Court of Common Pleas of Wayne County, Pennsylvania
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Adjournments
- Pro bono counsel with a pre-existing scheduling conflict may request a reasonable continuance after contacting all parties to obtain their positions and proposed rescheduling dates; absent objection the request is granted without a hearing or further order, while an objection requires a motion in Motions Court.
Request must include
Document Format Requirements10 rules
All filings shall comply with the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania.
For an offered documentary exhibit larger than 8.5 by 11 inches, the proponent must ensure that a copy reduced to 8.5 by 11 inches or smaller is entered into the record.
Court's wording
If a proponent offers into evidence an exhibit such as a letter, report, drawing, map, photograph, or other document that is larger in size than 8-1/2 x 11 inches, the proponent shall ensure that a copy of the document, reduced to 8-1/2 x 11 inches (or smaller) is entered into the record.
A proponent who provides a reduced copy of an oversized exhibit shall ensure that the reproduced document is clear and capable of further reproduction or transfer to digital media.
All requests for transcripts shall be submitted on the standardized form approved by the Court Administrator of Pennsylvania.
The Clerk converts non-excluded paper legal papers to PDF, which is treated as the original, and need not retain a physical copy of electronically filed papers.
Court's wording
The Office of the Clerk of Courts shall convert legal papers in paper format to an electronic PDF version, except for those filings excluded in subsection (B) of this rule. Once converted to PDF, the PDF version shall be deemed to be the original legal paper and shall be used as such for all purposes. Neither the Clerk of Courts nor the Court is required to maintain a physical hard copy of any legal paper filed electronically.
The Clerk of Courts, Prothonotary, or Court Recorder present at the court proceeding shall maintain an index of exhibits in a format to be approved by the President Judge.
Formatting
- •The index must be in a format approved by the President Judge
The photograph entered into the record in place of a non-documentary exhibit may be no larger than 8-1/2 by 11 inches.
Court's wording
(1) If a proponent offers into evidence a non-documentary exhibit, the proponent shall ensure that a photograph (no larger in size than 8-1/2 x 11 inches) of the exhibit is entered into the record in lieu of the non-documentary exhibit.
(2) A proponent who provides a photograph of a non-documentary exhibit shall ensure that the photograph is clear and capable of further reproduction or transfer to digital media.
An original or copy of an offered photograph may be no larger than 8-1/2 by 11 inches.
Court's wording
(1) If a proponent offers into evidence a photograph, the proponent shall ensure that the original or a copy of the photograph in lieu of the original (no larger in size than 8-1/2 x 11 inches) is entered into the record.
(2) A proponent who provides a copy of a photograph shall ensure that the reproduced document is clear and capable of further reproduction or transfer to digital media.
Document Filing Requirements29 rules
Distribution to those parties not automatically served via PACFile with a court order or notice must be filed with the Clerk of Courts office with a complete distribution list including the names and addresses of all parties required to be served with a paper copy.
All motions shall include a certification, signed by counsel for the moving party, stating whether or not said motion is contested or uncontested.
All motions shall include a proposed Order.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Proposed order
Except for motions made orally during a trial or hearing, all motions shall be written,
shall contain a caption setting forth the name of the court, the number of the action, nature of the proceeding, names of the parties, and the name of counsel, or if no counsel of record, the name of the party making the motion.
- Document
- Motion
- Placement
- Caption
In the absence of any timely-filed answer in opposition, counsel shall present a Rule Absolute granting the petition as being uncontested and entering the withdrawal.
Pro bono counsel may withdraw before the matter concludes upon certifying completion of all representation duties and compliance with the Local Rule.
Court's wording
Every attorney who has agreed to represent an individual pro bono in a matter pending before this Court shall be permitted to withdraw his/her appearance in such matter before its conclusion upon certification that s/he has completed all duties and responsibilities incident to her/his representation and fully complied with the terms of this Local Rule.
Counsel making a limited appearance must use the approved Exhibit A praecipe, which confirms free legal service, specifies the duties to be performed, and confirms counsel’s belief that the party cannot afford a lawyer.
Court's wording
To make a limited appearance pursuant to this Local Rule, counsel must enter her/his appearance on an approved Praecipe for Entry of Limited Appearance form, attached Exhibit A, which confirms that the attorney is providing free legal service to the party, sets forth with particularity those duties to be rendered for the party, and confirms counsel’s belief that the party is unable to pay the costs of a lawyer, as provided by Pa.R.C.P. 240(d)(1).
