Court of Common Pleas of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Document Filing Requirements

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

Petitions, except those covered by paragraph F, must be filed with the Prothonotary, who forwards them to the assigned judge.

E. All petitions, except as provided in F, shall be filed with the Prothonotary. The Prothonotary shall forward such petitions to the assigned judge for entry of the Order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Brief

Briefs longer than fifteen pages must include a table of contents and a table of citations.

E. Any brief more than fifteen pages shall contain a table of contents and a table of citations.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Summary judgment or judgment on the pleadings motion

Any plaintiff who files a motion for summary judgment or a motion for judgment on the pleadings in any consumer credit card collection case that was commenced on or after January 1, 2022, must attach an Affidavit of Service indicating the manner and date of service of the “Notice of the Consumer Credit Card Collection Diversion Program,” in the form attached hereto as Form “1,” upon the defendant.

Any plaintiff who files a motion for summary judgment or a motion for judgment on the pleadings in any consumer credit card collection case that was commenced on or after January 1, 2022, must attach an Affidavit of Service indicating the manner and date of service of the “Notice of the Consumer Credit Card Collection Diversion Program,” in the form attached hereto as Form “1,” upon the defendant.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Supreme court of pennsylvania cover sheet

For a business or commercial credit card debt collection action, the plaintiff must check “Debt Collection: Credit Card” on the cover sheet and write “Business Credit Card” in the lines below.

For a business or commercial credit card debt collection action, on the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Cover Sheet, Plaintiff shall check the box for Debt Collection: Credit Card and include in the lines below, “Business Credit Card.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Transcript

Upon receiving the transcript, the appellant must provide the original to the solicitor of the agency filing the record return.

Upon receipt of the transcript, appellant shall provide the original transcript to the solicitor of the agency filing the return of the record.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to appoint master

Must include

proposed order

After complying with the cited rules, a party may file a motion to appoint a master with a proposed order, and both must conform to the cited rules.

Once a party has complied with Pa.R.C.P. 1920.31(a)(1) and 1920.33(a),a party may file a motion and proposed Order to Appoint Master. The motion and proposed order shall be in conformity with Pa.R.C.P. No. 1920.74 and L.C.R.C.P. No.1920.74.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Discovery petition

A discovery petition must describe the requested discovery, explain why it is necessary, and state the period for completing it.

A petition shall set forth the nature of the discovery sought, the reasons why the discovery is necessary and the time period within which discovery is to be completed.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Praecipe for disposition

A praecipe for disposition must state the filing dates of the motion, brief, responsive brief, and any reply brief.

The praecipe shall include the filing dates of the motion, brief, responsive brief and reply brief (if any).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Mediation memorandum of principal terms

Upon completion of mediation, all interested parties shall sign a memorandum of principal terms, which either shall acknowledge that no resolution was reached, or shall embody the resolutions attained. This memorandum of principal terms shall clearly state partial resolutions or complete resolution attained. The memorandum of principal terms shall include a list of unresolved issues to be determined by the Court. Where appropriate, the principal terms could provide for future review in light of changed circumstances or a change in the operative facts. The memorandum of principal terms agreed upon, or the statement of no resolution, shall be filed with the Court.

Upon completion of mediation, all interested parties shall sign a memorandum of principal terms, which either shall acknowledge that no resolution was reached, or shall embody the resolutions attained. This memorandum of principal terms shall clearly state partial resolutions or complete resolution attained. The memorandum of principal terms shall include a list of unresolved issues to be determined by the Court. Where appropriate, the principal terms could provide for future review in light of changed circumstances or a change in the operative facts. The memorandum of principal terms agreed upon, or the statement of no resolution, shall be filed with the Court.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition for adoption and change of name

For an adult adoption involving a desired name change, the petitioner must present evidence of compliance with the name-change law.

If the person to be adopted is an adult and a change of name is desired, the petitioner shall present evidence of compliance with the law relating to change of name.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Ard application

Submit an ARD application and a Motion for Trial Continuance and Waiver to the District Attorney on approved forms, at the same time.

A. Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) applications shall be submitted to the Office of the District Attorney using the approved form. A defendant shall simultaneously submit a Motion for Trial Continuance and Waiver using the approved form.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

For agreed relief, the motion must include a stipulation signed by all affected counsel or unrepresented parties, a proposed order, and a praecipe assigning the matter for disposition.

If the parties agree to the relief sought, the motion shall be accompanied by a stipulation signed by all affected counsel or unrepresented parties, a proposed order and a praecipe to assign the stipulated matter for disposition.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Land use appeal

Must include

caption

A land use appeal must contain a caption substantially in the stated form and, when applicable, separately numbered paragraphs in the specified order identifying the appellant and the local agency.

A land use appeal shall contain: 1. A caption in substantially the following form: Name of Appellant v. NO. CI-__________________ Name of municipality and name of body (i.e. zoning hearing board, governing body or or planning commission) which rendered decision LAND USE APPEAL 2. When applicable, in separately numbered paragraphs and in the following order: a. Name and address of the appellant. b. Name and address of the zoning hearing board, governing body or planning commission (“local agency”) which rendered the decision.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial statement

The pre-trial statement must include the specified issues, contempt issues, witnesses and their details, witness-contact statement, exhibits, deposition transcripts and objections, requested stipulations, requests, and proposed custody-schedule order.

At least five business days before the conference, counsel or the unrepresented party shall file a pre-trial statement containing: a. A concise statement of the issues and proposed resolution; b. A list of any contempt issue; c. A list of fact and expert witnesses, their relationship to the party along with their addresses; d. A statement by the party of the party’s counsel that he or she has communicated with each listed witness; e. A list of exhibits; f. A list of deposition transcripts to be used in lieu of testimony and a statement of all known objections; g. A statement of stipulations sought; h. A statement of requests such as a special time for a witness, courtroom needs etc.; and, i. A proposed order setting forth the custody schedule requested by the party.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Electronically filed document

Each electronically filed document must have a title identifying the document, filing party or parties, any party against whom relief is sought, and the nature of the relief.

The title of each electronically filed document shall include: a. Descriptive title of the document b. Party or parties filing the document c. Party or parties against whom relief, if any, is sought; and d. Nature of the relief sought

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for judgment on the pleadings

When the parties agree to the relief sought on a motion for judgment on the pleadings, the motion must include a signed stipulation, proposed order, and praecipe to assign the matter for disposition.

Stipulated Matters. If the parties agree to the relief sought, the motion shall be accompanied by a stipulation signed by all affected counsel or unrepresented parties, a proposed order and a praecipe to assign the stipulated matter for disposition.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pre trial statement

The parties must prepare and furnish the required pre-trial statement to the master and the other party at least five business days before the scheduled conference.

The parties shall also prepare and furnish to the master and other party, at least five business days prior to the date scheduled for conference, a pre-trial statement as described in Pa.R.C.P. No. 1920.33(b).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Certificate of service

The petitioner must file a certificate of service listing the names and addresses of everyone who received notice of entry of the rule.

(4) A certificate of service, listing the names and addresses of those individuals receiving notice of the entry of the rule shall be filed by the petitioner.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Complaint

The Plaintiff’s post-filing submission must include a Sheriff’s Office civil process fee check, a paper complaint with the specified cover sheet and notice, and the Sheriff Service Process Receipt and Affadavit of Return form.

4. Within three (3) business days of the filing of the complaint in mortgage foreclosure electronically, the Plaintiff shall provide (1) a check made payable to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office for the civil process fee; (2) a paper copy of the filed complaint with the Certification Cover Sheet and the appropriate Urgent Notice as specified in Paragraph 4 above; and (3) the “Sheriff Service Process Receipt and Affadavit of Return” form.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Brief

A brief longer than fifteen pages must include a table of contents and a table of citations.

Any brief more than fifteen pages shall contain a table of contents and a table of citations.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

Unless the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, a local rule, or a court order provides otherwise, a party seeking to pay money into court must file a petition conforming to Pa. R.Civ.P. 2303(a)(1)-(4).

Unless otherwise provided by the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, a local rule or order of Court, a party seeking to pay money into Court shall file a petition which conforms to Pa. R.Civ.P. 2303(a)(1)-(4).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Stipulation

If the parties reach an agreement within 24 hours before a scheduled conference, they must submit a stipulation signed by all parties and a proposed order to the conference officer for submission to the assigned judge.

If an agreement is reached within twenty four hours before a scheduled conference, the parties shall submit a stipulation signed by all parties and a proposed order to the custody conference officer, who shall submit them to the assigned Family Court Judge.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Subsequent order

If the court takes a discovery-motion matter under advisement instead of ruling in the courtroom, chambers must ensure that any later order is filed.

If the discovery motions court does not rule on a matter in the courtroom but instead chooses to take the matter under advisement, chambers shall ensure the filing of any subsequent order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Sol form and supporting documentation

The SOL form and supporting documents must be filed with the appropriate Confidential Document/Information forms under the Pennsylvania Courts’ public-access policy.

The SOL form and DOCS shall be filed with the appropriate Confidential Document/Information forms in accordance with the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Pennsylvania Courts.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of extension of briefing schedule

If the parties agree to extend the briefing schedule, they must file a notice stating the agreed extension.

If the parties agreed to extend the briefing schedule, the parties shall file a Notice of Extension of Briefing Schedule setting forth the agreed upon extension.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Conciliation report

The Coordinator or conference officer must complete a conciliation report after each conference and submit it to the Court.

At the conclusion of each conciliation conference, the Diversion Program Coordinator or the conciliation conference officer shall complete a conciliation report which shall be submitted to the Court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

Must include

caption

A petition appealing a Board order must include the specified caption, appellant information, assessment and decision dates and amounts, and reason for appeal.

Appeals from orders of the Lancaster County Board of Assessment Appeals (Board) shall be by petition and shall contain: A caption in substantially the following form: In Re: Appeal of .................................................) (NAME OF APPELLANT) from the Lancaster County Board of ) Assessment Appeals ) Tax Account No. __________________ ) No. ____________. Municipality ) Assessment for the year ______ ) Property of ________________________ ) Name and address of appellant. Date of filing appeal to Board and amount of assessment originally fixed by the Board. Date of final decision of Board amount of assessment finally fixed by the Board. Reason for appeal.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Confidential mediation agreement

All interested parties must execute a confidential mediation agreement that is consistent with the local rule and remains confidential.

All interested parties shall execute an agreement for confidential mediation, which is not inconsistent with this local rule, and which shall remain confidential.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Ard application

ARD applications must be submitted to the District Attorney’s Office using the approved form.

Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) applications shall be submitted to the Office of the District Attorney using the approved form.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Transcript

Upon receiving the transcript, the appellant must provide the original to the solicitor of the agency filing the return of the record.

Upon receipt of the transcript, appellant shall provide the original transcript to the solicitor of the agency filing the return of the record.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Custody complaint

A custody complaint concerning a child within Juvenile Court jurisdiction under the Juvenile Act must be presented to the assigned judge, who determines how the matter proceeds.

F. Any complaint seeking custody of a child within the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court pursuant to any proceeding under the Juvenile Act shall be presented to the assigned Judge who will determine how the matter will proceed.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion or petition with proposed order and notice

Must include

certificate of service

A certificate of service covering the proposed Order, notice of presentation, and motion or petition must be attached.

A certificate of service of the proposed Order, notice of presentation, and the motion or petition must be attached.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Points for charge

Points for charge must be submitted to the trial judge as directed by the certification order.

Points for charge shall be submitted to the trial judge as directed by the certification order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery motion

Must include

proposed order, certificate of conference

Every discovery motion must include the listed case, discovery-status, dispute, relief, party-contact, and certification information, and a proposed rule or order.

Every discovery motion shall contain the following: 1. A concise statement describing the nature of the case. 2. A concise statement of the status of any discovery procedure involved. 3. A copy of the specific discovery request and response, if any, in dispute. 4. A statement of the relief requested and a citation to the statute, procedural rule or other authority for the relief requested. 5. A statement identifying all other parties and their counsel, with mailing addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses. 6. If necessary, a request for the suspension of discovery until the dispute is resolved. 7. A certification that the parties, after reasonable effort, are unable to resolve the dispute. 8. A proposed rule or order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Unopposed motion

For an unopposed motion, moving counsel must certify that opposing counsel and, if applicable, the probation or parole officer, do not object, and submit the motion to the business judge or assigned judge.

If the relief requested in a motion is not opposed, counsel for the moving party shall certify that opposing counsel and, if applicable, the probation or parole officer, do not object to the relief requested. The motion shall be submitted to the business judge or judge to whom the case has been assigned.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Summary judgment or judgment on the pleadings motion

A motion for summary judgment or judgment on the pleadings must include the Form 4 Statute of Limitations and Documentation of Debt Certification.

The motion for summary judgment or motion for judgment on the pleadings shall have attached to it a “Statute of Limitations and Documentation of Debt Certification” in the form attached hereto as Form “4.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Custody filing

Every filing requesting custody of a child must include a Criminal Record/Abuse History Verification.

A. All filings requesting custody of a child shall include a Criminal Record/Abuse History Verification

CRITICAL

Applies to

Preliminary objections

Must include

proposed order

All preliminary objections must be accompanied by a proposed order.

All preliminary objections shall be accompanied by a proposed order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

The petition must use the caption “Petition for Adoption and Change of Name.”

The petition shall be captioned Petition for Adoption and Change of Name.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition for service by publication

Before notice by publication, a separate petition must be submitted detailing efforts to determine the recipient’s address and the results.

In any proceeding in which notice is to be given to one or more persons by publication, a separate petition shall be submitted to the Court setting forth in detail the efforts made to determine the address of the person to be notified and the results of such efforts.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Criminal complaint and arrest warrant affidavit

Police complaints and arrest warrant affidavits charging the specified offenses brought by Lancaster County Prison officials require Commonwealth attorney approval before filing.

The District Attorney having filed a certification pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P. 507, criminal complaints and arrest warrant affidavits by police officers, as defined in the Rules of Criminal Procedure, charging the crimes brought by the Warden, any Deputy Warden or Major of the Lancaster County Prison listed below, shall not hereafter be accepted by any judicial officer, unless the complaints and affidavits have the approval of an attorney for the Commonwealth before filing: A. Any offense brought under18 Pa. C.S.A.; B. Any offense brought as a violation of the Controlled Substance, Drug Device and Cosmetic Act, 35 P.S. Section 780-113;

CRITICAL

Applies to

Complex case certification

If all parties agree the case is complex, they must file a certification signed by all parties with the Prothonotary.

a. If all parties agree that the case is complex, they shall file with the Prothonotary a certification signed by all parties.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Plaintiff record of testimony

A plaintiff expecting an uncontested action must submit the plaintiff’s signed and verified Record of Testimony to the master at the hearing.

A plaintiff who believes the action will be uncontested shall submit to the master at the hearing the following: 1. Plaintiff’s Record of Testimony in question and answer or narrative form, signed and verified by plaintiff;

CRITICAL

Applies to

Residential mortgage foreclosure complaint

A paper-filed residential mortgage foreclosure complaint must be accompanied by the required copies, checks, envelopes, sheriff form, Certification Cover Sheet, and Urgent Notice.

If paper filed, complaints for the residential mortgage foreclosure shall be accompanied by the following: 1. One copy of the complaint for the plaintiff and one copy for each defendant homeowner; 2. One check made payable to the Lancaster County Prothonotary for the applicable filing fee, and one check made payable to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office for the civil process fee; 3. Two self-addressed, stamped envelopes; 4. The “Sheriff Service Process Receipt and Affadavit of Return” form; 5. A “Certification Cover Sheet” regarding the status of the foreclosed premises, in the form attached as Form “1”. 6. The appropriate Urgent Notice as specified in Paragraph 4 above.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Preliminary objections

A party filing preliminary objections under Pa. R.Civ.P. 1028(a)(1), (5), or (6) must attach a notice to plead.

Any party filing preliminary objections pursuant to Pa. R.Civ.P. No. 1028(a)(1), (5) or (6) shall attach a notice to plead.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of extension of briefing schedule

If the parties agree to extend the briefing schedule, they must file a Notice of Extension of Briefing Schedule stating the agreed extension.

If the parties agreed to extend the briefing schedule, the parties shall file a Notice of Extension of Briefing Schedule setting forth the agreed upon extension.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Response

A discovery-motion response may not include affidavits, discovery responses, deposition references, transcripts, or other responsive documents, though they may be referenced during oral argument.

Affidavits, discovery responses, references to depositions, transcripts or other documents responsive to the discovery motion shall not be included in the response but may be referenced during oral argument.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

Must include

caption

An appeal from a Board order must be brought by petition containing the information specified in the rule.

Appeals from orders of the Lancaster County Board of Assessment Appeals (Board) shall be by petition and shall contain:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition for leave to compromise settle or discontinue

A petition concerning compromise, settlement, or discontinuance of an action involving an incapacitated person is governed by Local Rule 2039.

A petition for leave to compromise, settle or discontinue an action in which an incapacitated person is a party shall be governed by Local Rule 2039.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

Must include

proposed order

A petition requiring a hearing must include a preliminary decree addressing the hearing date, notice recipients and method, and, for an adoption petition, the investigating agency.

Petitions which require a hearing shall have a preliminary decree attached for the purpose of setting a hearing date, specifying persons to whom and the manner in which notice is to be given and, in the case of an adoption petition, indicating which agency is to make the required investigation.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pre trial statement

Must include

proposed order

The pre-trial statement must include the listed issues, witnesses, exhibits, deposition information, stipulations, requests, and proposed custody schedule.

At least five business days before the conference, counsel or the unrepresented party shall file a pre-trial statement containing: a. A concise statement of the issues and proposed resolution; b. A list of any contempt issue; c. A list of fact and expert witnesses, their relationship to the party along with their addresses; d. A statement by the party of the party’s counsel that he or she has communicated with each listed witness; e. A list of exhibits; f. A list of deposition transcripts to be used in lieu of testimony and a statement of all known objections; g. A statement of stipulations sought; h. A statement of requests such as a special time for a witness, courtroom needs etc.; and, i. A proposed order setting forth the custody schedule requested by the party.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Agreement to destroy exhibits

The parties’ agreement to destroy exhibits must be filed with the court.

The parties’ agreement to destroy exhibits shall be filed with the court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Complaint

The complaint caption in every consumer credit card collection action must include “Consumer Credit Card Collection Action.”

