Court of Common Pleas of Washington County, Pennsylvania Service and Proof of Service Rules

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Notice of proposed termination

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.

CRITICAL

The litigant must receive notice at least five days before the Praecipe for Withdrawal of Limited Appearance is filed.

The litigant shall be given notice of the filing of the Praecipe for Withdrawal of Limited Appearance five (5) days before the filing of the praecipe with the Prothonotary.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Subpoena

Subpoenas to the specified judicial officers, District Attorney, Public Defender, or their employees require at least seven business days' notice before the proceeding unless the recipient waives notice.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this rule, a subpoena may only be issued to the following individuals or entities with notice of at least seven (7) business days prior to the proceeding, unless waived by the individual or entity. (a) judicial officers and employees of the 27th Judicial District; (b) the District Attorney and his or her employees; or (c) the Public Defender and his or her employees.

CRITICALCivil cases

Copies of each motion for judgment on the pleadings must be served contemporaneously on the Court Administrator and 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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Formal transcript request

The requesting party must serve the formal transcript request on the presiding judge, the reporter, recorder, or transcriptionist, the District Court Administrator, and opposing counsel or the unrepresented opposing party.

(1) The requesting party shall serve copies of the formal request on: (a) the presiding judge; (b) the court reporter, court recorder, or transcriptionist; (c) the District Court Administrator; and (d) opposing counsel, or if not represented, the opposing party.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Request for trial de novo

The filed request, including the scheduled conference date and time, must be served on opposing counsel or, for a pro se party, on the party.

(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.

CRITICAL

The Brief in Opposition must be served within 20 days of the letter date or it may not be considered.

If no Brief in Opposition is filed and served within (20) days of the date of this letter, the decision will be made without reference to any brief that you may file thereafter.

CRITICAL

Service

Mail

The petitioner must promptly mail notice of the petition's presentation, a conformed copy of the petition, and a conformed copy of the order to the applicable owners, condemning body, or attorney of record.

Notice that the petition has been presented, together with a conformed copy thereof, as well as a conformed copy of the order appointing the viewers, shall be forthwith mailed by the petitioner to the owners, or condemning body, or their attorney of record, whichever is applicable.

CRITICAL

Defendants must provide the requested discovery information to every other party within 30 days after receiving the requests.

Within thirty (30) days following receipt of these requests, you shall provide the information sought in these discovery requests to every other party to this lawsuit.

CRITICAL

The plaintiff must ensure prompt service of the petition and order on the defendant.

The plaintiff shall ensure that the petition and order are promptly served upon the defendant and that the order is served upon police departments with appropriate jurisdiction to enforce the order.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Subpoena

The requesting party is responsible for serving the subpoena.

(4) Service of a subpoena shall be the responsibility of the requesting party.

CRITICAL

The Court Administrator must notify attorneys of record by mail and give unrepresented parties arbitration notice under Pa.R.C.P. 440.

The Court Administrator shall notify all attorneys of record of the date, time, and place of the hearing by mail. If a party is not represented by counsel, that party shall be given notice of the arbitration in accordance with Pa.R.C.P. 440.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Subpoena

The party requesting a subpoena bears the burden of presenting and proving service.

The requesting party has the burden of presenting and proving proof of service.

CRITICALCivil cases

Service

Electronic service

Accepted pleadings and legal papers other than original process are electronically served as provided by the cited Pennsylvania rules.

If the pleading or legal paper other than original process is accepted for filing, it will be electronically served as authorized by Pa.R.C.P. 205.4(g)(l)(ii) and service shall be effectuated as provided in Pa.R.C.P. 205.4(g)(2)(ii).

CRITICAL

The objections and hearing petition must be accompanied by proof of service upon all parties and the Parenting Coordinator.

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.

CRITICAL

Service

Mail

The District Attorney's Office must send formal arraignment packets to defendants or counsel when counsel has appeared on the docket, by the date the in-person arraignment would have occurred; electronic mail is an alternative if defense counsel agrees.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of presentation

The moving party must provide notice at least five business days before presenting a motion unless all parties consent.

The moving party shall provide notice of at least five (5) business days prior to presentation of a motion, unless the motion has the consent of all parties.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Service

Electronic service

A PACFile account also constitutes acceptance of electronic service for documents filed on PACFile in a judicial district that permits electronic filing.

including acceptance of service electronically of any document filed on the PACFile system in any judicial district that permits electronic filing.

CRITICALCriminal cases

The Clerk of Courts must serve the filed probation status report on the defendant, the defendant’s last counsel of record, the victim, and the Commonwealth.

The Clerk of Courts shall serve a copy of the filed probation status report on the defendant, the last counsel of record for the defendant, the victim, and the Commonwealth.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Service of the probation status report must comply with Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 114(B).

Service shall be made in accordance with Pa. R. Crim. P. 114(B).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Original process

In every domestic relations action, including protection-from-abuse matters, the plaintiff must serve the defendant with the prescribed notice at the same time as original process.

In all domestic relations actions, including protection from abuse matters, the plaintiff shall serve the following notice to the defendant simultaneously with original process:

CRITICAL

If no brief is filed within 20 days after the transcript is filed, the Court Administrator must send a letter to the objecting party and copy counsel or any unrepresented party.

If no brief is filed within twenty (20) days of the date the transcript is filed, the Court Administrator shall send the objecting party a letter, with copies to all counsel or a party if not represented by counsel, stating that if a brief is not filed within twenty (20) days of the date of the letter, then a court order will be entered overruling the objections with prejudice.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Hearing notice

Notice of a pre-verdict bail hearing must be given to the Commonwealth's Attorney, defense counsel, and Adult Probation and Parole, and the hearing cannot proceed unless the Commonwealth's Attorney and a Probation and Parole representative are present.

(b) Notice of hearing concerning bail before verdict must be given to the Attorney for the Commonwealth, defense counsel of record and the Adult Probation and Parole Office and no hearing shall be conducted unless the Attorney for the Commonwealth and a representative of the Adult Probation and Parole Office are present.

