STAYED for matters filed pursuant to Title 23 and Title 42, Chapter 62A01, of the consolidated statutes of Pennsylvania; specifically, custody actions, divorce actions, and petitions filed pursuant to the Protection from Abuse Act and the Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence or Intimidation Act. The Prothonotary is DIRECTED to accept over-the-counter filings for such matters until further order of court. Nothing, however, shall prevent counsel, or a party if unrepresented, from the permissive filing of a legal paper electronically in the aforementioned cases as permitted by Rule L-205.4.
Page 1 | ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER
An electronic filer must identify required confidential or other security through the C-Track portal prompts when submitting the document.
(6) When an electronic filer files a document that should be marked "confidential" or otherwise secured, the filer shall indicate such required security at the time of their filing submission through the prompts on the C-Track E-Filing Portal.
Civil cases
Page 7 | (f) Filing Status; Record; and Other Procedures
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Each party must file its mediation statement at least ten days before mediation.
At least ten (10) days prior to the mediation, each party shall file a mediation statement
Civil cases
Page 3 | L-RULE 1.6. WASHINGTON COUNTY ORPHANS' COURT MEDIATION PROGRAM
A request for partition or allotment of real estate must be made at the audit.
(d) Whenever partition or allotment of real estate is requested by the accountant or a party in interest, the request shall be made at the audit and the auditing Judge shall make such order, including a direction to submit evidence of title showing the current state of the title, if required, provisions for owelty, if any, the preparation of a schedule of distribution, notice to the parties and fixing the dates of further hearings, as may be necessary under the circumstances to protect all parties in the same particularity as is commonly required to be included in deeds and must recite how title was acquired.
Civil cases
Page 4 | L-RULE 2.4. DISTRIBUTION OF REAL ESTATE
Accounts for a particular audit must be filed by the applicable deadline on the Clerk’s annual posted Schedule.
Accounts to appear on a particular audit list must be filed not later than the date listed on the Schedule published annually by the Clerk and posted in the office of the Clerk. The Schedule shall list the audit date as provided in the annual Administrative Regulation and the last date to file an Account for inclusion on each particular audit date.
Civil cases
Page 5 | L-RULE 2.6. FOR A PARTICULAR AUDIT
After a Court officer dockets returned petitions or Court Orders, the attorneys must file them promptly with the Clerk.
petitions and Court Orders returned to attorneys for filing with the Clerk of the Orphans’ Court shall first be docketed by a Court officer and then filed promptly by such attorneys.
Civil cases
Page 5 | L-RULE 3.2. FILING, INDEXING, AND DOCKETS
An accepted legal paper is deemed filed when the portal received it, but the clerk may refuse a paper submitted without the required fee.
(7) If a legal paper is accepted by the clerk, it shall be deemed to have been filed upon the date and time it was received by the C-Track E-Filing Portal; provided, however, that the clerk is authorized to refuse for filing a legal paper that is submitted without the requisite fee being paid.
Civil cases
Page 7 | (d) Website and Filing Date
A legal paper due on a deadline is timely if filed by 11:59:59 P.M. EST/EDT that day.
(6) In the event that a legal paper is to be filed by a deadline, the filing shall be timely if filed by 11:59:59 P.M. EST/EDT on the day of the deadline.
Civil cases
Page 7 | (d) Website and Filing Date
A party in interest may file objections to an auditor’s or master’s report within ten days after it is filed.
Any party in interest shall have the right to file objections to an auditor's or master's report within ten (10) days of the filing thereof.
Civil cases
Page 12 | L-RULE 9.6. NOTICE AND OBJECTIONS
The written admission colloquy must be completed before the date and time set for the adjudication hearing.
Every defense attorney representing a juvenile alleged to have perpetrated a delinquent act or acts where the juvenile is entering admissions shall ensure that the written colloquy required by amended Pa.R.J.C.P. 407 shall be completed prior to the date and time set for the adjudication hearing in the matter.
Page 2 | RULE L-407. ADMISSIONS
The responsive party must file its brief at least 10 days before argument; this rule does not apply to briefs supporting or opposing a motion for post-trial relief under Pa. R. C. P. 227.1.
(4) The brief of the responsive party shall be filed at least ten (10) days prior to the argument.
Civil cases
Page 1 | RULE L-210. Briefs
The moving party must file its brief at the same time as the motion unless the Court orders otherwise; this rule does not apply to briefs supporting or opposing a motion for post-trial relief under Pa. R. C. P. 227.1.
(4) Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, the brief of a moving party shall be filed contemporaneously with the motion.
Civil cases
Page 1 | RULE L-210. Briefs
A statement of intention to proceed must be filed of record on or before the termination date to avoid an order terminating the case for failure to prosecute.
If a statement of intention to proceed is not filed of record on or before the date of termination for a case on the Stale Case List, the Prothonotary shall be directed to docket an order from the Court terminating the matter for failure to prosecute.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Termination of Inactive Cases
The mediator must schedule mediation within 60 days after the court order.
Upon appointment, the mediator shall schedule the mediation within sixty (60) days of the order of court.
Page 1 | RULE L-212.7 WASHINGTON COUNTY CIVIL LITIGATION. MEDIATION PROGRAM, subsection (3)
Each party must file a mediation statement with the mediator at least seven days before mediation.
At least seven (7) days prior to the mediation, each party shall file, with the mediator, a mediation statement which must include the following: (1) a succinct explanation of liability and damages; (2) significant legal issues that remain unresolved; (3) a summary of medical and expert reports (if applicable); (4) an itemized list of damages; and (5) settlement posture and rationale.
