Court of Common Pleas of Cameron County, Pennsylvania
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings
Preliminary Objections
Adjournments
- If the allotted argument time is not reasonably sufficient, counsel or a self-represented party must contact the Court Administrator’s office in writing to request a continuance and reschedule sufficient time.
- If the allotted hearing time is not reasonably sufficient, counsel or a self-represented party must contact the Court Administrator’s office in writing to request a continuance.
- The arbitrators must hold a hearing within 60 days after appointment unless all parties or their counsel agree to extend the time.
- +4 more
Request must include
Communication
Phone
Document Format Requirements9 rules
The first page of any pleading filed, except a pleading requiring a Notice to Defend, shall be an identification sheet, setting forth the following information and typed according to the format presented in Appendix A.
The identification sheet must use an uppercase centered court heading, uppercase party names left of center, and type the remaining listed information right of center; a shortened caption may be used after a previous filing.
Court's wording
a. In capital letters, centered from left to right margin: “IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF THE FIFTY-NINTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA.” b. In capital letters, on the left side of center, the complete names of all parties (if the party filing the attached pleading has made a previous filing, an appropriate and obvious shortened caption may be used). c. Type on the right side of center:
All papers and documents consisting of more than one page shall be fastened or stapled on the top.
- More than 1 page
Formatting
- •Fasten or staple the paper or document at the top.
The order accompanying said complaint shall be in the form prescribed in Pa.R.C.P. 1915.16, except that the order in custody matters shall not require the children to appear at the custody conference.
The party requesting the appointment of a master shall file with the appropriate county Prothonotary a motion for the appointment of a master in substantially the form prescribed in Pa.R.C.P. 1920.74.
Non-documentary exhibits must be photographed, converted to letter size, marked, and produced during the proceeding; photographs must be in color unless the Court directs otherwise.
- Paper size
- Letter
- Non-documentary exhibits
Court's wording
These non-documentary exhibits must be photographed by the proponent, converted to a letter-sized document (8-1/2 x 11 inches), and appropriately marked and produced during the court proceeding for inclusion in the documentary record. Photographs must be color photographs unless otherwise directed by the Court.
Any digital exhibit that cannot be printed (i.e., audio or video recording) shall be entered into the record on a Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash drive (or other format if expressly approved by the court).
- Digital exhibits
Formatting
- •Another format may be used if expressly approved by the court
Briefs shall be prepared in the form prescribed by Pa.R.C.P. 210.
Document evidence must be sized and made of material compatible with filing and storage, though the records office may request alternative storage measures for exhibits that are difficult to store.
Court's wording
The proponent shall assure that document evidence is in a formant, including size and material, that is compatible with being filed and easily stored by the records office. If, due to the nature of the proceeding and the requirement that an oversized or undersized document exhibit be entered into evidence that is not easily capable of storage by the records office, then the records office may request that alternate measures be undertaken for storage of this document evidence, including that the proponent retain custody in conformance with Rule 5103 for physical evidence.
Document Filing Requirements51 rules
The required number of photocopies and a self-addressed postage-paid mailing envelope must accompany requests for returning certified copies of pleadings to the filing party.
A pleading, except one requiring a Notice to Defend, must begin with an identification sheet containing the specified court, party, case, filing-party, and counsel information; a shortened caption may be used if the filing party has filed previously.
- Document
- Pleading
Must include
- •Caption
- •Case number
Court's wording
The first page of any pleading filed, except a pleading requiring a Notice to Defend, shall be an identification sheet, setting forth the following information and typed according to the format presented in Appendix A. a. In capital letters, centered from left to right margin: “IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF THE FIFTY-NINTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA.” b. In capital letters, on the left side of center, the complete names of all parties (if the party filing the attached pleading has made a previous filing, an appropriate and obvious shortened caption may be used). c. Type on the right side of center: i. The county branch, either Cameron or Elk. ii. The type of action, i.e., Civil, Criminal, Orphans’ Court Division. *Note: The word Division shall not be used except for “Orphans’ Court Division.” iii. The docket number, if assigned, beginning with the year, i.e., 2007-XXX. iv. The name of the pleading. v. The specific type of action in Civil cases, e.g. Divorce, Custody, etc. or in Orphans’ Court cases, e.g., Adoption vi. The completed statement “Filed on behalf of _ (party’s name and relationship to case). vii. The completed statement showing the name, address, and telephone number of counsel of record.
Petitions shall be filed with the Prothonotary before being presented to the Court and shall include a proposed order of court for scheduling the hearing.
- Document
- Petition
Must include
- •Proposed order
A proposed order of court in the form prescribed by Pa.R.C.P. 206.5 shall be attached to the petition for a rule to show cause.
- Document
- Petition for rule to show cause
Must include
- •Proposed order
The proposed order scheduling a hearing on the petition shall include the phrase “ hour(s) is allotted for the hearing.”