CRITICAL

Service

Mail

The District Court Administrator must promptly send the President Judge’s decision to the constable and any complainant by certified mail or another means directed by the President Judge.

A copy of the decision of the President Judge shall be promptly sent by the District Court Administrator to the constable and any complainant by certified mail or by such other means as the President Judge may direct.

CRITICALCivil cases

The moving party must serve the order on all other parties within three business days after receiving it.

Upon receipt of the order, the moving party shall serve a copy on all other parties within three (3) business days.

CRITICAL

Service

Mail

A copy of the recommended decision must be sent promptly by certified mail to the affected constable and complainant.

A copy of the recommended decision shall be promptly sent by certified mail to the affected constable and to the complainant.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proof of service

The intervenor must file a verified proof of service within 10 days after filing the Notice of Intervention.

(d) Within ten (10) days of filing of Notice of Intervention, the intervenor shall file a verified proof of service.

CRITICALCriminal cases

A copy of each criminal post-trial motion must be served on the trial judge after the original is filed with the Clerk of Courts.

A copy of all post-trial motions in criminal matters shall be served on the trial Judge after the original has been filed with the Clerk of Courts.

CRITICALCriminal cases

A copy of any objection or response to the report must be provided to the Probation Services Department.

A copy of the objection or response shall be provided to the Probation Services Department.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition or certified order

The petition or certified order of the Magisterial District Judge must be served pursuant to Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure 400 et seq.

(a) Service of the petition or certified order of the Magisterial District Judge shall be made pursuant to Pa. Rules of Civil Procedure 400 et eq.

CRITICAL

Provide the assigned Family Court Judge with a conformed, stamped copy of the filed Custody Complaint and Custody Consent Agreement with Order attached.

A conformed, stamped copy of the filed Custody Complaint and the Custody Consent Agreement with Order attached shall be provided to the Family Court Judge to whom the case is assigned for purposes of the Judge's record keeping.

CRITICALCivil cases

The appellant must file verified proof of service within twenty days after service of the appeal.

Within twenty (20) days of service of the appeal, the appellant shall file a verified proof of service of the petition.

CRITICAL

Within 10 days after issuance of the writ, the appellant must serve the notice of appeal and writ on the specified solicitors and all persons or entities that entered written appearances before the zoning hearing board.

Within ten (10) days of issuance of a Writ of Certiorari by this Court, the appellant shall serve a copy of both the notice of appeal and writ upon the solicitor for the zoning hearing board, the solicitor for the municipality within which the zoning hearing board is located, and all persons and/or entities who have entered their written appearance in the proceedings before the zoning hearing board.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proof of service

The appellant must file a verified proof of service of the petition within 20 days after service of the appeal.

Within twenty (20) days of service of the appeal, the appellant shall file a verified proof of service of the petition.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Subpoena

Before a bench warrant issues for failure to obey a subpoena, the judge or issuing authority must ensure sufficient notice and a reasonable opportunity to comply, and the requesting party must present and prove service.

(2) Prior to the issuance of a bench warrant for failure to obey the subpoena, the judge or issuing authority must ensure that the individual has received sufficient notice of the proceeding and a reasonable amount of time to comply. The requesting party has the burden of presenting and proving proof of service.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Preliminary objections

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of appeal

Using the C-Track E-Filing Portal does not excuse a party from the service requirements for a notice of appeal under Pa. R. A. P. 906(a)(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(a)(2)-(4).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery requests

In commercial real estate tax assessment appeals without a case management order, discovery requests must be propounded within 45 days after the appeal is filed.

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: (1) Discovery requests shall be propounded within forty-five (45) days of the filing of the appeal.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Brief

A copy of every filed brief must be served on counsel of record, any unrepresented party, the Court Administrator, and the Court.

A copy of any brief filed shall be served on all counsel of record, a party if unrepresented, the Court Administrator, and the Court.

CRITICAL

Deadline

1 business days

Applies to

Brief

A brief on exceptions must be served on the opposing party and counsel by the end of the next business day after filing with the Docket Clerk.

Each party filing a brief shall serve a copy of the brief on the opposing party and counsel not later than the end of the next business day following the filing of the brief with the Domestic Relations Section Docket Clerk.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Notice of appeal

Using the portal does not eliminate the service requirements for a notice of appeal under Pa. R. A. P. 906(a)(2)–(4).

(3) 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(a)(2)-(4).

CRITICAL

A party unable to participate in PACFile must be served legal papers in physical paper format by the clerk of courts and other parties.

(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 by the clerk of courts and other parties to the case.

CRITICAL

Before the specified destruction, all interested parties must receive 30 days’ notice and a court order authorizing destruction must be obtained and filed.

Prior to destruction, thirty (30) days notice shall be given to all interested parties, and a court order authorizing the destruction shall be obtained and filed.

CRITICALCivil cases

Attorneys and unrepresented parties must maintain valid physical and electronic mail addresses with the Prothonotary and the C-Track E-Filing portal.

It is the responsibility of the attorney, or a party if unrepresented, to maintain valid physical and electronic mail addresses with the Prothonotary and the C-Track E-Filing portal.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Order or notice

Service

Court service

When the Court or District Court Administrator serves an order or notice, a copy or original must be transmitted to the clerk with service details, and the clerk must docket the service date, recipients, and method.

If the Court or District Court Administrator serves an order or notice, an original or copy shall be transmitted to the clerk of courts for filing with a notation of each party, attorney, entity, and/or individual that was served. The clerk of courts shall make a docket entry noting the date of service, each party, attorney, entity, and/or individual served, and the method of service.

CRITICAL

Plaintiff’s answers to the Standard Short Form Interrogatories must be served on all defense counsel within six months after the complaint is filed.

Plaintiff’s Answers to Standard Short Form Interrogatories shall be served on all defense counsel within six (6) months of the date of the filing of the complaint.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Preliminary objections

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Order

Orders entered under Sections 7 and 10 must be served and enforced by the persons and in the manner directed by the Court in the order.