In all consumer credit card collection actions, the caption of the complaint shall include the words “Consumer Credit Card Collection Action.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Plea scheduling form

A completed Local Rule 590-1 Plea Scheduling Form must be presented to the District Attorney before the plea is scheduled.

A completed Plea Scheduling Form, the form of which shall be published as a part of these Local Rules as Local Rule 590-1, shall be presented to the District Attorney before a plea is scheduled.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Family court motion petition or contested matter

Family Court motions, petitions for special relief, other contested matters, and Family Court rulings must be written and presented in the assigned judge’s Family Business Court session, or, if urgent, to the assigned judge by appointment.

Family Court motions and petitions for special relief or other contested matters or Family Court rulings must be in writing and must be presented in the Family Business Court session of the judge assigned to the case, as indicated in the Court’s calendar, or, for urgent matters, to the assigned judge by appointment.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Electronically filed document

An electronically filed document must bear a facsimile or typographical signature of the attorney or represented party authorizing the filing.

Each electronically filed document shall be deemed to have been signed by the attorney or party represented by an attorney authorizing such filing and shall bear a facsimile or typographical signature of such person, e.g. “/s/Adam Attorney”.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Appeal after remand

Must include

caption, case number

An appeal from an agency decision after remand must be filed and docketed under the original caption and number.

An appeal from a decision the local agency renders after a remand shall be filed and docketed to the original caption and number.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Moving party brief

A moving party’s brief must contain all relevant facts, procedural history, questions involved, argument, and a conclusion.

B. The brief of the moving party shall contain: all relevant facts; a procedural history; the questions involved; the argument; and a conclusion.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Transcript request

Legal Aid Services must provide the President Judge a certification letter establishing financial eligibility and either an appeal or the transcript’s necessity to advance current litigation.

Legal Aid Services must provide the President Judge with a letter of certification verifying, as provided in R.J.A. 4008(B), that the client meets financial eligibility and that the matter is under appeal or that the transcript being requested is necessary to advance the current litigation.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Brief

Briefs must contain complete and accurate citations to all authorities.

A. Briefs shall contain complete and accurate citations of all authorities.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Status report

If a report is not timely filed, the master must submit a status report to the Court and the parties.

Masters shall submit a status report to the Court and the parties if the report is not timely filed.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Orders decrees judgments

The moving party must provide the Prothonotary sufficient copies of all orders, decrees, or judgments and addressed, stamped envelopes needed to comply with Pa.R.Civ.P. No. 236.

The moving party shall provide sufficient copies of all orders, decrees or judgments, together with addressed, stamped envelopes, necessary for the Prothonotary to comply with Pa.R.Civ.P. No. 236.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Statute of limitations and documentation of debt certification

The certification required by Local Rule 205.2(d) must verify the limitations period and specified debt information, and include the listed debt documents or the stated alternative when writings are inaccessible.

STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS AND DOCUMENTATION OF DEBT CERTIFICATION As required by Local Rule 205.2(d), the undersigned verifies that: 9. Statute of Limitations: Based on reasonable inquiry, the applicable limitations period has not expired as of the date of the filing of the complaint. 10. Documentation of Debt: The name of the current debt holder: 11. The name of the original creditor, and for debt arising from a credit card sponsored or co- sponsored by a retailer, the name of the sponsoring or co-sponsoring retailer: 12. The last four digits of the social security number for the defendant appearing on the original account: 13. The date the original credit agreement was entered into by the defendant: 14. The date the defendant defaulted and the basis for the default: 15. Documents establishing the existence, amount, and terms and conditions applicable to the debt that is the subject of this action, including: [ ] A. A copy of the credit card agreement in effect at the time the credit card was issued establishing the original terms and conditions applicable to the debt or the original credit card application, and applicable subsequent amendments; but if the writing(s) is/are not accessible to the plaintiff, it is sufficient so to state, together with the reason, and to set forth the substance of the writing(s). [ ] B. Sufficient documentation to permit the defendant to calculate the total amount of damages that are allegedly due.

CRITICAL

A court order is required before any exhibits, including non-documentary exhibits, may be destroyed unless the parties agree otherwise.

Absent agreement of the parties, a court order is required before destruction of any exhibits, which includes non-documentary exhibits.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery motion

The moving party must present the Court with the original discovery motion and one copy.

The moving party shall present an original and one copy of the motion to the Court.

CRITICAL

Each disputed legal issue and the principal authorities relied upon must be stated in a separate paragraph.

V. Legal Issues. In separate paragraphs, each disputed legal issue that must be decided and the principal constitutional, statutory, regulatory, and decisional authorities relied upon.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Praecipe

A party filing exceptions to a master’s report must also file a praecipe in the Prothonotary’s office to list them for argument.

A party filing exceptions to a master’s report shall also file a praecipe in the Prothonotary’s office to list the exceptions for argument

CRITICAL

Exhibits, including non-documentary exhibits, may not be destroyed without a court order unless the parties agree.

Absent agreement of the parties, a court order is required before destruction of any exhibits, which includes non-documentary exhibits.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Debt certification and supporting documentation

The SOL form and supporting documentation must be filed with the appropriate Confidential Document/Information forms under the Pennsylvania Courts’ Case Records Public Access Policy.

The SOL form and DOCS shall be filed with the appropriate Confidential Document/Information forms in accordance with the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Pennsylvania Courts.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Statute of limitations and documentation of debt certification

The certification must verify, based on reasonable inquiry, that the applicable limitations period has not expired when the complaint is filed.

As required by Local Rule 205.2(d), the undersigned verifies that: 1. Statute of Limitations: Based on reasonable inquiry, the applicable limitations period has not expired as of the date of the filing of the complaint.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Statute of limitations and documentation of debt certification and supporting documentation

The certification and supporting documentation must be filed with the appropriate Confidential Document/Information forms under the Pennsylvania Courts’ public access policy.

The Statute of Limitations and Documentation of Debt Certification and supporting documentation shall be filed with the appropriate Confidential Document/ Information forms in accordance with the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Pennsylvania Courts.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Custody filing

Every filing requesting custody must contain a Criminal Record/Abuse History Verification and, if applicable, a claim of paternity under the cited rules.

H. All filings requesting custody of a child shall contain a Criminal Record/Abuse History Verification in accordance with Rule 1915.3-2 and, if applicable a claim of paternity in accordance with Rule 1915.3(d).

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Search warrant application

After the District Attorney files a certification, search warrant applications for the specified crimes require Commonwealth attorney approval before filing, except for the listed categories.

The District Attorney having filed a certification pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P. 202, search warrants for the crimes listed below, shall not hereafter be issued by any judicial officer, unless the search warrant applications have the approval of an attorney for the Commonwealth before filing: A. A violation of any criminal offense listed in any title of the Pennsylvania Statutes and/or Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Annotated. Prior approval is not required when the search warrant is solely seeking any one of the following: 1. The release of blood alcohol content test results based on any sub- section of 75 Pa. C.S.A. 3802, 2. Financial records, 3. Medical records, 4. Phone records of a person described as a victim or witness within the four corner of the affidavit of probable cause on the application.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Birth certificate

When a birth certificate must be exhibited, it must show the recorded names of both parents; if the father's name is unrecorded but paternity is claimed under Section 8303, that information must be provided to the Court.

In every proceeding where the Pa. O.C. Rules or the Adoption Act require the adoptee’s birth certificate to be exhibited to the Court, the birth certificate shall show the names of the mother and father if that information is recorded. If the name of the father is not recorded, but there is a claim of paternity under Section 8303 of the Adoption Act, such information shall be provided to the Court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Custody complaint

A custody complaint concerning a child within Orphans' Court jurisdiction for the listed proceedings must be presented to the Orphans' Court judge, who determines how the matter proceeds.

G. Any complaint seeking custody of a child within the jurisdiction of the Orphans' Court pursuant to a petition for voluntarily relinquishment of parental rights, confirmation of consent to adoption, involuntary termination of parental rights or adoption shall be presented to the Orphans' Court Judge who will determine how the matter will proceed.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Application

Must include

caption, case number

An application seeking an exception in connection with a judicial proceeding must include the proceeding’s caption and case number.

2. If the exception is being sought in connection with any judicial proceeding, the caption and case number of the proceeding shall be included in the application.

CRITICAL

The form includes a verification of truth and acknowledgment of the penalties for false statements, with a signature and date line for the plaintiff or plaintiff’s counsel.

I verify that the statements made herein are true and correct. I understand that false statements are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities. Signature of Plaintiff or Plaintiff’s Counsel Date

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

A petition requiring a hearing must have an attached preliminary decree setting the hearing date, specifying notice recipients and method, and, for adoption petitions, identifying the agency that will investigate.

Petitions which require a hearing shall have a preliminary decree attached for the purpose of setting a hearing date, specifying persons to whom and the manner in which notice is to be given and, in the case of an adoption petition, indicating which agency is to make the required investigation.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Case management order

The Case Management Order must schedule the conciliation conference 90 to 120 days after the Order’s date.

Schedule a conciliation conference for no sooner than 90 days and no later than 120 days from the date of the Order;

CRITICAL

Applies to

Original hard copy

The filing party must retain the original hard copy for two years after the latest of the listed case or issue dispositions.

The filing party shall maintain the original hard copy of the document for two years after the later of: the disposition of the case; the entry of an order resolving the issue raised by the legal paper; or the disposition by an appellate court of the issue raised by the legal paper.

CRITICAL

Witnesses must be listed in their expected order of testimony, identified, and accompanied by a brief statement of their expected evidence.

A. Witnesses shall be listed in the order they will be called. Each witness shall be identified and there shall be a brief statement of the evidence which the witness will give.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Transcript request

Self-represented litigants claiming economic hardship must attach a fully completed In Forma Pauperis Petition to a transcript request.

Self-represented litigants claiming economic hardship must attach to their request for transcript a fully completed In Forma Pauperis Petition pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 240.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Electronically filed document

An electronically filed document must bear the facsimile or typographical signature of the attorney or represented party authorizing it; attorney e-filings must also include the typed name and address, with the remaining requirement cut off in the source.

Each electronically filed document shall be deemed to have been signed by the attorney or party represented by an attorney authorizing such filing and shall bear a facsimile or typographical signature of such person, e.g. “/s/Adam Attorney”. Each document e- Filed by an attorney shall also include the typed name, address, and

CRITICAL

Applies to

Conciliation report

At the conclusion of each conciliation conference, the Program Coordinator or conference officer must complete a conciliation report and submit it to the Court.

BB. At the conclusion of each conciliation conference, the Diversion Program Coordinator or the conciliation conference officer shall complete a conciliation report which shall be submitted to the Court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Document

The filing must include the filer’s telephone number, and an attorney filer must also include a Pennsylvania bar number.

telephone number of the attorney or unrepresented party filing such document. Attorneys shall include their Pennsylvania bar number.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Written plea colloquy

Before entering a guilty or nolo contendere plea, the defendant must complete and sign the District Attorney's written plea colloquy form and present it to the Court at the plea hearing.

Prior to entering a guilty plea or plea of nolo contendere, a defendant shall complete and sign a written plea colloquy on the form provided by the District Attorney. The form shall be presented to the Court at the time of the plea hearing, together with the completed Plea Scheduling form required by this Rule.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Application

An application for an exception must state the reason, intended electronic medium, locations of use, and requested dates and times.

1. The application shall include the reason for the request, the type of electronic medium intended to be used, the locations at which the electronic medium is to be used, and the date and times of the day for which the exception is being sought.

CRITICAL

Provide a schedule of all trial exhibits, identify those agreed to be admissible, and state the grounds for objection to any exhibit not agreed upon.

VII. Exhibits. A schedule of all exhibits to be offered in evidence at trial, together with a statement of those agreed to be admissible and the grounds for objection to any not so agreed upon.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Entry of appearance

An entry of appearance using a firm name must identify an individual lawyer responsible for the case.

If a firm name is entered, the name of an individual lawyer shall be designated as being responsible for the conduct of the case.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Complete loss mitigation package with supporting financial and employment documentation

The defendant homeowner is expected to submit a complete loss mitigation package with supporting financial and employment documentation to the plaintiff or the plaintiff’s attorney.

O. In preparation for the conciliation conference, the court expects that no later than 14 days prior to the scheduled conciliation conference, the defendant homeowner, with the assistance of the housing counselor, will have submitted to the Plaintiff and/or Plaintiff’s attorney a complete loss mitigation package with all supporting financial and employment documentation.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Complex case order

If the assigned judge deems a case complex, an appropriate order must be filed.

b. If the assigned judge deems that the case is complex an appropriate order shall be filed.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Legal paper

Must include

caption, judge name, case number

The first page of legal papers must include the caption, case number, assigned judge if applicable, and the submitting attorney or self-represented party’s identifying and contact information.

The first page shall set forth: 1. The case caption. 2. The case number. 3. The name of the assigned judge, if applicable. 4. The name, identification number, address and telephone number of the attorney and law firm or pro se party submitting the legal papers.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Emergency motion

Emergency motions must be presented to the assigned judge, or to the business judge if the assigned judge is absent.

Emergency motions must be presented to the assigned judge, or in the assigned judge’s absence the business judge who will advise the parties how to proceed.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Statute of limitations and documentation of debt certification

The certification must include the truth-and-correctness verification, the stated unsworn-falsification warning, and a signature and date for the plaintiff or plaintiff’s counsel.

I verify that the statements made herein are true and correct. I understand that false statements are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities. Signature of Plaintiff or Plaintiff’s Counsel Date

CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery motion

Discovery motions may be filed or presented to the Court only through the Discovery Motions Judge.

Discovery motions shall not be filed or presented to the Court in any fashion other than to the Discovery Motions Judge.

CRITICAL

If an agreement is reached before the scheduled conference, the plaintiff must prepare the documents needed to implement it.

the plaintiff shall (a) prepare any documents necessary to implement the agreement

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

When the identity of a person whose parental rights are to be terminated is unknown or cannot be determined, the petition must include a detailed supporting affidavit.

A. If the identity of any person whose parental rights are to be terminated is unknown or cannot be determined, the petition shall include an affidavit setting forth in detail the basis for such allegations.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Custody filing

Every filing requesting custody of a child must contain a Criminal Record/Abuse History Verification and, if applicable, a claim of paternity.

H. All filings requesting custody of a child shall contain a Criminal Record/Abuse History Verification in accordance with Rule 1915.3-2 and, if applicable a claim of paternity in accordance with Rule 1915.3(d).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Inventory

A fiduciary required to file an account must file a signed and verified inventory.

Any fiduciary required to file an account shall file a signed and verified inventory within sixty days of appointment.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Plaintiff witness testimony

A plaintiff expecting an uncontested action must submit each plaintiff’s witness testimony, signed and verified by that witness, to the master at the hearing.

A plaintiff who believes the action will be uncontested shall submit to the master at the hearing the following: Plaintiff’s Record of Testimony in question and answer or narrative form, signed and verified by plaintiff; 2. The testimony of each of plaintiff's witnesses, in question and

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for conference

A motion for a conference must explain why the appeal is not ready for disposition and identify all requested actions.

The motion for a conference shall state why the party believes that the appeal is not ready for disposition and shall identify all actions that the party requests.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Family court motion or petition

Assemble the document with the proposed order first, followed by the notice, petition or motion and exhibits, verification, and certificate of service.

The document shall be assembled so that the proposed Order is on top, followed by the notice of presentation, next by the petition or motion with any supporting exhibits, next by the verification, and finally by the certificate of service.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Realty bail security

For bail of $10,000 or less secured by Lancaster County realty, the security must include an affidavit from all record owners stating the property's fair market value and all liens and their balances.

When realty located in Lancaster County is offered as security for bail of $10,000 or less, such security must include an affidavit of all record owners and must recite the fair market value of the realty, all liens and the balance of each lien.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion and proposed order

A motion and proposed order for appointment of a master must contain the prescribed caption and order form, including the appointment, claims, status conference, and call procedures.

The motion and proposed order, in addition to confirming to the requirements of Pa.R.C.P. No. 1920.74 shall also contain the following: [Caption] ORDER AND NOW, this _____ day of _____________, 20__, _________________________ is appointed Master with respect to the following claims: ______________________________________________________________________ __ ______________________________________________________________________ Counsel and unrepresented parties are hereby directed to participate in a telephonic status conference with the divorce master on the ______ day of _________, 20 , at o'clock .m. The conference call shall be initiated by the counsel or unrepresented party who requested the master's appointment. In the event that the status conference is required to be re-scheduled at the request of an unrepresented party or counsel, the unrepresented party or counsel requesting the change shall be responsible for promptly coordinating the new date and time with the divorce master and initiating the conference call. BY THE COURT: J. Copies To: Divorce Master All Parties

CRITICAL

Applies to

Initial legal paper

File the Prothonotary's civil cover sheet with the initial legal paper.

The initial legal paper filed shall be accompanied by a civil cover sheet in the form provided by the Prothonotary.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

If the moving party does not file a brief with the motion, an opposing party may praecipe for the motion to be deemed withdrawn without prejudice.

If a brief is not filed with the motion, the motion shall be deemed withdrawn, without prejudice, upon praecipe of an opposing party.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pre trial statement

A pre-trial statement must use the form prescribed by Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 212.2.

The pre-trial statement shall be in the form prescribed by Pa.R.Civ.P. No. 212.2.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibits

A plaintiff expecting an uncontested action must submit to the master at the hearing any exhibits identified in the testimony.

A plaintiff who believes the action will be uncontested shall submit to the master at the hearing the following: 3. Any exhibits identified in the testimony.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Application

An application for special permission must state the reason for the request, the electronic medium, its intended locations, and the requested dates and times.

1. The application shall include the reason for the request, the type of electronic medium intended to be used, the locations at which the electronic medium is to be used, and the date and times of the day for which the exception is being sought.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Praecipe for Entry of Limited Appearance and Praeipe for Withdrawal of Limited Appearance

Once appointed, pro bono counsel must file the limited-appearance and withdrawal praecipes with the Prothonotary using Forms 7 and 8.

Once appointed, pro bono counsel shall file with the Prothonotary a “Praecipe for Entry of Limited Appearance” and “Praeipe for Withdrawal of Limited Appearance”, attached as Forms “7” and “8,” respectively.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Waiver of arraignment

A defendant and defense counsel may waive arraignment and enter a plea by filing a written waiver.

A defendant and defense counsel may waive arraignment and enter a plea of either guilty or not guilty by filing a written waiver of arraignment.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Attendance certificate

A certificate verifying seminar attendance must be presented to the Conference Officer at the beginning of the conciliation conference.

