Lackawanna/Luzerne County Court Rules Table of Contents
vii
Abbreviated Table of Contents
Lackawanna County
Civil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Forms ..................................63
Index ..................................101
Family
.....................................109
Forms .................................121
Index ..................................151
Criminal
...................................155
Forms .................................185
Index ..................................191
District Justice
...............................197
Orphans’ Court
..............................203
Index ..................................219
Judicial Administration
........................223
Forms .................................227
Administrative Orders
.........................237
Juvenile Court
...............................243
Luzerne County
Civil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Administrative Orders .....................305
Forms .................................323
Index ..................................353
Family
.....................................357
Forms .................................371
Criminal
...................................375
Index ..................................397
Judicial Administration
........................401
Rules Concerning Election Code
.................415
Forms .................................421
Orphans’ Court
..............................425
Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 527
Index ..................................583
Lackawanna County Court Rules Table of Contents
ix
Lackawanna County
Rules of Civil Procedure
RULES OF CONSTRUCTION
Rule 51.
Title and Citation of Rules. .............3
Rule 52.
Effective Date of Rules. ...............3
Rule 76.
Denitions. .........................3
Rule 101.
Principles of Interpretation. ............ 3
Rule 127.
Construction of Rules. ................ 4
Rule 128.
Presumptions and Ascertaining the
Intent of the Court of Common Pleas of
Lackawanna County. ..................4
Rule 130.
Construction of Rules and
Derogation of the Common Law. ........5
Rule 151.
Effective Date of Amendments. ......... 5
THE BUSINESS OF THE COURT
Rule 171.
Sessions of Court. ....................5
Rule 172.
Holidays. ...........................5
Rule 175.
Use of Advanced Communication
Technology (ACT).. ..................6
Rule 188.
Professional Conduct. ................. 7
PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE GENERALLY
Rule 200.
Attorneys Practicing Before This Court. ... 7
Rule 200.1.
Appearances and Withdrawals. .......... 8
Rule 201.
Agreements of Attorneys. ..............8
Rule 205.2(a). Pleading Requirements. ...............8
Rule 205.2(b).
Civil Cover Sheet. .................... 8
Rule 206.1(a). Denition of Petition. .................9
Rule 206.4(c). Issuance of Rule to Show Cause .........9
Rule 208.2(c). Motion Content. ....................10
Rule 208.2(d).
Certicate of Concurrence. ............10
Rule 208.2(e). Discovery Motion Certication. ........10
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Rule 208.3(a). Motion Procedure. ..................10
Rule 210.
Submission and Form of Briefs. ........ 11
Rule 210.1.
Transcription Required for Argument. ...12
Rule 211.
Disposition of Motions and Petitions. ....12
Rule 212.
Pre-Trial Procedure and Settlement
Conference. ........................13
Rule 212.2.
Miscellaneous Instructions Pertaining to
Trial. .............................15
Rule 212.6.
Special Trial Masters .................16
Rule 213.
Motions for Consolidation or
Severance of Actions and Issues. .......18
Rule 214.
Listing Cases for Hearing or Trial. ......18
Rule 214.1.
Hearing and Trial Terms .............. 19
Rule 214.2.
Assignment of Medical Professional
Liability Actions and Protracted Cases.. .. 19
Rule 214.3.
Notice of Hearing or Trial. ............21
Rule 216.
Application for Continuance. ..........21
Rule 223.
Civil Trials. ........................21
Rule 223.1.
Trial Briefs. ........................ 22
Rule 223.2.
Additional Submission for
Non-Jury Trials. ....................23
Rule 226.
Points for Charge and
Jury Interrogatories. .................23
Rule 227.1.
Post-Trial Motions in Jury Trials. .......23
Rule 229.
Discontinuance. ....................24
Rule 230.2.
Termination of Inactive Cases. .........24
Rule 238.
Notice of Settlement Offer. ............24
Rule 240.
Proceeding In Forma
Pauperis in Civil Cases.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Rule 248.
Modication of Time. ................25
Rule 250.
Scope of Chapter. ...................25
Rule 250.1.
Suspension of Rules. ................. 26
Rule 261.
Court Records. .....................26
Rule 262.
Court Records (Transcripts). ...........26
Rule 263.
Ordering of Transcripts. ..............27
Rule 275.
Costs. ............................27
Rule 290.
Appellate Court Filing Fees. ...........28
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SERVICE OF ORIGINAL PROCESS AND OTHER
LEGAL PAPERS
Rule 400.1.
Notice to Serve. .....................28
Rule 430.
Service by Publication in Actions in
Ejectment. ......................... 29
Rule 430.2.
Service by Publication in Actions in
Replevin. ..........................29
Rule 430.3.