(b) An order entered under Sections 7 and 10 of the Act shall be served and enforced by such persons and in such manner as the Court shall direct in the order.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Orders or court notices

Service

Court service

The clerk must serve orders and court notices as provided by Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 114(B), including designated other individuals or entities, and make the copies needed for service.

(b) The clerk of courts shall serve all orders or court notices to parties or individuals as set forth in Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 114(B). (1) The clerk of courts shall serve copies of all orders or court notices to any other individual or entity as designated on the order or court notice. The clerk of courts shall make such copies of orders or court notices as required to perform service.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Subpoena

If a subpoenaed witness is under the age of majority, a copy must also be served on the witness’s parent or guardian unless the court orders otherwise for good cause.

If a subpoenaed witness is under the age of majority, a parent or guardian of the witness shall be served a copy of the subpoena, unless otherwise ordered by the court for good cause shown.

CRITICAL

Deliver a copy of the request to the Office of the Court Administrator – Civil Division.

A copy must be delivered to the Office of the Court Administrator – Civil Division.

CRITICAL

Service

Electronic service

Registering as a C-Track user constitutes consent to electronic filing and electronic service of portal-filed documents other than original process in proceedings that permit electronic filing.

Establishment as a registered user of the C-Track E-Filing Portal constitutes consent to participate in electronic filing, including acceptance of service electronically of any document, other than original process, filed on the C-Track E-Filing Portal in any type of proceeding that permits electronic filing.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Orders

The moving party must serve copies of all orders on every counsel of record and any self-represented litigant.

Further, the moving party shall serve copies of all Orders upon all counsel of record and any prose litigant.

CRITICALCriminal cases

The clerk must serve designated additional individuals or entities and make the copies needed to do so.

The clerk of courts shall serve copies of all orders or court notices to any other individual or entity as designated on the order or court notice. The clerk of courts shall make such copies of orders or court notices as required to perform service.

CRITICAL

A party must first seek discovery through the specified arbitration discovery requests before seeking additional discovery through interrogatories or document-production requests.

A party may not seek additional discovery through interrogatories or requests for production of documents until that party has sought discovery through the arbitration discovery requests described herein.

CRITICALCivil cases

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.

CRITICAL

The filer must serve opposing parties or attorneys who are not registered portal users 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.

CRITICAL

Service

Mail to opposing party

The sheriff must mail the defendant a handbill copy at the defendant’s last known address at least six days before a personal-property sale.

In addition to the notice requirements of Pa.R.C.P. 3128(a), notice of sale of personal property shall be given by the Sheriff of Washington County sending a copy of the handbill to the defendant by regular mail addressed to the last known address at least six days prior to sale.

CRITICALCriminal cases

If emergency circumstances prevent notice to defense counsel before a bail hearing, Adult Probation and Parole must promptly notify counsel of the judge's disposition, and the Court will schedule another hearing if counsel requests an opportunity to be heard.

(c) In cases of emergency, if defense counsel of record could not be notified of the bail hearing, defense counsel shall be promptly notified by the Adult Probation and Parole office of the judge’s disposition on the motion, and, if upon such notification, defense counsel requests an opportunity to be heard, another hearing will be scheduled by the Court.

CRITICAL

Service

Electronic service

Portal service transmitted on a Saturday, Sunday, 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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Answers to interrogatories

Plaintiff must serve answers to the Standard Short Form Interrogatories on all defense counsel within six months after the complaint is filed.

Plaintiff's Answers to Standard Short Form Interrogatories shall be served on all defense counsel within six (6) months of the date of the filing of the complaint.

CRITICAL

The plaintiff shall furnish the information sought in the discovery requests within thirty (30) days of receipt of the discovery requests.

The plaintiff shall furnish the information sought in the discovery requests within thirty (30) days of receipt of the discovery requests.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of appeal

Using the portal does not excuse a party from 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).

CRITICAL

Deadline

5 business days

The petitioner must serve all parties with the order issuing a rule to show cause within five business days after entry.

The petitioner shall provide service of the order issuing a rule to show cause to all parties within five (5) business days of the entry thereof.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Notice of proposed termination

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.

CRITICAL

A divorce master must give counsel of record or an unrepresented party at least ten days’ notice before any conference or hearing.

(c) A master in divorce shall give counsel of record or a party who is not represented by counsel at least ten (10) days’ notice before conducting any conference or hearing.

CRITICAL

The moving party must file proof of service with the Prothonotary and provide the specified materials to the Civil Division before the Initial Custody Meeting.

(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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition notice

Notice of the petition’s presentation must be given as provided by the rules.

Notice of the presentation of such a petition shall be given in the manner set forth in these rules.

CRITICAL

Notice must be given to the parties or their attorneys of record at least 30 days before the hearing, and proof of notice must be filed of record.

file of record proof of notice as aforesaid. Notice shall be given to the parties or their attorneys of record at least thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled hearing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of ripeness

A copy of the ripe-for-decision notice must be served on all counsel of record, any unrepresented party, and the Court Administrator.

A copy of the notice shall be served on all counsel of record, a party if unrepresented, and the Court Administrator.

CRITICAL

Proof must be made that the notice required by subsection (a) was served.

Proof of service shall be made that the notice in subsection (a) has been served in the

CRITICAL

Service

Mail

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pleadings

The moving party is responsible for filing and serving the pleadings in accordance with Pa.R.C.P. 1930.4; presentation may be ex parte if necessary.

(d) The presentation of the pleadings referred to in subdivision (a) shall be the responsibility of the moving party and if necessary, may be ex parte. The moving party shall be responsible for filing and serving the pleadings in accordance with Pa.R.C.P. 1930.4.

CRITICAL

Service

Mail

The District Court Administrator must promptly send the decision to the constable and any complainant by certified mail or another method directed by the President Judge.