Attendance at the custody education seminar will be verified by a certificate which must be presented to the Conference Officer at the beginning of the conciliation conference.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Statute of limitations and documentation of debt certification

Plaintiff must submit the Statute of Limitations and Documentation of Debt Certification in the form attached to the Order.

Within thirty (30) days of the date of this Order, Plaintiff shall electronically file (“e-file”) with the Court, along with supporting documentation 1, the Statute of Limitations and Documentation of Debt Certification in the form attached hereto.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Disclosure

The parties or their counsel must disclose to the Court any use of general or child protective services and any specified child-abuse allegations.

The parties shall comply with Pa.R.C.P. 1915.4-4 and the parties or parties’ counsel shall disclose to the Court any use of general or child protective services or any allegations of child abuse by a party or member of their household in accordance with 23 Pa.C.S. § 5329.1.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Plea hearing documents

Before entering a guilty or nolo contendere plea, the defendant must complete and sign the District Attorney’s written plea colloquy form, which must be presented to the Court at the hearing with the completed Plea Scheduling Form.

F. Prior to entering a guilty plea or plea of nolo contendere, a defendant shall complete and sign a written plea colloquy on the form provided by the District Attorney. The form shall be presented to the Court at the time of the plea hearing, together with the completed Plea Scheduling form required by this Rule.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Final pretrial conference

Trial counsel must attend the final pretrial conference and have settlement authority or be able to obtain it by telephone during the conference.

It shall be attended by trial counsel, who must be either authorized or empowered to make binding decisions concerning settlement, or able to obtain such authority by telephone in the course of the conference.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Complaint copy

The plaintiff must provide the Sheriff’s Office a check for the civil process fee and a paper complaint copy bearing Form 1 affixed to the front.

Within three (3) business days of the filing of the complaint electronically, the Plaintiff shall provide (1) one check made payable to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office for the civil process fee and (2) a paper copy of the filed complaint with the “Notice of Consumer Credit Card Collection Diversion Program,” in the form attached hereto as Form “1,” affixed to the front of the complaint to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Urgent notice

The Urgent Notice served by the plaintiff lender must be substantially in the form attached as Form 2.

Any plaintiff lender who files a motion for summary judgement or a motion for judgment on the pleadings in any residential mortgage foreclosure case which was commenced on or before July 31, 2021, and which would be an eligible action for the Foreclosure Diversion Program if it had been filed after that date, must also serve on the defendant homeowner the Urgent Notice substantially in the form attached as For “2.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Realty bail security

Realty located outside Lancaster County offered as bail security in any amount must include the certification and appraisal described in Rule 528(B).

When realty located outside Lancaster County is offered as security for bail in any amount, such security must include the certification and appraisal described in B.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

Must include

proposed order

A petition must be filed with the Clerk or presented in Orphans’ Court Business Court and must have a substantially conforming proposed order affixed.

(3) The petition shall be filed with the Clerk or presented in Orphans’ Court Business Court and petitioner shall affix to the petition a proposed order substantially in the following form:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Master report

If the master accepts the Record of Testimony as credible, the report must certify the required oath, examination, substantiation, and absence of contrary testimony.

The master, upon being satisfied that the Plaintiffs Record of Testimony is credible evidence, shall accept it and include it in the report in lieu of findings on the merits, provided, however, that, in the report, the master certifies: a. That, at the hearing, the plaintiff and the witnesses offering pre-recorded testimony were placed under oath or affirmation and were examined and that they, by credible evidence, substantiated the facts set forth in the Plaintiff's Record of Testimony; and b. That no witness, who was sworn or affirmed, presented testimony or evidence to the contrary of the facts set forth in such Record of Testimony.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Opposition brief

An opposition brief need contain only argument and conclusion; if it does not include a counter statement of the case or questions involved, it adopts the moving party’s statement.

C. The brief of the opposition need contain only an argument and a conclusion. If a counter statement of the case or the questions involved is not filed, the statement of the moving party shall be deemed adopted.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Bond

When security is required, a bond must be filed and approved by the Prothonotary before action, with one corporate surety or two individual sureties.

Where security is required, a bond shall be filed and approved by the Prothonotary before any action is taken. One corporate surety or two individual securities shall be required.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Discovery agreement

An agreement to conduct discovery by agreement must be signed by counsel and describe the proposed discovery and its completion time.

The agreement shall be signed by counsel and shall describe the proposed discovery and shall state the time for completion.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Order

An order in substantially the prescribed form must be attached on top of a custody complaint or a visitation or custody-modification petition.

The order to be attached on top of a complaint for custody or petition for visitation or to modify custody shall be in substantially the following form:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Adoption petition

All necessary exhibits, including birth certificates and consents to adoption, must be attached to the adoption petition unless they were previously filed with the Report of Intermediary.

All necessary exhibits such as birth certificates and consents to adoption shall be attached to the petition for adoption unless previously filed with the Report of Intermediary.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Appellant brief

The appellant’s brief must be limited to the issues raised in the land use appeal.

The appellant shall limit the brief to the issues appellant raised in the land use appeal.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition for leave to compromise settle or discontinue

A petition concerning compromise, settlement, or discontinuance involving a minor must state the proposed settlement amount, case facts, damages, expenses including counsel fees, and other relevant information.

A petition for leave to compromise, settle or discontinue an action in which a minor is a party or an action for wrongful death in which a minor is interested shall set forth: 1. The amount of the proposed settlement 2. The facts of the case 3. The damages sustained. 4. All expenses incurred or to be incurred, including counsel fees. 5. Any other relevant information.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

Must include

proposed order

When the parties agree to the requested relief, the petition must include a stipulation signed by all affected counsel or unrepresented parties and a proposed order.

If the parties agree to the relief sought, the petition shall be accompanied by a stipulation signed by all affected counsel or unrepresented parties and a proposed order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

When the parties agree to the requested relief, the motion must be accompanied by a signed stipulation, prepared order, and praecipe to assign the matter for disposition.

If the parties agree to the relief sought a motion shall be accompanied by a stipulation signed by all affected counsel or unrepresented parties, a prepared order and a praecipe to assign the stipulated matter for disposition.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Surety affidavit

Each surety must file an affidavit before bond approval stating qualifying real-estate ownership, debts, liabilities, legal exemptions, and any other surety obligations.

No bond shall be approved until each surety has filed an affidavit which states that the surety is the owner of real estate having a value in excess of the penalty of the bond and which lists the surety’s debts, liabilities and all legal exemptions. The affidavit shall state whether the surety is also a surety on any other obligations, and, if so, what they are.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Request for argument hearing or arbitration

A request for argument, hearing, or arbitration must include the District Court Administrator's scheduling cover sheet; civil and scheduling cover sheets may also be obtained from the stated website.

A request for argument, hearing or arbitration shall be accompanied by a scheduling cover sheet in the form provided by the District Court Administrator. C. Civil cover sheets and scheduling cover sheets may also be obtained at www.co.lancaster.pa.us/courts.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Uncontested motion for continuance and waiver of custody case time requirements

Parties agreeing to a continuance must file the specified motion and waiver using the form provided in Local Rule 1915.19(a).

D. Where the parties are in agreement for a continuance, they shall file an Uncontested Motion for Continuance and Waiver of Custody Case Time Requirements in the form provided in Local Rule 1915.19(a).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery petition

A discovery petition must state the nature of the discovery sought, why it is necessary, and the period for completing it.

(a) A petition shall set forth the nature of the discovery sought, the reasons why the discovery is necessary and the time period within which discovery is to be completed.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Statute of limitations and documentation of debt certification

The certification must include the verification that its statements are true and correct, acknowledge the stated penalty for false statements, and provide a signature and date line.

I verify that the statements made herein are true and correct. I understand that false statements are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities. Signature of Plaintiff or Plaintiff’s Counsel Date

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

A motion for summary judgment or judgment on the pleadings must include the Form 4 Statute of Limitations and Documentation of Debt Certification as an attachment.

The motion for summary judgment or motion for judgment on the pleadings shall have attached to it a “Statute of Limitations and Documentation of Debt Certification” in the form attached hereto as Form “4.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Conference summary report

If the parties do not reach agreement at the conference, the officer must submit a conference summary report and recommended temporary order to the assigned judge within 10 days of the conference.

If the parties fail to reach an agreement before the conclusion of the custody conference, within ten days of the conference the custody conference officer shall submit to the assigned Family Court Judge a conference summary report and recommended temporary order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Fees and costs disclosure report

The report disclosing fees and costs required by Pa. O.C. Rule 15.5(d) must be submitted to the Court at the adoption hearing.

The report concerning disclosure of fees and costs required by Pa. O.C. Rule 15.5(d) shall be submitted to the Court at the adoption hearing.

CRITICAL

A party seeking damages must separately identify each claimed item, describe it in detail, and state the amount claimed.

A party seeking damages shall list each item claimed under a separate descriptive heading (personal injury, wrongful death, survival, loss of profits, loss of wages, deprivation of civil rights, false imprisonment, libel, slander, property damage, pain, suffering, past and future medical expense, balance due under a contract, performance due under a contract, interest, etc.), shall provide a detailed description of each item, and state the amount of damages claimed.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Statute of limitations and documentation of debt certification

The certification must include ownership-transfer documents from the original creditor establishing an unbroken chain, with identifying information linking the account to the debtor, unless the plaintiff is the original creditor.

8. Documents regarding ownership of the debt: [ ] A. Each bill of sale, assignment, or other document evidencing the transfer of ownership of the debt, beginning with the original creditor. If the debt has been assigned more than once, then each assignment or other writing evidencing transfer of ownership must be attached to establish an unbroken chain of ownership. Such documentation must contain at least the last four digits of the original account number of the debt purchased or other identifying information uniquely associated with the account and must clearly show the debtor’s name associated with that account number. [ ] B. Not applicable – the plaintiff is the original creditor

CRITICAL

Applies to

Stipulated motion

Must include

proposed order

For an agreed motion for summary judgment, the filing must include a stipulation signed by all affected counsel or unrepresented parties, a proposed order, and a praecipe assigning the matter for disposition.

B. Stipulated Matters. If the parties agree to the relief sought, the motion shall be accompanied by a stipulation signed by all affected counsel or unrepresented parties, a proposed order and a praecipe to assign the stipulated matter for disposition.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Agreement implementation documents

If the parties reach an agreement through pre-conference negotiations, the Plaintiff must prepare any documents necessary to implement that agreement.

If an agreement is reached by the parties through pre-conference negotiations, Plaintiff shall prepare any documents necessary to implement the agreement and promptly notify the Diversion Program Coordinator at cddp@lancastercountypa.gov so the conference may be cancelled.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Termination notice

The termination notice must be in writing and include the defendant’s name, docket number, a brief description of the charge, and the date the offense was filed.

Before any such termination, the magisterial district judge shall give at least thirty days notice in writing to counsel of record and unrepresented parties of impending termination. Such notice shall be given in person or by mail to the last address of record of the parties or their counsel of record (including the District Attorney and Public Defender) and shall minimally consist of the name of the defendant, docket number, a brief description of the charge and date the offense was filed.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Complaint answer motion brief or other paper

Must include

ai disclosure

If generative AI was used, the filer must include an Affidavit of Use of Generative AI identifying the tool and AI-prepared portions and certifying human accuracy review, including citations and legal authority.

If counsel (or a party representing himself or herself) has used generative AI, he or she must include with the document an Affidavit of Use of Generative AI in which the party must disclose and certify by affidavit attached to this administrative order: - a. The specific AI tool that was used; - b. Precisely which portions of the filing were prepared by the AI program; and - c. That a human being has checked the accuracy of any portion of the document generated by AI, including all citations and legal authority.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Documents necessary to implement the agreement

If the parties reach an agreement before the scheduled conference, the plaintiff must prepare the documents needed to implement it, immediately notify the Diversion Program Coordinator, and ensure the record reflects the resolution.

R. If an agreement is reached through negotiations prior to the scheduled conciliation conference, the plaintiff shall (a) prepare any documents necessary to implement the agreement, (b) immediately notify the Diversion Program Coordinator of the agreement so the conciliation conference may be cancelled, and (c) take the necessary action to ensure the record reflects the resolution of the matter.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Complaint

A complaint in a business or commercial credit card debt collection action must not include Form 1 or refer to the credit card diversion program.

Plaintiff shall not include the “NOTICE,” also known as Form 1, or make any reference to the credit card diversion program for a business or commercial credit card debt collection action in its complaint.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

A motion for agreed relief must include a stipulation signed by all affected counsel or unrepresented parties, a prepared order, and a praecipe to assign the matter for disposition.

If the parties agree to the relief sought a motion shall be accompanied by a stipulation signed by all affected counsel or unrepresented parties, a prepared order and a praecipe to assign the stipulated matter for disposition.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Preliminary decree

If a parent in a specified proceeding is a minor, incarcerated, or in military service, petitioner’s counsel must provide in the preliminary decree for appointment of counsel for that parent.

In any proceeding for voluntary relinquishment of parental rights, confirmation of consent, involuntary termination of parental rights or adoption in which a parent whose parental rights are to be relinquished or terminated is a minor, is incarcerated or is in military service, counsel for petitioner shall provide in the preliminary decree for the appointment of counsel to represent such parent.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Hearing documents

At the hearing in the specified parental-rights proceedings, counsel must present the birth-parent notices and a stamped envelope addressed to each birth parent.

In any proceeding for voluntary relinquishment of parental rights, confirmation of consent or involuntary termination of parental rights, at the time of the hearing, counsel shall present the notices to the birth parents concerning their right to place information on file with the Court and with the Department of Public Welfare or the Division of Vital Records, together with a stamped envelope addressed to each birth parent.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition for adoption and change of name

When an adult adoption petition seeks a name change, it must be captioned “Petition for Adoption and Change of Name.”

The petition shall be captioned Petition for Adoption and Change of Name.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Important notice

In the specified eligible foreclosure actions, the Important Notice must be accompanied by an Urgent Notice substantially in Form 2.

In any residential mortgage foreclosure action which was commenced on or before July 31, 2021, and which would be an eligible action for the Foreclosure Diversion Program if it had been filed after that date, but in which no default judgment has been entered or in which an Important Notice (the ten-day notice required by Pa.R.C.P. No 237.1(a)(2)) has not yet been sent to the defendant homeowner, the Important Notice shall be accompanied by the Urgent Notice substantially in the form attached as Form “2.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Request to reschedule plea

When a case with a prior pretrial conference has a rejected plea, counsel must note the rejection on the rescheduling form.

If the case has previously had a pretrial conference, the plea shall be rescheduled. Counsel shall note on the Request to Reschedule Plea form that the plea was rejected, the form will be forwarded to the District Court Administrator and the plea will be rescheduled by the District Court Administrator with a different judge on the next available plea date.

CRITICAL

I verify that the statements made herein are true and correct. I understand that false statements are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.

I verify that the statements made herein are true and correct. I understand that false statements are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery motion

Every discovery motion must include the listed case, discovery, relief, party-contact, conference-effort, and proposed-order information.

Every discovery motion shall contain the following: 1. A concise statement describing the nature of the case. 2. A concise statement of the status of any discovery procedure involved. 3. A copy of the specific discovery request and response, if any, in dispute. 4. A statement of the relief requested and a citation to the statute, procedural rule or other authority for the relief requested. 5. A statement identifying all other parties and their counsel, with mailing addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses. 6. If necessary, a request for the suspension of discovery until the dispute is resolved. 7. A certification that the parties, after reasonable effort, are unable to resolve the dispute. 8. A proposed rule or order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Praecipe for judgment by default

A plaintiff filing a Praecipe for judgment by default in a covered consumer credit card collection case commenced on or after January 1, 2022, must attach the Form 7 affidavit.

Any plaintiff who files a Praecipe for judgment by default in any consumer credit card collection case that was commenced on or after January 1, 2022, that is governed by these rules, must attach an “Affidavit of Compliance and Entitlement to Default Judgment” in the form attached hereto as Form “7.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Post trial motion

Must include

proposed order

The party filing a post-trial motion must deliver the original and necessary copies of a proposed order for record transcription to the trial judge.

That party shall also deliver to the trial judge the original and necessary copies of a proposed order for the transcription of the record.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Emergency continuance motion

Must include

proposed order

An emergency continuance motion may be submitted with a proposed order.

Any emergency motion and proposed order may be submitted to chambers by email (Judge_Brown_Chambers@lancastercountypacourt.gov ), or hand delivery.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Certificate of completion for focus on children

Any party who has not filed a certificate of completion for Focus on Children with the Prothonotary shall do so

Any party who has not filed a certificate of completion for Focus on Children with the Prothonotary shall do so

CRITICAL

Applies to

Request for argument hearing or arbitration

A request for argument, hearing, or arbitration must include a scheduling cover sheet in the District Court Administrator’s form.

B. A request for argument, hearing or arbitration shall be accompanied by a scheduling cover sheet in the form provided by the District Court Administrator.

CRITICAL

Even when counsel cannot attend, counsel must ensure that the client attends the Call of the List.

Counsel is responsible, however, for ensuring that counsel’s client attends the Call of the List.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Decree

A decree authorizing publication must identify the newspaper and, if any, the legal periodical in which notice will appear.

The decree authorizing service by publication in the location of the last known address of the person to be notified shall include the name of the newspaper of general circulation and the name of the legal periodical, if any, in which such notice is to be published.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice to plead

A notice to plead must include the specified return-date, courtroom, courthouse, and appearance language.

The notice to plead shall also include the following: This matter is returnable to Orphans’ Court Business Court on the ___ day of _____________, 201_ in Courtroom__ of the Lancaster County Courthouse, 50 North Duke Street, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. All counsel or unrepresented parties must appear.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Filed document

Attorneys and self-represented parties must not include confidential information in filed documents except on a Confidential Information Form.

In compliance with Section 7, this Court elects subsection A. As enumerated in the Public Access Policy, attorneys and self-represented parties shall not include confidential information in any document filed with the appropriate filing office (Clerk of Courts, Prothonotary and Clerk of the Orphans' Court) except on a Confidential Information Form as provided by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (http://www.pacourts.us/public-records/public-records-forms).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Preliminary objections

Must include

proposed order

All preliminary objections must be accompanied by a proposed order.

Proposed Order. All preliminary objections shall be accompanied by a proposed order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Affidavit of compliance and entitlement to default judgment

The affidavit form calls for the filer to identify their status, make the listed compliance and entitlement statements, and provide signature, date, email, and telephone number.