Service by Publication in
Action Requesting Equitable Relief. .....29
Rule 430.4.
Service by Publication for the Enforcement
of Judgments for Payment of Money. ....30
Rule 430.5.
Service by Publication of Actions
Pursuant to 41 P.S. Section 407. ........30
Rule 440.
Service of Legal Papers Other Than
Original Process. ....................30
ACTIONS AT LAW
Rule 1018.1.
Notice to Defend. ................... 31
Rule 1019.
Contents of Pleadings, General and
Specic Averments. .................32
Rule 1021.
Claims for Relief-Accounting. .........32
Rule 1021.1.
Claim for Relief. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Rule 1028(c).
Preliminary Objections. ..............33
Rule 1033.
Amendments to Pleadings. ............33
Rule 1034.
Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings. ...33
Rule 1035.2.
Motion for Summary Judgement. .......34
Rule 1037.
Judgment Upon Default for
Repair of Property. ..................36
Rule 1054.
Abstracts of Title. ...................37
Rule 1075.
Seizure of Property Before Judgment in
Actions in Replevin. .................37
Rule 1098.
Peremptory Judgment in Actions in
Mandamus. ........................37
Rule 1143.
Commencement of Mortgage Foreclosure
Action ............................38
Rule 1143.1.
Conciliation Conference in Residential
Mortgage Foreclosure Actions ......... 39
Rule 1301.
Arbitration. ........................41
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INJUNCTIONS
Rule 1531.
Injunctions. ........................44
Rule 1531.1.
Contempt Proceedings on Injunctions. ...44
CLASS ACTION RULES
Rule 1703.
Commencement of Action;
Assignment of Judge. ................44
Rule 1707.
Discovery Pertaining to
Class Action Issues. .................44
Rule 1710.
Determination of Class Action
Certication Hearing. ................45
Rule 1712.
Order and Notice of Certication as
Class Action. ....................... 45
Rule 1713.
Pre-Trial of Class Actions. ............45
MINORS AND INCOMPETENT PARTIES
Rule 2032.
Filing Afdavit as to Age. ............. 46
Rule 2039.
Compromise, Settlement, Discontinuance or
Distribution in Action Involving a Minor. ...46
Rule 2056.
Notice to Guardian of Incompetent. .....46
Rule 2059.
Notice to Incompetent of Application for
Guardian Ad Litem. .................47
Rule 2064.
Compromise, Settlement, Discontinuance
and Distribution in Action Involving an
Incompetent. .......................47
ACTIONS FOR WRONGFUL DEATH
Rule 2205.
Notice to Persons Entitled to Damages. ..47
Rule 2206.
Court Approval of Distribution of
Proceeds ..........................48
JOINDER AND SUBSTITUTION OF PARTIES
Rule 2227.
Compulsory Joinder. ................. 48
Rule 2232.
Defective Joinder. Change of Parties. .... 48
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Rule 2253.
Extension of Time Limits to
Join Additional Defendants. ...........49
Rule 2352.
Praecipe for Rule for Substitution of
Successor. ......................... 49
Rule 2353.
Service by Publication of Rule
Concerning Substitution of Parties.. . . . . . 49
EXECUTION AND
ENFORCEMENT OF JUDGMENTS
Rule 2959.
Return Day for Rules Pertaining to
Judgment by Confession. ............. 50
Rule 3128.
Notice of Resale of Personal Property
by Sheriff. .........................50
Rule 3129.1.
Notice of Sale. Real Property. ..........50
Rule 3130.
Notice of Sale of Securities. ........... 51
Rule 3190.
Real Estate Tax Assessment Appeal. .....51
Rule 3191.
Intervention. .......................53
Rule 3192.
Discovery. ......................... 53
Rule 3193.
Pretrial Status Conference. ............53
DISCOVERY
Rule 4000.
Motion Practice for Discovery and
Scheduling Matters. .................54
Rule 4000.1.
Discovery Motions Court .............54
Rule 4000.2.
Case Management Proposal ...........55
Rule 4007. Requests for Transcripts .............. 55
Rule 4007.1.
Objections During Oral Depositions;
Speaking Objections. ................57
Rule 4008. Transcript Costs Payable by a Requesting
Party Other Than the Commonwealth or a
Subdivision Thereof .................57
Rule 4008.1. Transcript Costs Payable by the
Commonwealth or a Subdivision
Thereof ...........................59
Rule 4012.
Protective Orders. ...................60
Rule 4013.
Stay of Proceedings by Discovery. ......60
Rule 4017.1.
Objections During Videotape
Depositions. .......................60
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Rule 4019.
Petitions for Sanctions. ...............61
Rule 4020.
Use of Deposition at Trial. ............61
Rule 4021.