A copy of the decision of the President Judge shall be promptly sent by the District Court Administrator to the constable and any complainant by certified mail or by such other means as the President Judge may direct.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion for summary judgment

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.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Deadline

10 business days

The filing probation/parole officer must serve the offender with notice of the Gagnon I Hearing and its date within 10 business days.

Notice of the Gagnon I Hearing, and the hearing date, shall be served upon the offender by the filing probation/parole officer within 10 business days.

CRITICAL

A copy of the written objection or written intention to proceed must be served on the Court Administrator.

(ii) A copy of the written objection, or written intention to proceed, shall be served on the Court Administrator.

CRITICALCriminal cases

The Probation Department must provide the Clerk of Courts with a copy of the probation status report for service.

The Probation Department shall be responsible for providing the Clerk of Courts a copy of the probation status for service.

CRITICAL

A copy of a completed transcript request must be served on the District Court Administrator the same day.

(1) A copy of the completed request shall be served the same day on the District Court Administrator.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Subpoena

Subpoenas directed to the 27th Judicial District or its judicial officers or employees must be served on the District Court Administrator, except for specified records subpoenas.

(3) All subpoenas directed to the 27th Judicial District or any of its judicial officers or employees shall be served on the District Court Administrator, who has been designated as the agent for acceptance of service of subpoenas. Subpoenas directed to a magisterial district court or a court-related filing office for certified copies of official case records are not subject to this provision.

CRITICAL

A party unable to participate in PACFile must be served legal papers in physical paper format.

Any party who is unable to participate in P ACFile 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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Service

Mail

The Prothonotary must send the argument-list notice to counsel of record or unrepresented parties by first-class mail, or as provided by Wash.L.R.C.P. 440 when applicable.

The Prothonotary shall send notice of the argument list to all counsel of record, or the parties if unrepresented, by first-class mail, or, if applicable, in accordance with Wash.L.R.C.P. 440.

CRITICALCivil cases

Service

Mail

After the argument list closes, the Prothonotary must mail notice of the listing to attorneys and unrepresented parties whose cases are listed.

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 regular mail.

CRITICAL

Service

Mail to all parties

The Prothonotary must serve the master’s report and recommendation by regular mail on counsel of record and any unrepresented party.

The master’s report and recommendation shall be filed, and the Prothonotary shall serve a copy to all counsel of record and any unrepresented party by regular mail.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Appraisal report

In residential-property appeals without a court case-management order, the parties must exchange appraisal reports within 90 days after filing, subject to a different time allowed by the court or agreed by the parties and approved by the court; failure may result in preclusion of valuation evidence upon motion.

(a) In real estate tax assessment appeals involving residential property, the following case management schedule shall govern the appeal, absent a case management order from the Court: (1) Within ninety (90) days of the filing of the appeal, the parties shall exchange appraisal reports. If a party fails to provide an appraisal within the time period provided by this rule, by leave of court, or within such time as agreed to by the parties and approved by the Court, then, upon motion, the Court may preclude that party from presenting any evidence of valuation at trial.

CRITICALCivil cases

Service

Electronic service

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.

CRITICAL

Deadline

1 business days

Applies to

Exceptions

Copies of exceptions must be served on opposing counsel or an unrepresented opposing party by the end of the next business day after filing.

(b) The party filing exceptions shall serve opposing counsel or the opposing party, if unrepresented, with copies of the exceptions by the end of the next business day following the filing of the exceptions.

CRITICALCriminal cases

When the Court or District Court Administrator serves an order or notice, a copy or original with a notation of those served must be filed with the clerk, who must docket the service date, recipients, and method.

If the Court or District Court Administrator serves an order or notice, an original or copy shall be transmitted to the clerk of courts for filing with a notation of each party, attorney, entity, and/or individual that was served. The clerk of courts shall make a docket entry noting the date of service, each party, attorney, entity, and/or individual served, and the method of service.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Subpoena

A subpoena must be served on a witness by personal delivery by a competent adult, specified mail, or carrier service.

(1) A subpoena shall be served by: (a) a competent adult personally delivering the subpoena to a witness; (b) certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, or by first-class mail, to a witness; or (c) carrier service delivering the subpoena to a witness.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Orders

If the Court serves an order, it serves plaintiff's counsel and lead defense counsel, who must then serve all counsel of record and any self-represented litigant.

If the Court serves copies of any Order, such service shall be made to counsel for the plaintiff and lead counsel for the defendants, who shall be responsible for providing service upon all counsel of record and any pro se litigant.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Brief

The brief must be served within 20 days of the letter or an order will issue overruling the Objections with prejudice.

If it is not filed and served within twenty (20) days of the date of this letter, A COURT ORDER PURSUANT TO LOCAL RULE 5000.8 WILL BE ISSUED OVERRULING YOUR OBJECTIONS WITH PREJUDICE.

CRITICALCivil cases

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.

CRITICAL

Service

Mail to all parties

A party filing exceptions must mail copies to all parties in interest and serve the sheriff with an original and a copy.

Any party filing exceptions shall mail copies of their exceptions to all parties in interest and serve an original and a copy of said exceptions on the sheriff.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Objections and certification

Copies of the Objections and certification must be served on the Court Administrator and all counsel of record, or on the parties if unrepresented.

Copies of the Objections and certification shall be served on the Court Administrator and on all counsel of record, or the parties, if unrepresented.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion for judgment on pleadings

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Electronically filed legal paper

Service

Electronic service

Portal distribution constitutes service of electronically filed legal papers other than original process on registered users who appeared in the case and were selected to receive electronic service.

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 Rules of Civil Procedure.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Service

Court service

The Clerk of Courts must issue notice of the probation review conference to the Commonwealth, the victim, the defendant, and the defendant’s counsel.

The Court, through the Clerk of Courts, shall issue notice of the conference to the Commonwealth, the victim, the defendant, and the defendant’s counsel.

CRITICALCivil cases

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Motion for summary judgment

Copies of each summary-judgment motion must be served contemporaneously on the Court Administrator and 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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Service

Mail

When 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 regular mail.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Section 3301d counter affidavit

For Section 3301(d) divorce grounds, proof of service of the counter affidavit on the other party must be filed.