Please check one: [ ] I am an unrepresented plaintiff [ ] I am counsel for the plaintiff The undersigned hereby states that: 1. I have personally reviewed the documentation filed and served in this action pursuant to Local Rule 205.2(d) (as may be amended). 2. The documentation meets all requirements of Lancaster County Local Rule 205.2 (d) (as may be amended), with any exceptions specifically stated here: . 3. The documentation establishes the plaintiff’s entitlement to judgment in the amount claimed. Plaintiff / Counsel for Plaintiff Date [Email Address, Telephone Number]

CRITICAL

Applies to

Masters report

After accepting the Plaintiff's Record of Testimony, the master must file a report with a recommendation.

After the hearing wherein the Plaintiff's Record of Testimony has been accepted, the master shall prepare and file the report together with a recommendation in accordance with Pa.R.C.P. No. 1920.53.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Jury instructions

All requests for instructions shall be submitted in writing, in duplicate, at chambers;

All requests for instructions shall be submitted in writing, in duplicate, at chambers;

CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery motion

Must include

certificate of conference

Every discovery-related motion must include a certification that the parties made a reasonable effort but could not resolve the dispute.

Every motion relating to discovery shall contain a certification that the parties, after reasonable effort, are unable to resolve the dispute.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Email

If a final disposition has already occurred, counsel may be excused from the Call of the List but shall email the Judge’s judicial administrative assistant with the final disposition and date of occurrence.

If a final disposition has already occurred, counsel may be excused from the Call of the List but shall email the Judge’s judicial administrative assistant with the final disposition and date of occurrence.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Filed document

Attorneys and self-represented parties must not include confidential information in filed documents except on a Confidential Information Form.

attorneys and self-represented parties shall not include confidential information in any document filed with the appropriate filing office (Clerk of Courts, Prothonotary and Clerk of the Orphans' Court) except on a Confidential Information Form as provided by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (http://www.pacourts.us/public-records/public-records-forms).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

For an adult adoption involving a requested name change, the petitioner must present evidence of compliance with the law on name changes.

H. If the person to be adopted is an adult and a change of name is desired, the petitioner shall present evidence of compliance with the law relating to change of name.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Application for re entry into consumer credit card collection diversion program

The re-entry application form requests the listed case and removal information, reasons for re-entry, and the defendant’s stated eligibility and participation commitments.

1. Plaintiff filed a debt collection action against Defendant on . 2. Defendant participated in the Consumer Credit Card Collection Diversion Program and was removed from the Program on for the following reason(s): . 3. Defendant desires to be readmitted into the Diversion Program. 4. No judgment has been entered against Defendant. 5. Defendant is requesting re-entry into the Diversion Program due to: (check all that apply) change in economic circumstances change of employment status other (explain): 6. Defendant was not removed from the Diversion Program as a result of failure to participate in the Program. 7. Defendant agrees that if the Court permits Defendant to re-enter the Diversion Program, Defendant will comply with all aspects of the Program, attend the scheduled conciliation conference and participate in good-faith negotiations with Plaintiff.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Adoption petition

An adoption petition must be filed with the Clerk in an original and one copy, together with the required fee.

The original and one copy of a petition for adoption shall be filed with the Clerk with the required fee.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Preliminary decree

If a parent whose rights are to be relinquished or terminated is a minor, incarcerated, or in military service, petitioner's counsel must provide in the preliminary decree for appointment of counsel for that parent.

In any proceeding for voluntary relinquishment of parental rights, confirmation of consent, involuntary termination of parental rights or adoption in which a parent whose parental rights are to be relinquished or terminated is a minor, is incarcerated or is in military service, counsel for petitioner shall provide in the preliminary decree for the appointment of counsel to represent such parent.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Bail security

When realty located in Lancaster County is offered as security for bail greater than $10,000, such security must include a certification of an attorney, a title insurance company or a title abstracting company and must identify all record owners, all liens and the balance of each lien. The certification must be accompanied by an appraisal by a licensed appraiser conducted within thirty days of the date the realty is offered as security.

When realty located in Lancaster County is offered as security for bail greater than $10,000, such security must include a certification of an attorney, a title insurance company or a title abstracting company and must identify all record owners, all liens and the balance of each lien. The certification must be accompanied by an appraisal by a licensed appraiser conducted within thirty days of the date the realty is offered as security.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Police criminal complaint and arrest warrant affidavit

Police complaints and arrest-warrant affidavits for the listed offenses brought by the Lancaster County Prison Warden, a Deputy Warden, or a Major require Commonwealth attorney approval before filing.

The District Attorney having filed a certification pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P. 507, criminal complaints and arrest warrant affidavits by police officers, as defined in the Rules of Criminal Procedure, charging the crimes brought by the Warden, any Deputy Warden or Major of the Lancaster County Prison listed below, shall not hereafter be accepted by any judicial officer, unless the complaints and affidavits have the approval of an attorney for the Commonwealth before filing: A. Any offense brought under18 Pa. C.S.A.; B. Any offense brought as a violation of the Controlled Substance, Drug Device and Cosmetic Act, 35 P.S. Section 780-113;

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pre trial statement

If the master does not require a pre-hearing conference, the pre-trial statement must be furnished to the master and opposing party at least five business days before the hearing.

If no pre-hearing conference is required by the master, a pre-trial statement, as set forth herein, shall be furnished to the master and opposing party at least five business days before the hearing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Case management order

Upon filing a consumer credit card collection complaint, the Court must issue a Case Management Order substantially in the form of Form 2.

Upon the filing of a consumer credit card collection complaint, the Court shall issue a “Case Management Order,” substantially in the form attached hereto as Form “2.”

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Criminal complaint and arrest warrant affidavit

Police criminal complaints and arrest warrant affidavits charging any listed offense require approval by a Commonwealth attorney before filing.

The District Attorney, having filed a certification pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P. 507, criminal complaints and arrest warrant affidavits by police officers, as defined in the Rules of Criminal Procedure, charging the crimes listed below, shall not hereafter be accepted by any judicial officer, unless the complaints and affidavits have the approval of an attorney for the Commonwealth before filing: A. Criminal Homicide in violation of 18 Pa. C.S.A. Section 2501; B. Murder in any degree in violation of 18 Pa. C.S.A. Section 2502; C. Voluntary Manslaughter in violation of 18 Pa. C.S.A. Section 2503; D. Involuntary Manslaughter in violation of 18 Pa. C.S.A. Section 2504; E. Homicide by Vehicle in violation of 75 Pa. C.S.A. Section 3732; F. Homicide by Vehicle While Driving Under Influence in violation of 75 Pa. C.S.A. Section 3735; G. Rape in violation of 18 Pa. C.S.A. Section 3121; H. Statutory Sexual Assault in violation of 18 Pa. C.S.A. Section 3122; I. Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse in violation of 18 Pa. C.S.A. Section 3123; J. Aggravated Indecent Assault in violation of 18 Pa. C.S.A. Section 3125; K. Sexual Assault in violation of 18 Pa. C.S.A. Section 3124.1; L. Crimes Against Unborn Child in violation of 18 Pa. C.S.A. Chapter 26; M. Arson in violation of 18 Pa. C.S.A. Section 3301; N. Obscene and Other Sexual Materials in violation of 18 Pa. C.S.A. Section 5903; O. Violation of the Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, 35P.S. Section 780-113 (30)(Delivery or Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance); and P. Cruelty to Animals in violation of any offense listed in any section or subsection of 18 Pa. C.S.A. Sections 5533, 5534, 5535, 5536, 5539, 5542, 5543, 5544, 5548 and 5549.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Master report

In all other cases, the master must take testimony and file a report that complies with Pa.R.C.P. No. 1920.53.

In all other cases, the master shall take testimony and file a report which complies with the requirements of Pa.R.C.P. No. 1920.53.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Brief

Briefs must contain complete and accurate citations to all authorities.

Briefs shall contain complete and accurate citations of all authorities.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Bail agency supervision form

When bail includes supervision by the bail agency, the defendant must complete the bail agency’s supervision form as required by the issuing authority.

If the issuing authority sets bail which includes supervision by the bail agency, the issuing authority shall require the defendant to complete the bail agency’s supervision form.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Trial exhibits

Before trial begins, counsel must mark and exchange all exhibits they intend to offer during their case-in-chief.

In every case, counsel shall, before the commencement of trial: 1. Mark and exchange all exhibits to be offered in evidence during case-in-chief.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Residential mortgage foreclosure complaint

An electronically filed complaint must include the Form 1 Certification Cover Sheet and the appropriate Urgent Notice.

Such complaint shall include a “Certification Cover Sheet” regarding the status of the foreclosed premises, in the form attached as Form “1” and the appropriate Urgent Notice as specified in Paragraph 4 above.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Ex parte motion

Ex parte motions permitted under the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure that require a court order must be submitted directly to the business judge or the assigned judge.

Motions which may be submitted ex parte pursuant to the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure and which require a Court order shall be submitted directly to the business judge or the judge assigned to the case.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Initial legal paper

The initial legal paper filed must include a civil cover sheet in the Prothonotary’s form.

A. The initial legal paper filed shall be accompanied by a civil cover sheet in the form provided by the Prothonotary.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Written jury instruction request

Written jury-instruction requests must cite the authority relied upon.

Written requests for instructions to the jury shall contain citations to the authority relied upon

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Birth certificate

When a birth certificate must be exhibited to the court, it must show recorded parent names, and any Section 8303 paternity claim must be provided if the father’s name is not recorded.

In every proceeding where the Pa. O.C. Rules or the Adoption Act require the adoptee’s birth certificate to be exhibited to the Court, the birth certificate shall show the names of the mother and father if that information is recorded. If the name of the father is not recorded, but there is a claim of paternity under Section 8303 of the Adoption Act, such information shall be provided to the Court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to withdraw

A motion to withdraw must be filed with the clerk and concurrently served on the Commonwealth’s attorney and defendant, or made orally on the record in open court with the defendant present.

1. A motion to withdraw shall be: a. Filed with the clerk of courts, and a copy concurrently served on the attorney for the Commonwealth and the defendant; or b. Made orally on the record in open court in the presence of the defendant.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Initial stay order

Upon filing an eligible residential mortgage foreclosure complaint, the Court must issue an initial stay order directing the homeowner to complete the Court’s intake process for assignment to an approved counseling agency.

Upon the filing of a Foreclosure Diversion Program- eligible residential mortgage foreclosure complaint, the Court shall issue an initial stay order directing the defendant homeowner to participate in an intake process with the Court by phone, mail, email, or by other methods prescribed so that the defendant may be assigned to an approved HUD and PFHA housing counseling agency.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion or petition

After a case returns to the Court of Common Pleas, filing any motion or petition for the defendant constitutes an appearance for all matters in that case, notwithstanding a purported limitation.

After a case has been returned to the Court of Common Pleas, the filing of any motion or petition on behalf of the defendant shall be deemed to be an entry of appearance by the filing attorney on behalf of the defendant as to all matters pertaining to the case in which the filing is made, notwithstanding any statement contained in the filing which purports to limit the scope of the filing attorney’s representation.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Master report

After a hearing at which the Record of Testimony is accepted, the master must prepare and file a report with a recommendation under Pa.R.C.P. No. 1920.53.

After the hearing wherein the Plaintiff's Record of Testimony has been accepted, the master shall prepare and file the report together with a recommendation in accordance with Pa.R.C.P. No. 1920.53.

CRITICAL

Applies to

New bail bond

When the Court modifies bail in a case pending before a magisterial district judge, the judge must issue a new bail bond through one of the two stated procedures.

In cases pending before a magisterial district judge when the Court has modified bail, the magisterial district judge shall issue a new bail bond in either of the following: 1. The magisterial district judge’s directing a constable to transport the defendant to the office of the magisterial district judge, whereupon the defendant can execute the new bail bond; or 2. Where the modified bail does not have a monetary condition, the magisterial district judge shall transmit by facsimile or other electronic means a new bail bond to the Lancaster County Prison, whereupon prison personnel shall act as the authorized agent of the magisterial district judge and secure the defendant’s execution of the new bail bond.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Loss mitigation package and workout proposal

When the defendant homeowner is represented, counsel need not use a housing counselor and must notify the Diversion Program Coordinator of the representation and provide the loss mitigation package and workout proposal to the plaintiff, copying the Coordinator, within the stated deadlines.

S. If the defendant homeowner is represented by counsel in the mortgage foreclosure action, the defendant homeowner need not contact a housing counselor but, instead, counsel for the defendant homeowner shall notify the Diversion Program Coordinator of the legal representation and shall provide the loss mitigation package and workout proposal to the plaintiff, with a copy to the Diversion Program Coordinator, within the time deadlines set forth herein.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of presentation

The notice of presentation must be directed to the respondent and substantially follow the prescribed form, including the presentation details and warning about failure to appear.

B. The notice of presentation required by Local Rule 1931 shall be directed to the respondent(s) to the motion or petition and shall be in substantially the following form: [Caption] NOTICE OF FAMILY BUSINESS COURT PRESENTATION To: [Name of Respondent] You are hereby notified that the attached [Petition or motion] and the preceding proposed Order will be presented in Family Business Court before the Honorable Judge [Name of judge] on [Date] at [Time] in Courtroom Number [ ] of the Lancaster County Courthouse, 50 North Duke Street, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17602. You may appear in person or by a lawyer at the time and place set forth. Your failure to appear in person or by a lawyer at the time and place set forth may result in the Court granting the relief requested in the attached [Petition or motion] in the form of the preceding proposed Order, or other relief, without further notice to you. ______________ [Name of Movant or Petitioner]

CRITICAL

Applies to

Supplemental documentation

If required documents or information are missing, the plaintiff must supplement the documentation as directed by a non-compliance order.

If the documents are not submitted or lack the required information, the Court shall issue a non-compliance Order directing the plaintiff to supplement its documentation to conform with the pleading requirements under Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure 1019.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

The moving party must file the motion, proposed order, and supporting brief at the same time.

The moving party shall file a motion, proposed order and supporting brief concurrently.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of appeal

If a reporter was present and no transcript exists, the notice of appeal must certify that the appellant ordered the transcript and made satisfactory payment arrangements with the reporter.

If a court reporter was present and if a transcript is not already in existence, appellant’s certification that appellant has ordered a transcript of the proceedings and has made satisfactory arrangements with the court reporter for payment if a transcript is not already in existence.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for judgment on the pleadings

Must include

proposed order

All motions for judgment on the pleadings must be accompanied by a proposed order.

Proposed Order. All motions shall be accompanied by a proposed order.

CRITICAL

The witness list must separately identify liability and damages witnesses and give the names and addresses of witnesses each party actually intends to call in its case in chief.

VI. Witnesses. Under separate headings, and under separate headings for liability and damages, the names and addresses of all witnesses whom the plaintiff, defendant, and third parties actually intend to call at trial, during their respective case in chief.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Report concerning disclosure of fees and costs

The required report concerning disclosure of fees and costs must be submitted to the Court at the adoption hearing.

The report concerning disclosure of fees and costs required by Pa. O.C. Rule 15.5(d) shall be submitted to the Court at the adoption hearing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Written agreement confirmation

The plaintiff must confirm a pre-conference agreement in writing with the defendant and Program Coordinator.

confirm the agreement in writing with the defendant and the Program Coordinator within five business days

CRITICAL

Applies to

Complaint

The complaint must include the specified Certification Cover Sheet and Urgent Notice.

2. Such complaint shall include a “Certification Cover Sheet” regarding the status of the foreclosed premises, in the form attached as Form “1” and the appropriate Urgent Notice as specified in Paragraph 4 above.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Statute of limitations and documentation of debt certification

The certification must include documents evidencing each transfer of debt ownership from the original creditor, establishing an unbroken chain and identifying the account and debtor.

[ ] A. Each bill of sale, assignment, or other document evidencing the transfer of ownership of the debt, beginning with the original creditor. If the debt has been assigned more than once, then each assignment or other writing evidencing transfer of ownership must be attached to establish an unbroken chain of ownership. Such documentation must contain at least the last four digits of the original account number of the debt purchased or other identifying information uniquely associated with the account and must clearly show the debtor’s name associated with that account number.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Request to reschedule plea form

A scheduled plea may be rescheduled only by submitting a completed request form to the scheduled judge; if granted, the form is forwarded for scheduling on the judge’s next available or specified plea date.

C. Once a plea is scheduled, it may only be rescheduled by submitting a completed Request to Reschedule Plea form to the judge before whom the plea is scheduled. If the request to reschedule is granted by the judge before whom the plea is scheduled, the form will be forwarded to the District Court Administrator, who will schedule the matter on that judge’s next available plea date or on the date specified by the judge and indicated on the Request to Reschedule Plea form.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed jury instructions

The court will not consider a proposed instruction that lacks a citation to specific legal authority.

The court will not consider proposed instructions without citation to specific legal authority.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Praecipe for disposition

A praecipe for disposition must state the filing dates of the motion and briefs, including any reply brief.

The praecipe shall include the filing dates of the motion, brief, responsive brief and reply brief (if any).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed jury instructions

A party submitting a model jury instruction must state whether the proposed instruction is unchanged or modified.

If a model jury instruction is submitted, the submitting party shall state whether the proposed jury instruction is unchanged or modified.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

For petitions seeking a stay, an answer in fewer than twenty days, or other substantive relief, the rule to show cause may issue only if the petition shows reasonable notice or agreement of all affected parties, or the Court finds extraordinary circumstances justifying immediate relief.

For such petitions, the Court shall not issue the rule to show cause unless: 1. It appears from the petition that reasonable notice has been given to all affected parties of the date, time and place of the presentation; or 2. It appears from the petition that there is an agreement of all affected parties; or 3. The Court in its discretion shall determine that there are extraordinary circumstances justifying immediate relief.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Electronically filed document

Each document e-Filed by an attorney shall also include the typed name, address, and telephone number of the attorney or unrepresented party filing such document. Attorneys shall include their Pennsylvania bar number.

Each document e-Filed by an attorney shall also include the typed name, address, and telephone number of the attorney or unrepresented party filing such document. Attorneys shall include their Pennsylvania bar number.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Arraignment rights form

The District Attorney must provide a written Arraignment Rights form to every defendant who appears at arraignment, represented or not.

The District Attorney shall provide a written Arraignment Rights form to each defendant, whether represented or not, who appears at arraignment.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Plea scheduling form

Guilty and nolo contendere pleas must be scheduled through the District Attorney's Office using its designated plea-scheduling forms.