Page 1 | RULE L-212.7 WASHINGTON COUNTY CIVIL LITIGATION. MEDIATION PROGRAM, subsection (4)
If the case remains unresolved, the mediator must send the Court a report within ten days after mediation.
If the case has not been resolved, within ten ( 10) days from the date of the mediation, the mediator shall send the Court a report setting forth the following information:
Page 1 | RULE L-212.7 WASHINGTON COUNTY CIVIL LITIGATION. MEDIATION PROGRAM, subsection (6)
Email or fax filings are time-stamped upon receipt to preserve their filing dates if the originals are received.
Filings received by either email or fax will be time-stamped upon receipt to preserve filing dates, provided originals are received.
Page 8 | IX. Filing Offices
The constable has 20 days to respond to the complaint in writing.
The constable will have twenty (20) days to respond in writing to the complaint.
Page 5 | Filing Procedures
An interested party has 20 days from the recommended decision to submit exceptions to the President Judge.
Any interested party shall have twenty (20) days from the date of the recommended decision to submit any exceptions to the President Judge.
Page 5 | Actions and Dispositions of the CRB and the President Judge
For Rule 600 time computation, any delay resulting from the order is excluded and attributed to the judiciary.
For the purpose of computation of time pursuant to Rule 600 of the Criminal Rules of Procedure, any delay to a case resulting from this Order shall be excluded from the calculation and attributable to the judiciary.
Page 1 | Rule 600 Time Computation
Each party of record must file a Pretrial Memorandum within 180 days after filing the appeal, unless the Court enters a case management order.
In real estate tax assessment appeals involving commercial property, the following case management schedule shall govern the appeal, absent a case management order from the Court: (4) Each party of record shall file a Pretrial Memorandum within one hundred and eighty (180) days of the filing of the appeal.
Page 95
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Opposing counsel must be given notice before preliminary objections are filed.
When preliminary objections are filed to any pleading or proceeding in the Office of the Clerk after notice to opposing counsel, a copy shall be presented to the Court at its Motions Session along with an original Order for scheduling argument and briefs.
Civil cases
Page 5 | L-RULE 3.9. PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS
Portal service transmitted on a weekend, Court-recognized holiday, or after 5:00 P.M. EST/EDT is complete on the next business day.
Service through the C-Track E-Filing Portal upon transmission on a Saturday, a Sunday, a holiday recognized by Court, or after 5:00 P.M. EST/EDT, shall be considered complete on the next business day.
Civil cases
Page 9 | (g) Service
Using the portal does not eliminate the service requirements for a notice of appeal under Pa.R.A.P. 906(2)-(4).
Use of the C-Track E-Filing Portal does not relieve a party of service requirements for a notice of appeal pursuant to Pa.R.A.P. 906(2)-(4).
Civil cases
Page 9 | (g) Service
The portal’s automatic distribution constitutes service for electronically filed papers other than original process to registered users selected by the filer; the filer must serve nonregistered opposing parties or attorneys under the Pennsylvania Orphans’ Court Rules.
The C-Track E-Filing Portal will automatically distribute a copy of any legal paper filed in a case to each registered C-Track user who has entered his or her appearance in that case and has been selected by the electronic filer to receive electronic service. Such automatic distribution by the C-Track E-Filing Portal of electronically filed legal papers other than original process constitutes service in accordance with the Pennsylvania Orphans’ Court Rules. The electronic filer must serve the electronically filed legal papers upon any opposing parties or attorneys who are not registered users of the C-Track E-Filing Portal in accordance with the Pennsylvania Orphans’ Court Rules.
Civil cases
Page 9 | (g) Service
If an unpaid beneficiary, heir, or claimant has not joined the petition, ten days’ notice of intention to present it must have been given.
(7) If any unpaid beneficiary, heir, or claimant has not joined in the petition, a statement that ten (10) days’ notice of intention to present the petition has been given in accordance with these rules.
Civil cases
Page 11 | L-RULE 5.16. SETTLEMENT OF SMALL ESTATES
Auditors or masters must notify interested parties or their counsel of hearings as provided in Rule 2.5; notice of a succeeding hearing given at a properly noticed hearing is sufficient.
Auditors or Masters shall give notice of hearings held by them to all parties interested, or to their attorneys of record, in the manner provided in Rule 2.5. Notice of succeeding hearing given by the auditor or master at a hearing of which proper notice has been given shall constitute sufficient notice of each of such succeeding hearings.
Civil cases
Page 12 | L-RULE 9.1. NOTICE BY AUDITORS OR MASTERS
Auditors or masters must notify interested parties or their counsel personally or by mail on or before filing a report, and attach proof of notice to the report.
Auditors or Masters shall, on or before the day of filing their reports, give notice of the filing of the same either personally or by mail to all interested parties of record or to their counsel of record. Proof of notice shall be attached to the report.
Civil cases
Page 12 | L-RULE 9.6. NOTICE AND OBJECTIONS
The citation and a copy of the appeal must be served as provided by the Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries Code.
The citation, with a copy of the appeal, shall be served as provided by the Probate, Estates and Fiduciaries Code.
Civil cases
Page 13 | L-RULE 10.4. ISSUANCE OF CITATION
A party unable to participate in PACFile must be served legal papers in physical paper format by the clerk and other parties.
and shall be served legal papers in a physical paper format by the clerk of courts and other parties to the case.
Page 1 | RULE L-205. ELECTRONIC FILING AND SERVICE OF LEGAL PAPERS
A party unable to participate in PACFile must be served legal papers in physical paper format.
(C) Any party who is unable to participate in PACFile may file legal papers in a physical paper format with the clerk of courts, and shall be served legal papers in a physical paper format.