Assignment of Judge for Discovery
Proceedings. .......................61
Forms
Lackawanna Civil Forms .............63
Forms Lackawanna Civil Forms Appendix .....73
Index
Lackawanna Civil Index .............101
Lackawanna County
Family Court Rules
Rule 1910.10.
Alternative Hearing Procedures ....... 111
Rule 1915.1(b).
Scope. Denitions.. ................. 111
Rule 1915.3.
Commencement of Action. Complaint.
Order.. ........................... 111
Rule 1915.4.
Prompt Disposition of Custody Cases. ... 112
Rule 1915.4-1(a).
Alternative Hearing Procedures for Partial
Custody or Visitation Actions. ........ 113
Rule 1915.4-2.
Partial Custody. Visitation. Ofce
Conference. Hearing. Record. Exceptions.
Order.. ........................... 113
Rule 1915.11(a).
Appointment of Attorney for Child.
Interrogation of Child. .............. 114
Rule 1915.13.
Special Relief ..................... 114
Rule 1920.3.
Commencement of Action ........... 115
Rule 1920.51(a)(3).
Hearing by the Court. Appointment of
Master. Notice of Hearing. ........... 115
Rule 1940.3(a).
Order of Orientation Session and Mediation.
Selection of Mediator. ............... 118
Rule 1940.6.
Termination of Mediation ............ 118
Forms
Lackawanna Family Forms ...........121
Index
Lackawanna Family Index ...........151
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Lackawanna County
Rules of Criminal Procedure
CHAPTER 1
SCOPE OF RULES, CONSTRUCTION AND
DEFINITIONS
Rule 2.
Purpose and Construction. ...........157
Rule 3.
Denition. ........................ 157
Rule 4.
Citing the Rules. ...................157
Rule 5.
Design of Forms. ...................157
Rule 6.
Sessions of Criminal Court. ..........157
CHAPTER 20
ISSUING AUTHORITIES: VENUE, LOCATION AND
RECORDING OF PROCEEDINGS
CENTRAL COURT
Rule 22.
Central Court. .....................158
Rule 23.
Continuous Availability and Temporary
Assignment of Issuing Authorities. ..... 159
Rule 27.
Stenographic Record. ...............159
CHAPTER 50
SUMMARY CASES
Rule 51.
Means of Instituting Proceedings in
Summary Cases. ...................159
Rule 86.
Appeals From Summary Conviction. ... 159
CHAPTER 100.
PROCEDURE IN COURT CASES
Rule 101.1.
Approval of Police Complaints and Arrest
Warrant Afdavits and Search Warrants and
Search Warrant Afdavits By Attorney for
the Commonwealth. ................160
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Rule 101.2.
Approval of Search Warrant Applications
By Attorney for the Commonwealth. ...161
Rule 122. Public Defender ...................161
Rule 130.
Procedure in Court Cases Initiated
By Arrest Without Warrant. ........... 162
Rule 141.
Private Counsel. ...................163
Rule 175.
Application for Accelerated
Rehabilitative Disposition. ...........163
Rule 176.
Review of and Qualications for ARD. ...164
Rule 177.
Application Process and Notice. .......166
Rule 187.
Probation Without Verdict. ........... 166
CHAPTER 300.
PRETRIAL PROCEDURES
Rule 300.
Trial List. ........................ 170
Rule 301.
Continuances. .....................170
Rule 302.
Attorneys’ Appearances and
Withdrawals. ......................170
Rule 303.
Arraignment. ......................170
Rule 306.
Omnibus Pretrial Motions for Relief. ... 171
Rule 307.
Time for Omnibus Pretrial Motion and
Service ..........................171
Rule 308.
Other Pretrial Motions. ..............171
Rule 319.
Plea Agreements. .................. 172
Rule 319.1.
Notice of Plea Agreements. ........... 172
Rate 319.2.
ARD Notices. .....................172
Rule 319.3.
Guilty Plea Colloquy Form. ..........172
Rule 525.
Bail Bond ........................172
Rule 576.1. Electronic Filing and Service of
Legal Papers ......................173
CHAPTER 1100
TRIAL
Rule 1119.
Request for Instructions and
Charge to the Jury. .................. 175
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CHAPTER 1400
SENTENCING
Rule 1404.
Disclosure of Reports. ...............176
CHAPTER 1600
DEFENSE OF CRIMINAL CASES
Rule 1600.
Public Defender. ................... 176
Rule 1601.
Other Available Criminal Defense. ..... 176
CHAPTER 4000
BAIL
Rule 4006.
Types of Bail. .....................177
Rule 4006.1. Ten Percent Bail. ................... 177
Rule 4006.2.
Requirements for Real Estate Bail. .....177
Rule 4006.3.
Valuation of Real Estate for Bail. ......179
Rule 4007.1.