Guilty pleas and pleas of nolo contendere shall be scheduled through the Office of the District Attorney using the forms designated by that office for the scheduling of pleas.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Focus on children certificate of completion

A party who has not filed a Focus on Children certificate of completion must file it with the Prothonotary within 60 days of the Order.

Any party who has not filed a certificate of completion for Focus on Children with the Prothonotary shall do so within sixty (60) days of the Order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Complaint

The paper complaint copy provided to the Sheriff’s Office must have the Form 1 notice affixed to its front.

Within three (3) business days of the filing of the complaint electronically, the Plaintiff shall provide (1) one check made payable to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office for the civil process fee and (2) a paper copy of the filed complaint with the “Notice of Consumer Credit Card Collection Diversion Program,” in the form attached hereto as Form “1,” affixed to the front of the complaint to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.

CRITICAL

If an agreement is reached before the scheduled conference, the plaintiff must take the necessary action to ensure the record reflects the resolution.

take the necessary action to ensure the record reflects the resolution of the matter.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Stipulation

Must include

proposed order

If an agreement is reached within 24 hours before a scheduled conference, the parties must submit a stipulation signed by everyone and a proposed order to the custody conference officer.

If an agreement is reached within twenty four hours before a scheduled conference, the parties shall submit a stipulation signed by all parties and a proposed order to the custody conference officer

CRITICAL

Applies to

Index of exhibits

The index of exhibits form must be completed, signed, and submitted to the appropriate Records office with exhibits sized 8-1/2 by 11 inches.

Index of exhibits form must be completed, signed, and submitted to the appropriate Records office with all exhibits sized at 8-1/2 x 11 inch documents

CRITICAL

Applies to

Mortgage Information for Housing Counselor form and supporting documentation

The plaintiff must submit a completed Mortgage Information for Housing Counselor form with supporting documentation using Form 5.

M. Within 20 days of filing of the Case Management and Scheduling Order, the plaintiff shall submit to the Diversion Program Coordinator a completed “Mortgage Information for Housing Counselor” for with supporting documentation by secure email method, and to the assigned housing counselor, if any, using the form attached as Form “5.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery agreement

Parties may seek leave to conduct discovery by agreement, which must be signed by counsel and describe the discovery and its completion time.

(b) Parties may request leave of Court to conduct discovery by agreement. The agreement shall be signed by counsel and shall describe the proposed discovery and shall state the time for completion.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Unopposed motion to modify or reinstate bail

The moving party must present an unopposed motion to modify or reinstate bail in person.

Any such motions shall be presented in person by the moving party.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Corporate surety filing

Except as identified in Pa.R.Civ.P. No. 105, a corporate surety must file evidence of its Pennsylvania authorization and a current financial statement sworn to by an officer or authorized agent.

A corporate surety, except as identified in Pa.R.Civ.P. No. 105, shall file with the Prothonotary evidence that it is authorized to do business in Pennsylvania and its current financial statement, sworn to by an officer or authorized agent.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Certification

The certification states when the action commenced and whether it would have been eligible if commenced on or after January 1, 2022.

Pursuant to Lancaster County Rule 205.2(d), establishing the Consumer Credit Card Collection Diversion Program, I hereby certify that 1. This action was commenced on ____________________________________________________ 2. Had this action been commenced on or after January 1, 2022, the effective date of the Administrative Order, the action would have been eligible for the Diversion Program.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Agreement implementation documents

The plaintiff must prepare any documents needed to implement a pre-conference agreement.

prepare any documents necessary to implement the agreement.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Original hard copy

The filing party must retain the original hard copy for two years after the latest of the listed case or issue dispositions.

The filing party shall maintain the original hard copy of the document for two years after the later of: the disposition of the case; the entry of an order resolving the issue raised by the legal paper; or the disposition by an appellate court of the issue raised by the legal paper.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Proposed decree

Must include

proposed order

In every proceeding under the Adoption Act, petitioners’ counsel must present a proposed decree at the hearing.

In all proceedings under the Adoption Act, counsel for petitioners shall present at the time of the hearing a proposed decree.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Request for continuance of conciliation conference

CC. Continuance Requests: If, at any time prior to a scheduled conciliation conference, the plaintiff becomes aware that it will be unable to proceed to the conference due to the need for more time to review the documents provided by the defendant homeowner or the defendant requires an additional 30 days to complete housing counseling, the plaintiff or defendant may submit to the Diversion Program Coordinator a “Request for Continuance of Conciliation Conference” in the form attached hereto at Form “9.”

CC. Continuance Requests: If, at any time prior to a scheduled conciliation conference, the plaintiff becomes aware that it will be unable to proceed to the conference due to the need for more time to review the documents provided by the defendant homeowner or the defendant requires an additional 30 days to complete housing counseling, the plaintiff or defendant may submit to the Diversion Program Coordinator a “Request for Continuance of Conciliation Conference” in the form attached hereto at Form “9.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice

The notice must identify the action, its caption and requested relief, the noticed party’s interest in the property, and the possibility of a binding decree if the party does not appear within 30 days of publication.

B. The notice shall state: 1. That an action has been filed. 2. The caption of the case as defined in Pa. R.Civ.P. No. 1018. 3. The nature of the action and the relief sought. 4. The nature of the noticed party’s interest in the property. C. The notice shall also state that the noticed party may appear in the action and that, if the party fails to do so within thirty days of the publication, a decree which may bind the party’s interests may be entered.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of appeal

Must include

caption

A notice of appeal must include the authorizing statute's required information, the specified caption, and all relevant information required by Local Rule 27A.2.

The notice of appeal shall contain all information required by the statute which authorizes filing of the appeal. The notice of appeal shall also contain: A caption in substantially the following form: Name of Appellant v. NO. CI-__________________ Name of local or administrative agency which rendered decision STATUTORY APPEAL All relevant information required in Local Rule 27A.2.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Realty bail security

For bail greater than $10,000 secured by Lancaster County realty, provide a qualifying certification identifying owners and liens and an appraisal by a licensed appraiser conducted within 30 days of the offer.

When realty located in Lancaster County is offered as security for bail greater than $10,000, such security must include a certification of an attorney, a title insurance company or a title abstracting company and must identify all record owners, all liens and the balance of each lien. The certification must be accompanied by an appraisal by a licensed appraiser conducted within thirty days of the date the realty is offered as security.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Criminal record or abuse history verification

You must file with the court a verification regarding any criminal record or abuse history regarding you and anyone living in your household on or before the initial

You must file with the court a verification regarding any criminal record or abuse history regarding you and anyone living in your household on or before the initial

CRITICAL

Applies to

Important notice

In the specified eligible foreclosure actions commenced on or before July 31, 2021, the Important Notice must be accompanied by an Urgent Notice substantially in Form 2.

EE. In any residential mortgage foreclosure action which was commenced on or before July 31, 2021, and which would be an eligible action for the Foreclosure Diversion Program if it had been filed after that date, but in which no default judgment has been entered or in which an Important Notice (the ten-day notice required by Pa.R.C.P. No 237.1(a)(2)) has not yet been sent to the defendant homeowner, the Important Notice shall be accompanied by the Urgent Notice substantially in the form attached as Form “2.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Legal paper

In medical malpractice actions, the first page must display “MedMal” beneath the case number.

In medical malpractice actions, “MedMal" shall appear beneath the case number.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Status conference order

The court must enter a Status Conference Order, and the completed order must be filed with the Clerk of Courts at the conclusion of the status conference.

At the conclusion of the status conference the court shall enter a Status Conference Order reflecting the disposition of the case as represented by the parties (e.g., guilty plea, nolo contendere plea, ARD or nolle prosequi), or if the matter shall be scheduled for a subsequent Status Conference, or if the matter is to be listed for trial, or if a bench warrant has been issued and bail has been forfeit. 2. The completed Status Conference Order shall be filed with the Clerk of Courts at the conclusion of the status conference.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion and proposed order for appointment of master

The motion and proposed order for appointment of a divorce master must include the stated order provisions, including the appointment, status conference, and call-initiation directions.

The motion and proposed order, in addition to confirming to the requirements of Pa.R.C.P. No. 1920.74 shall also contain the following: [Caption] ORDER AND NOW, this _____ day of _____________, 20__, _________________________ is appointed Master with respect to the following claims: ______________________________________________________________________ __ ______________________________________________________________________ Counsel and unrepresented parties are hereby directed to participate in a telephonic status conference with the divorce master on the ______ day of _________, 20 , at o'clock .m. The conference call shall be initiated by the counsel or unrepresented party who requested the master's appointment. In the event that the status conference is required to be re-scheduled at the request of an unrepresented party or counsel, the unrepresented party or counsel requesting the change shall be responsible for promptly coordinating the new date and time with the divorce master and initiating the conference call. BY THE COURT: J. Copies To: Divorce Master All Parties

CRITICAL

Applies to

Parental rights proceeding

At the hearing in the specified parental-rights proceedings, counsel must present notices informing birth parents of their right to place information on file with the Court and the relevant agency, along with a stamped envelope addressed to each birth parent.

In any proceeding for voluntary relinquishment of parental rights, confirmation of consent or involuntary termination of parental rights, at the time of the hearing, counsel shall present the notices to the birth parents concerning their right to place information on file with the Court and with the Department of Public Welfare or the Division of Vital Records, together with a stamped envelope addressed to each birth parent.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Mortgage information form

Submit the listed mortgage and loss-mitigation documents to the Program Coordinator with this form.

Please provide to the Program Coordinator, along with this form, the following documents related to the mortgage/loss mitigation: 1. The most recent escrow account breakdown/analysis 2. A detailed payoff schedule 3. The current reinstatement amount 4. a PDF version of the lender’s loss mitigation package

CRITICAL

Applies to

Custody education seminar completion certificate

A certificate verifying seminar attendance must be presented to the Conference Officer at the beginning of the conciliation conference.

Attendance at the custody education seminar will be verified by a certificate which must be presented to the Conference Officer at the beginning of the conciliation conference.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Bail agency supervision form

When bail includes supervision by the bail agency, the issuing authority must require the defendant to complete the agency's supervision form.

C. If the issuing authority sets bail which includes supervision by the bail agency, the issuing authority shall require the defendant to complete the bail agency’s supervision form.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition for adoption

An adoption petition must be filed with the Clerk in an original and one copy, with the required fee.

The original and one copy of a petition for adoption shall be filed with the Clerk with the required fee.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery motion

Every discovery motion must certify that the parties were unable to resolve the dispute after reasonable effort.

Every motion relating to discovery shall contain a certification that the parties, after reasonable effort, are unable to resolve the dispute.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed jury instruction

Every proposed jury instruction must include legal citation or it will not be considered.

Legal citation must accompany any proposed jury instruction or it will not be considered.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Opposed motion to modify or reinstate bail

Opposed motions to modify or reinstate bail must be filed with the Clerk of Courts Office; hearings are scheduled during Rule 150 sessions, generally held Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 1:30 p.m.

All opposed motions to modify or reinstate bail shall be filed with the Clerk of Courts Office. The Clerk of Courts Office shall send a copy of the motion to Court Administration for scheduling. Hearings relative to these motions will be scheduled during sessions of Rule 150 hearings, which are generally scheduled on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays at 1:30 p.m.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Surety affidavit

Each surety must file an affidavit stating the required real-estate ownership, debts, liabilities, legal exemptions, and other surety obligations before the bond can be approved.

No bond shall be approved until each surety has filed an affidavit which states that the surety is the owner of real estate having a value in excess of the penalty of the bond and which lists the surety’s debts, liabilities and all legal exemptions. The affidavit shall state whether the surety is also a surety on any other obligations, and, if so, what they are.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Written request for jury instructions

Written jury-instruction requests must cite the relied-upon authority, give pinpoint citations for cases and articles, and be submitted at the time set by the trial judge.

Written requests for instructions to the jury shall contain citations to the authority relied upon and shall be submitted at the time set by the trial judge. Case and article citations shall be pinpoint.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Response to complaint

Within ten days of the filling of Defendant’s Election of Nonparticipation, see Form “3” below, the Court shall issue an Order cancelling the conciliation conference, lifting the stay on the action, and directing the defendant to file a response to the plaintiff’s complaint.

Within ten days of the filling of Defendant’s Election of Nonparticipation, see Form “3” below, the Court shall issue an Order cancelling the conciliation conference, lifting the stay on the action, and directing the defendant to file a response to the plaintiff’s complaint.

CRITICAL

When testimony concerns specified locations or property, the plaintiff must provide a courtroom-usable exhibit; an appropriate sketch or existing drawing may be used, and exact scale is needed only when the issues require it.

B. Where testimony is expected to be offered as to geographical location, building, structure, waterway, highway, road, walkway, or parcel of real estate, plaintiff shall furnish an exhibit in such form that it can be used in the courtroom as an aid to oral testimony. 1. Except in those cases where the issues require the use of exact scale, the exhibit may be a simple single-line hand-drawn sketch. 2. In most instances, it will not be necessary that the exhibit be to scale or contain other than reasonably accurate features of the geographical characteristics involved. 3. If of adequate size and clarity, this exhibit may be an existing drawing, plan or blueprint.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Master recommendation

In the specified actions where an agreement is to be incorporated into the divorce decree, the master must review the record and file a recommendation with the court within twenty days after receiving it.

No hearing will be required in an action which is filed under Section 3301(c) or Section 3301(d) of the Domestic Relations Code and in which an agreement is to be incorporated into the divorce decree relative to claims for equitable distribution, alimony, counsel fees, costs and expenses. Instead, the master shall review the record and file a recommendation with the Court within twenty days after receipt of the record.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Certificate of adoption

The specified Bureau of Vital Statistics certificate of adoption form must be submitted to the Court at the adoption hearing.

The certificate of adoption form furnished by the Bureau of Vital Statistics of the Pennsylvania Department of Health shall be submitted to the Court at the adoption hearing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

A plaintiff filing either specified motion in a consumer credit card collection case commenced on or after January 1, 2022, must attach the prescribed affidavit documenting the manner and date of service of the Program notice on the defendant.

Any plaintiff who files a motion for summary judgment or a motion for judgment on the pleadings in any consumer credit card collection case that was commenced on or after January 1, 2022, must attach an Affidavit of Service indicating the manner and date of service of the “Notice of the Consumer Credit Card Collection Diversion Program,” in the form attached hereto as Form “1,” upon the defendant.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

If a person whose parental rights are to be terminated is unidentified or cannot be identified, the petition must include an affidavit detailing the basis for that allegation.

If the identity of any person whose parental rights are to be terminated is unknown or cannot be determined, the petition shall include an affidavit setting forth in detail the basis for such allegations.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Statute of limitations and documentation of debt certification

The debt certification must address the limitations period, creditor and account details, agreement and default dates, and documentation of the debt and damages, subject to the stated alternative when writings are inaccessible.

As required by Local Rule 205.2(d), the undersigned verifies that: 1. Statute of Limitations: Based on reasonable inquiry, the applicable limitations period has not expired as of the date of the filing of the complaint. 2. Documentation of Debt: The name of the current debt holder: 3. The name of the original creditor, and for debt arising from a credit card sponsored or co- sponsored by a retailer, the name of the sponsoring or co-sponsoring retailer: 4. The last four digits of the social security number for the defendant appearing on the original account: 5. The date the original credit agreement was entered into by the defendant: 6. The date the defendant defaulted and the basis for the default: 7. Documents establishing the existence, amount, and terms and conditions applicable to the debt that is the subject of this action, including: [ ] A. A copy of the credit card agreement in effect at the time the credit card was issued establishing the original terms and conditions applicable to the debt or the original credit card application, and applicable subsequent amendments; but if the writing(s) is/are not accessible to the plaintiff, it is sufficient so to state, together with the reason, and to set forth the substance of the writing(s). [ ] B. Sufficient documentation to permit the defendant to calculate the total amount of damages that are allegedly due.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Mediation memorandum

Upon completion of mediation, the parties must sign and file a memorandum stating whether and what resolutions were reached, identifying unresolved issues, and, where appropriate, providing for future review.

(i) Upon completion of mediation, all interested parties shall sign a memorandum of principal terms, which either shall acknowledge that no resolution was reached, or shall embody the resolutions attained. This memorandum of principal terms shall clearly state partial resolutions or complete resolution attained. The memorandum of principal terms shall include a list of unresolved issues to be determined by the Court. Where appropriate, the principal terms could provide for future review in light of changed circumstances or a change in the operative facts. The memorandum of principal terms agreed upon, or the statement of no resolution, shall be filed with the Court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Case management and scheduling order

After the homeowner completes intake, the Court must issue an order scheduling conciliation and directing the homeowner and Plaintiff to complete the specified next steps.

Once the defendant homeowner completes the court intake process, the Court shall issue a Case Management and Scheduling Order which shall schedule a date for conciliation, direct the Defendant to promptly contact the assigned housing counseling agency for an intake appointment, and direct the Plaintiff to complete “Mortgage Information for Housing Counselor” with supporting documentation, attached as Form “5.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Family court motion or petition

Must include

certificate of service

A certificate of service for the proposed order, notice of presentation, and motion or petition must be attached.

A certificate of service of the proposed Order, notice of presentation, and the motion or petition must be attached.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Case management order

After a consumer credit card collection complaint is filed, the Court must issue a Case Management Order and the Prothonotary must serve it on the plaintiff’s attorney and the defendant.

Upon the filing of a consumer credit card collection complaint, the Court shall issue a “Case Management Order,” substantially in the form attached hereto as Form “2.” The Prothonotary shall serve a copy of the Case Management Order (“CMO”) on the plaintiff’s attorney and on the defendant.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Withdrawal of appearance

Defense counsel may withdraw an appearance only with leave of court.

Counsel for a defendant may not withdraw his or her appearance except by leave of court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Mortgage information for housing counselor

The Plaintiff must use the attached Form 5 and submit it with supporting documentation to the specified recipients.

Within 20 days of filing of the Case Management and Scheduling Order, the plaintiff shall submit to the Diversion Program Coordinator a completed “Mortgage Information for Housing Counselor” for with supporting documentation by secure email method, and to the assigned housing counselor, if any, using the form attached as Form “5.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

Must include

proposed order

A petition must be filed with the Clerk or presented in Orphans’ Court Business Court and include a substantially conforming proposed order.

(3) The petition shall be filed with the Clerk or presented in Orphans’ Court Business Court and petitioner shall affix to the petition a proposed order substantially in the following form:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Preliminary objections

Must include

proposed order

When the parties agree to the requested relief, the preliminary objections must include a stipulation signed by all affected counsel or unrepresented parties, a proposed order, and a praecipe assigning the matter for disposition.