Page 3 | RULE L-1205. ELECTRONIC FILING AND SERVICE OF LEGAL PAPERS
Copies of preliminary objections must be served contemporaneously on the Court Administrator and the assigned judge.
Copies of all preliminary objections shall be served contemporaneously on the Court Administrator and the judge to whom the case is assigned.
Civil cases
Page 3 | RULE 1028(c). Procedures for the Disposition of Preliminary Objections
After the argument list closes, the Prothonotary must notify listed attorneys and unrepresented parties of the listing by regular mail.
Upon the closing of the argument list, the Prothonotary shall furnish notification to all attorneys and unrepresented parties who have cases listed for argument of the listing by regularmail.
Civil cases
Page 3 | RULE 1028(c). Procedures for the Disposition of Preliminary Objections
Copies of motions for summary judgment must be served contemporaneously on the Court Administrator and the assigned judge.
Copies of all motions for summary judgment shall be served contemporaneously on the Court Administrator and the judge to whom the case is assigned.
Civil cases
Page 4 | RULE 1035.2(a). Procedures for the Disposition of a Motion for Summary Judgment
Copies of motions for judgment on the pleadings must be served contemporaneously on the Court Administrator and the assigned judge.
Copies of all motions for judgment on the pleadings shall be served contemporaneously on the Court Administrator and the judge to whom the case is assigned.
Civil cases
Page 4 | RULE 1034(a). Procedures for the Disposition of a Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings
The District Attorney's Office must mail formal arraignment packets to defendants or appearing counsel by the date the in-person arraignment would have occurred; email may be used if defense counsel agrees on the docket.
The District Attorney's Office shall mail formal arraignment packets to defendants, or counsel if an appearance is entered (electronic mail is an acceptable alternative if agreed to by defense counsel) on the docket. Packets are to be mailed by the date that an in-person arraignment would have been scheduled.
Page 5 | IV. Formal Arraignments
The Prothonotary must serve the proposed termination notice on counsel of record or, if a party is unrepresented, on that party at the last address of record using the manner required by the cited rules.
The Prothonotary shall serve a notice of proposed termination on counsel of record, and on the parties if not represented, in a manner that complies with Pa. R. Civ. P. 230.2(b)(2) and any attendant Washington County Local Rule of Civil Procedure at the last address of record.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Termination of Inactive Cases
The Prothonotary must docket and scan returned undeliverable notices and, for an attorney’s notice, immediately resend it if the Disciplinary Board website shows a different address.
The Prothonotary shall make a notation on the docket and scan the image of any notice of termination that is returned by the United States Postal Service as undeliverable. If a returned notice is for an attorney of record, the Prothonotary shall comply with the Comment to Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 230.2(b) and immediately resend the notice of proposed termination if the website of the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania indicates a different address.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Termination of Inactive Cases
The Prothonotary must serve each proposed termination notice within 15 calendar days of the Administrative Order and docket the actual service date and manner.
The Prothonotary shall serve the notice of proposed termination as set forth in the preceding paragraph within fifteen (15) calendar days of this Administrative Order. The Prothonotary shall make a notation on the docket for each case as to the actual date of service and shall specify the manner of service.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Termination of Inactive Cases
Filing Fees and Waivers
Each party in a case selected for mediation must pay the fee set by administrative order to the County of Washington and submit it to the Office of the District Court Administrator for processing.
Each party to a case selected for mediation shall pay a mediation fee to be made payable to the County of Washington and submitted to the Office of the District Court Administrator for processing. The mediation fee shall be set by administrative order, and information regarding the fee shall be available in the Office of the District Court Administrator.
Civil cases
Page 3 | L-RULE 1.6. WASHINGTON COUNTY ORPHANS' COURT MEDIATION PROGRAM
(ii) The clerk may not accept alternate payment or a deposit of funds in advance of filing; provided however, that a filing party who
(ii) The clerk may not accept alternate payment or a deposit of funds in advance of filing; provided however, that a filing party who
Civil cases
Page 8 | (f) Fees
Electronic filing fees are paid by credit or debit card through a payment processor approved by the Court through the President Judge or designee.
(1) The clerk shall accept payment of all electronic filings fees through credit or debit card. The payment processor shall be approved by the Court through the President Judge, or his or her designee.
Civil cases
Page 8 | (f) Fees
The clerk must collect the user fee set by Administrative Order for the legal papers identified there.
The clerk shall collect a user fee for the filing of certain legal papers as established by the Court through the President Judge. The user fee and list of legal papers shall be delineated by Administrative Order.
Civil cases
Page 9
The Register shall require a non-refundable hearing fee under the applicable fee bill.
The Register shall require a non-refundable fee for hearings in accordance with the Register of Wills and Orphans’ Court fee bill, which is of record in the office of the Register of Wills.
Civil cases
Page 13 | L-RULE 10.3. FEES FOR HEARINGS
Fees assessed for using the C-Track Public Portal must be paid by debit or credit card.
Fees assessed in relation to the use of the C-Track Public Portal shall be paid by use of debit or credit card.
Page 1 | Administrative Order
A $7.00 user fee applies to each electronically filed legal paper.
A user fee of $7.00 shall be imposed for each legal paper that is electronically filed.
Page 2 | III. Electronic Filing Fee
Users without a subscription are charged $0.25 per page, with a $5.00 minimum, for each instance of viewing, downloading, or printing a document.
Users who do not pay for a C-Track Subscription Fee shall be charged per instance of viewing, downloading, or printing a document in the C-Track Public Portal. This fee shall be $0.25 per page, with a minimum charge of $5.00.
Page 2 | II. Individual Document Access Fee
Each debit or credit card transaction in the portal incurs an additional processing fee equal to the greater of $2.95 or 3% of the transaction total.