All petitions, which allege facts not of record, must be verified and shall be endorsed with a notice to plead.
unless the moving party files a praecipe for argument simultaneously with the motion.
The proposed order scheduling an argument on the motion shall include the phrase “ hour(s) is allotted for the argument.”
All motions which request relief on matters of record shall be filed with the Prothonotary before being presented to the Court and shall include a proposed order of court for scheduling the argument.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Proposed order
Cases shall be placed on the civil trial list by filing a certificate of readiness and a praecipe to list with the Prothonotary, along with a certificate of service showing service on all other parties in interest or their counsel of record.
- Document
- Trial list filing
Must include
- •Certificate of service
A certificate of readiness must certify completion of pleadings, pretrial discovery, medical examinations and report exchanges, and that the case is ready for trial.
Court's wording
Any party or counsel of record filing a certificate of readiness shall certify thereon that: (1) all pleadings have been completed; (2) all pretrial discovery procedures have been completed; (3) all medical examinations have been completed and medical reports exchanged; and (4) the case is ready for trial.
A pre-trial statement must contain the items required by Pa.R.C.P. 212.2 and estimate the time needed to present the party’s case in chief.
Court's wording
No less than ten (10) days prior to the date scheduled for the pre-trial conference, each party shall file with the Prothonotary a pre-trial statement containing those items set forth in Pa.R.C.P. 212.2 and serve other counsel of record or self-represented litigant. In addition, the pre-trial statement shall set forth an estimate of the length of time which will be required to present the party’s case in chief.
A proposed order scheduling argument on the exceptions shall be submitted simultaneously with the filing of the exceptions
- Document
- Exceptions
Must include
- •Proposed order
An attorney’s continuance motion must state that the client was informed of and consented to the continuance.
Court's wording
In addition, any motion for continuance filed by an attorney shall include a statement that the client represented by the attorney requesting the continuance has been made aware of the motion and has consented to the continuance.
A continuance motion must be written and signed, state the specific reason, and state whether opposing counsel or a self-represented litigant objects.
Court's wording
A motion for continuance shall be in writing, shall be signed by counsel or self- represented litigant, shall set forth specifically the reason for the request, and shall contain a statement that opposing counsel or any self-represented litigant either objects or does not object to the proposed continuance.
All motions for continuances based upon a calendar conflict due to an appearance scheduled in another court must include a copy of the scheduling order or notice issued by the other court.
A transcript request must be presented to the Court by motion and order identifying the requested record portion and, for a partial transcript, the requested date and witnesses.
Court's wording
In all cases where a transcript is requested, the party requesting the transcript must present a motion and order to the Court specifically identifying that portion of the record that is requested, and in the event that less than all of the trial is to be transcribed, the date and witnesses that are requested.
The notice shall contain the date of the proposed termination and the procedure to avoid termination.
b. For matters filed in Cameron County: Cameron County Prothonotary Cameron County Courthouse 20 East Fifth Street Emporium, PA 15834 (814) 486-3349
The officer to be named in the notice to defend from whom information concerning legal help can be obtained is: a. For matters filed in Elk County: Elk County Prothonotary Elk County Courthouse 240 Main Street Ridgway, PA 15853 (814) 776-5344
The proposed order scheduling argument on the motion shall include the phrase “ hour(s) is allotted for the argument.”
A motion for judgment on the pleadings shall be filed with the Prothonotary before being presented to the Court and shall include a proposed order scheduling argument on the motion.
- Document
- Motion for judgment on the pleadings
Must include
- •Proposed order
Preliminary objections shall be filed with Prothonotary and shall include a proposed order scheduling argument on the preliminary objections, including a provision for the time allotted for the argument.
- Document
- Preliminary objections
Must include
- •Proposed order
The opposing party shall file a response in accordance with Pa.R.C.P. 1035.3.
A motion for summary judgment shall be filed with the Prothonotary before being presented to the Court and shall include a proposed order scheduling argument on the motion.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Proposed order
When the parties agree mediation is appropriate, they must file and submit to the Court a stipulation signed by all parties and counsel that states their agreement to mediate and belief that settlement is realistically possible.
Court's wording
Upon agreement of the parties that mediation would be appropriate for resolution of a case, a “stipulation for mediation” requesting a mediation conference and signed by all parties and counsel shall be filed of record and submitted to the Court. The stipulation shall specify that all parties involved agree to the mediation and believe that there is a th realistic possibility of settlement.
The mediator/judge shall submit a confidential report to the trial judge indicating whether a settlement has been reached.
An attorney who does not wish to serve as an arbitrator must file a written statement with the Prothonotary of each county in the district.
Court's wording
The list of arbitrators shall consist of all active members of the Elk County and Cameron County Bar Associations in the 59th Judicial District, excepting only such attorney who files with the Prothonotary of each county in the district a written statement to the effect that he or she does not wish to be an arbitrator.