Corporate Sureties & Bondsmen. ...... 179
Rule 4011.
Termination of Case. ................ 181
Rule 4015.
Receipt for and Return of Deposit. .....182
Rule 4015.1.
Authorization to Pay Attorney. ........183
Rule 4016.
Forfeiture of Bail. ..................183
Rule 4017.
Material Witnesses. ................. 183
Forms
Lackawanna Criminal Forms .........185
Index Lackawanna Criminal Index .......... 191
Lackawanna County
District Justice Rules
Rule 201.
Title and Citation of Rules. ...........199
Rule 407.
General Monetary Exemption
Before District Justice. ..............199
Rule 1006.
Appeal. ..........................199
Rule 1008.
Landlord and Tenant Appeals. .........199
Rule 1008.1.
Security. .........................200
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Rule 1014.1.
Argument. ........................200
Rule 1019.
Statements of Objections. ............201
Rules of the
Orphans’ Court Division
of the Court of Common Pleas of
Lackawanna County
CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY RULES
Rule 1.6(1). Mediation. ........................205
Rule 1.7(1). Entry and Withdrawal of Counsel. .....206
Rule 1.9(1). Index of Proceedings. ...............206
Rule 1.10(1). Computation of Time. ............... 207
Rule 1.11(1). Legal Publication. ..................207
Rule 1.12(1). Sureties. .........................207
Rule 1.12(2). Corporate Fiduciaries; Approval
Security. .........................208
Rule 1.13(1). Depositories of the Court. ............208
CHAPTER II
ACCOUNTS, OBJECTIONS AND
DISTRIBUTIONS
Rule 2.1(1). First Complete Advertisement. ........ 209
Rule 2.5(1). Contents of Notice. .................209
Rule 2.6(1). Required Exhibits. .................209
Rule 2.6(2). Submissions of Additional Documents. ..210
Rule 2.6(3). Advertising of Accounts. ............210
Rule 2.6(4). Submission to Court. ................210
Rule 2.7(1). Time of Filing. .................... 211
Rule 2.9(1). Schedules of Distribution. ............211
Rule 2.9(2). Schedules of Distribution—Notice
of Filing, Time, Method, and Return. ...212
Lackawanna County Court Rules Table of Contents
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Rule 2.9(3). Objections to Schedules of
Distribution. ......................212
Rule 2.10(1). Unknown Distributee. ...............213
CHAPTER III
PETITION, PRACTICE AND PLEADING
Rule 3.2(1). Pleadings. ........................213
CHAPTER V
RULES GOVERNING SPECIFIC TYPES OF PETITIONS
Rule 5.5(1). Time of Filing Report. ............... 214
Rule 5.6(1). Allowance of Counsel Fee from Minor’s
Estate. ...........................214
Rule 5.10(1). Notice. ..........................214
Rule 5.11(1). Exhibits. .........................214
Rule 5.16(1). Fees from Appointments. ............215
CHAPTER VII
RULES RELATING TO PREHEARING AND
HEARING PROCEDURES
Rule 7.1(1). Depositions, Discovery, Production
of Documents and Perpetuation of
Testimony. ........................ 215
Rule 7.5(1). Motion Court. .....................215
Rule 7.5(2). Pre-Hearing/Trial Conference. ........216
CHAPTER IX
AUDITORS AND MASTERS
Rule 9.1(1). Notice. ..........................216
Rule 9.6(1). Notice and Objections. ..............217
Rule 9.7(1). Decree. .......................... 217
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xx
CHAPTER X
REGISTER OF WILLS
Rule 10.6(1). Fee for Delinquent Filing. ............ 217
Index
Lackawanna Orphans’ Index ..........219
Lackawanna County
Rules of Judicial Administration
Rule 101.