(1) When the grounds for the divorce are based on Section 3301(d) of the Divorce Code, at least one of the parties shall have filed a 3301(d) affidavit and shall have filed proof of service of a section 3301(d) counter affidavit upon the other party.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Bill of costs

A copy of the bill of costs must be served on opposing counsel and all unrepresented parties.

A copy of the bill of costs shall be served on all opposing counsel and all unrepresented parties.

CRITICAL

The moving party must serve copies of all orders on counsel of record and any self-represented litigant.

Further, the moving party shall serve copies of all Orders upon all counsel of record and any pro se litigant.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Subpoena

The party requesting a subpoena is responsible for serving it.

Service of a subpoena shall be the responsibility of the requesting party.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Order

If the Court orders the Sheriff to serve the defendant, the plaintiff must promptly serve the order on the appropriate police departments.

If the Court orders service by the Sheriff upon the defendant, the plaintiff shall promptly serve the order upon the appropriate police departments.

CRITICALCriminal cases

The clerk must serve orders and court notices on parties or individuals in accordance with Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 114(B).

The clerk of courts shall serve all orders or court notices to parties or individuals as set forth in Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 114(B).

CRITICAL

Service

Mail to all parties

The sheriff must promptly mail each party in interest a copy of the schedule of distribution at the party’s last known address, and the copy must state its filing date.

The sheriff shall, by regular mail addressed to their last known addresses, promptly send to all parties in interest a copy of the schedule of distribution stating the date on which it was filed.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Service

Mail

Notices of hearings, indictment, arraignment, or trial must be sent to the defendant and bail depositor, and mailing to the defendant’s last known address is sufficient notice.

All notices or hearing, indictment, arraignment, or trial shall be sent to the defendant and to the person depositing bail. The mailing of notices to defendants’ last known address shall constitute sufficient notice.

CRITICAL

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.

CRITICALCriminal cases

A party who falls within the stated opt-out or inability categories must receive paper service from the Clerk of Courts and other parties.

shall be served legal papers in a physical paper format by the Clerk of Courts and other parties, whether electronically filed or otherwise, as required by Pa.R.Crim.P. 576.

CRITICALCivil cases

Service

Electronic service to all parties

The portal serves selected registered users who have appeared, but the filer must serve opposing parties or attorneys who are not registered users under the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.

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 Rules of Civil Procedure. 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 Rules of Civil Procedure.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Electronically filed legal paper

The filer must serve electronically filed legal papers on opposing parties or attorneys who are not registered portal users, in accordance with the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.

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 Rules of Civil Procedure.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice

In wrongful-death actions, the plaintiff must file proof of service of the required notice.

In an action for wrongful death, the plaintiff shall file proof of service of the notice required by Pa.R.C.P. 2205.

CRITICAL

A waiver application must be served as provided in subsection (A).

(2) The waiver application shall be served as set forth in subsection (A) of this rule.

CRITICAL

The Court Administrator must schedule proceedings before the master and provide notice to all parties.

The Court Administrator shall schedule any proceedings before the master, and shall cause notice to be provided to all the parties.

CRITICALCivil cases

Service

Electronic service

Portal service transmitted on a weekend, a Court-recognized holiday, or after 5:00 P.M. EST/EDT is complete on the next business day.

(1) 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.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Deadline

7 business days

Applies to

Subpoena

A subpoena to a judicial officer or employee of the 27th Judicial District may be issued only with at least seven business days’ notice before the proceeding, unless the recipient waives notice.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this rule, a subpoena may only be issued to the following individuals or entities with notice of at least seven (7) business days prior to the proceeding, unless waived by the individual or entity. (a) judicial officers and employees of the 27th Judicial District;

CRITICAL

A defendant must furnish the requested discovery information within 30 days after receiving the requests.

The defendant shall furnish the information sought in the discovery requests within thirty (30) days of receipt of the discovery requests.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Subpoena

Before issuing a bench warrant for failure to obey a subpoena, the judge or issuing authority must ensure the individual received sufficient notice and reasonable time to comply.

Prior to the issuance of a bench warrant for failure to obey the subpoena, the judge or issuing authority must ensure that the individual has received sufficient notice of the proceeding and a reasonable amount of time to comply.

CRITICALCivil cases

Service

Electronic service

Registering as a C-Track user constitutes consent to electronic filing and electronic service of portal-filed documents other than original process in civil proceedings permitting e-filing.

(2) Establishment as a registered user of the C-Track E-Filing Portal constitutes consent to participate in electronic filing, including acceptance of service electronically of any document, other than original process, filed on the C-Track E-Filing Portal in any type of civil proceeding that permits electronic filing.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Citation

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.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Subpoena

When a subpoenaed witness is under the age of majority, a copy must also be served on a parent or guardian unless the court orders otherwise for good cause.

(2) If a subpoenaed witness is under the age of majority, a parent or guardian of the witness shall be served a copy of the subpoena, unless otherwise ordered by the court for good cause shown.

CRITICAL

The filing party must immediately notify opposing counsel or an unrepresented opposing party of the continuance.

The filing party shall be responsible for immediately notifying opposing counsel, or a party if unrepresented, of the continuance.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Appraisal reports

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: (3) Within one hundred and fifty (150) days of the filing of the appeal, the parties shall exchange appraisal reports. If a party fails to provide an appraisal within the time period provided by this rule, by leave of court, or within such time as agreed to by the parties and approved by the Court, then, upon motion, the Court may preclude that party from presenting any evidence of valuation at trial.

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: (3) Within one hundred and fifty (150) days of the filing of the appeal, the parties shall exchange appraisal reports. If a party fails to provide an appraisal within the time period provided by this rule, by leave of court, or within such time as agreed to by the parties and approved by the Court, then, upon motion, the Court may preclude that party from presenting any evidence of valuation at trial.

CRITICAL

A proof of service must also be filed with the Parenting Coordinator's Summary and Recommendations.