All payments in the C-Track Public Portal are handled via a payment processor. A processing fee shall be charged per debit or credit card transaction. This fee shall be the greater of either $2.95 or three percent (3%) of the total transaction cost. This fee is in addition to any other charges in the C-Track Public Portal.
Page 2 | IV. Debit or Credit Card Processing Fee
Any filing fee that applies to an email or facsimile filing must be included.
Email and/or facsimile filings will need to be followed by the original document (with original signatures) via mail or private delivery service, and include any applicable filing fee.
Page 9 | IX. Filing Offices
Applicable filing fees must be paid under the Clerk's procedures and in the time and amount required by the governing authority or fee schedule.
Applicable filing fees shall be paid through procedures established by the Clerk of Courts and at the same time and in the same amount as required by statute, court rule or order, or published fee schedule.
Criminal cases
Page 5 | Filing Fees
The Court must approve each custodian’s fee schedule by administrative order.
The Court shall approve the fee schedule for any custodian pursuant to the Policy by administrative order.
Page 3 | Rule 3000. Public Access Policy. Case Records. Court of Common Pleas, (d)(1)
The custodian must post the approved fee schedule in a publicly accessible area of the office and on the stated website.
The custodian shall post the approved fee schedule in an area accessible to the public in his or her office and at www.washingtoncourts.us.
Page 3 | Rule 3000. Public Access Policy. Case Records. Court of Common Pleas, (d)(2)
The magisterial district court must remit all fees collected under the rule to the County of Washington.
The magisterial district court shall remit all fees collected pursuant to this rule to the County of Washington.
Page 3 | Rule 3001. Public Access of Official Case Records in the Magisterial District Courts, (2)
Each party in a case selected for mediation must pay the fee set by administrative order to the County of Washington and submit it to the Office of the Court Administrator.
Each party to a case selected for mediation shall pay a mediation fee to be made payable to the County of Washington and submitted to the Office of the Court Administrator. The mediation fee shall be set by administrative order, and information regarding the fee shall be available in the Office of the Court Administrator.
Page 1 | RULE L-212.7 WASHINGTON COUNTY CIVIL LITIGATION. MEDIATION PROGRAM, subsection (5)
Any required filing fee must be submitted with the filing.
All required filing fees shall be provided with the filing.
Page 8 | IX. Filing Offices
Email and/or facsimile filings will need to be followed by the original document (with original signatures) via mail or private delivery service, and include any applicable filing fee.
Email and/or facsimile filings will need to be followed by the original document (with original signatures) via mail or private delivery service, and include any applicable filing fee.
Page 8 | IX. Filing Offices
A master fee is required for a motion to appoint a master unless the Court waives it.
Proof of payment of the master fee shall accompany the motion and proposed order, unless the fee is waived by the Court.
Page 81 | RULE 1920.51. Hearing by the Court. Appointment of Master. Notice of Hearing.
Courtesy Copy Requirements
A copy of the motion must be provided to the assigned judge’s chambers at least 24 hours before presentation.
A copy of the motion shall be provided to the chambers of the judge to whom the motion is being presented at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance.
Page 18 | RULE 208.3(a). Procedures for the Disposition of Motions
Before the Initial Custody Meeting, the moving party must provide the Civil Division a copy of the proof of service, Parenting Program information, and Parent Plan form.
(c) The moving party shall file proof of service of the complaint or petition with the Washington County Prothonotary and provide a copy of the proof of service of the complaint or petition, the Parenting Program information, and a copy of the Parent Plan form to the Office of the Court Administrator – Civil Division prior to the Initial Custody Meeting.
Page 67
A duplicate copy of all other pleadings and documents must be provided to the Civil Division.
(f) A duplicate copy of all other pleadings and documents shall be provided to the Office of the Court Administrator – Civil Division.
Page 67
A copy of the filed request showing the scheduled conference date and time must also be delivered to the Civil Division.
(b) A copy of the filed request with the scheduled pretrial conference date and time must be served on the other counsel, or if the party is a pro se litigant, the request must be served on the party. A copy must be delivered to the Office of the Court Administrator– Civil Division.
Page 68 | RULE 1915.4-3. Request for Trial De Novo and Pre-Trial Conference
Copies of the objections and hearing petition must also be provided to the assigned judge and the Court Administrator-Civil Division.
Copies shall also be provided to the assigned Judge and the Court Administrator-Civil Division.
Page 71 | Objections to Parenting Coordinator’s Recommendation(s) and Petition for a Record Hearing
The Court recommends continuing to serve courtesy copies of dispositive filings and briefs on the Judge's Chambers.
You should continue to serve courtesy copies of dispositive filings and briefs upon the Judge's Chambers.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Submission and Scheduling of a Dispositive Motion for Argument Court.
The filing office must monitor and process the container filings and return courtesy copies by prepaid USPS mail.
The filing office shall regularly monitor the container and process the filings; courtesy copies are to be returned via United States Postal Service mail, postage prepaid.
Page 8 | IX. Filing Offices
A courtesy copy of a dispositive motion to the Court Administrator is optional and may be sent by mail, in-person drop-off, or email; it does not affect scheduling.
You are no longer required to submit copies of a filed motion to the Court Administrator's office. If you wish, you may serve a courtesy copy of your dispositive motion upon the Court Administrator by mail, in-person drop-off, or by e-mail, but this will not affect the scheduling of your motion.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Submission and Scheduling of a Dispositive Motion for Argument Court.
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
When an adoption proceeding concludes, its documents must be impounded and sealed in a packet that may be opened only by court order and must remain with the Register/Clerk.
Upon conclusion of any such proceeding, all documents therewith shall be impounded and sealed in an appropriate packet; with a restriction noted thereon that the packet shall not be opened except as authorized by an order of court, and thereafter shall be retained in the custody of the Register/Clerk.