Public Access Policy: Case
Records of the Trial Court.. ........... 225
Forms
Lackawanna Judicial Administration
Forms ...........................227
Lackawanna County
Administrative Orders
Reestablishment of the Magisterial Districts within the 45th Judicial
District; .......................... 239
Adult Probation Drug Test Fees ...........................241
Lackawanna County
Rules of Juvenile Court Procedure
Rule 205. Electronic Filing and Service of
Legal Papers ......................245
Rule 1205. Electronic Filing and Service of
Legal Papers ......................246
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Luzerne County
Rules of Civil Procedure
Rules of Construction
Rule 51. Title and Citation of Rules. ...........263
Rule 52. Effective Date of Rules. .............263
Rule 76. Denitions. .......................263
Rule 101. Principles of Interpretation. ..........264
Rule 127. Construction of Rules. ..............264
Rule 128. Presumptions and Ascertaining the
Intent of the Court. .................264
Rule 130. Construction of Rules and Derogation
of the Common Law. ................265
Rule 151. Effective Date of Amendments. .......265
The Business of the Court
Rule 171. Sessions of Court. ..................265
Rule 172. Holidays. .........................265
Practice and Procedure Generally
Rule 205.2(a). Rescinded ........................266
Rule 205.3.1. Use of Electronic Mail (Email) Addresses
in Filings and Correspondence ........ 266
Rule 205.4. Electronic Filing and Service of Legal
Papers. ..........................266
Rule 206.4(c). Procedure for Issuance of Rule to Show
Cause. ...........................269
Rule 208.2(d). Certicate of Concurrence/
Non-concurrence. ..................272
Rule 208.2(e). Certication Relating to Discovery. .... 272
Rule 208.3(a). Motion to Compel Answers to
Interrogatories and/or Responses to
Requests for Production of Documents. ... 272
Rule 208.3(b). Argument Court and Argument Lists. ...273
Rule 210. Form and Briefs. ...................274
Rule 211. Oral Argument. ....................274
Table of Contents Luzerne County Court Rules
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Rule 212.2. Pre-Trial Conference—Pre-Trial
Memoranda. ......................274
Rule 212.3. Pre-Trial Procedures, Scheduling
Conference, Settlement Conference,
and Trial Procedures. ...............274
Rule 214. Listing Cases for Hearing or Trial. .....275
Rule 229.3. Discontinuance Upon Settlement. ......275
Rule 270. Writ of Certiorari/Appeals From Zoning
Hearing Boards. ...................276
Rule 275. Land Use Appeals. .................276
Rule 290. Eminent Domain. ..................276
Service of Original Process and Other Legal Papers
Rule 430(a). Ofcial Periodical. .................277
Rule 510. Public Access Policy ................ 277
Actions at Law
Rule 1018.1. Notice to Defend. ..................278
Rule 1028(c). Procedure for Filing of Preliminary
Objections. .......................278
Rule 1034(a). Procedure for Filing of Motion for
Judgment on the Pleadings. ...........279
Rule 1035.2(a). Procedure for Filing of Motion for
Summary Judgment. ................281
Rule 1037.1. Liability for Costs. .................282
Rule 1037.2. Bill of Costs; Taxation. .............. 282
Rule 1081. Concealment of Property; Examination
of Defendant—Action in Replevin. ....283
Rule 1098. Peremptory Judgment in an Action in
Mandamus. .......................283
Rule 1143. Commencement of Mortgage
Foreclosure Action. .................284
Rule 1143.1. Conciliation Conference in Residential
Mortgage Foreclosure Actions. ........ 285
Rule 1144.1. Commencement of Consumer Debt
Actions. ..........................287
Rule 1144.2. Conciliation Conference in Consumer
Debt Actions. ..................... 288
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Arbitration
Rule 1301. Cases Subject to Arbitration. .......... 289
Rule 1302. Certication for Arbitration. ..........290
Rule 1303. Administration. .................... 290
Rule 1304. Selection of Arbitrators. .............291
Rule 1305. Striking of Case from Arbitration List or
Trial List. ........................ 292
Rule 1306. Notice of Hearing. ..................292
Rule 1307. Continuances. .....................293
Rule 1308. Hearing. .........................293
Rule 1309. Award. ...........................294
Rule 1310. Delay Damages. ...................294
Rule 1311. Award Docketing, Notice, Lien and
Judgment. ........................295
Rule 1312. Appeal. ..........................295
Rule 1313. Compensation. ....................295
Rule 1920.51. Administrative Fee for Appointment
of Master in Divorce.. ...............296
Actions for Wrongful Death
Rule 2205. Notice of Pendency of Wrongful
Death Action. .....................297
Rule 2206. Court Approval of Distribution of
Proceeds. .........................297
Execution and Enforcement of Judgments
Rule 2959. Return Day for Rules Pertaining to
Judgment by Confession. ............ 298
Rule 3128. Notice of Resale of Personal Property
by Sheriff. ........................298
Rule 3129.1. Notice of Sale—Real Property. ........ 298
Rule 3130. Notice of Sale of Securities. ..........299
Depositions and Discovery
Rule 4001. Rule to Show Cause Under Discovery