A Proof of Service shall also be filed.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Notice of proposed termination

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.

CRITICAL

Service

Publication

When publication service is authorized and its manner is unspecified, publish the notice once in each of the designated publications and file affidavits of publication with the Prothonotary.

Whenever service by publication is authorized by statute, rule, or special order of court, and the manner of publication is not otherwise specified, such service shall be made by publishing the required notice one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation in Washington County, and one (1) time in the Washington County Reports. Affidavits of publication shall be filed with the Prothonotary.

CRITICALCivil cases

Within ten days after filing, the appellant must serve the appeal on the Board, affected taxing authorities, and other parties as prescribed by Pa. R. C. P. 440, serving the property owner at the registered tax-record address.

Within ten (10) days after filing the appeal, appellant shall serve a copy of the appeal on the Board, on all affected taxing authorities at their business addresses, and any other party, in the manner prescribed by Pa. R. C. P. 440. The property owner shall be served notice at the registered address designated on the tax records of Washington County.

CRITICAL

Service

Electronic service

Portal service transmitted on a Saturday, Sunday, 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.

CRITICAL

Within 10 days after filing, the appellant must serve the appeal on the Board, affected taxing authorities, and other parties under Pa. R. Civ. P. 440, and serve the property owner at the tax-record registered address.

Within ten (10) days after filing the appeal, appellant shall serve a copy of the appeal on the Board, on all affected taxing authorities at their business addresses, and any other party, in the manner prescribed by Pa. R. Civ. P. 440. The property owner shall be served notice at the registered address designated on the tax records of Washington County.

CRITICAL

The moving party must give interested parties at least seven days’ notice of the meeting, conference, or other appropriate proceeding.

The moving party shall ensure that a minimum of seven (7) days’ notice of the meeting or conference or any other appropriate proceeding is afforded to any interested parties.

CRITICAL

A party may not add interrogatories or document-production requests to the specified arbitration discovery requests without leave of court.

A party may not include any additional interrogatories or requests for production of documents in the arbitration discovery requests provided for in this local rule, absent leave of court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition and order scheduling hearing

The plaintiff must cause the petition and hearing-scheduling order to be served on the defendant.

(c) Plaintiff shall cause the petition and order scheduling a hearing to be served upon the defendant.

CRITICAL

Objections to a transcript request must be served on the trial judge, court administrator, court reporter, and every other party, and a certificate of service must be filed of record.

Any objections to the request designating the portion of the record to be transcribed, filed pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 227.3, shall likewise be served upon the trial judge, the court administrator, the court reporter, and every other party to the action, and a certificate of service shall be filed of record.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Portal filed document

Service

Electronic service

Registering as a C-Track E-Filing Portal user constitutes consent to electronic filing and electronic service of portal-filed documents other than original process in civil proceedings that permit electronic filing.

Establishment as a registered user of the C-Track E-Filing Portal constitutes consent to participate in electronic filing, including acceptance of service electronically of any document, other than original process, filed on the C-Track E-Filing Portal in any type of civil proceeding that permits electronic filing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Private criminal complaint and notice of hearing

Service

Mail to opposing party

The private criminal complaint and hearing notice must be served on the defendant by certified mail, return receipt requested.

(1) The Magisterial District Judge shall serve a copy of the private criminal complaint and notice of hearing on the defendant by certified mail, return receipt requested.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of intervention

An intervenor must serve the Notice of Intervention on all parties in accordance with Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 440.

(c) Intervenor shall serve copies of Notice of Intervention on all parties in accordance with Pa. R. Civ. P. § 440.

CRITICAL

Upon receiving the order, the moving party must serve a copy on all other parties within three business days.

Upon receipt of the order, the moving party shall serve a copy on all other parties within three (3) business days.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Notice of appeal

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).

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Argument listing notification

Service

Mail

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.

CRITICAL

Service

Mail

A date-stamped copy of a complaint within the CRB’s jurisdiction must be sent to the constable by certified mail.

If the complaint is within the jurisdiction of the CRB, the Special Courts Administrator shall forward a date-stamped copy of the complaint to the constable by certified mail.

CRITICAL

The opposing party must receive notice of the motion's presentment in accordance with the applicable local rules of civil procedure.

Notice of presentment of the motion must be given to the opposing party in accordance with the applicable local rules of civil procedure.

CRITICAL

Service

Mail

Formal arraignment packets must be mailed to defendants or counsel of record by the date the in-person arraignment would have occurred.

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.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Subpoena

Subpoenas directed to the District, its judicial officers, or its employees must be served on the District Court Administrator, except subpoenas to magisterial district courts or court-related filing offices for certified official case records.

All subpoenas directed to the 27th Judicial District or any of its judicial officers or employees shall be served on the District Court Administrator, who has been designated as the agent for acceptance of service of subpoenas. Subpoenas directed to a magisterial district court or a court-related filing office for certified copies of official case records are not subject to this provision.

CRITICALCivil cases

The settlement letter must be copied to counsel and the Court Administrator.

If the case is resolved and a settlement agreed upon, the mediator shall send a letter to the Judge, with copies to counsel and the Court Administrator.

CRITICAL

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.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Service

Court service

The Clerk must serve specified probation orders on the listed recipients, and the Commonwealth must provide the victim’s last known address to the Clerk.

(f) The Clerk of Courts shall serve a copy of any order filed that adopts the recommendation of the probation status report or otherwise terminates probation, places the defendant on administrative probation, or denies an early termination of probation, upon the Commonwealth, the defendant, the defendant’s counsel, the victim, and the Probation Services Department. The Commonwealth shall be responsible for providing the victim’s last known address to the Clerk of Courts to effectuate service.

CRITICAL

The party seeking modification must promptly serve the petition and hearing-scheduling order on the opposing party.

The party seeking modification shall cause the petition and order scheduling the hearing to be promptly served upon the opposing party.

CRITICAL

If the Court serves an order, it serves plaintiff’s counsel and lead defense counsel, who must then serve all counsel of record and any self-represented litigant.