In matters where the client will represent her/himself following pro bono counsel’s withdrawal, counsel must use an approved Substitution of Appearance form, attached Exhibit B, to withdraw her/his appearance, which shall include the certifications required by paragraph 1 of this Order and a certificate of service that Notice of Withdrawal of Appearance has been delivered to the client.
- Document
- Substitution of appearance
Must include
- •Certificate of service
In matters where the Rules of Civil Procedure require leave of Court to be obtained before withdrawal may occur, counsel shall provide a Motion to Withdraw along with a proposed Rule upon all parties to show cause why said withdrawal should not be permitted.
Except in such cases where said information has been deemed confidential, any entry of appearance by a self-represented party shall set forth the current address and telephone number of the formerly represented client.
In matters in which leave of Court is not required by the Rules of Civil Procedure, withdrawal shall be effective upon the filing of the Praecipe.
The withdrawal filing must certify the address where the client may receive additional notices after counsel withdraws.
Court's wording
Upon filing my withdrawal or motion to withdraw as counsel, I shall provide a copy of the same to my client and shall certify the address at which my client may receive additional notices after my withdrawal.
The limited-appearance praecipe must certify the pro bono representation and the party’s inability to pay costs, and specify the agreed terms for ending the representation.
Court's wording
Kindly enter my limited appearance on behalf of _______________ , Plaintiff/Defendant in the above matter. I hereby certify that I have accepted this representation as a pro bono volunteer attorney through the Wayne County Bar Association Pro Bono Program. Pursuant to Pa. R.Civ. P. 240(d)(1), I further certify that I believe the party is unable to pay the costs of this proceeding, including my fees. My representation will end, by agreement with my client, upon ____[specify terms].
After completing the agreed duties, counsel may withdraw using the specified withdrawal form or, if court approval is required, by motion stating the reasons and attaching a proposed order.
- Document
- Withdrawal motion
Must include
- •Proposed order
Court's wording
Upon completion of the above duties and consistent with the agreement, I may withdraw my appearance by filing the Entry of Appearance of Withdrawal of Appearance form with the Prothonotary or, if Court approval is required, by filing a Motion to Withdraw stating the reasons for withdrawal and attaching a proposed Order.
I understand that I am under a continuing obligation to provide current contact information to the court, to other self-represented parties, and to attorneys of record.
Counsel’s withdrawal form certifies completion of all duties agreed to in the pro bono engagement and limited entry of appearance.
Court's wording
Kindly WITHDRAW my appearance for the filing party. I hereby certify that I have completed all duties I agreed to perform in my Pro Bono engagement for this client, and in the Limited Entry of Appearance I filed in this case.
B. In order to comply with this Rule, all confidential information, as defined by Section A, shall be documented on a Confidential Information Form.
- Document
- Filing
Must include
- •Confidential Information Form
Attorneys and self-represented parties must certify compliance with the applicable public-access rules in substantially the stated language, and the certification must accompany each filing.
Court's wording
D. Attorneys and self-represented parties shall be solely responsible for complying with the provisions of the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts and the applicable state and local rules and shall certify their compliance to the Court. This certification shall accompany each filing and shall be substantially in the following form: ''I certify that this filing complies with the provisions of the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts that require filing confidential information and documents differently than non-confidential information and documents.''
Parties and their attorneys must certify compliance with the applicable public-access rules in substantially the stated language, and the certification must accompany each filing.
Court's wording
D. Attorneys and self-represented parties shall be solely responsible for complying with the provisions of the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts and the applicable state and local rules and shall certify their compliance to the Court. This certification shall accompany each filing and shall be substantially in the following form: ''I certify that this filing complies with the provisions of the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts that require filing confidential information and documents differently than non-confidential information and documents.''
The listed confidential documents must be filed with the appropriate filing office under a cover sheet designated “Confidential Document Form.”
- Document
- Confidential document
Must include
- •Confidential Document Form
Court's wording
A. Pursuant to Section 8 of the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts, the following documents are confidential and shall be filed with the appropriate filing office under a cover sheet designated “Confidential Document Form”: 1. Financial Source Documents; 2. Minors' educational records; 3. Medical/Psychological records; 4. Children and Youth Services' records; 5. Marital Property Inventory and Pre-Trial Statement as provided in Pa.R.C.P. 1920.33; 6. Income and Expense Statements as provided in Pa.R.C.P. 1910.27(c); and 7. Agreements between parties as used in 23 Pa.C.S. § 3105.
An application to waive ordinary transcript costs must include a substantially Rule 240(h)-form affidavit and be served with the transcript request form.