If the parties agree to the relief sought, the preliminary objections shall be accompanied by a stipulation signed by all affected counsel or unrepresented parties, a proposed order and a praecipe to assign the stipulated matter for disposition.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Debt ownership documents

Debt ownership documentation must establish an unbroken chain of ownership and identify the account and debtor.

[ ] A. Each bill of sale, assignment, or other document evidencing the transfer of ownership of the debt, beginning with the original creditor. If the debt has been assigned more than once, then each assignment or other writing evidencing transfer of ownership must be attached to establish an unbroken chain of ownership. Such documentation must contain at least the last four digits of the original account number of the debt purchased or other identifying information uniquely associated with the account and must clearly show the debtor’s name associated with that account number.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Ex parte motion

Motions that may be submitted ex parte must be submitted to the business judge or the assigned judge.

Motions which may be submitted ex-parte shall be submitted to the business judge or the judge to whom the case has been assigned.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Supreme court of pennsylvania cover sheet

For a business or commercial credit card debt collection action, the Plaintiff must mark the specified box on the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Cover Sheet and include “Business Credit Card” in the lines below.

For a business or commercial credit card debt collection action, on the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Cover Sheet, Plaintiff shall check the box for Debt Collection: Credit Card and include in the lines below, “Business Credit Card.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

Must include

proposed order

The petitioner must attach to the petition a proposed order substantially in the form that follows.

The petitioner shall attach to the petition a proposed order substantially in the following form:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Civil pretrial memorandum

Plaintiff's pretrial memorandum shall contain a brief statement of the facts of the case. Defendant's pretrial memorandum shall contain such counter-statements of the facts as may be necessary to reflect any disagreement with plaintiff's statement. All parties shall omit pejorative characterizations, hyperbole, and conclusory generalizations.

Plaintiff's pretrial memorandum shall contain a brief statement of the facts of the case. Defendant's pretrial memorandum shall contain such counter-statements of the facts as may be necessary to reflect any disagreement with plaintiff's statement. All parties shall omit pejorative characterizations, hyperbole, and conclusory generalizations.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition under pa r civ p no 2206

A petition filed under Pa. R.Civ.P. No. 2206 is governed by Local Rule 2039.

A petition filed pursuant to Pa. R.Civ.P. No. 2206 shall be governed by Local Rule 2039.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Bail security

Bail security using Lancaster County realty valued at $10,000 or less must include an affidavit of all record owners stating the property's fair market value and all liens and their balances.

When realty located in Lancaster County is offered as security for bail of $10,000 or less, such security must include an affidavit of all record owners and must recite the fair market value of the realty, all liens and the balance of each lien.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of impending termination

The termination notice must state the defendant’s name, docket number, a brief description of the charge, and the offense filing date.

Such notice shall be given in person or by mail to the last address of record of the parties or their counsel of record (including the District Attorney and Public Defender) and shall minimally consist of the name of the defendant, docket number, a brief description of the charge and date the offense was filed.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Complaint

A plaintiff must not include Form 1 or refer to the diversion program in a complaint for a business or commercial credit card debt collection action.

Plaintiff shall not include the “NOTICE,” also known as Form 1, or make any reference to the credit card diversion program for a business or commercial credit card debt collection action in its complaint.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Custody filing

Every filing requesting custody of a child must include a Criminal Record/Abuse History Verification.

A. All filings requesting custody of a child shall include a Criminal Record/Abuse History Verification

CRITICAL

Applies to

Transcript request

A party requesting an ordinary transcript must file the original request with the Clerk of Courts, Prothonotary, or Orphans’ Court.

For an ordinary transcript, the party requesting the full or partial transcript of a trial or other proceeding shall file the original request with the Clerk of Courts, Prothonotary, or Orphans’ Court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Trial deposition

When offering a witness’s videotape or deposition, counsel must review it to remove irrelevant or unnecessary matters and designate deposition portions by page and interrogatories by number.

A. Where the videotape or deposition of a witness is to be offered in evidence, counsel shall review it so that there can be eliminated irrelevancies, side comments, resolved objections, and other matters not necessary for consideration by the trier of fact. Counsel shall designate by page the specific portions of deposition testimony and by number the interrogatories which shall be offered in evidence at the trial.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Certification letter

4. Legal Aid Services must provide the President Judge with a letter of certification verifying, as provided in R.J.A. 4008(B), that the client meets financial eligibility and that the matter is under appeal or that the transcript being

4. Legal Aid Services must provide the President Judge with a letter of certification verifying, as provided in R.J.A. 4008(B), that the client meets financial eligibility and that the matter is under appeal or that the transcript being

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Entry of appearance

An entry of appearance must include the attorney’s address, phone number, attorney ID number, and email address.

The entry of appearance shall include the attorney's address, phone number, attorney ID number, and e-mail address.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Index of exhibits

If the parties agree that one custodian will retain custody of some or all exhibits, the agreement must be documented on the index of exhibits.

Upon agreement of the parties, one custodian can agree to retain custody of one or all of the exhibits. Documentation of this must be included on the index of exhibits.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Custody education seminar registration form

The seminar registration form and fee must be returned promptly to ensure timely attendance.

The registration form and fee MUST be returned promptly to assure timely attendance.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Moving party brief

The moving party’s brief must include relevant facts, procedural history, questions involved, argument, and conclusion.

The brief of the moving party shall contain: all relevant facts; a procedural history; the questions involved; the argument; and a conclusion.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Status report

If the master’s report is not timely filed, the master must submit a status report to the Court and the parties.

Masters shall submit a status report to the Court and the parties if the report is not timely filed.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Praecipe

A party filing exceptions must file a praecipe with the Prothonotary to list them for argument and serve a copy on all parties.

A party filing exceptions to a master’s report shall also file a praecipe in the Prothonotary’s office to list the exceptions for argument and shall serve all parties with a copy.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Praecipe for entry of appearance

When a defendant obtains an attorney, counsel of record must file a Praecipe for entry of appearance.

If a defendant secures the legal services of an attorney, counsel of record must file a Praecipe for entry of appearance.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Every motion must be accompanied by a proposed order.

All motions shall be accompanied by a proposed order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Discovery motion

Every discovery motion must be presented to the Discovery Motions Judge.

Every discovery motion shall be presented to the Discovery Motions Judge.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice to defend

A Notice to Defend must identify the Lancaster Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service and its telephone number as the source of information.

The following is designated to be named in the Notice to Defend as the organization from which information can be obtained: Lancaster Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service Telephone: 717-393-0737

CRITICAL

Applies to

Post trial motion

Must include

proposed order

The party filing a post-trial motion must deliver the original and necessary copies of a proposed order to the trial judge for transcription of the record.

That party shall also deliver to the trial judge the original and necessary copies of a proposed order for the transcription of the record.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Unopposed motion to modify or reinstate bail

An unopposed motion to modify or reinstate bail may be presented at any time if it contains the opposing party's written verification that there is no opposition.

Any unopposed motion to modify or reinstate bail may be presented at any time, provided that the motion contains written verification from the opposing party of lack of opposition.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Memorandum of agreement

An agreement reached during the conference must be recorded on the Court-supplied memorandum form, which all parties must sign.

If an agreement is reached during the conference, the custody conference officer shall record the agreement on a memorandum of agreement form supplied by the Court. All parties shall sign the memorandum

CRITICAL

Applies to

Legal paper

E-filing certifies that the original paper was properly signed and, when applicable, verified, and carries the certification and potential sanction provided by Pa.R.Civ.P. 1023.1.

The electronic filing of a legal paper constitutes a certification by the filing party that the original hard copy was properly signed and, where applicable, verified; and a certification as provided by the signature to a legal paper under Pa.R.Civ.P. 1023.1(c), the violation of which shall be subject to the sanction provided in Pa.R.Civ.P. 1023.1(d).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Complaint

Paper-filed residential mortgage foreclosure complaints must be accompanied by the specified copies, checks, envelopes, forms, and notice.

F. Paper Filing: If paper filed, complaints for the residential mortgage foreclosure shall be accompanied by the following: 1. One copy of the complaint for the plaintiff and one copy for each defendant homeowner; 2. One check made payable to the Lancaster County Prothonotary for the applicable filing fee, and one check made payable to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office for the civil process fee; 3. Two self-addressed, stamped envelopes; 4. The “Sheriff Service Process Receipt and Affadavit of Return” form; 5. A “Certification Cover Sheet” regarding the status of the foreclosed premises, in the form attached as Form “1”. 6. The appropriate Urgent Notice as specified in Paragraph 4 above.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Appellant brief

The appellant’s brief must be limited to the issues raised in the land use appeal.

The appellant shall limit the brief to the issues appellant raised in the land use appeal.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Discovery petition

Discovery and perpetuation of testimony are permitted only by petition for leave of court or by agreement of the parties.

No discovery or perpetuation of testimony is permitted except by petition for leave of Court or by agreement of the parties.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Preliminary decree

For an adult adoption, the preliminary decree must provide for notice of the proposed adoption to the biological parents unless the Court waives notice for good cause.

The preliminary decree shall provide for notice of the proposed adoption to the biological parents unless the Court waives this requirement for good cause.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Mediation request

A mediation request must identify the proposed mediator and payment source, participating parties and counsel, parties with diminished capacity or legal disabilities, and the initial conference date.

In such request for mediation, all interested parties shall identify: 1. The proposed mediator, the qualifications of the mediator and the proposed source of payment of fees and costs of the mediator; 2. Names and contact information of all interested parties and any counsel who shall participate in the mediation; 3. Names and information regarding any interested parties having diminished capacity or a legal disability, whose interests must be adequately protected; and 4. The scheduled date for the initial mediation conference.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Statute of limitations and documentation of debt certification

The certification must provide the applicable credit-card agreement or original application and subsequent amendments; if the writings are inaccessible, it may state that, give the reason, and set out their substance.

[ ] A. A copy of the credit card agreement in effect at the time the credit card was issued establishing the original terms and conditions applicable to the debt or the original credit card application, and applicable subsequent amendments; but if the writing(s) is/are not accessible to the plaintiff, it is sufficient so to state, together with the reason, and to set forth the substance of the writing(s).

CRITICAL

If an agreement is reached at the conciliation conference, the plaintiff must prepare the documents needed to implement it.

the plaintiff shall prepare any documents necessary to implement the agreement

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Decree authorizing service by publication

A decree authorizing publication at the location of the recipient’s last known address must identify the newspaper and, if any, legal periodical in which notice will appear.

The decree authorizing service by publication in the location of the last known address of the person to be notified shall include the name of the newspaper of general circulation and the name of the legal periodical, if any, in which such notice is to be published.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Memorandum of agreement

If the parties reach an agreement at the conference, the officer must record it on the Court-supplied memorandum form, all parties must sign it, and the officer must prepare and present a proposed order to the assigned judge.

If an agreement is reached during the conference, the custody conference officer shall record the agreement on a memorandum of agreement form supplied by the Court. All parties shall sign the memorandum, and the custody conference officer shall prepare and present a proposed order to the assigned Family Court Judge.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of appeal

Must include

caption

A notice of appeal must include the information required by the authorizing statute, the specified caption, relevant information required by Local Rule 27A.2, and—if applicable—a certification about ordering and paying for a transcript.

The notice of appeal shall contain all information required by the statute which authorizes filing of the appeal. The notice of appeal shall also contain: 1. A caption in substantially the following form: Name of Appellant v. NO. CI-__________________ Name of local or administrative agency which rendered decision STATUTORY APPEAL 2. All relevant information required in Local Rule 27A.2. 3. If a court reporter was present and if a transcript is not already in existence, appellant’s certification that appellant has ordered a transcript of the proceedings and has made satisfactory arrangements with the court reporter for payment if a transcript is not already in existence.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Corporate surety filing

A corporate surety, except as identified in Pa.R.Civ.P. No. 105, must file proof of its Pennsylvania business authorization and a current financial statement sworn by an officer or authorized agent with the Prothonotary.

A corporate surety, except as identified in Pa.R.Civ.P. No. 105, shall file with the Prothonotary evidence that it is authorized to do business in Pennsylvania and its current financial statement, sworn to by an officer or authorized agent.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Application

An application connected with a judicial proceeding must include that proceeding’s caption and case number.

2. If the exception is being sought in connection with any judicial proceeding, the caption and case number of the proceeding shall be included in the application.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Counsel attached for trial elsewhere who cannot attend must file a written motion, email copies to the judicial administrative assistant and law clerk, and include an order documenting the trial attachment.

Should counsel be attached for trial elsewhere and unable to attend, a written motion must be filed with the court and a copy must be emailed to the Judge’s judicial administrative assistant and law clerk. A copy of an order showing that counsel is attached for trial must be included with the motion.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Statute of limitations and documentation of debt certification

The certification must include documents establishing the debt’s existence, amount, and terms, including the agreement or application and amendments and documentation allowing the defendant to calculate alleged damages; if writings are inaccessible, it must state why and set out their substance.

7. Documents establishing the existence, amount, and terms and conditions applicable to the debt that is the subject of this action, including: [ ] A. A copy of the credit card agreement in effect at the time the credit card was issued establishing the original terms and conditions applicable to the debt or the original credit card application, and applicable subsequent amendments; but if the writing(s) is/are not accessible to the plaintiff, it is sufficient so to state, together with the reason, and to set forth the substance of the writing(s). [ ] B. Sufficient documentation to permit the defendant to calculate the total amount of damages that are allegedly due.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Uncontested motion for continuance and waiver of custody case time requirements

An agreed continuance must be requested using the Uncontested Motion for Continuance and Waiver of Custody Case Time Requirements form provided in Local Rule 1915.19(a).

Where the parties are in agreement for a continuance, they shall file an Uncontested Motion for Continuance and Waiver of Custody Case Time Requirements in the form provided in Local Rule 1915.19(a).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Order

Courtroom-signed orders must be returned to counsel for filing with the Prothonotary.

All orders signed in the courtroom shall be returned to counsel for filing with the Prothonotary.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Motion

An unopposed motion may be presented to the business judge at any time if it includes written verification of no opposition from the opposing party and, when applicable, the probation or parole officer.

An unopposed motion may be presented to the business judge at any time provided that it contains written verification by the opposing party and, if applicable, the probation or parole officer, of the lack of opposition.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Ard application

A defendant must simultaneously submit a Motion for Trial Continuance and Waiver using the approved form.

A defendant shall simultaneously submit a Motion for Trial Continuance and Waiver using the approved form.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Plea scheduling form

Guilty and nolo contendere pleas must be scheduled through the District Attorney’s Office using its designated forms, and counsel must provide the plea secretary any incarceration information.

A. Guilty pleas and pleas of nolo contendere shall be scheduled through the Office of the District Attorney using the forms designated by that office for the scheduling of pleas. When scheduling the plea, counsel shall inform the guilty plea secretary if and where the defendant is incarcerated.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Order

If the court takes a matter under advisement instead of ruling in the courtroom, chambers must ensure that any subsequent order is filed.

If the discovery motions court does not rule on a matter in the courtroom but instead chooses to take the matter under advisement, chambers shall ensure the filing of any subsequent order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Agreement confirmation

If the parties reach an agreement before the scheduled conference, the plaintiff must notify the Coordinator immediately, confirm the agreement in writing with the defendant and Coordinator within five business days, and prepare documents needed to implement it.

If an agreement is reached through negotiations prior to the scheduled conciliation conference, the plaintiff shall (a) immediately notify the Diversion Program Coordinator of the agreement so the conciliation conference may be cancelled, (b) confirm the agreement in writing with the defendant and the Program Coordinator within five business days, and (c) prepare any documents necessary to implement the agreement.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

Must include

proposed order

A petitioner must attach a proposed order substantially in the specified form, including the rule-to-show-cause language.

The petitioner shall attach to the petition a proposed order substantially in the following form: ORDER Upon consideration of the attached petition, it is hereby ordered that: 1. A rule is issued upon the respondent to show cause why the petitioner is not entitled to the relief requested.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Land use appeal

When applicable, a land use appeal must provide the listed information in separately numbered paragraphs and in the prescribed order.

2. When applicable, in separately numbered paragraphs and in the following order: a. Name and address of the appellant. b. Name and address of the zoning hearing board, governing body or planning commission (“local agency”) which rendered the decision. c. Name and address of the applicant to the local agency, if the applicant is not the appellant. d. Name and address of the owners, both real and equitable, of any real estate which was the subject of the decision and identification of the real estate. e. The chronology of the matter, including the following as applicable: i. Date of filing application or appeal with zoning officer or other official. ii. Date of action of the zoning officer or other official. iii. Date of appeal from action of zoning officer or other official to local agency or date of filing application with local agency. iv. Dates of all hearings or meetings of the local agency. v. Date of written decision or, if applicable, date of deemed decision from which the appeal has been taken. vi. Date written decision served. f. The purpose for which the application was made. g. The basis for appellant’s standing to file the appeal. h. All specific legal and factual grounds for the appeal. i. Specific request for relief.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Request for mediation

A request for mediation must identify the proposed mediator and payment source, participating parties and counsel, and any interested parties with diminished capacity or a legal disability.

(e) In such request for mediation, all interested parties shall identify: 1. The proposed mediator, the qualifications of the mediator and the proposed source of payment of fees and costs of the mediator; 2. Names and contact information of all interested parties and any counsel who shall participate in the mediation; 3. Names and information regarding any interested parties having diminished capacity or a legal disability, whose interests must be adequately protected; and

CRITICAL

Applies to

Custody complaint

Custody complaints must be filed with the Prothonotary, except for complaints covered by subdivisions F and G.

A. Except as provided in subdivisions F and G, all custody complaints shall be filed with the Prothonotary.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Praecipe for disposition

A praecipe requesting disposition must state the filing dates of the motion and brief, responsive brief, and any reply brief.

The praecipe shall include the filing dates of the motion and brief, the responsive brief and the reply brief (if any).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial memorandum

Counsel must prepare a written pretrial memorandum containing the specified case, facts, damages, witnesses, exhibits, trial estimate, legal issues, stipulations, and evidentiary objections; the final objection provision is cut off in the source.