Proceedings. ......................300
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Rule 4017.1. Objections at Videotape Depositions. ...300
Rule 4021. Assignment of Judge for Complex
Cases or Discovery Proceedings. ......301
Tax Assessment Appeals
Rule 5000. Real Estate Tax Assessment Appeal. .... 301
Rule 5001. Intervention. ......................302
Rule 5002. Discovery. ........................ 303
Rule 5003. Pretrial Status Conference. ...........303
Luzerne County
Adminstrative Orders
Order Adopting Rules for Compulsory Arbitration;
No. 4767-C 2000 ......................................307
Repeal of Various Court of Common Pleas Rules;
No. 426-C 2001 .......................................308
Order Adopting the Revision, Reorganization and
Renumbering Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure and Rules
Concerning Election Code; No. 4904C/04; 395 MISC-04 ......309
Reestablishment of the Magisterial Districts within the
11th Judicial District ................316
Fees Assessed Pusuant to 18 P.S. .......................... 317
Relocation of Magisterial District 11-1-02 within the Eleventh
Judicial District; No. 400 ............318
Request to Increase Clerk of Court’s Fee Pursuant ............ 319
DUI Enforcement Assessment Fee (DEAF) Pursuant
to 75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3802;
No. CP-40-MD-00113-2020 .......... 321
Forms
Luzerne Civil Forms ................323
Index
Luzerne Civil Index ................353
Luzerne County Court Rules Table of Contents
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Luzerne County
Family Court Rules
PRACTICE AND PROCEDURAL GENERALLY
Rule 205.2(b). Filing of Legal Papers with the Clerk of
Judicial Records. ...................359
Rule 206.4(d). Procedure for Issuance of Rule to Show
Cause. ...........................359
Rule 208.3(c). Motion to Compel Answers to
Interrogatories and/or Responses
to Requests for Production of
Documents. ....................... 360
SUPPORT RULES
Rule 1910.1. Scope. ...........................360
Rule 1910.4-1. Domestic Relations Section. ..........361
Rule 1910.6-1. Representation. ....................361
Rule 1910.10. Hearing Procedures. ................361
Rule 1910.12(e). Brief on Exceptions. ................361
Rule 1910.12.1. Continuances. .....................362
Rule 1910.17. Orders for Payment of Support,
Alimony and Alimony
Pendente Lite. .....................362
Rule 1910.19. Modication or Termination. ......... 362
CUSTODY PROCEDURES
Rule 1915.4-1. Alternative Hearing Procedures for Partial
Custody Actions. ...................363
Rule 1915.4-2. Partial Custody. Conciliation
Conference. Record Hearing.
Exceptions. Service of Pleading
Filed Six Months from the date
of Court Order. Procedure for
Scheduling of Trial. .................363
Rule 1915.13. Special Relief. .....................366
Table of Contents Luzerne County Court Rules
xxvi
DIVORCE PROCEDURES
Rule 1920.1(b). Conformity to Civil Action. ..........367
Rule 1920.42(d). Certication of Hearing
Ofcer’s Fees. .....................367
Rule 1920.51(f). Motion to Continue Divorce Hearing
before a Hearing Ofcer. Form of
Motion. ..........................367
Rule 1920.55-2. Exceptions to Hearing Ofcer’s
Report and Recommendation. .........368
Forms
Luzerne Family Forms ..............371
Luzerne County
Rules of Criminal Procedure
Rule 102.
Citing the Criminal Procedural Rules. ... 377
Rule 122.
Assignment of Counsel. ............. 377
Rule 150.
Bench Warrants. ...................377
Rule 202.
Approval of Search Warrant Applications
by Attorney for the Commonwealth —
Local Option. .....................378
Rule 300(B)(2).
Accelerated Disposition in
Summary Cases. ...................378
Rule 301.
Procedures for Accelerated Rehabilitative
Disposition in Summary Cases Before the
Minor Judiciary. ................... 378
Rule 507.
Approval of Police Complaints and
Arrest Warrant Afdavits by
Attorney for the Commonwealth —
Local Option. .....................380
Rule 536.
Bail — Professional Bondsmen —
Forfeiture. ........................381
Rule 571.
Arraignment. ......................383
Rule 580.
Disposition of Pretrial Motions. ....... 384
Rule 588.
Motion for Return of Property. ........384
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Rule 708.
Probation, Intermediate Punishment,
or Parole. .........................385
Rule 4010.
Bail Agency.. ......................385
Administrative Orders Luzerne Criminal Orders ............387
Index
Luzerne Criminal Index .............397
Luzerne County
Rules of Judicial Administration
Rule 101.
Title and Citation of Rules. ...........403
Rule 283.
(Repealed) ........................403
Rule 506.
(Repealed) ........................403
Rule 507.
Court Records. ....................403
Rule 1901.
Termination of Inactive Cases. ........ 405
Rule 1910. Broadcasting, Taking of Photographs,
Video or Motion Pictures. ............406
Rule 4007. Requests for Transcripts ............. 407
Rule 4008. Costs payable by Requesting Party
other than the Commonwealth or
subdivision thereof .................408
Rule 5000.5.
Requests for Transcripts. ............. 410
Rule 5000.7.
Fees for Transcripts. ................ 411
Luzerne County Rules
Concerning Election Code
Rule 501.