Court's wording
The application to waive all or a portion of costs for ordinary transcripts shall be supported by an affidavit substantially in the form required by Rule 240(h) of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure and shall be served with the form requesting a transcript.
When an offered exhibit contains confidential information or documents, the proponent must give a completed Confidential Document Form to the staff member maintaining the exhibit index when the evidence is introduced.
Court's wording
If an exhibit offered into evidence contains confidential information or confidential documents as defined in the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania, the proponent shall include a properly completed Confidential Document Form. These forms shall be given by the proponent to the court staff member maintaining the index of exhibits at the time evidence is introduced.
(1) If a proponent offers into evidence a non-documentary exhibit, the proponent shall ensure that a photograph (no larger in size than 8-1/2 x 11 inches) of the exhibit is entered into the record in lieu of the non-documentary exhibit.
(1) If a proponent offers into evidence a photograph, the proponent shall ensure that the original or a copy of the photograph in lieu of the original (no larger in size than 8-1/2 x 11 inches) is entered into the record.
The form shall include the current rates charged for transcripts and may be found on the county website.
proof of deposit shall be provided to the district court administrator.
Proof of payment shall be provided to the district court administrator.
In instances where pro bono counsel is being replaced by private counsel (pro bono or otherwise), counsel should use standard entry and withdrawal forms.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Attorneys and self-represented individuals who e-file legal papers must establish a PACFile account through the Unified Judicial System Web Portal.
Attorneys or self-represented individuals who file legal papers electronically must establish a PACFile account using the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania Web Portal.
Page 2 | LOCAL RULE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE 576.1. Electronic Filing and Service of Legal Papers
Legal papers may be filed through PACFile, but electronic filing is optional and the listed categories are excluded.
In accordance with Pa.R.Crim.P. 576.1 and this rule, legal papers may be filed electronically using the PACFile electronic filing system developed by the AOPC. Electronic filing is permissive and not mandatory. B. Legal Papers Defined. The ''legal papers'' which may be filed electronically includes all written motions, written answers and any notices or documents for which filing is required or permitted, including orders, exhibits and attachments, except the following: 1. Applications for a search warrant; 2. Applications for an arrest warrant; 3. Submissions filed or authorized to be filed under seal; 4. Grand jury materials; 5. Submissions filed by ex parte as authorized by law; and, 6. Exhibits offered into evidence, whether or not admitted, in a court proceeding.
Page 2 | LOCAL RULE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE 576.1. Electronic Filing and Service of Legal Papers
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Any answer opposing the proposed rule must be filed within 20 days.
The Rule shall be returnable with any answer in opposition to be filed within twenty (20) days.
Page 4 | LOCAL RULE 1012. Entry of Appearance. Withdrawal of Appearance. Notice.
The Confidential Information Form must be filed at the same time as the document.
A Confidential Information Form filed contemporaneously with the document:
Page 9 | Rule 1000. Public Access— Confidential Information.
The custodian must file the exhibit index and specified exhibits with the records office upon conclusion of the proceeding and no later than five business days afterward.
The custodian shall file the written index of the exhibits and all documentary exhibits, photographs or electronic copies of non-documentary exhibits with the records office upon conclusion of the court proceeding, but not later than five (5) business days after conclusion of the proceeding.
Page 12 | LOCAL RULE JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION 5102.1(a)(3)
Service and Proof of Service Rules
The defendant and surety must each be given a copy of the bail bond.
The defendant and surety shall be given a copy of the bail bond.
Page 1 | Local Rule 117. Coverage: Issuing Warrants; Preliminary Arraignments and Summary Trials; and Setting and Accepting Bail
Legal papers must be served under Pa.R.Crim.P. 576 on attorneys and parties without accounts, including the Sheriff, Adult Probation, Court Reporter, and Court Administration for orders and notices.
Service of legal papers on any attorney or party who has not established an account as provided in subsection (D) of this rule shall be made in accordance with Pa.R.Crim.P. 576. Specifically, the following offices must be served in accordance with Rule 576: Sheriff, Adult Probation, Court Reporter, and Court Administration. This applies to the service of court orders and notices.
Page 2 | LOCAL RULE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE 576.1. Electronic Filing and Service of Legal Papers
Parties using PACFile must serve physical paper copies on every party who does not use PACFile.
Parties utilizing PACFile shall serve physical paper format copies on all parties to the case who do not utilize PACFile, pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P. 576.