Counsel shall prepare in writing a pre-trial memorandum consistent with Judge Brown’s procedures Section VII.B., which includes the following: I. A brief statement of the nature of the action and the basis on which the jurisdiction of the court is invoked. II. Plaintiff's pretrial memorandum shall contain a brief statement of the facts of the case. Defendant's pretrial memorandum shall contain such counter-statements of the facts as may be necessary to reflect any disagreement with plaintiff's statement. All parties omit pejorative characterizations, hyperbole, and conclusory generalizations. III. A list of every item of monetary damages claimed, including (as appropriate) computations of lost earnings and loss of future earning capacity, medical expenses (itemized), property damages, etc. If relief other than monetary damages is sought, information adequate for framing an order granting the relief sought shall be furnished. IV. A list showing the names and addresses of all witnesses the party submitting the memorandum intends to call at trial. Liability and damages witnesses shall be designated separately. V. A schedule of all exhibits to be offered at trial by the party submitting the memorandum. VI. An estimate of the number of days required for trial. VII. Special comments regarding legal issues, stipulations, amendments of pleadings, or other appropriate matters. VIII. All stipulations of counsel. IX. A statement of objection to: (1) the admissibility of any exhibit based on authenticity; (2) the admissibility of any evidence expected to be offered for any reason (except relevancy); (3) the adequacy of the qualifications of an expert witness expected to testify; and (4) the admissibility of any opinion testimony from lay witnesses pursuant

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

Must include

proposed order

If the parties agree to the requested relief, the petition must include a stipulation signed by all affected counsel or unrepresented parties and a proposed order.

If the parties agree to the relief sought, the petition shall be accompanied by a stipulation signed by all affected counsel or unrepresented parties and a proposed order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed decree

In every proceeding under the Adoption Act, petitioners’ counsel must present a proposed decree at the hearing.

In all proceedings under the Adoption Act, counsel for petitioners shall present at the time of the hearing a proposed decree.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Plea scheduling form

A completed Plea Scheduling Form must be presented to the District Attorney before a plea is scheduled.

B. A completed Plea Scheduling Form, the form of which shall be published as a part of these Local Rules as Local Rule 590-1, shall be presented to the District Attorney before a plea is scheduled.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Status conference order

The court must enter a Status Conference Order reflecting the case disposition or next procedural status.

1. At the conclusion of the status conference the court shall enter a Status Conference Order reflecting the disposition of the case as represented by the parties (e.g., guilty plea, nolo contendere plea, ARD or nolle prosequi), or if the matter shall be scheduled for a subsequent Status Conference, or if the matter is to be listed for trial, or if a bench warrant has been issued and bail has been forfeit.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Statute of limitations and documentation of debt certification and supporting documentation

The certification and supporting documentation must be filed with the appropriate confidential-document or confidential-information forms under the Pennsylvania Courts’ access policy.

The Statute of Limitations and Documentation of Debt Certification and supporting documentation shall be filed with the appropriate Confidential Document/ Information forms in accordance with the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Pennsylvania Courts.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Mortgage information for housing counselor

The Case Management and Scheduling Order must direct the Plaintiff to complete the Mortgage Information for Housing Counselor form with supporting documentation.

Once the defendant homeowner completes the court intake process, the Court shall issue a Case Management and Scheduling Order which shall schedule a date for conciliation, direct the Defendant to promptly contact the assigned housing counseling agency for an intake appointment, and direct the Plaintiff to complete “Mortgage Information for Housing Counselor” with supporting documentation, attached as Form “5.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Residential mortgage foreclosure complaint

Each residential mortgage foreclosure complaint must include and have affixed the appropriate Form 2 eligible or Form 3 ineligible Urgent Notice when presented for filing.

Every complaint for residential mortgage foreclosure shall include the appropriate “Urgent Notice” to the defendant, either the “eligible” version of the notice OR the “ineligible” version of the notice as follows: 1. For actions certified as eligible for the Foreclosure Diversion Program, an “Urgent Notice,” in the form of the attached as Form “2” advising the defendant homeowner of the Foreclosure Diversion Program, and the automatic stay of any further proceedings in the case until the conclusion of the conciliation process, shall be affixed to any complaint when presented for filing and shall also be affixed to the copy of the complaint to the served upon the defendant homeowner: OR 2. For actions certified as ineligible for the Foreclosure Diversion Program, an “Urgent Notice,” in the form attached as Form “3” advising the defendant homeowner of the Foreclosure Diversion Program, of the lender’s ineligibility claim, and of the defendant homeowner’s right to challenge that claim, shall be affixed to any complaint when presented for filing and shall also be affixed to the copy of the complaint to be served upon the defendant homeowner.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Preliminary objections

A party filing preliminary objections under Pa. R.Civ.P. No. 1028(a)(1), (5), or (6) must attach a notice to plead.

Any party filing preliminary objections pursuant to Pa. R.Civ.P. No. 1028(a)(1), (5) or (6) shall attach a notice to plead.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Local agency record

The chairperson or presiding officer must certify submission of the record.

The chairperson or presiding officer shall certify the submission of the record.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Notice to plead

A notice to plead must include the specified return-date, courtroom, courthouse, and appearance wording.

The notice to plead shall also include the following: This matter is returnable to Orphans’ Court Business Court on the ___ day of _____________, 201_ in Courtroom__ of the Lancaster County Courthouse, 50 North Duke Street, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. All counsel or unrepresented parties must appear.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Agreement implementation documents

The plaintiff must prepare the documents needed to implement an agreement within five business days after the conciliation conference.

Plaintiff shall prepare any documents necessary to implement the agreement within five business days of the date of the conciliation conference.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Local agency record submission

The chairperson or presiding officer must certify the record’s submission.

The chairperson or presiding officer shall certify the submission of the record.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Case management order

The Case Management Order must include the specified conference schedule, filing directive, notices, attendance requirement, stay provision, and attorney and legal-services information.

The CMO Shall: 1. Schedule a conciliation conference for no sooner than 90 days and no later than 120 days from the date of the Order; 2. Direct the plaintiff to electronically file with the Court, within 30 days of the date of the CMO, the “Statute of Limitations And Documentation of Debt Certification” form, identified in paragraph 6 below, along with supporting documentation (“DOCS”) of the alleged debt (i.e., credit card statements, original credit card application, credit card agreements, bill of sale, account transfer or assignment, etc.); 3. Notify the defendant that the defendant may call a certified credit counseling agency directly at the telephone number provided in the CMO to assist the defendant in preparing for the conciliation conference; 4. Notify the defendant that the defendant may opt out of the Consumer Credit Card Collection Diversion Program by filing with the Court “Defendant’s Election of Nonparticipation,” in the form attached here to as Form “3,” or such later court-approved form; 5. Requires the attendance at the conciliation conference of the defendant or defendant’s counsel of record, and a representative of the plaintiff, or plaintiff’s counsel of record; 6. Provide that further proceedings in the action will be stayed pending the conclusion of the conciliation process, unless the defendant opts out of the Program, or the case is removed from the Program by further Order of Court; 7. Advise the defendant of the right to consult with an attorney at any time and to bring an attorney to the conciliation conference, as well as provide contact information for local legal services and pro bono attorney programs, if any; and 8. Provide such other terms as may be necessary and appropriate.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

A party seeking to pay money into Court must file a petition conforming to Pa. R.Civ.P. 2303(a)(1)–(4), unless a rule or court order provides otherwise.

Unless otherwise provided by the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, a local rule or order of Court, a party seeking to pay money into Court shall file a petition which conforms to Pa. R.Civ.P. 2303(a)(1)-(4).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice

The notice must state that an action was filed, give specified case and interest details, and advise the noticed party of the opportunity to appear and the consequence of failing to appear within 30 days after publication.

B. The notice shall state: 1. That an action has been filed. 2. The caption of the case as defined in Pa. R.Civ.P. No. 1018. 3. The nature of the action and the relief sought. 4. The nature of the noticed party’s interest in the property. C. The notice shall also state that the noticed party may appear in the action and that, if the party fails to do so within thirty days of the publication, a decree which may bind the party’s interests may be entered.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Agreed continuance motion

Must include

proposed order

A motion requesting an agreed continuance must be accompanied by a proposed order submitted to chambers.

If a continuance is being requested with the agreement of both parties, the party seeking the continuance shall submit to chambers a motion and proposed order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Praecipe for judgment by default

A plaintiff filing a Praecipe for judgment by default in a covered consumer credit card collection case commenced on or after January 1, 2022, must attach the Form 7 affidavit.

Any plaintiff who files a Praecipe for judgment by default in any consumer credit card collection case that was commenced on or after January 1, 2022, that is governed by these rules, must attach an “Affidavit of Compliance and Entitlement to Default Judgment” in the form attached hereto as Form “7.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Family court motion or petition

Family Court motions, petitions, contested matters, and rulings must be written and presented in the assigned judge’s Family Business Court session, except that urgent matters are presented to the assigned judge by appointment.

Family Court motions and petitions for special relief or other contested matters or Family Court rulings must be in writing and must be presented in the Family Business Court session of the judge assigned to the case, as indicated in the Court’s calendar, or, for urgent matters, to the assigned judge by appointment.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Statute of limitations and documentation of debt certification

10. Documentation of Debt: The name of the current debt holder: 11. The name of the original creditor, and for debt arising from a credit card sponsored or co- sponsored by a retailer, the name of the sponsoring or co-sponsoring retailer: 12. The last four digits of the social security number for the defendant appearing on the original account: 13. The date the original credit agreement was entered into by the defendant: 14. The date the defendant defaulted and the basis for the default:

10. Documentation of Debt: The name of the current debt holder: 11. The name of the original creditor, and for debt arising from a credit card sponsored or co- sponsored by a retailer, the name of the sponsoring or co-sponsoring retailer: 12. The last four digits of the social security number for the defendant appearing on the original account: 13. The date the original credit agreement was entered into by the defendant: 14. The date the defendant defaulted and the basis for the default:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

A petition requesting a stay, an answer deadline shorter than 20 days, or other substantive relief must be presented in person to the assigned judge.

A petition which requests a stay, the filing of an answer in fewer than twenty days or other substantive relief shall be presented in person to the assigned judge.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Supporting documentation

Supporting documentation must enable the Defendant to calculate the total alleged damages.

Supporting documentation of the debt filed shall be sufficient to permit the Defendant to calculate the total amount of damages that are allegedly due.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Praecipe for disposition

A praecipe requesting disposition must state the filing dates of the preliminary objections and each brief filed, including any reply.

The praecipe shall include the filing dates of the preliminary objections and brief, the responsive brief and the reply brief (if any).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of intervention

A notice of intervention under Section 1004-A must include the appeal caption and number, the intervenor’s name and address, the intervenor’s interest, the circumstances supporting intervention, and a summary of the intervenor’s position and grounds.

A notice of intervention under Section 1004-A of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, 53 P.S. §11004-A, shall contain: a. The caption and number of the appeal. b. Name and address of intervenor. c. Nature of the interest of intervenor in the appeal. d. Legal and factual circumstances under which intervenor claims a right to intervene. e. Summary of intervenor’s position and grounds therefor.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for conference

A motion for a conference must explain why the appeal is not ready and identify all requested actions.

The motion for a conference shall state why the party believes that the appeal is not ready for disposition and shall identify all actions that the party requests.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of appearance

If the defendant homeowner secures paid legal representation, counsel of record must file a notice of appearance.

counsel of record must file a notice of appearance

CRITICAL

Applies to

Statute of limitations and documentation of debt certification

The certification must state that, based on reasonable inquiry, the applicable limitations period had not expired when the complaint was filed.

As required by Local Rule 205.2(d), the undersigned verifies that: 9. Statute of Limitations: Based on reasonable inquiry, the applicable limitations period has not expired as of the date of the filing of the complaint.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

For notice by publication, a separate petition must be submitted to the Court detailing efforts to determine the person's address and the results.

B. In any proceeding in which notice is to be given to one or more persons by publication, a separate petition shall be submitted to the Court setting forth in detail the efforts made to determine the address of the person to be notified and the results of such efforts.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Motion

For an unopposed motion, moving counsel must certify that opposing counsel and, when applicable, the probation or parole officer do not object to the requested relief.

If the relief requested in a motion is not opposed, counsel for the moving party shall certify that opposing counsel and, if applicable, the probation or parole officer, do not object to the relief requested.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law

Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law must be submitted for TRO and injunction hearings, with the submission deadline set at a pre-hearing conference.

I require submission of proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law for TRO and injunction hearings. The court will set the time for submission of these items at a pre-hearing conference.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Opposed motion to modify or reinstate bail

Opposed motions to modify or reinstate bail must be filed with the Clerk of Courts Office, except motions implicating Rule 600.

All opposed motions to modify or reinstate bail, excluding motions implicating Rule 600 shall be filed with the Clerk of Courts Office.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Objection to plaintiffs certification cover sheet and request for stay

The objection must use the form attached as Form 6.

If the defendant homeowner believes that the action is eligible for the Foreclosure Diversion Program, the defendant homeowner shall have 20 days after service of the complaint to file with the Court an “Objection to Plaintiff’s Certification Cover Sheet and Request for Stay,” in the form attached as Form “6.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Complex case certification

If all parties agree that a case is complex, they must file a certification signed by all parties with the Prothonotary.

a. If all parties agree that the case is complex, they shall file with the Prothonotary a certification signed by all parties.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

In an emergency or scheduling conflict when counsel cannot secure an agreement with the District Attorney’s Office, counsel must file a short written motion and email a copy to the judicial administrative assistant and law clerk.

In an emergency situation or when counsel is unable to attend the status conference due to a scheduling conflict, and counsel has been unable to secure an agreement with the District Attorney’s Office prior to the status conference, a short written motion must be filed with a copy email to the Judge’s judicial administrative assistant with a copy to the Judge’s law clerk.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Account

All accounts must be filed with the clerk.

All Accounts shall be filed with the clerk.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Documents regarding ownership of the debt

Unless the plaintiff is the original creditor, attach documents establishing an unbroken chain of debt ownership, with the specified account-identifying information and debtor’s name.

8. Documents regarding ownership of the debt: [ ] A. Each bill of sale, assignment, or other document evidencing the transfer of ownership of the debt, beginning with the original creditor. If the debt has been assigned more than once, then each assignment or other writing evidencing transfer of ownership must be attached to establish an unbroken chain of ownership. Such documentation must contain at least the last four digits of the original account number of the debt purchased or other identifying information uniquely associated with the account and must clearly show the debtor’s name associated with that account number. [ ] B. Not applicable – the plaintiff is the original creditor

CRITICAL

Applies to

Criminal record or abuse history verification

A verification concerning criminal records or abuse history for the party and household members must be filed by the initial in-person court contact and no later than 30 days after service of the complaint or petition.

You must file with the court a verification regarding any criminal record or abuse history regarding you and anyone living in your household on or before the initial in-person contact with the court (including, but not limited to, a conference with a conference officer or judge or conciliation) but no later than 30 days after service of the complaint or petition.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Complaint answer motion brief or other paper

Must include

ai disclosure

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must plainly disclose any use of generative AI in preparing a paper filed with the Court.

AND NOW this 6th day of October 2025, it is hereby ORDERED that attorneys and/or prose litigants (a party representing himself or herself) shall disclose, in clear and plain factual statement, any use of generative Artificial Intelligence ("AI") in the preparation of any complaint, answer, motion, brief, or other paper filed with the Court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Certificate of adoption

The certificate of adoption form furnished by the Pennsylvania Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics must be submitted to the Court at the adoption hearing.

The certificate of adoption form furnished by the Bureau of Vital Statistics of the Pennsylvania Department of Health shall be submitted to the Court at the adoption hearing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Amended complaint

If the initial complaint includes the NOTICE in an ineligible business or commercial case and the Court does not issue a companion order, the Plaintiff must file an Amended Complaint with the specified statements and without the NOTICE.

If Plaintiff includes the “NOTICE” in its initial complaint where the case is not eligible for the Program because it is a business or commercial credit card debt collection action and the Court does not issue a companion order to be served with the complaint, Plaintiff shall file an Amended Complaint that includes a clear statement that the case does not qualify for the consumer credit card collection diversion program, that there is no stay placed on the proceedings, the pleading requirements are not suspended, and that Defendant should heed the Notice to Defend within 20 days of service of the Amended Complaint. The Amended Complaint shall not include the “NOTICE.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of extension of briefing schedule

An agreed briefing-schedule extension must be documented in a filed Notice of Extension of Briefing Schedule that states the extension.

C. If the parties agree to extend the briefing schedule, the parties shall file a Notice of Extension of Briefing Schedule settling forth the agreed upon extension.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Land use appeal

Must include

caption, case number

A land use appeal must include a caption substantially in the prescribed form.

A land use appeal shall contain: 1. A caption in substantially the following form: Name of Appellant v. NO. CI-__________________ Name of municipality and name of body (i.e. zoning hearing board, governing body or or planning commission) which rendered decision LAND USE APPEAL

CRITICAL

Applies to

Email

The status email must state whether the ADA concurs, whether the case should be put on the call-of-the-list or status list, and to whom time is allocated under Pa.Crim.P. 600.

The email must include whether the ADA concurs and whether the case is to be put on the “call of the list” or placed back on the status list. The email must also include a designation as to whom the time is to be allocated pursuant to Pa.Crim.P. 600.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Witness list

Counsel must exchange witness lists before trial, and only listed witnesses may be called during the case-in-chief.

Exchange lists of witnesses. Only witnesses listed may be called during the case-in-chief.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Mediation agreement

All interested parties must execute a confidential mediation agreement consistent with the local rule.

(f) All interested parties shall execute an agreement for confidential mediation, which is not inconsistent with this local rule, and which shall remain confidential.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Praecipe

Once appointed, pro bono counsel must file the specified limited-appearance and withdrawal praecipes with the Prothonotary.

Once appointed, pro bono counsel shall file with the Prothonotary a “Praecipe for Entry of Limited Appearance” and “Praeipe for Withdrawal of Limited Appearance”, attached as Forms “7” and “8,” respectively.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Entry of appearance

After a preliminary hearing, counsel may represent a defendant only if an entry of appearance has been filed with the clerk of courts.

Counsel shall not be permitted to represent a defendant following a preliminary hearing unless an entry of appearance is filed with the clerk of courts.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Statute of limitations and documentation of debt certification

The certification must identify the current debt holder, original creditor and any sponsoring retailer, the defendant’s account’s last four Social Security digits, the agreement date, and the default date and basis.