The arbitrators shall make their award in substantially the form set forth in Pa.R.C.P. 1312 and file it with the Prothonotary within one day after the hearing, unless the time is extended by the parties.
All claims for support must be initiated in the appropriate county Domestic Relations Section of the Court of Common Pleas of the 59th Judicial District by filing a complaint for
Each complaint in divorce that contains a count for child support shall allow for a separate domestic relations number to be assigned by the Domestic Relations Section.
All complaints for custody, partial custody and visitation are to be filed with the appropriate county Prothonotary and shall be substantially in the form prescribed in Pa.R.C.P. 1915.15 and 1915.16.
An application for child support services must also be completed and submitted to the appropriate county Domestic Relations Section.
If an agreement regarding support is reached pursuant to a divorce, the support agreement shall be specifically set forth apart from the remaining provisions of the divorce agreement and shall be filed in the appropriate county Domestic Relations Section.
Prior to a custody trial, the parties shall complete and submit a parenting plan to the Court and opposing party.
Prior to the custody pre-trial conference, the parties shall complete and submit a pre-trial statement to the Court and opposing party.
The order shall direct the parties to appear for a conference at the Domestic Relations Section, 2nd Floor, Elk County Courthouse Annex, 300 Center Street, Ridgway, PA (see L1915.15.).
The order to appear must name the appropriate county Prothonotary as the officer from whom information concerning legal help can be obtained, using the listed county contact information.
Court's wording
The officer to be named in the order to appear from whom information concerning legal help can be obtained is: a. For matters filed in Elk County: Elk County Prothonotary Elk County Courthouse Main Street Ridgway, PA 15853 (814) 776-5344 b. For matters filed in Cameron County: Cameron County Prothonotary Cameron County Courthouse 20 E. Fifth Street Emporium, PA 15834 (814) 486-3349
If an agreement is reached at the custody conference, said agreement shall be noted by the custody conference officer or reduced to a written proposal signed by both parties and shall be submitted to the Court for an order.
A divorce-decree request involving approval or incorporation of a settlement agreement will be denied unless the settlement’s listed claims have been raised of record in accordance with 23 Pa.C.S.A. 3104.
Court's wording
The request for the entry of a decree in divorce which includes the approval or incorporation of a settlement agreement shall be denied unless the claims addressed in the settlement agreement, i.e., custody, support, alimony, alimony pendente lite, counsel fees, expenses and costs, and equitable distribution of property, have been raised of record in accordance with 23 Pa.C.S.A. 3104.
A complaint for divorce shall be filed with the appropriate county Prothonotary of the th Court of Common Pleas of the 59 Judicial District.
The party requesting the appointment of a master shall file with the appropriate county Prothonotary a motion for the appointment of a master in substantially the form prescribed in Pa.R.C.P. 1920.74.
All claims for equitable distribution, alimony, alimony pendente lite, attorney’s fees and costs must be raised of record before being referred to a permanent master for hearing.
Transcript requests must use the District Court Administrator’s form, which must include all elements required by the Court Administrator of Pennsylvania.
Court's wording
All requests for transcripts shall be submitted on a form provided by the District Court Administrator that will include all elements required by the Court Administrator of Pennsylvania. The form shall be made available on the Court’s website at www.co.pa.elk.us/judicial and at the office of the District Court Administrator.
All actions requesting a divorce pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S.A. 3301(a) or an annulment pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S.A. 3303 shall be referred to the permanent master upon the filing of a motion for the appointment of a master substantially in the form prescribed by Pa.R.C.P. 1920.74 with the appropriate county Prothonotary.
The proponent must provide the applicable Confidential Information Form or Confidential Document Form to the custodian when introducing an exhibit containing covered confidential information or documents.
Court's wording
The proponent shall include a Confidential Information Form or Confidential Document Form for any exhibit offered into evidence that contains confidential information or confidential documents as defined in the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania. These forms shall be given by the proponent to the custodian at the time the evidence is introduced.
The custodian or designee shall prepare the Index of Exhibits during the court proceedings on a form supplied by Court Administration.
(d) Media depositions presented at trial shall remain in the proponent’s possession. The proponent shall simultaneously submit a transcript of the deposition as an exhibit.
A document must include a Confidential Document Form, which the proponent must give to the custodian when the evidence is introduced.
- Document
- Document
Must include
- •Confidential Document Form
Court's wording
Pennsylvania shall include a Confidential Document Form so that the document can be properly sealed by the records office. These forms shall be given by the proponent to the custodian at the time the evidence is introduced.
A proposed order of court in the form prescribed by Pa.R.C.P. 206.5 shall not be used to schedule an argument on general motions, preliminary objections, or a hearing on petitions that do not comply with Pa.R.C.P. 206.4.
If a designee prepares the exhibit index, the custodian must obtain it and compare it with the exhibits in the custodian’s possession before filing the exhibits.