Page 2 | LOCAL RULE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE 576.1. Electronic Filing and Service of Legal Papers
Submitting an electronic filing satisfies service requirements for attorneys or parties with a PACFile account.
The submission of an electronic filing shall satisfy the service requirements of Pa.R.Crim.P. 576 on any attorney or party who has established an account as provided in subsection D.
Page 2 | LOCAL RULE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE 576.1. Electronic Filing and Service of Legal Papers
Establishing a PACFile account constitutes consent to electronic filing and electronic service of documents filed through PACFile.
Pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 576.1(D)(2), the establishment of a PACFile account constitutes consent to participate in electronic filing, including acceptance of service electronically of any document filed using PACFile
Page 2 | LOCAL RULE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE 576.1. Electronic Filing and Service of Legal Papers
Using PACFile constitutes the filer’s certification that the filer will accept electronic notices and service through PACFile.
Use of the PACFile system shall constitute as the filer's certification that the electronic notice and service of other documents through the PACFile system will be accepted by filer.
Page 2 | LOCAL RULE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE 576.1. Electronic Filing and Service of Legal Papers
For a motion, petition, or application on which opposing parties have a right to be heard, the moving party must give each opposing party at least 48 hours’ notice of the presentation time, unless an emergency makes that impracticable, in which case as much notice as reasonably possible must be given.
If the Motion, Petition or Application is of such nature that opposing parties have the right to be heard, the moving party shall give each opposing party at least forty-eight (48) hours notice of the time when the moving party will appear and present such motion, petition or application, unless the emergency nature of the matter presents such notice. In that situation, the moving party shall give as much notice as is reasonably possible.
Page 3 | LOCAL RULE 208.3 (a) Motions
Notices and special service that must be published in a county legal journal must appear in the LEGAL JOURNAL OF WAYNE COUNTY.
A. This Court hereby designates the LEGAL JOURNAL OF WAYNE COUNTY as the legal publication for Wayne County. All notices and special service required to be published in a legal journal of the County as required by Rule or Statute shall be published in the LEGAL JOURNAL OF WAYNE COUNTY.
Page 3 | LOCAL RULE 76.1
When court leave is required for withdrawal, counsel must provide the motion to withdraw and proposed show-cause rule to all parties.
In matters where the Rules of Civil Procedure require leave of Court to be obtained before withdrawal may occur, counsel shall provide a Motion to Withdraw along with a proposed Rule upon all parties to show cause why said withdrawal should not be permitted.
Page 4 | LOCAL RULE 1012. Entry of Appearance. Withdrawal of Appearance. Notice.
When filing a withdrawal or motion to withdraw, counsel must provide a copy to the client.
Upon filing my withdrawal or motion to withdraw as counsel, I shall provide a copy of the same to my client and shall certify the address at which my client may receive additional notices after my withdrawal.
Page 6 | Exhibit A
Counsel certifies that a true and correct copy is served on all parties or their counsel by prepaid first-class mail.
I also certify that on behalf of the filing party, I am this day serving a true and correct copy of this document on all parties (including the party named above) and/or their counsel of record, by first class mail, postage prepaid.
Page 8 | WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL OF RECORD
The transcript-cost waiver application must be served with the form requesting the transcript.
The application to waive all or a portion of costs for ordinary transcripts shall be supported by an affidavit substantially in the form required by Rule 240(h) of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure and shall be served with the form requesting a transcript.
Page 11 | Rule 4008.1(B)(4)
The requesting party must serve copies of the formal transcript request on the presiding judge, court recorder, district court administrator, and opposing counsel or, if unrepresented, the opposing party.
The requesting party shall also serve copies of the formal request to: - (1) the judge presiding over the matter; - (2) the court recorder; - (3) the district court administrator; and, - (4) opposing counsel, but if not represented the opposing party.
Page 1 | Rule 4007. Requests for Transcripts.
Pleadings and legal papers may be served on the self-represented party at the address listed, which need not be the party’s home address if court rules allow.
All pleadings and legal papers can be served on me at the address listed below, which may or may not be my home address as allowed by court rule:
Page 7 | ENTRY OF APPEARANCE OF SELF-REPRESENTED PARTY
Filing Fees and Waivers
When multiple parties request or are required to file a transcript, its cost must be divided equally among them.
When more than one party requests the transcript, or are required by general rule to file the transcript, the cost shall be divided equally among the parties.
Page 11 | Rule 4008.1(C)(2)
A requesting party other than the Commonwealth or its subdivision must pay $2.50 per page for an ordinary electronic transcript.