Civil cases
Page 2 | L-O.C. Rule 15.21. COURT FILE
A filing containing defined Confidential Documents must be marked confidential through the portal prompts when submitted.
(iii) Electronic filings that contain “Confidential Documents” as defined by the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts shall be marked confidential at the time of their filing submission through the prompts on the C-Track E-Filing Portal.
Civil cases
Page 8 | (d) Website and Filing Date
Electronic filings containing defined Confidential Information must be redacted as required by the Public Access Policy.
(ii) Electronic filings that contain “Confidential Information” as defined by the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts shall be filed appropriately redacted, as required under the Public Access Policy.
Civil cases
Page 8 | (d) Website and Filing Date
A filer submitting a document that should be confidential or otherwise secured must indicate the required security through the portal prompts at submission.
(12) When an electronic filer files a document that should be marked "confidential" or otherwise secured, the filer shall indicate such required security at the time of their filing submission through the prompts on the C-Track E-Filing Portal.
Civil cases
Page 8 | (d) Website and Filing Date
Counsel and unrepresented parties must comply with the Pennsylvania Public Access Policy, and e-filing does not excuse confidentiality-related filing obligations.
(i) Counsel and unrepresented parties must adhere to the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania. Use of electronic filing does not relieve any obligation regarding the filing of confidential information and/or documents.
Civil cases
Page 8 | (d) Website and Filing Date
Exhibits containing confidential information or filed under seal must not be accessible to the public.
Exhibits that contain confidential information or are filed under seal shall not be accessible by the public
Page 3 | RULE L-5105. Confidentiality. Exhibits Under Seal
Counsel and unrepresented parties must follow Pennsylvania's Public Access Policy and omit confidential information from papers filed with the Clerk.
Counsel and unrepresented parties must adhere to the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania and refrain from including confidential information in legal papers filed with the Clerk of Court whether filed electronically or in paper format.
Criminal cases
Page 5 | Confidential information
Filers must not submit the covered documents in either redacted or unredacted versions.
Filers shall no longer submit such documents for filing in either “Redacted” or “Unredacted” versions.
Page 1 | ORDER
Parties may not file both redacted and unredacted versions of the same pleading, exhibit, or other document.
Parties are expressly prohibited from filing two versions of any pleading, exhibit, or other document, i.e., a redacted version and an unredacted version.
Page 3 | Rule 3000. Public Access Policy. Case Records. Court of Common Pleas, (b) Confidential Information
When the proceeding concludes, its documents must be impounded and sealed in a packet that may be opened only by court order and must remain with the Register/Clerk.
(1) Upon conclusion of any such proceeding, all documents therewith shall be impounded and sealed in an appropriate packet; with a restriction noted thereon that the packet shall not be opened except as authorized by an order of court, and thereafter shall be retained in the custody of the Register/Clerk.
Civil cases
Page 3 | L-O.C. Rule 15.21. COURT FILE
For digitally maintained or accessed court records, the Court must control the system and restrict access consistently with these rules.
(i) To the extent that any part of the docket or court file is maintained digitally or otherwise accessed through software or electronic case management system, the Court shall exercise authority over the system and ensure that access to the court file is restricted consistent with these rules.
Civil cases
Page 3 | L-O.C. Rule 15.21. COURT FILE
Before the adoption concludes, only the specified judicial and court-administration personnel may inspect or remove the confidential court file, and only for official court business.
(b) The court file is confidential pursuant to the Act, and may only be inspected or removed by a Judge or staff of the assigned judge, District Court Administrator, or court administration staff for official court business prior to the conclusion of the adoption.
Civil cases
Page 3 | L-O.C. Rule 15.21. COURT FILE
Filings related to a complaint are confidential unless the President Judge makes them public.
Unless made public by the President Judge, any filing related to a complaint shall be deemed a confidential filing.
Page 6 | Rules of Civil Procedure. Filings. Costs and Fees.
Only the Court may seal a filing by order, and a party seeking sealing should present a motion rather than seal it on its own.
Note: A docket entry, legal paper, or other information may only be sealed by the Court upon issuance ofan order. A party may not seal a filing sua sponte; rather, the party should present a motion if requesting that a case or filing be sealed.
Civil cases
Page 7 | (f) Filing Status; Record; and Other Procedures
Counsel and unrepresented parties must follow Pennsylvania's Public Access Policy, and e-filing does not excuse obligations concerning confidential information or documents.
Counsel and unrepresented parties must adhere to the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania. Use of electronic filing does not relieve any obligation regarding the filing of confidential information and/or documents.
Civil cases
Page 8 | (j) Public Access Policy
An electronic filing containing defined Confidential Information must be appropriately redacted as required by the Public Access Policy.
Electronic filings that contain "Confidential Information" as defined by the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts shall be filed appropriately redacted, as required under the Public Access Policy.
Page 5 | Rule 4.7(d)(12)(ii)
When filing a document that requires confidential or other security treatment, the filer must indicate that treatment through the portal prompts at submission.
(12) When an electronic filer files a document that should be marked "confidential" or otherwise secured, the filer shall indicate such required security at the time of their filing submission through the prompts on the C-Track E-Filing Portal.
Page 5 | Rule 4.7(d)(12)
Only the Court may seal docket entries, legal papers, or other information by order; a party seeking sealing should file a motion and may not seal a filing on its own.
A docket entry, legal paper, or other information may only be sealed by the Court upon issuance ofan order. A filing party may not seal a filing sua sponte; rather, the filing party should present a motion if requesting that a case or filing be sealed.