Court's wording
If a designee is preparing the Index of Exhibits during a proceeding, the custodian shall obtain the Index of Exhibits prepared during the court proceeding from the designee and compare the exhibits in the possession of the custodian with the Index of Exhibits before filings the exhibits in the records office.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Petitions submitted by fax or other electronic transmission will not be considered, except in extraordinary or emergency situations.
A petition submitted to the Court by facsimile or other electronic transmission will not be considered except in extraordinary or emergency situations.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Rule L206.1(a) Petition
Petitions for a rule to show cause submitted by fax or other electronic means will not be considered, except in extraordinary or emergency situations.
A petition for a rule to show cause submitted to the Court by facsimile or other electronic submission will not be considered except in extraordinary or emergency situations.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Rule L206.4(c) Rule to Show Cause
The Court will not consider motions submitted by facsimile or other electronic means, except in extraordinary or emergency situations.
Motions submitted to the Court by facsimile or other electronic submission will not be considered except in extraordinary or emergency situations.
Civil cases
Page 5 | Rule L208.3(b) Motion. Alternative Procedures
Motions submitted by fax or other electronic transmission will not be considered except in extraordinary or emergency situations.
Motions submitted to the Court by facsimile or other electronic transmission will not be considered except in extraordinary or emergency situations.
Civil cases
Page 7 | Rule L216 Motion for Continuance
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Petitions must be filed with the Prothonotary before presentation to the Court.
Petitions shall be filed with the Prothonotary before being presented to the Court and shall include a proposed order of court for scheduling the hearing.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Rule L206.1(a) Petition
A petition for a rule to show cause must be filed with the Prothonotary before presentation to the Court.
As with all other pleadings, a petition for a rule to show cause must be filed with Prothonotary prior to being presented to the Court.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Rule L206.4(c) Rule to Show Cause
A petition initially submitted by fax or other electronic transmission must be filed of record within two business days.
Any petition initially submitted by facsimile or other electronic transmission must be filed of record within two (2) business days thereafter.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Rule L206.1(a) Petition
A motion seeking relief on a matter of record must be filed before it is presented to the Court.
All motions which request relief on matters of record shall be filed with the Prothonotary before being presented to the Court
Civil cases
Page 5 | Rule L208.3(b) Motion. Alternative Procedures
A motion initially submitted by facsimile or other electronic transmission must be filed of record within two business days.
Any motion initially submitted by facsimile or other electronic transmission must be filed of record within two (2) business days thereafter.
Civil cases
Page 5 | Rule L208.3(b) Motion. Alternative Procedures
Each party must file a pre-trial statement with the Prothonotary at least 10 days before the pre-trial conference and serve other counsel of record or a self-represented litigant.
No less than ten (10) days prior to the date scheduled for the pre-trial conference, each party shall file with the Prothonotary a pre-trial statement containing those items set forth in Pa.R.C.P. 212.2 and serve other counsel of record or self-represented litigant.
Civil cases
Page 6 | Rule L212.2 Pre-trial Statement
Pre-trial statement amendments may be submitted up to 30 days before trial, and later amendments require Court approval.
Amendments to a pre-trial statement may be submitted up to 30 days prior to the date trial is to begin and not thereafter unless approved by the Court.
Civil cases
Page 6 | Rule L212.2 Pre-trial Statement
A party served with an adverse party’s filed certificate of readiness has 10 days from service to file exceptions.
Any party or counsel of record who is served with a copy of a certificate of readiness that has been filed by an adverse party shall have ten (10) days from the date of service in which to file exceptions thereto.
Civil cases
Page 6 | Rule L212.1 Trial
Continuance motions must be filed with the Prothonotary before court presentation, but personal presentment is not required.
All continuance motions must be filed with the Prothonotary before being presented to the Court. Personal presentment is not required.
Civil cases
Page 7 | Rule L216 Motion for Continuance
A motion initially submitted by fax or another electronic method must be filed of record within two business days.
Any motion initially submitted by facsimile or other electronic submission must be filed of record within two (2) business days thereafter.
Civil cases
Page 7 | Rule L216 Motion for Continuance
A party seeking a transcript for a post-trial motion must have it prepared before the motion is argued.
A party filing a post-trial motion who desires a transcript shall cause the transcript or portion thereof to be prepared before the motion is argued.
Civil cases
Page 8 | Rule L227.1 Post -Trial Conferences
The opposing party must file an answer or submit a reply brief within 20 days after service, unless a court order changes the response time.
The opposing party shall file an answer or submit a reply brief to the motion within 20 days after service of the motion unless the time for filing the response is modified by court order.
Civil cases
Page 10 | Rule L1034(a) Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings
A summary judgment motion must be filed with the Prothonotary before presentation to the Court.
A motion for summary judgment shall be filed with the Prothonotary before being presented to the Court and shall include a proposed order scheduling argument on the motion.