The costs payable by a requesting party, other than the Commonwealth or a subdivision thereof, for a transcript in an electronic format shall be: (a) for an ordinary transcript, $2.50 per page.
Page 11 | Rule 4008.1(A)(1)
A bound paper transcript incurs the applicable electronic-format cost plus a $0.25-per-page surcharge.
When the transcript is prepared in bound paper format, the costs shall be in accordance with paragraph (1) relating to electronic format plus a surcharge of $0.25 per page.
Page 11 | Rule 4008.1(A)(2)
The requesting party or party required to file the transcript is responsible for its cost, but court-initiated transcripts are not assessed against any party.
The requesting party, or party required by general rule to file a transcript, shall be responsible for the cost of the transcript. Costs shall not be assessed against any party for transcripts prepared at the initiation of the court.
Page 11 | Rule 4008.1(C)(1)
A previously ordered, transcribed, and filed transcript copy costs $0.75 per page in bound paper format.
(1) $0.75 per page bound, paper format; and,
Page 11 | Rule 4008.1(D)(1)
Costs for qualifying ordinary transcripts must be waived for litigants permitted to proceed in forma pauperis or whose income is below 125% of the current HHS poverty line.
Transcript costs for ordinary transcripts in matters under appeal or where the transcript is necessary to advance the litigation shall be waived for a litigant who has been permitted by the court to proceed in forma pauperis or whose income is less than 125 percent of the poverty line as defined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) poverty guidelines for the current year.
Page 11 | Rule 4008.1(B)(1)
Costs for qualifying ordinary transcripts must be reduced by half for litigants whose income is below 200% of the current HHS poverty line.
Transcript costs for ordinary transcripts in matters under appeal or where the transcript is necessary to advance the litigation shall be reduced by one-half for a litigant whose income is less than 200 percent of the poverty line as defined by the HHS poverty guidelines for the current year.
Page 11 | Rule 4008.1(B)(2)
A previously ordered, transcribed, and filed transcript copy costs $0.50 per page in electronic format.
(2) $0.50 per page electronic copy.
Page 12 | Rule 4008.1(D)(2)
The party ordering a transcript must pay the estimated cost by a deposit payable to Wayne County and delivered to the Wayne County Prothonotary Office; cash, check, or money order may be used, and the deposit is non-refundable.
the party ordering a transcript shall make payment of the estimated transcript cost. Deposit payments are to be made payable to Wayne County and shall be delivered to the Wayne County Prothonotary Office. Payment may be made by cash, check, or money order. Deposit payments are non-refundable, and proof of deposit shall be provided to the district court administrator.
Page 1 | Rule 4007. Requests for Transcripts.
Any final transcript balance owed must be paid to Wayne County through the Wayne County Prothonotary Office before the original transcript is delivered for distribution.
upon payment of any balance owed, the court recorder or transcriptionist shall deliver the original transcript to the appropriate filing office for distribution. Payment of the final balance shall be made payable to Wayne County and delivered to the Wayne County Prothonotary Office. Proof of payment shall be provided to the district court administrator.
Page 2 | Rule 4007. Requests for Transcripts.
Applicable filing fees must be accepted according to the procedures established by statute, court order, Local Rule, or fee schedule.
Applicable filing fees shall be accepted in the same manner as currently required by statute, court order, Local Rule or as established by fee schedule.
Page 2 | LOCAL RULE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE 576.1. Electronic Filing and Service of Legal Papers
The court may waive costs for qualifying ordinary transcripts in nonappeal matters when the transcript is unnecessary to advance litigation and good cause is shown.
Transcript costs for ordinary transcripts in matters that are not subject to an appeal, where the transcript is not necessary to advance the litigation, may be waived at the court's discretion for parties who qualify for economic hardship under subdivision (B)(1) or (B)(2) and upon good cause shown.
Page 11 | Rule 4008.1(B)(3)
For a party claiming economic hardship, transcript costs may be waived or adjusted; where there is no pending appeal or obvious litigation need, the party must demonstrate reasonable need.
When a party requests a transcript, but cannot pay for the transcript, because of alleged economic hardship, the court shall determine economic hardship pursuant to the procedure set forth in Rule 4008(B). In cases of economic hardship, where the matter is under appeal or a transcript is necessary to advance the litigation, the costs of procuring the transcript shall be waived or otherwise adjusted by the court. In cases of economic hardship where there is no appeal pending or there exists no obvious need for the transcript to advance the litigation, the requesting party must demonstrate reasonable need before the court shall waive or adjust the costs of obtaining the transcript.