Page 5 | Rule 4.7(d) Note
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Unless the Court orders otherwise, the moving party must file its brief at least 20 days before the motion proceeding, and the responsive party must file within 10 days thereafter.
Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, the brief of the moving party shall be filed at least twenty (20) days prior to the proceeding on the motion. The brief of the responsive party shall be filed within ten (10) days thereafter.
Civil cases
Page 1 | RULE 210. Briefs
If all parties have not consented, the moving party must present the motion in Motions Court after complying with applicable court rules.
If consent has not been obtained from all parties, the moving party shall present the motion in Motions Court after complying with all applicable rules of court.
Page 14 | RULE 208.2. Motion. Form. Content.
Before presenting an unconsented motion, counsel and/or the parties must confer in an attempt to resolve its subject matter.
Prior to the presentation of an unconsented motion, counsel and/or the parties shall confer to attempt to resolve the subject matter of the motion.
Page 14 | RULE 208.2. Motion. Form. Content.
For discovery motions, the moving party must confer with all interested parties and comply with the referenced requirements for a Certificate of Compliance.
For all discovery motions, see Wash. L. R. Civ. P. 208.2(3)(a) for the requirements to confer with all interested parties and the filing of a Certificate of Compliance.
Page 17 | RULE 208.2(e). Duty to Confer; Discovery
Unless the Court orders otherwise, the moving party must file its brief with the motion, and the responsive party must file its brief at least ten days before argument; this rule does not apply to briefs supporting or opposing a Pa.R.C.P. 227.1 post-trial-relief motion.
(4) Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, the brief of a moving party shall be filed contemporaneously with the motion. The brief of the responsive party shall be filed at least ten (10) days prior to the argument. (5) This rule shall not apply to any brief filed in support of, or in opposition to, a motion for post-trial relief pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 227.1.
Page 20 | RULE 210. Briefs
Before moving to modify a case management order, counsel or an unrepresented party must confer in an effort to reach agreement.
Prior to filing a motion to modify any case management order, all counsel, or a party if unrepresented, shall confer in an effort to reach agreement on the proposed modification.
Page 21 | Initial Case Management Conference
At the conclusion of discovery, the Court must hold a status conference that includes setting a filing date and briefing schedule for a summary-judgment motion.
(1) At the conclusion of discovery, the Court shall hold a conference to review the status of the case, including: (a) any outstanding issues concerning discovery; (b) disposing of pending motions; (c) settling the case and using special procedures to assist in resolving the dispute when authorized by statute or rule of court; (d) setting forth a date for the filing of a motion of summary judgment pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1035.2, and issuing a briefing schedule; and (e) setting forth a date for the scheduling of a pre-trial conference.
Page 21 | Status Conference
Arguments for all Motions for Summary Judgment shall be heard on the same day.
Arguments for all Motions for Summary Judgment shall be heard on the same day.
Page 39
Objections to jurisdiction, venue, joinder, or standing must be filed and presented to the assigned judge, who will order briefing and schedule argument.
(a) Objections to jurisdiction, venue, joinder of parties, and standing shall be filed and presented to the judge to whom the case is assigned. The Court shall order a briefing schedule and schedule argument on the objections.
Page 68 | RULE 1915.5. Preliminary Objections. Discovery
Before a sanctions motion, counsel must confer or attempt to confer with all interested parties to resolve or narrow the issues.
Any motion for sanctions shall be governed by Wash.L.R.C.P. 208.2(e) and 208.3(a), and the motion shall contain a certification that counsel has conferred or attempted to confer with all interested parties in order to resolve the matter or narrow the issues to be reviewed by the Court.
Page 91 | RULE 4019. Sanctions. Requirement to Confer
Unless the Court orders otherwise, the moving party must file its brief with the motion, and the responsive party must file its brief at least ten days before argument.
(4) Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, the brief of a moving party shall be filed contemporaneously with the motion. The brief of the responsive party shall be filed at least ten (10) days prior to the argument.
Civil cases
Page 6 | RULEL-210. BRIEFS
Argument on preliminary objections will not be scheduled until the 20-day period to amend as of right has expired.
Argument on Preliminary Objections are not scheduled until after the twenty-day window to amend as of right has expired.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Timetable
The Argument Court notice may modify the default briefing schedule, will identify the schedule in effect, and should be reviewed to confirm the applicable deadlines.
Local Rule L-210 contains a default briefing schedule. This briefing schedule may be modified by the argument court notice. The Argument Court notice will always indicate if the default briefing schedule or an alternate briefing schedule is being utilized for that Argument Court. Ensure that you review the notice when you receive it to confirm your briefing schedule.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Briefing
Motions for judgment on the pleadings and summary judgment are not set for argument until the 30-day response period has expired.
Argument on Motions for Judgment on the Pleadings and Motions for Summary Judgment are not set until after the thirty-day window to file a response has expired.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Timetable
After responses to summary judgment motions are filed, any party may move for an argument date.
After the responses to the Motions for Summary Judgment have been filed, any party may present a motion for argument date.
Page 39
After summary-judgment responses are filed, any party may move for an argument date, and all summary-judgment arguments must be heard on the same day.
After the responses to the Motions for Summary Judgment have been filed, any party may present a motion for argument date. Arguments for all Motions for Summary Judgment shall be heard on the same day.
Civil cases
Page 16 | CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER
Responses and briefs are not required for motions, but a party may file a brief when it anticipates the Court will wish to consider one.
This Court specifically declines to adopt the alternative procedures set forth in Pa.R.C.P. 208.3(b), imposing mandatory requirements for the filing of a response or brief with respect to any motions. Note: A party may file a brief when it is anticipated that the Court will wish to consider a brief before deciding an issue; however, there is no requirement to do so.