Civil cases
Page 11 | Rule L1035.2(a) Motion for Summary Judgment
The Prothonotary must appoint three arbitrators within ten days after a party files a praecipe for arbitration.
Within ten (10) days after any party files a praecipe for arbitration, the Prothonotary shall appoint three arbitrators, with the first named to be the chairperson.
Civil cases
Page 13 | Rule L1301 Compulsory Arbitration
Any party may appeal to the Court within 30 days after the award is filed, as provided by Pa.R.C.P. 1308.
Within 30 days from the date of filing of an award, any party may appeal to the Court as provided by Pa.R.C.P. 1308.
Civil cases
Page 14 | Rule L1301 Compulsory Arbitration
The arbitrators must file the award with the Prothonotary within one day after the hearing unless the parties extend the time.
The arbitrators shall make their award in substantially the form set forth in Pa.R.C.P. 1312 and file it with the Prothonotary within one day after the hearing, unless the time is extended by the parties.
Civil cases
Page 14 | Rule L1301 Compulsory Arbitration
When one custodian is involved, all submitted exhibits and the exhibit index must be filed with the appropriate records office within five business days after the proceeding concludes.
If only one custodian is involved with a proceeding, they shall file with the appropriate records office (Prothonotary/Clerk of Courts or Orphan’s Court) all submitted exhibits and index of exhibits within five (5) business days of the conclusion of the proceeding.
Civil cases
Page 21 | Rule 5102. General Provisions.
At the conclusion of the proceeding, the custodian must file all submitted exhibits and the exhibit index with the appropriate records office within five business days.
The custodian at the conclusion of the proceeding shall file with the appropriate records office all submitted exhibits and index of exhibits within five (5) business days of the conclusion of the proceeding.
Civil cases
Page 21 | Rule 5102. General Provisions.
Service and Proof of Service Rules
The moving party must notify opposing counsel and any unrepresented party of the hearing's date, time, and place.
The moving party shall notify opposing counsel and any unrepresented party of the date, time and place for hearing.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Rule L206.1(a) Petition
For an emergency motion, the moving party must notify opposing parties of the motion’s substance and its filing and presentation times.
The moving party shall make notify the opposing party(ies) of the substance of the motion and the time of filing and presentation to the Court.
Civil cases
Page 5 | Rule L208.3(b) Motion. Alternative Procedures
The moving party must notify opposing counsel and any unrepresented party of the argument’s date, time, and place.
The moving party shall notify opposing counsel and any unrepresented party of the date, time and place for argument.
Civil cases
Page 5 | Rule L208.3(b) Motion. Alternative Procedures
Each party must serve its pre-trial statement on other counsel of record or a self-represented litigant.
No less than ten (10) days prior to the date scheduled for the pre-trial conference, each party shall file with the Prothonotary a pre-trial statement containing those items set forth in Pa.R.C.P. 212.2 and serve other counsel of record or self-represented litigant.
Civil cases
Page 6 | Rule L212.2 Pre-trial Statement
The certificate of service accompanying a civil trial-list filing must show service on all other parties in interest or their counsel of record.
Cases shall be placed on the civil trial list by filing a certificate of readiness and a praecipe to list with the Prothonotary, along with a certificate of service showing service on all other parties in interest or their counsel of record.
Civil cases
Page 6 | Rule L212.1 Trial
Where publication service is permitted, publish once in a daily newspaper in the county where the action is brought.
In all actions where service by publication is permitted, publication shall be made one time in a daily newspaper published in the county in which the action is brought, as no legal journal or publication exists in the 59th Judicial District.
Civil cases
Page 9 | Rule L430 Service by Publication
The Prothonotary must serve proposed-termination notice at least 60 days in advance; for qualifying Cameron County divorce cases, notice goes to plaintiffs’ counsel or self-represented plaintiffs.
The Prothonotary shall serve notice of proposed dismissal for each case on counsel of record, and on the parties if not represented, at least sixty (60) days prior to the date of the proposed termination. The notice shall contain the date of the proposed termination and the procedure to avoid termination. a. Where it would be unduly burdensome to research the captions, parties, and mailing addresses of Cameron County divorce cases that have been inactive for two years or more, such cases shall be terminated pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 230.2, provided, however, the Cameron County Prothonotary shall serve notice of the proposed dismissal upon plaintiffs’ counsel or self-represented plaintiffs, at least sixty (60) days prior to the date of the proposed termination.
Civil cases
Page 9 | Rule L230.2 Termination of Inactive Cases
The party filing a praecipe must immediately mail a copy to the adverse party or counsel.
The party filing a praecipe shall immediately mail a copy of the praecipe to the adverse party or counsel.
Civil cases
Page 13 | Rule L1301 Compulsory Arbitration
The chairperson must give all parties or their counsel at least 30 days' notice of the hearing.