Election Districts. ..................417
Rule 504.
Ofcial Appointments. ..............418
Rule 505.
Commissioners. ...................419
Rule 510.
Motions Court. ....................419
Forms
Luzerne Election Code Forms .........421
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xxviii
Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas
Orphans’ Court Division
CHAPTER I.
PRELIMINARY RULES
Rule 1.1. Short Title and Citation ..............427
Rule 1.2. Construction and Application of Rules ... 429
Rule 1.3. Denitions .......................429
Rule 1.4. Extension of Time Limitations ........ 432
Rule 1.5. Local Rules ......................432
Rule 1.6. Mediation by Agreement, Local Rule,
or Court Order .................... 432
Rule 1.7. Entry and Withdrawal of Counsel .....433
Rule 1.8. Forms ...........................433
Rule 1.99. Condential Information and Condential
Documents. Certication ............434
CHAPTER II.
ACCOUNTS, OBJECTIONS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Rule 2.1. Form of Account .................. 435
Rule 2.2. Form; Assets Transferred by the Exercise
of a Power of Appointment ........... 437
Rule 2.3. Form; Separate Accounts for Minors ...438
Rule 2.4. Petition for Adjudication/Statement of
Proposed Distribution; Virtual
Representation ....................438
Rule 2.5. Notice of Account Filing .............440
Rule 2.6. Filing with the Clerk ............... 443
Rule 2.7. Objections to Accounts or Petitions for
Adjudication/Statements of Proposed
Distribution .......................443
Rule 2.8. Pleadings Allowed After Objections are
Filed ............................444
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Rule 2.9. Conrmation of Accounts; Awards ....445
Rule 2.10. Foreign Heirs and Unknown
Distributees ......................445
Rule 2.11. Appointment of Ofcial Examiners ....446
CHAPTER III.
PETITION PRACTICE AND PLEADING
PART A.
PETITION PRACTICE
Rule 3.1. Petitions Generally .................446
Rule 3.2. Headings; Captions ................446
Rule 3.3. Contents of All Pleadings; General and
Specic Averments .................447
Rule 3.4. Form of Petition; Exhibits; Consents;
Signing and Verication ............. 448
Rule 3.5. Mode of Proceeding on Petition .......451
PART B.
RESPONSIVE PLEADINGS
Rule 3.6. Pleadings Allowed After Petition ......453
Rule 3.7. Time for Filing and Service of
Responsive Pleadings ...............454
Rule 3.8. Headings of Responsive Pleadings . . . . . 455
Rule 3.9. Preliminary Objections ..............455
Rule 3.10. Denials; Effect of Failure to Deny .....456
Rule 3.11. Answer with New Matter ............ 457
PART C.
PLEADINGS IN GENERAL
Rule 3.12. Signing .......................... 457
Rule 3.13. Verication .......................458
Rule 3.14. Amendment ......................459
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Rule 3.15. Pleading More Than One Cause of
Action; Alternative Pleadings ........459
CHAPTER IV.
FORMAT AND SERVICE OF LEGAL PAPER
BY PARTIES AND COURT; ELECTRONIC FILING
Rule 4.1. Format of All Legal Paper ............ 459
Rule 4.2. Citation or Notice to Individuals and
Entities ..........................460
Rule 4.3. Service of Legal Paper Other than
Citations or Notices ................ 462
Rule 4.4. Charities – Notice to the Attorney
General ..........................463
Rule 4.5. Service of Legal Paper by Court and
Clerk. ...........................465
Rule 4.6. Notice of the Date of Entry of an
Adjudication or Court Order on the
Docket ...........................466
Rule 4.7. Electronic Filing ...................466
CHAPTER V.
RULES GOVERNING SPECIFIC
TYPES OF PETITIONS
Rule 5.1. Declaratory Judgment ..............468
Rule 5.2. Family Exemption .................469
Rule 5.3. Intestate Share to Surviving Spouse
from Real Estate ................... 469
Rule 5.4. Revocation, Vacation or Extension of
Time for Filing of Surviving Spouse’s
Election .........................470
Rule 5.5. Appointment of a Guardian ad litem or a
Trustee ad litem ...................471
Rule 5.6. Appointment of a Guardian for the
Estate or Person of a Minor ..........473
Rule 5.7. Appointment of a Trustee ............ 474
Rule 5.8. Discharge of Fiduciary and Surety .....475
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Rule 5.9. Partition .........................476
Rule 5.10. Public Sale of Real Property ..........477
Rule 5.11. Private Sale of Real Property or Options
Therefor .........................477
Rule 5.12. Mortgage or Lease of Real Property ....478
Rule 5.13. Inalienable Property ................478
Rule 5.14. Designation of a Successor Custodian ...478
Rule 5.15. Conrmation of Trustee Appointment ...479
CHAPTER VI.