Page 17 | RULE 208.3(a). Procedures for the Disposition of Motions
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
The Court will entertain a continuance request for an action scheduled for Argument Court only upon a showing of good cause.
The Court shall only entertain a request for a continuance for an action scheduled for Argument Court for good cause shown.
Civil cases
Page 2 | RULE 302. Argument Court. Argument List
Agreements for continuances or withdrawals must be communicated to the Court Administrator at least seven days before Argument Court, and an argument will be continued only for good cause.
All agreements for continuances and/or withdrawals shall be communicated to the Court Administrator no less than seven (7) days prior to Argument Court. The Court shall continuean argument only upon good cause shown.
Civil cases
Page 3 | RULE 1028(c). Procedures for the Disposition of Preliminary Objections
The Court will entertain a continuance request for an action scheduled for Argument Court only upon a showing of good cause.
(5) The Court shall only entertain a request for a continuance for an action scheduled for Argument Court for good cause shown.
Civil cases
Page 1 | RULE 302. Argument Court. Argument List
A conference scheduled under the rule may be continued only for good cause shown.
When a case is scheduled for a conference pursuant to this rule, it shall not be continued except for good cause shown.
Page 23 | Continuances
The Court will entertain a continuance request for an action scheduled for Argument Court only upon a showing of good cause.
The Court shall only entertain a request for a continuance for an action scheduled for Argument Court for good cause shown.
Page 34 | RULE 302. Argument Court. Argument List
Agreements for continuances must be communicated to the Court Administrator at least seven days before Argument Court, and an argument will be continued only for good cause.
(11) All agreements for continuances and/or withdrawals shall be communicated to the Court Administrator no less than seven (7) days prior to Argument Court. The Court shall continue an argument only upon good cause shown.
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If the arbitration panels cannot reach all scheduled cases that day, the Court Administrator must continue the unreached cases to the next available date.
In the event that the panels of arbitrators are unable to reach all of the cases scheduled for arbitration on a particular day, the arbitration hearing for those cases that are not reached shall be continued by the Court Administrator to the next available date.
Page 45
If an arbitration hearing begins but is not completed on its scheduled day, it must be continued to a date convenient to the panel and parties.
In the event that an arbitration hearing has been commenced but is not concluded on the day scheduled for the arbitration hearing, the arbitration hearing shall be continued to a date convenient to the arbitration panel and parties.
Page 45
A party may continue a scheduled arbitration hearing once by filing a praecipe for continuance with the Prothonotary and paying a $50 fee.
A party may continue a scheduled arbitration hearing one (1) time upon filing of a praecipe for continuance with the Prothonotary and payment of a fee of $50.00.
Page 46 | Rule 1303.2 Continuances
A continuance request made less than five days before arbitration or after a party’s first request requires a motion and leave of court, and may be granted only for good cause.
For any request for a continuance that is either less than five (5) days before the scheduled arbitration or not the first request for continuance by a party, the requesting party shall file a motion and seek leave of court. (1) The Court shall grant the continuance only for good cause shown.
Page 47
A pre-trial motion cannot serve as a basis for continuing the arbitration hearing, regardless of when it is filed relative to scheduling.
A pre-trial motion, whether filed prior to or after the scheduling of the arbitration, shall not be cause for continuance of the arbitration hearing.
Page 47
Continuance motions must be presented to the assigned judge in motions court before the scheduled proceeding, state the required information, and be followed by filing the order; attach notice or an order of a conflicting proceeding when applicable.
(a) Motions for continuances of proceedings before the hearing officer or a conference officer will be presented by the moving party to the judge to whom the case is assigned in motions court prior to the scheduled proceeding. The moving party shall file the order granting or denying the continuance in the Domestic Relations Section. (b) A motion for a continuance shall set forth the following information: (1) A clear, concise and certain reason for the motion; (2) A statement that opposing counsel or the opposing party, if unrepresented, has no objection to the request for continuance, if applicable; (3) A statement of the number of prior continuances, if any; and (4) If another court appearance is the reason for the request, a copy of the notice or order of the conflicting proceeding shall be attached.
Page 63 | RULE 1910.5. Complaint. Order of Court. Continuances
A continuance motion must be presented to the assigned judge in Motions Court before the scheduled proceeding.
A motion for a continuance of a proceeding before the child custody conference officers shall be presented to the judge to whom the case is assigned in Motions Court prior to the scheduled proceeding.
Page 73 | RULE 1915.28. Continuances
A continuance motion must state its reason, whether the opposing party consents, and the number of prior continuances.
(c) A motion for a continuance shall contain the following information: (1) a clear, concise, and certain reason for the motion; (2) whether the continuance is consented to by the opposing party; (3) a statement of the number of prior continuances, if any; and (4) if another court appearance is the reason for the request, a copy of the notice or order of the conflicting hearing shall be attached.
Page 73 | RULE 1915.28. Continuances
A continuance motion must be written and state the reason, applicable non-objection, and number of prior continuances, and attach notice or an order for a conflicting court appearance.
(2) A motion for continuance shall be set forth in writing and contain the following information: (i) A clear, concise, and certain reason for the request; (ii) A statement that opposing counsel or the opposing party, if unrepresented, has no objection to the request for continuance, if applicable; (iii) A statement of the number of prior continuances, if any; and (iv) If another court appearance is the reason for the request, a copy of the notice or Order of the conflicting hearing shall be attached.
Page 82 | RULE 1920.51. Hearing by the Court. Appointment of Master. Notice of Hearing.
Agreements for continuances or withdrawals must be communicated to the Court Administrator at least seven days before Argument Court, and an argument will be continued only upon good cause shown.