If the Court serves copies of any Order, such service shall be made to counsel for the plaintiff and lead counsel for the defendants, who shall be responsible for providing service upon all counsel of record and any pro se litigant.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Legal paper

Service

Electronic service to all parties

Portal distribution to registered users who appeared in the case and were selected for electronic service constitutes service for electronically filed legal papers other than original process.

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Service

Electronic service to all parties

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Copies of all preliminary objections must be served contemporaneously on the Court Administrator and assigned judge.

Copies of all preliminary objections shall be served contemporaneously on the Court Administrator and the judge to whom the case is assigned.

CRITICAL

Service

Mail

A copy of the recommended decision must be promptly sent by certified mail to the constable and complainant.

A copy of the recommended decision shall be promptly sent by certified mail to the affected constable and to the complainant.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery responses

In commercial real estate tax assessment appeals without a case management order, discovery responses must be furnished within 45 days after the requests.

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: (2) Responses to discovery shall be furnished within forty-five (45) days of the date of the requests.

CRITICAL

If the plaintiff avers that safe service by a non-law-enforcement adult is not possible and the Court orders it, the Sheriff serves the petition and order on the defendant and advises the Court that service was completed and of its cost.

Where the plaintiff avers that service cannot be safely effectuated by an adult individual other than a law enforcement officer and the Court so orders, the Sheriff of Washington County shall serve the petition and order on the defendant. The Sheriff shall advise the Court that service has been effectuated, as well as the cost of service.

CRITICAL

When the transcript has not been filed within 60 days after objections, the Court Administrator must send the objecting party a letter and copy all counsel and unrepresented parties.

If no trial transcript is filed within sixty (60) days of the date the Objections were filed, the Court Administrator shall send the objecting party a letter, with copies to all counsel and parties not represented by counsel, stating that the transcript must be paid for and filed within thirty (30) days of the date of the letter, and that if no transcript is filed within the time period, then a court order shall be issued overruling the objections with prejudice.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Subpoena

A subpoena must be served on the witness by personal delivery by a competent adult, specified mail, or carrier service.

A subpoena shall be served by: (a) a competent adult personally delivering the subpoena to a witness; (b) certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, or by first- class mail, to a witness; or (c) carrier service delivering the subpoena to a witness.

CRITICALCriminal cases

The Commonwealth must provide the victim’s last known address to the Clerk of Courts to enable service.

The Commonwealth shall provide the Victim’s last known address to the Clerk of Courts so that service can be effectuated.

CRITICAL

Service

Publication

Publication in a safe-deposit-box execution matter must follow the cited rules.

Publication in a matter involving execution against the contents of a safe deposit box shall be made in accordance with Pa.R.C.P. 430(b) and Wash.L.R.C.P. 430.

CRITICAL

Service

Mail

For service by restricted-delivery registered or certified mail with a return receipt requested, attach the receipt card to the affidavit of service.

When service is made by registered or certified mail, restricted delivery, return receipt requested, the return receipt card shall be attached to the affidavit of service.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Filed request with scheduled pretrial conference date and time

Serve the filed request, including the scheduled conference date and time, on other counsel or, if the party is self-represented, on that party.

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.

WARNING

Applies to

Deposition notice

Fourteen days’ advance notice is generally reasonable for a party deposition, but the reasonable notice period varies with the testimony’s complexity and the urgency of taking the deposition at a particular time and place.

As a general rule, fourteen (14) days in advance of the contemplated taking of a deposition shall constitute reasonable notice of the taking of a deposition of a party, but this will vary according to the complexity of the contemplated testimony and the urgency of taking the deposition of a party at a particular time and place.

WARNINGCriminal cases

Service

Mail

At final disposition, the Clerk must notify the surety by regular mail that the matter is resolved and the judgment may be lifted upon payment of the appropriate fee.

At the full and final disposition of the case, the Clerk will notify the surety by regular mail that the matter has been resolved and the judgment may be lifted upon payment of the appropriate fee to the Prothonotary of the county in which the judgment was placed.

WARNINGCivil cases

Service

Electronic service

Registration as a portal user constitutes consent to electronic filing and electronic service of portal-filed documents other than original process in proceedings that permit electronic filing.

Establishment as a registered user of the C-Track E-Filing Portal constitutes consent to participate in electronic filing, including acceptance of service electronically of any document, other than original process, filed on the C-Track E-Filing Portal in any type of proceeding that permits electronic filing.

WARNING

Applies to

Property inspection notice

A party may inspect the property at a reasonable time only after giving the unrepresented owner or the owner’s counsel written notice at least 20 days beforehand.

(d) A party may inspect the property at a reasonable time(s) upon the condition that such party provides written notice of the inspection no less than twenty (20) days prior to the property owner, if unrepresented, or the counsel of record for the property owner.

WARNING

The assigned judge may order the Sheriff to serve the petition and emergency and temporary order.

The assigned judge may order service of the petition, emergency and temporary order by the Sheriff pursuant to L-1901.1-4(b).

WARNINGCivil cases

Service

Court service

After initial consideration of a petition or motion, the Court may file and docket its order directly and require the Prothonotary to serve it.

In all cases in which the Court enters an order after initial consideration of a petition or motion, the Court may: ( 1) file and docket the order directly into the case management system and require the Prothonotary to perform service;

WARNING

Attorneys and unrepresented parties must maintain valid physical and electronic mail addresses with the Prothonotary and C-Track E-Filing portal.

It is the responsibility of the attorney, or a party if unrepresented, to maintain valid physical and electronic mail addresses with the Prothonotary and the C-Track E-Filing portal.

WARNING

Service

Mail

Notice of proposed termination must be sent to the last address of record and identify the matter; if mail cannot be given or is returned undeliverable, notice must be published in the Washington County Reports.

Notice of proposed termination shall be made to the last address of record of the parties or their counsel of record, and set forth a brief identification of the matter to be terminated. If notice by mail cannot be given, or has been returned undeliverable, the Court Administrator shall cause notice of proposed termination to be given by publication in the Washington County Reports.