The chairperson shall give at least thirty (30) days notice of the hearing to all parties or their counsel.
Civil cases
Page 14 | Rule L1301 Compulsory Arbitration
The moving party is responsible for serving the hearing notices.
Service of the hearing notices is the responsibility of the moving party.
Civil cases
Page 16 | Rule L1915.15 Complaint. Caption. Order
The permanent master must give both parties or their attorneys written notice of the hearing’s time and place at least ten days beforehand.
The permanent master shall give at least ten (10) days written notice of the time and place of the hearing to both parties or their attorneys.
Civil cases
Page 19 | Rule L1920.53 Hearing by Master. Report
The requesting party must submit the original transcript request to the District Court Administrator and serve copies on the presiding judge, reporter or recorder, and opposing counsel or unrepresented opposing party.
(1) The requesting party shall submit the original request form to the District Court Administrator and shall serve copies of the request to: a. The judge presiding over the matter; b. The court reporter or court recorder c. The opposing counsel or an opposing party if unrepresented.
Civil cases
Page 20 | Rule L4007 Requests For Transcripts
The custodian may move the Court to address conversion or retention of previously entered exhibits, provided the motion is served on the appropriate parties or counsel at their last known address.
The custodian may submit a motion to the Court to address the conversion or retention of previously entered exhibits that are currently being held so long as any motion is served on the appropriate parties or counsel to their last known address.
Civil cases
Page 22 | Rule 5103. Special Provisions.
Filing Fees and Waivers
A $100 conference fee, payable to the custody conference officer, must be submitted when filing a custody complaint or modification petition unless the Court granted in forma pauperis status before filing.
A conference fee of $100.00 shall be submitted at time of filing the custody complaint or petition to modify custody unless the Court prior to the filing of a custody complaint or petition to modify custody has granted plaintiff or petitioner in forma pauperis status. The fee is payable to the custody conference officer.
Civil cases
Page 15 | Rule L1915.4-3 Non-Record Proceedings. Trial
The permanent master’s base fee for all divorce-related claims is $500, payable to the master and due with the appointment motion when it is filed.
The permanent master’s base fee for all claims related to a divorce shall be $500. Said fee is payable to the permanent master and shall be submitted with the motion for the appointment of a master at time of filing of the motion.
Civil cases
Page 18 | Rule L1920.51 Appointment of Master
The $500 permanent master’s fee must be paid to the master and submitted with the appointment motion when it is filed.
The permanent master’s fee shall be $500. Said fee is payable to the permanent master and shall be submitted with the motion for the appointment of a master at time of filing.
Civil cases
Page 19 | Rule L1920.53 Hearing by Master. Report
A paper copy of a transcript costs the requesting party and any other party $0.25 per page.
(2) Costs paid by the requesting party and any other party for a paper copy of the transcript shall be $0.25 per page
Civil cases
Page 20 | Rule L4008 Costs For Transcripts
(2) A party making a request for transcript shall make a partial payment of 95% of the estimated cost. All checks shall be made payable to the County of Elk in Elk County matters or the County of Cameron in Cameron County matters. Payment shall be delivered to the office of the District Court Administrator, P.O. Box 416, Ridgway, PA 15853, regardless of the county of venue.
(2) A party making a request for transcript shall make a partial payment of 95% of the estimated cost. All checks shall be made payable to the County of Elk in Elk County matters or the County of Cameron in Cameron County matters. Payment shall be delivered to the office of the District Court Administrator, P.O. Box 416, Ridgway, PA 15853, regardless of the county of venue.
Civil cases
Page 20 | Rule L4007 Requests For Transcripts
For electronic transcripts, the requester pays $2.50 per page for ordinary service, $3.50 for expedited service, $4.50 for daily service, or $6.50 for same-day delivery; the stated schedule excludes the Commonwealth and its subdivisions.
(1) Costs paid by the requesting party, other than the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or a subdivision there, for a transcript in electronic format shall be as follows: a. For an ordinary transcript, $2.50 per page b. For an expedited transcript, $3.50 per page c. For a daily transcript, $4.50 per page d. For same day delivery, $6.50 per page
Civil cases
Page 20 | Rule L4008 Costs For Transcripts
A request for a paper copy of a transcript previously filed of record must be submitted to the District Court Administrator and costs $0.75 per page.
(6) A request for a copy of any transcript previously filed of record shall be submitted to the District Court Administrator and provided according to the following fee schedule: a. For paper format, $0.75 per page
Civil cases
Page 20 | Rule L4008 Costs For Transcripts
A request for an electronic copy of a transcript previously filed of record must be submitted to the District Court Administrator and costs $0.50 per page.
(6) A request for a copy of any transcript previously filed of record shall be submitted to the District Court Administrator and provided according to the following fee schedule: b. For electronic format, $0.50 per page
Civil cases
Page 20 | Rule L4008 Costs For Transcripts
When the Commonwealth or one of its subdivisions is liable for an electronic transcript, the cost is $2.00 for all transcripts.