All agreements for continuances and/or withdrawals shall be communicated to the Court Administrator no less than seven (7) days prior to Argument Court. The Court shall continue an argument only upon good cause shown.
Civil cases
Page 1 | RULE 1028(c). Procedures for the Disposition of Preliminary Objections
Agreements for continuances must be communicated to the Court Administrator at least seven days before Argument Court.
All agreements for continuances and/or withdrawals shall be communicated to the Court Administrator no less than seven (7) days prior to Argument Court.
Civil cases
Page 13 | RULE L-1028(c). PROCEDURES FOR DISPOSITION OF PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS
The Court will continue an argument only if good cause is shown.
The Court shall continue an argument only upon good cause shown.
Civil cases
Page 13 | RULE L-1028(c). PROCEDURES FOR DISPOSITION OF PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS
Chambers Communication Rules
A proponent must give the Court reasonable notice before a proceeding if intending to offer a weapon, contraband, or hazardous materials into evidence.
If a proponent intends to offer a weapon, contraband, or hazardous materials into evidence, the proponent shall provide reasonable notice to the Court prior to the court proceeding
Page 3 | RULE L-5101. Custody of Exhibits. Exclusion of Certain Proceedings
A transporting agency may refuse transport under the stated health or mask conditions and must immediately notify the assigned judge.
The Sheriff, or his deputies, or any other transporting agency, may refuse to transport an individual who is visibly ill, exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, or who refuses to wear a mask, and shall immediately notify the assigned judge.
Page 7 | VII. Transportation of Incarcerated Individuals
Arresting officers must fax the criminal complaint and affidavit to the on-call Magisterial District Judge before the preliminary arraignment.
Arresting officers are responsible for the delivery of the criminal complaint and affidavit via facsimile to the on-call Magisterial District Judge prior to the preliminary arraignment.
Criminal cases
Page 13
A proponent intending to offer a weapon, contraband, or hazardous materials into evidence must give the Court reasonable notice before the proceeding.
If a proponent intends to offer a weapon, contraband, or hazardous materials into evidence, the proponent shall provide reasonable notice to the Court prior to the court proceeding.
Page 18 | RULE L-5103. Special Provisions.
If minimum notice cannot be given to an interested party, the moving party must immediately notify the Civil Division.
In the event minimum notice cannot be afforded to any interested parties, the moving party shall immediately notify the Office of the Court Administrator – Civil Division.
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The objecting party must contact the Court Administrator’s office to order the transcript of the proceedings.
You must contact this office and order the transcript of the proceedings
Page 101 | FORM 5000.8(2) Letter Re: [case name and docket number]
Court approval is required to present a case only on briefs, and the request must be made to the Court Administrator at least five days before argument.
Prior approval of the Court must be obtained to present cases only on briefs. Any request is to be made to the Court Administrator no less than five (5) days prior to argument.
Civil cases
Page 1 | RULE 1028(c). Procedures for the Disposition of Preliminary Objections
Note: If there is a question concerning an individual’s authority to access records under this subsection, the Register/Clerk is to seek guidance from the President Judge, District Court Administrator, or the judge to whom the case is assigned.
Note: If there is a question concerning an individual’s authority to access records under this subsection, the Register/Clerk is to seek guidance from the President Judge, District Court Administrator, or the judge to whom the case is assigned.
Civil cases
Page 2 | L-O.C. Rule 1.41. PAPERS AND RECORDS
People excluded or removed for health concerns must be given contact information to conduct essential court business during the judicial emergency.
Any person excluded or removed for health concerns shall be provided with information (telephone number or email address) to enable them to initiate, participate in, or complete necessary essential court business/functions during the judicial emergency.
Page 3 | I. Public Access to Court Facilities
Contact the Court’s office about accessible facilities or accommodations, and make all arrangements at least 72 hours before a hearing.
For information about accessible facilities and reasonable accommodations available to disabled individuals having business before the Court, please contact our office. All arrangements must be made at least 72 hours prior to any hearing.
Civil cases
Page 3 | AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990
For Protection from Abuse cases, subpoena requests must be directed to the judge of the term designated under the Administrative Regulations based on the request date.
Requests for subpoena shall be made to the judge of the term for Protection from Abuse cases as designated in the Administrative Regulations, based on the date of the request.
Criminal cases
Page 4 | Order
Contact the court office for accessibility information; arrangements must be made at least 72 hours before a hearing.
For information about accessible facilities and reasonable accommodations available to disabled individuals having business before the Court, please contact our office. All arrangements must be made at least 72 hours prior to any hearing.
Page 43 | AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990
An appointed arbitrator who cannot serve must notify the Court Administrator at least five days before the hearing, unless prevented by matters beyond the arbitrator’s control.
If an appointed arbitrator cannot serve at the time and place designated, the attorney shall, unless otherwise prevented by matters beyond his or her control, notify the Court Administrator at least five (5) days in advance of the date upon which the hearing has been scheduled.
Page 44 | Rule 1302. Compulsory Arbitration – Arbitrators
Note: Any request under the Right-to-Know-Law for invoices or billing information from court- appointed counsel should be forwarded to the open records officer (Rule 509 manager) for the judicial district to determine if the record is to be disclosed.
Note: Any request under the Right-to-Know-Law for invoices or billing information from court- appointed counsel should be forwarded to the open records officer (Rule 509 manager) for the judicial district to determine if the record is to be disclosed.
Page 16 | RULE L-5000. Court-Appointed Counsel
A motion to which all parties consent may be sent to the assigned judge's chambers for disposition.
Motions in which all parties have consented to the relief sought may be sent to the chambers of the assigned judge for disposition.
Page 14 | RULE 208.2. Motion. Form. Content.