Page 2 | Rule 4007. Requests for Transcripts.
No deposit is necessary when the court or county is responsible for the transcript cost.
When a transcript is requested for which the court or county is responsible for the cost, the court recorder or transcriptionist shall prepare the transcript at the direction of the district court administrator without the necessity of a deposit.
Page 2 | Rule 4007. Requests for Transcripts.
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
The listed confidential information must not be included in a filed document, subject to the stated exceptions, unless submitted on a Confidential Information Form filed contemporaneously with the document.
A. Pursuant to Section 7 of the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts, the following information is confidential and shall be not included in any document filed with a court or custodian, except on a Confidential Information Form filed contemporaneously with the document: 1. Social Security Numbers; 2. Financial Account Numbers, except an active financial account number may be identified by the last four digits when the financial account is the subject of the case and cannot otherwise be identified; 3. Driver's License Numbers; 4. State Identification (SID) Numbers; 5. Minors' names and dates of birth except when a minor is charged as a defendant in a criminal matter (see 42 Pa.C.S. § 6355); and 6. Abuse victim's address and other contact information, including employer's name, address and work schedule, in family court actions as defined by Pa.R.C.P. 1931(a), except for victim's name.
Page 9 | Rule 1000. Public Access— Confidential Information.
Confidential documents submitted with the Confidential Document Form are not accessible to the public, while the form itself is publicly accessible.
B. The Confidential Document Form shall be available in each filing office as well as on the court website at: www.waynecountypa.gov/court-of-common-pleas. Confidential documents submitted with the Confidential Document Form shall not be accessible to the public. The Confidential Document Form shall be accessible to the public.
Page 10 | Rule 1001. Public Access— Confidential Documents.
This section does not apply to cases sealed or exempted from public access under applicable authority, including juvenile cases and adoptions.
C. This section is not applicable to cases that are sealed or exempted from public access pursuant to applicable authority, such as juvenile cases or adoptions.
Page 9 | Rule 1000. Public Access— Confidential Information.
The court or filing office need not review or redact filings for compliance, and a party’s or attorney’s noncompliance does not change access to records otherwise accessible.
E. The court or appropriate filing office is not required to review or redact any filed document for compliance with the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts. A party’s or attorney’s failure to comply with this rule shall not affect access to case records that are otherwise accessible.
Page 9 | Rule 1000. Public Access— Confidential Information.
For a noncompliant filing, the court may, on motion or on its own initiative and with or without a hearing, order sealing, redaction, amendment, or a combination, and may impose sanctions.
F. If a filed document fails to comply with the requirements of this section, a court may, upon motion or its own initiative, with or without a hearing, order the filed document sealed, redacted, amended, or any combination thereof. A court may also impose appropriate sanctions for failing to comply with this section.
Page 9 | Rule 1000. Public Access— Confidential Information.
If confidential documents are submitted without the Confidential Document Form, the court may order them sealed on motion or on its own initiative, with or without a hearing, and may impose sanctions.
F. If confidential documents are not submitted with the Confidential Document Form, a court may, upon motion or its own initiative, with or without a hearing, order that any such documents be sealed. A court may also impose appropriate sanctions for failing to comply with this section.
Page 10 | Rule 1001. Public Access— Confidential Documents.
The court or filing office need not review or redact filings for compliance, and a party’s or attorney’s noncompliance does not change access to records otherwise accessible.
E. The court or appropriate filing office is not required to review or redact any filed document for compliance with the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts. A party’s or attorney’s failure to comply with this section shall not affect access to case records that are otherwise accessible.
Page 10 | Rule 1001. Public Access— Confidential Documents.
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Pro bono counsel with a pre-existing scheduling conflict may request a reasonable continuance after contacting all parties to obtain their positions and proposed rescheduling dates; absent objection the request is granted without a hearing or further order, while an objection requires a motion in Motions Court.
If an attorney has agreed to represent an indigent client pro bono in a matter that has been previously scheduled for a hearing or other court appearance at a time in conflict with the pro bono attorney’s pre-existing obligations, the attorney may request a reasonable continuance to allow said attorney to prepare for and participate in the hearing. Before making such request, the pro bono attorney shall contact all parties and obtain from them their consent (or objection) and a date or dates to which the matter may be rescheduled. In the absence of objection, the request for continuance shall be granted without hearing or further Order of this Court; if there is objection, counsel shall present a Motion to Continue in Motions Court.
Page 4 | LOCAL RULE 1012. Entry of Appearance. Withdrawal of Appearance. Notice.