WARNING

Applies to

Tax assessment appeal discovery requests

(b) In all cases involving commercial property, the taxing authorities may serve a copy of Tax Assessment Appeal Discovery Requests, (FORM 5000.3) on the taxpayer. The taxpayer shall furnish the information sought in the Discovery Requests as set forth in Local Rule 5000.5.

(b) In all cases involving commercial property, the taxing authorities may serve a copy of Tax Assessment Appeal Discovery Requests, (FORM 5000.3) on the taxpayer. The taxpayer shall furnish the information sought in the Discovery Requests as set forth in Local Rule 5000.5.

WARNING

Applies to

Scheduling order

Unless the Court orders otherwise, scheduling orders must be docketed and served in accordance with the applicable rules.

Unless otherwise ordered, docketing and service of the scheduling order shall be in accordance with these rules.

WARNINGCriminal cases

After approval and execution of the bail undertaking and before the defendant's release, the Clerk must notify the surety about the judgment and how long the bail and judgment remain in effect.

Upon approval and execution of the bail undertaking and prior to release from confinement of the defendant, the Clerk will notify the surety that a judgment will be placed in the Office of Prothonotary, for the full face amount of the bail. The Clerk will further notify the surety that the bail and judgment will remain in full force and effect until the full and final disposition of the case, up to an including the appellate process.

WARNING

Service

Electronic service

Establishing a PACFile account constitutes consent to electronic filing and electronic service of any document filed in PACFile.

However, establishment of a PACFile account by a filing party shall constitute consent to participate in electronic filing, including acceptance of service electronically of any document filed in PACFile.

WARNINGCivil cases

Service

Mail to all parties

The Prothonotary must send the argument-list notice to counsel of record or unrepresented parties by first-class mail, or, when applicable, under Wash.L.R.C.P. 440.

The Prothonotary shall send notice of the argument list to all counsel of record, or the parties if unrepresented, by first-class mail, or, if applicable, in accordance with Wash.L.R.C.P. 440.

WARNING

Service

Electronic service

Establishing a PACFile account constitutes consent to electronic filing and electronic service of any document filed in PACFile.

However, establishment of a PACFile account by a filing party shall constitute consent to participate in electronic filing, including acceptance of service electronically of any document filed in PACFile.

WARNINGCriminal cases

Service on county agencies may be made by the listed methods if approved by the President Judge or designee.

(2) Service on county agencies within the judicial district, including but not limited to the county correctional facility, Sheriff, and Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, may be made by facsimile or electronic address, assigned box, or interoffice mail as approved by the President Judge, or his or her designee.

INFOCriminal cases

Applies to

Subpoena

Notice to the parties that a subpoena has been issued is not required.

Notice to parties of the issuance of a subpoena is not required.

INFOCivil cases

Applies to

Legal papers

Filed legal papers other than original process may be served on a party's attorney by facsimile if the cited requirements are satisfied.

Copies of all legal papers other than original process that are filed in an action may be served upon an attorney for a party by facsimile transmission if the requirements of Pa. R. C. P. 440(d)( 1)-(3) are satisfied.

INFOCriminal cases

Service

Court service

The Court, or the District Court Administrator when directed by the President Judge, may serve orders or notices.

The Court, or the District Court Administrator upon the direction of the President Judge, may effectuate service of orders or notices.

INFO

A defendant may serve arbitration discovery requests with the answer or later within the applicable discovery time limits.

Any defendant may serve arbitration discovery requests as set forth below either together with a copy of the answer served on the plaintiff or thereafter within the time limits for discovery.

INFOCivil cases

Applies to

Legal papers

Service

Electronic service

Filed legal papers other than original process may be served on a party's attorney through the specified electronic-service procedures.

Copies of all legal papers other than original process that are filed in an action may be served upon an attorney for a party by: (a) the procedures for electronic service set forth in Pa. R. C. P. 205.4 and Wash. L. R. C. P. 205.4;

INFO

Applies to

Affidavit of service

The affidavit of service required under section 3301(d) of the Divorce Code may be served with the complaint.

(f) The affidavit of service required under section 3301(d) of the Divorce Code may be served with the complaint.

INFO

In a personal injury claim subject to compulsory arbitration, the plaintiff may serve the specified arbitration discovery requests at the same time as the complaint.

For any personal injury claim subject to compulsory arbitration, the plaintiff may serve arbitration discovery requests as set forth below. The requests may be served simultaneously with the complaint.

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Service

Court service

The Court may file and docket an order in the case management system and require the Prothonotary to serve it.

(1) file and docket the order directly into the case management system and require the Prothonotary to perform service;

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Applies to

Legal papers

Service

Electronic service

Copies of filed legal papers other than original process may be served on a party's attorney using the specified electronic-service procedures.

Copies of all legal papers other than original process that are filed in an action may be served upon an attorney for a party by: (a) The procedures for electronic service set forth in Pa.R.C.P.205.4 and Wash.L.R.C.P. 205.4;

INFOCriminal cases

Applies to

Orders or notices

Service

Court service

The Court, or the District Court Administrator when directed by the President Judge, may serve orders or notices.

(3) The Court, or the District Court Administrator upon the direction of the President Judge, may effectuate service of orders or notices.

INFOCriminal cases

Service on county agencies may use the listed methods if approved by the President Judge or designee.

Service on county agencies within the judicial district, including but not limited to the county correctional facility, Sheriff, and Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, may be made by facsimile or electronic address, assigned box, or interoffice mail as approved by the President Judge, or his or her designee.

INFOCriminal cases

Applies to

Subpoena

Parties do not need to receive notice that a subpoena has been issued.

Notice to parties of the issuance of a subpoena is not required.

INFO

Applies to

Legal papers

Facsimile transmission may be used to serve copies of filed legal papers other than original process if the cited rule requirements are satisfied.

facsimile transmission if the requirements of Pa.R.C.P. 440(d)(1)-(3) are satisfied.