(3) Where the Commonwealth or a subdivision thereof is liable for the cost in electronic format: a. For all transcripts, $2.00.
Civil cases
Page 20 | Rule L4008 Costs For Transcripts
The Prothonotary determines filing fees.
Filing fees shall be determined by the Prothonotary.
Civil cases
Page 15 | Rule L1920.3 Divorce. Commencement of Action
The custody conference officer may petition the Court for additional fees in appropriate circumstances.
The custody conference officer may petition the Court for additional fees in appropriate circumstances
Civil cases
Page 15 | Rule L1915.4-3 Non-Record Proceedings. Trial
In appropriate circumstances, the permanent master may petition for additional fees, and the master’s report and recommendation may determine how the fee is allocated.
The permanent master may petition the Court for additional fees in appropriate circumstances and the allocation of the permanent master’s fee may be determined in the master’s report and recommendation.
Civil cases
Page 18 | Rule L1920.51 Appointment of Master
A party may request a tape recording for later transcription and must pay its cost.
The permanent master shall tape record the hearing for later transcription upon request by any party. The party requesting the same shall pay the cost thereof.
Civil cases
Page 19 | Rule L1920.51 Appointment of Master
The permanent master may petition the Court for additional fees in appropriate circumstances.
The permanent master may petition the Court for additional fees in appropriate circumstances.
Civil cases
Page 19 | Rule L1920.53 Hearing by Master. Report
The trial judge may impose a reasonable surcharge in professional malpractice or other complex litigation cases.
(4) The trial judge may impose a reasonable surcharge in cases such as professional malpractice or other complex litigation.
Civil cases
Page 20 | Rule L4008 Costs For Transcripts
The requesting party may apply in writing for review of transcript costs subject to waiver under Pa.R.J.A. 4008(B), using an application available from the District Court Administrator’s office.
(5) Transcript costs subject to waiver under Pa.R.J.A. 4008(B) shall be reviewed by the District Court Administrator upon written application by the requesting party. Applications are available from the office of the District Court Administrator.
Civil cases
Page 20 | Rule L4008 Costs For Transcripts
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Courtesy copies are not required for preliminary objections.
Courtesy copies for the Court are not required.
Civil cases
Page 10 | Rule L1028(c) Preliminary Objections
A courtesy copy of a motion for judgment on the pleadings is not required.
Courtesy copies of the motion for the Court are not required.
Civil cases
Page 10 | Rule L1034(a) Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings
Filing Bundling Requirements
A brief must be submitted with the motion unless the scheduling order directs otherwise.
A brief shall be submitted contemporaneously with the motion or as directed in the scheduling order.
Civil cases
Page 10 | Rule L1034(a) Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings
A party may submit multiple digital exhibits together on one USB flash drive.
If one party has multiple digital exhibits, they may be submitted together on one USB flash drive.
Civil cases
Page 22 | Rule 5103. Special Provisions.
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Motions involving only questions of law are decided on briefs without oral argument unless the moving party files a praecipe for argument at the same time as the motion.
Motions involving questions of law only will be disposed of by the Court on briefs without oral argument unless the moving party files a praecipe for argument simultaneously with the motion.
Civil cases
Page 5 | Rule L208.3(b) Motion. Alternative Procedures
Unless the Court directs otherwise, the moving party must submit a brief 14 days before argument and the responding party must submit a brief 7 days before argument.
Unless otherwise directed, briefs shall be submitted to the Court as follows: a. The moving party shall submit a brief fourteen (14) days in advance of argument b. The responding party shall submit a brief seven (7) days in advance of argument
Civil cases
Page 6 | Rule L210 Briefs
A response to a motion is not required unless the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure or the Court’s scheduling order requires one.
No response is required to any motion unless required by Pa. Rule of Civil Procedure or unless required by the Court in the scheduling order. (e.g., Pa.R.C.P. 1035.3)
Civil cases
Page 5 | Rule L208.3(b) Motion. Alternative Procedures
The Court may consider a motion to compel discovery without briefs or argument.
Motions to compel discovery may be considered by the Court without the necessity for briefs and argument.
Civil cases
Page 5 | Rule L208.3(b) Motion. Alternative Procedures
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
If the allotted hearing time is not reasonably sufficient, counsel or a self-represented party must contact the Court Administrator’s office in writing to request a continuance.
Upon receipt of the scheduling order, if counsel or a self-represented party does not believe that the allotted time is reasonably sufficient, it is the duty of counsel or the party to contact the Court Administrator’s office, in writing, to request a continuance in order to reschedule the time necessary for the hearing.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Rule L206.1(a) Petition
If the allotted argument time is not reasonably sufficient, counsel or a self-represented party must contact the Court Administrator’s office in writing to request a continuance and reschedule sufficient time.