2. Documentation of Debt: The name of the current debt holder: 3. The name of the original creditor, and for debt arising from a credit card sponsored or co- sponsored by a retailer, the name of the sponsoring or co-sponsoring retailer: 4. The last four digits of the social security number for the defendant appearing on the original account: 5. The date the original credit agreement was entered into by the defendant: 6. The date the defendant defaulted and the basis for the default:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Praecipe

A disposition praecipe must include the filing dates of the petition, brief, responsive brief, and any reply brief.

The praecipe shall include the filing dates of the petition, brief, responsive brief and reply brief (if any).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pre trial statement

If the master does not require a pre-hearing conference, the pre-trial statement must be furnished to the master and opposing party at least five business days before the hearing.

If no pre-hearing conference is required by the master, a pre-trial statement, as set forth herein, shall be furnished to the master and opposing party at least five business days before the hearing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Electronically filed document

Each electronically filed document’s title must identify the document, the filing party, any party against whom relief is sought, and the nature of the relief.

The title of each electronically filed document shall include: a. Descriptive title of the document b. Party or parties filing the document c. Party or parties against whom relief, if any, is sought; and d. Nature of the relief sought (e.g. Defendant ABC Corporation’s Motion for Summary Judgement Against Plaintiff Jones).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Agreement to destroy exhibits

The parties must file their agreement to destroy exhibits with the court.

The parties’ agreement to destroy exhibits shall be filed with the court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Stipulated motion

Must include

proposed order

For an agreed motion, the filing must include a stipulation signed by all affected counsel or unrepresented parties, a proposed order, and a praecipe assigning the matter for disposition.

B. Stipulated Matters. If the parties agree to the relief sought, the motion shall be accompanied by a stipulation signed by all affected counsel or unrepresented parties, a proposed order and a praecipe to assign the stipulated matter for disposition.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Amended complaint

The amended complaint must not include the Notice.

The Amended Complaint shall not include the “NOTICE.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Jury trial waiver

A jury-trial waiver must comply with Pa.R.Crim.P. 620 and use the District Attorney-provided form.

A waiver of jury trial shall be in compliance with Pa.R.Crim.P. 620 and on the form provided by the District Attorney.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Return of notice

At the hearing, the return of notice must be made by an affidavit from the person who served, mailed, published, or delivered the notice.

At the time of the hearing the return of notice shall be by affidavit of the person serving, mailing, publishing or delivering such notice.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Police criminal complaint and arrest warrant affidavit

Police criminal complaints and arrest-warrant affidavits charging the offenses listed in Rule 507 require approval by an attorney for the Commonwealth before filing.

The District Attorney, having filed a certification pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P. 507, criminal complaints and arrest warrant affidavits by police officers, as defined in the Rules of Criminal Procedure, charging the crimes listed below, shall not hereafter be accepted by any judicial officer, unless the complaints and affidavits have the approval of an attorney for the Commonwealth before filing:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Index of exhibits

The index of exhibits form must be completed, signed, and submitted to the appropriate Records office.

Index of exhibits form must be completed, signed, and submitted to the appropriate Records office with all exhibits sized at 8-1/2 x 11 inch documents

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Bail security

Bail security using realty located outside Lancaster County, regardless of amount, must include the certification and appraisal required by subsection B.

When realty located outside Lancaster County is offered as security for bail in any amount, such security must include the certification and appraisal described in B.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Preliminary objections

When the parties agree to the relief sought on preliminary objections, the filing must include a signed stipulation, proposed order, and praecipe to assign the matter for disposition.

Stipulated Matters. If the parties agree to the relief sought, the preliminary objections shall be accompanied by a stipulation signed by all affected counsel or unrepresented parties, a proposed order and a praecipe to assign the stipulated matter for disposition.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pretrial statement

A pre-trial statement must follow Pa. R.C.P. 212.2, be filed with the Prothonotary, and have a courtesy copy emailed to chambers through the judge’s law clerk and judicial administrative assistant.

The pre-trial statement shall be in the form prescribed by Pa. R.C.P. 212.2. It must be filed with the Prothonotary with a courtesy copy delivered to Chambers via email to the Judge’s law clerk and judicial administrative assistant.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Supporting documentation

Filed debt documentation must be sufficient for the Defendant to calculate the alleged total damages.

Supporting documentation of the debt filed shall be sufficient to permit the Defendant to calculate the total amount of damages that are allegedly due.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to appoint master

Must include

proposed order

After complying with the cited rules, a party may file a Motion and proposed Order to Appoint Master, both of which must conform to the cited rules.

Once a party has complied with Pa.R.C.P. 1920.31(a)(1) and 1920.33(a),a party may file a motion and proposed Order to Appoint Master. The motion and proposed order shall be in conformity with Pa.R.C.P. No. 1920.74 and L.C.R.C.P. No.1920.74.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Civil pretrial memorandum

The sample civil pretrial memorandum includes a statement of the damages claimed or other relief sought.

IV. Damages or Other Relief. A statement of damages claimed or relief sought.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Application for reentry into the lancaster county residential mortgage foreclosure diversion program

The undersigned verifies that the statements made herein are true and correct. I understand that false statements are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.

The undersigned verifies that the statements made herein are true and correct. I understand that false statements are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.

CRITICAL

B. A detailed summary of the qualifications of each expert witness shall be submitted. This summary shall be in such form that it can be read to the jury when the expert takes the stand to testify.

B. A detailed summary of the qualifications of each expert witness shall be submitted. This summary shall be in such form that it can be read to the jury when the expert takes the stand to testify.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition

Petitions must be signed by the petitioners and counsel and must be verified.

Petitions shall be signed by the petitioners and by counsel and shall be verified.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Inventory

A fiduciary required to file an account must file a signed and verified inventory within sixty days of appointment.

Any fiduciary required to file an account shall file a signed and verified inventory within sixty days of appointment.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Request

Should counsel wish to voir dire the jury pool, a written request with the proposed question(s) must be submitted by the morning of trial.

Should counsel wish to voir dire the jury pool, a written request with the proposed question(s) must be submitted by the morning of trial.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Statute of limitations and documentation of debt certification

The plaintiff must file the specified certification form along with supporting documentation of the alleged debt, such as statements, applications, agreements, a bill of sale, or assignment records.

Direct the plaintiff to electronically file with the Court, within 30 days of the date of the CMO, the “Statute of Limitations And Documentation of Debt Certification” form, identified in paragraph 6 below, along with supporting documentation (“DOCS”) of the alleged debt (i.e., credit card statements, original credit card application, credit card agreements, bill of sale, account transfer or assignment, etc.);

CRITICAL

Applies to

Praecipe for disposition

A praecipe requesting disposition must state the filing dates of the motion and brief, responsive brief, and any reply brief.

The praecipe shall include the filing dates of the motion and brief, the responsive brief, and the reply brief (if any).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Request to reschedule plea

A scheduled plea may be rescheduled only by submitting a completed Request to Reschedule Plea form to the judge assigned to the plea.

Once a plea is scheduled, it may only be rescheduled by submitting a completed Request to Reschedule Plea form to the judge before whom the plea is scheduled.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Petition for adoption

Necessary exhibits must accompany the adoption petition unless they were previously filed with the Report of Intermediary.

All necessary exhibits such as birth certificates and consents to adoption shall be attached to the petition for adoption unless previously filed with the Report of Intermediary.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Search warrant application

After the District Attorney files a certification, search warrant applications made by Pennsylvania Game Commission officers for any listed criminal offense require Commonwealth attorney approval before filing.

The District Attorney, having filed a certification pursuant to Pa.R.Crim.P. 202, search warrants applied for by an Officer of the Pennsylvania Game Commission for the crimes listed below, shall not hereafter be issued by any judicial officer, unless the search warrant applications have the approval of an attorney for the Commonwealth before filing: A violation of any criminal offense listed in any title of the Pennsylvania Statutes and/or Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes Annotated.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Jury instruction

Each proposed special jury instruction must be printed on one page and include a legal citation.

If counsel desires any special instruction(s), each proposed individual instruction must be printed on a single page and it must include legal citation.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Electronically filed legal paper

E-filing certifies that the original hard copy was properly signed and, where applicable, verified, and makes the certification described in Pa.R.Civ.P. 1023.1(c).

The electronic filing of a legal paper constitutes a certification by the filing party that the original hard copy was properly signed and, where applicable, verified; and a certification as provided by the signature to a legal paper under Pa.R.Civ.P. 1023.1(c), the violation of which shall be subject to the sanction provided in Pa.R.Civ.P. 1023.1(d).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Transcript request

Self-represented litigants claiming economic hardship must attach a fully completed In Forma Pauperis Petition to their transcript request.

Self-represented litigants claiming economic hardship must attach to their request for transcript a fully completed In Forma Pauperis Petition pursuant to Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 240.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

After a case returns to court, any motion filed by counsel is deemed an entry of appearance, subject to the ancillary-proceeding exception.

D. Except as provided in E, after a case has been returned to Court, any motion filed by counsel shall be deemed an entry of appearance.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Mortgage information form

Submit the listed mortgage and loss-mitigation documents to the Program Coordinator with the form.

Please provide to the Program Coordinator, along with this form, the following documents related to the mortgage/loss mitigation: 1. The most recent escrow account breakdown/analysis 2. A detailed payoff schedule 3. The current reinstatement amount 4. a PDF version of the lender’s loss mitigation package

CRITICAL

Applies to

Local agency record

The local agency’s record must include the listed papers, meeting minutes, hearing transcripts, ordinance and maps, any findings and decision, and names and addresses of recognized parties.

The local agency shall submit its entire record within twenty days after receipt of the writ of certiorari or receipt of the transcript(s), whichever is later, including but not limited to: a. All original papers filed in chronological order, commencing with the application. b. Minutes of meetings of the local agency at which the application was considered. c. The transcript of all hearings. The local agency shall not submit its record to the Prothonotary until appellant has provided the transcript of all hearings if the transcript is not in existence and available to the local agency prior to appellant’s filing the appeal. d. The complete ordinance under which the local agency rendered its decision, including maps. e. The findings of fact and conclusions of law of the local agency, if any, and its written decision. f. Names and addresses of all persons the local agency recognized as parties to the proceedings.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Exhibits

Counsel may publish exhibits electronically on the day of trial, but each exhibit intended for admission must also have a printed version of the image.

On the day of trial, counsel may publish exhibits electronically, but any exhibit that counsel intends to admit into evidence must be backed up by a printed version of the image.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice to defend

A Notice to Defend must name the Lancaster Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service and its telephone number as the source of information.

The following is designated to be named in the Notice to Defend as the organization from which information can be obtained: Lancaster Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service Telephone: 717-393-0737

CRITICAL

Applies to

Demonstrative exhibit

The demonstrative exhibit must state the final balance, applicable category totals, and a closing- or ending-date citation for each credit card statement used in each category.

In addition, within thirty (30) days of the date of this Order, Plaintiff shall e-file a demonstrative exhibit which outlines the final statement balance and lists by category, as applicable, the total dollar amounts contained within the supporting documentation e-filed for any: (1) purchases, (2) balance transfers, (3) cash advances, and (4) deferred interest accrual charges. The exhibit shall include a citation to each credit card statement utilized in calculating the total dollar amount for each category above, by its closing or ending date.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Legal papers

Must include

caption, judge name, case number

The first page of legal papers must state the case caption and number, the assigned judge if applicable, and specified identifying and contact information for the attorney and law firm or the submitting pro se party.

The first page shall set forth: 1. The case caption. 2. The case number. 3. The name of the assigned judge, if applicable. 4. The name, identification number, address and telephone number of the attorney and law firm or pro se party submitting the legal papers.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Custody complaint modification petition special relief request or contempt petition

A custody complaint, modification petition, special-relief request, or contempt petition seeking interim relief must be presented to the assigned Family Court Judge in Family Business Court.

C. Any complaint for custody, petition for modification, request for special relief or contempt petition containing a request for interim relief must be presented to the assigned Family Court Judge in Family Business Court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Written waiver of arraignment

A defendant and defense counsel may waive arraignment and enter a plea of either guilty or not guilty by filing a written waiver of arraignment.

A defendant and defense counsel may waive arraignment and enter a plea of either guilty or not guilty by filing a written waiver of arraignment.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

All motions under this rule must be accompanied by a proposed order.

A. Proposed Order. All motions shall be accompanied by a proposed order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Jury instruction request

Specific jury-instruction requests must be submitted in writing five business days before trial, with a copy provided to opposing counsel.

With respect to specific requests, they shall be submitted in writing 5 business days prior to trial with a copy being provided to opposing counsel.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Unopposed motion

An unopposed motion may be presented to the business judge at any time if it contains written verification of the lack of opposition from the opposing party and, if applicable, the probation or parole officer.

An unopposed motion may be presented to the business judge at any time provided that it contains written verification by the opposing party and, if applicable, the probation or parole officer, of the lack of opposition.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Motion to modify or reinstate bail

An unopposed motion to modify or reinstate bail may be presented to the business judge at any time if it includes the opposing party's written verification of no opposition, and the moving party must present it in person.

Any unopposed motion to modify or reinstate bail may be presented to the business judge at any time provided that it contains written verification by the opposing party of lack of opposition. Any such motions shall be presented in person by the moving party.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Statute of limitations and documentation of debt certification

The certification must include sufficient documentation for the defendant to calculate the total damages allegedly due.

[ ] B. Sufficient documentation to permit the defendant to calculate the total amount of damages that are allegedly due.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Residential mortgage foreclosure complaint

For an electronically filed complaint, the plaintiff must provide the sheriff civil process fee by check and provide the listed paper materials.

Within three (3) business days of the filing of the complaint in mortgage foreclosure electronically, the Plaintiff shall provide (1) a check made payable to the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office for the civil process fee; (2) a paper copy of the filed complaint with the Certification Cover Sheet and the appropriate Urgent Notice as specified in Paragraph 4 above; and (3) the “Sheriff Service Process Receipt and Affadavit of Return” form.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Statute of limitations and documentation of debt certification

The Plaintiff must submit the attached-form certification together with supporting documentation.

Within thirty (30) days of the date of this Order, Plaintiff shall electronically file (“e-file”) with the Court, along with supporting documentation 1, the Statute of Limitations and Documentation of Debt Certification in the form attached hereto. 2

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to

Request to reschedule plea form

If a case has already had a pretrial conference, counsel must note the rejected plea on the rescheduling form, and the District Court Administrator will reschedule it with a different judge on the next available plea date.

2. If the case has previously had a pretrial conference, the plea shall be rescheduled. Counsel shall note on the Request to Reschedule Plea form that the plea was rejected, the form will be forwarded to the District Court Administrator and the plea will be rescheduled by the District Court Administrator with a different judge on the next available plea date.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Amended complaint

If Plaintiff includes the “NOTICE” in its initial complaint where the case is not eligible for the Program because it is a business or commercial credit card debt collection action and the Court does not issue a companion order to be served with the complaint, Plaintiff shall file an Amended Complaint that includes a clear statement that the case does not qualify for the consumer credit card collection diversion program, that there is no stay placed on the proceedings, the pleading requirements are not suspended, and that Defendant should heed the Notice to Defend within 20 days of service of the Amended Complaint.

If Plaintiff includes the “NOTICE” in its initial complaint where the case is not eligible for the Program because it is a business or commercial credit card debt collection action and the Court does not issue a companion order to be served with the complaint, Plaintiff shall file an Amended Complaint that includes a clear statement that the case does not qualify for the consumer credit card collection diversion program, that there is no stay placed on the proceedings, the pleading requirements are not suspended, and that Defendant should heed the Notice to Defend within 20 days of service of the Amended Complaint.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of appearance

If the defendant homeowner retains paid counsel, counsel of record must file a notice of appearance and attend the conciliation conference in place of the assigned housing counselor.

If a defendant homeowner secures the paid legal services of an attorney, counsel of record must file a notice of appearance and shall attend the conciliation conference in lieu of the assigned housing counselor.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Complaint

The complaint caption in every consumer credit card collection action must include “Consumer Credit Card Collection Action.”

In all consumer credit card collection actions, the caption of the complaint shall include the words “Consumer Credit Card Collection Action.”

CRITICAL

Applies to

Residential mortgage foreclosure complaint

Every residential mortgage foreclosure complaint must include the appropriate Urgent Notice: Form 2 for eligible actions or Form 3 for ineligible actions, affixed to the complaint presented for filing and to the copy served on the homeowner.

D. Urgent Notice: Every complaint for residential mortgage foreclosure shall include the appropriate “Urgent Notice” to the defendant, either the “eligible” version of the notice OR the “ineligible” version of the notice as follows: 1. For actions certified as eligible for the Foreclosure Diversion Program, an “Urgent Notice,” in the form of the attached as Form “2” advising the defendant homeowner of the Foreclosure Diversion Program, and the automatic stay of any further proceedings in the case until the conclusion of the conciliation process, shall be affixed to any complaint when presented for filing and shall also be affixed to the copy of the complaint to the served upon the defendant homeowner: OR 2. For actions certified as ineligible for the Foreclosure Diversion Program, an “Urgent Notice,” in the form attached as Form “3” advising the defendant homeowner of the Foreclosure Diversion Program, of the lender’s ineligibility claim, and of the defendant homeowner’s right to challenge that claim, shall be affixed to any complaint when presented for filing and shall also be affixed to the copy of the complaint to be served upon the defendant homeowner.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Petition

Petitions must be signed by the petitioners and counsel and verified.

Petitions shall be signed by the petitioners and by counsel and shall be verified.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Demonstrative exhibit

The demonstrative exhibit must outline the final statement balance, list applicable totals for purchases, balance transfers, cash advances, and deferred interest accrual charges, and cite each statement used by its closing or ending date.

In addition, within thirty (30) days of the date of this Order, Plaintiff shall e-file a demonstrative exhibit which outlines the final statement balance and lists by category, as applicable, the total dollar amounts contained within the supporting documentation e-filed for any: (1) purchases, (2) balance transfers, (3) cash advances, and (4) deferred interest accrual charges. The exhibit shall include a citation to each credit card statement utilized in calculating the total dollar amount for each category above, by its closing or ending date. See the example demonstrative exhibit attached to this order.

CRITICAL

A party seeking non-damages relief must state each exact form of relief separately and precisely identify what the requested order should cover.

A party seeking relief other than damages shall list under separate paragraphs the exact form of relief sought with precise designations of the persons, parties, places and things expected to be included in any order providing relief.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Writ of execution notice

The Writ of Execution Notice must name the Lancaster Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service and its telephone number as the information source.

The following is designated to be named in the Writ of Execution Notice as the organization from which information can be obtained: Lancaster Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service Telephone: 717-393-0737

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of presentation