Reserved
CHAPTER VII.
RULES RELATING TO PRE-HEARING AND
HEARING PROCEDURE
Rule 7.1. Depositions, Discovery, Production of
Documents, Perpetuation of Testimony,
and Subpoenas to Attend and Testify ... 479
Rule 7.2. Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings ...480
Rule 7.3. Motion for Summary Judgment .......480
Rule 7.4. Injunctions .......................480
CHAPTER VIII.
RECONSIDERATION
Rule 8.1. Exceptions and Post-Trial Motions ..... 481
Rule 8.2. Motions for Reconsideration ..........481
CHAPTER IX.
AUDITORS AND HEARING OFFICERS
Rule 9.1. Notice of Hearings .................482
Rule 9.2. Filing of Report ....................482
Rule 9.3. Form of Auditor’s Report ............ 482
Table of Contents Luzerne County Court Rules
xxxii
Rule 9.4. Form of Hearing Ofcer’s Report ...... 482
Rule 9.5. Transcript of Testimony .............483
Rule 9.6. Notice of Filing Report ..............483
Rule 9.7. Conrmation of Report .............. 483
Rule 9.8. Security for Expenses and Fees ........483
CHAPTER X.
REGISTER OF WILLS
Rule 10.1. Forms ...........................484
Rule 10.2. Petition Practice ...................485
Rule 10.3. Hearings ......................... 485
Rule 10.4. Appeals from the Register of Wills .....486
Rule 10.5. Notice to Beneciaries and Intestate
Heirs ............................486
Rule 10.6. Status Report by Personal
Representative ....................489
CHAPTER XI.
Reserved
CHAPTER XII.
Reserved
CHAPTER XIII.
Reserved
CHAPTER XIV.
GUARDIANSHIPS OF INCAPACITATED PERSONS
Rule 14.2—14.5 (Reserved). .......................491
Rule 14.1. Guardianship Petition Practice
and Pleading. ......................491
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Rule 14.2. Petition for Adjudication of Incapacity
and Appointment of a Guardian of
the Person or Estate of an
Incapacitated Person. ...............492
Rule 14.3. Alternative Proof of Incapacity: Expert
Report in Lieu of In-Person or
Deposition Testimony of Expert. ......496
Rule 14.4. Counsel. .........................498
Rule 14.5. Waiver or Modication of Bond. ......499
Rule 14.6. Determination of Incapacity and
Selection of Guardian ...............499
Rule 14.7. Order and Certicate. ...............501
Rule 14.8. Guardianship Reporting, Monitoring,
Review, and Compliance. ............503
Rule 14.9. Review Hearing. ...................504
Rule 14.10. Proceedings Relating to Real Property ...505
Rule 14.11. Transfer of Guardianship of the
Person to Another State.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 506
Rule 14.12. Transfer of Guardianship of the
Estate to Another State. .............. 507
Rule 14.13. Acceptance of a Guardianship
Transferred from Another State. .......508
Rule 14.14. Forms ...........................509
CHAPTER XV.
ADOPTIONS
Rule 15.1. Local Rules. ......................509
Rule 15.2. Voluntary Relinquishment to Agency ...510
Rule 15.3. Voluntary Relinquishment to Adult
Intending to Adopt Child. ............ 511
Rule 15.4. Involuntary Termination of Parental
Rights. ...........................512
Rule 15.5. Adoption. ........................513
Rule 15.6. Notice; Method and Time ............514
Rule 15.7. Impounding; Docket Entries; Reports;
Privacy. ..........................514
Rule 15.8. Registration of Foreign Adoption
Decree. ..........................515
Table of Contents Luzerne County Court Rules
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Rule 15.9. Petition for Adoption of a Foreign
Born Child. .......................518
CHAPTER XVI.
PROCEEDINGS PURSUANT TO SECTION 3206
OF THE ABORTION CONTROL ACT
Rule 16.1. Denitions; Scope ..................522
Rule 16.2. Condentiality .................... 524
Rule 16.3. Precedence of Proceeding ............524
Rule 16.4. Commencement; Venue; No Filing
Fees .............................524
Rule 16.5. Application; Contents; Form of
Verication; Assistance in Preparation ... 524
Rule 16.6. Dockets; Document Maintenance ......525
Rule 16.7. Reserved .........................525
Rule 16.8. Reserved .........................525
Rule 16.9. Reserved ........................525
Rule 16.10. Form; Generally ................... 525
Rule 16.11. Reserved .........................526
Rule 16.12. Reserved .........................526
Forms Luzerne County Orphans’ Court .......527
Index Luzerne County Orphans’ Court ........583