Upon receipt of the scheduling order, if counsel or a self-represented party does not believe that the allotted time is reasonably sufficient, it is the duty of counsel or the party to contact the Court Administrator’s office, in writing, to request a continuance in order to reschedule the time necessary for the argument
Civil cases
Page 6 | Rule L208.3(b) Motion. Alternative Procedures
A continuance request must state its reason and the opposing party’s position on the proposed continuance.
A motion for continuance shall be in writing, shall be signed by counsel or self- represented litigant, shall set forth specifically the reason for the request, and shall contain a statement that opposing counsel or any self-represented litigant either objects or does not object to the proposed continuance.
Civil cases
Page 7 | Rule L216 Motion for Continuance
Absent extraordinary circumstances, a continuance based on proceedings in another court of record or appellate court will be granted only if that court’s scheduling order predates the order setting the proceeding at issue.
Since the Court of Common Pleas of the 59th Judicial District routinely schedules cases on a date certain after consultation with all counsel, absent extraordinary circumstances, a motion for continuance based upon proceedings scheduled in another court of record or appellate court will be granted only if the other court’s scheduling order was issued before the order scheduling the proceeding for which the continuance is sought.
Civil cases
Page 8 | Rule L216 Motion for Continuance
If counsel or a self-represented party believes the allotted argument time is insufficient, they must contact the Court Administrator’s office in writing to request a continuance.
Upon receipt of the scheduling order, if counsel or a self-represented party does not believe that the allotted time is reasonably sufficient, it is the duty of counsel or the party to contact the Court Administrator’s office, in writing, to request a continuance in order to reschedule the time necessary for the argument.
Civil cases
Page 10 | Rule L1034(a) Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings
The arbitrators must hold a hearing within 60 days after appointment unless all parties or their counsel agree to extend the time.
The arbitrators shall hold a hearing within sixty (60) days after their appointment unless the time is extended by agreement of all parties or their counsel.
Civil cases
Page 14 | Rule L1301 Compulsory Arbitration
A hearing may not be continued to a date more than 180 days after appointment unless good cause exists.
No hearing shall be continued to a date more than one hundred eighty (180) days from date of appointment unless upon good cause.
Civil cases
Page 14 | Rule L1301 Compulsory Arbitration
Chambers Communication Rules
After filing an emergency motion, the moving party must notify the Prothonotary and Court Administrator of the emergency and may ask the Court to consider the motion immediately.
Emergency motions shall be governed by the above procedure except that, after filing, the moving party shall notify the Prothonotary and the Court Administrator of the emergency situation and may request that the Court immediately consider the motion.
Civil cases
Page 5 | Rule L208.3(b) Motion. Alternative Procedures
A request for a continuance because the allotted argument time is insufficient must be made in writing to the Court Administrator’s office.
Upon receipt of the scheduling order, if counsel or a self-represented party does not believe that the allotted time is reasonably sufficient, it is the duty of counsel or the party to contact the Court Administrator’s office, in writing, to request a continuance in order to reschedule the time necessary for the argument
Civil cases
Page 6 | Rule L208.3(b) Motion. Alternative Procedures
The parties must not contact the mediator or judge or forward documents to them unless specifically requested.
Unless specifically requested by the mediator/judge, the parties shall not contact or forward documents to the mediator/judge.
Civil cases
Page 12 | Rule L1042.21 Medical Professional Liability Actions. Motion for Settlement Conference or Mediation
The Court may allow argument by telephone or videoconference if counsel promptly submits a written request to participate electronically.
The Court, in its discretion, may hear any argument by telephone or videoconference provided that counsel has submitted a prompt written request to the Court to participate electronically.
Civil cases
Page 5 | Rule L208.3(b) Motion. Alternative Procedures
Contact the court office about accessibility or reasonable accommodations, and make all arrangements at least 72 hours before a hearing or other court business.
For information about accessible facilities and reasonable accommodations available to disabled individuals having business before the court, please contact our office. All arrangements must be made at least 72 hours prior to any hearing or business before the court.
Civil cases
Page 17 | Rule L1915.15(a) Order and Notice. Form
A defendant without a lawyer should go to or telephone the listed office for information about hiring a lawyer.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER.
Civil cases
Page 17 | Rule L1915.15(a) Order and Notice. Form
Call (814) 776-6144 with questions about the Local Rules.
If you have questions about the Local Rules, please call (814) 776-6144.
Page 1 | Local Rules
The Court may allow telephone or video participation upon counsel’s prompt written request, and the requesting party bears the cost unless the Court provides otherwise.
The Court, in its discretion, may hear any argument by telephone conference or videoconference provided counsel has submitted a prompt written request to the Court to participate electronically. The party requesting to participate electronically shall bear the cost of participating electronically unless the Court provides otherwise.
Civil cases
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