Dauphin Cnty. C.P. Rule 240 - In Forma Pauperis - Civil Cases

RULE 240. IN FORMA PAUPERIS – CIVIL CASES

(1) Any party may apply to the Court for leave to proceed in forma

pauperis according to the procedure set forth in Pa.R.C.P. No. 240

or pursuant to the Protection From Abuse Act, 35 P.S.

(2) As an alternative to requesting relief by the means referred to in

Rule 240(1), where any applicant for leave to proceed in forma

pauperis is represented by counsel who certifies on the application

or by separate document that the applicant is indigent, and that

such counsel is acting as Court-appointed counsel, or on behalf of

a nonprofit legal services organization or Bar Association pro bono

program providing free legal services to the applicant, then the

Prothonotary shall forthwith grant the application without an

accompanying affidavit.

(3) Although otherwise eligible for automatic forma pauperis states

under Rule 240(2), a party shall nonetheless make application as

prescribed in Pa.R.C.P. 240 where relief is sought from payment of

special or unusual expenses (that is, from costs not attributable to

filing and service of process).

(4) The right to apply for leave to proceed in forma pauperis shall

likewise be available to parties in any civil action commenced

before the minor Judiciary. Applications in such cases shall be

submitted to and disposed of by the Court or Prothonotary in the

same form and manner as set forth in Pa.R.C.P. 240, or where

appropriate, Rule 240(2) above.

(5) The provisions of the Rule shall not apply to actions in divorce or

annulment of marriage, such matters being governed by the

provisions of Pa.R.C.P. 1920.62.