Dauphin Cnty. C.P. Rule 1902 - Commencement of Action

RULE 1902. COMMENCEMENT OF ACTION

(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), an action shall be commenced by

filing with the Prothonotary a petition setting forth the alleged abuses by

the defendant.

(b) Filing in the Office of the Prothonotary of a certified order of a District

Justice entered pursuant to the Protection from Abuse Act shall constitute

the commencement of an action in the Court of Commons Pleas.

The Prothonotary, upon receipt of the certification from a District Justice of

a proceeding under this Act shall docket the proceeding and transfer it

immediately to the Court Administrator’s Office who will transmit it to the

judge designated to receive abuse petitions.

The judge to whom the proceeding is assigned

(1) May enter such temporary order as authorize by the Act.

(2) Shall set a hearing within ten (10) days of filing of the proceeding.

(3) Shall advise the complainant and the person alleged to be guilty of

the abuse of the time and place of the hearing, if any. Such notice

shall advise the defendant of his right to be represented by counsel

and of the address and telephone number of the Dauphin County

Lawyer Referral Service. If the complainant is represented by

counsel, counsel shall have the responsibility of the notification

specified by this subsection.

* As Amended 01/01/90