PA · rules

Westmoreland Cnty. C.P. Local Rules of Court (front matter)

Westmoreland County local rules: Local Rules of Court

activein force · 2025-10-06 – presentact-effective-date

WESTMORELAND COUNTY RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE

BUSINESS OF COURTS

22, 2010, effective May 26, 2010.

16, 2025; Adopted June 16, 2025; effective August 18, 2025.

2004, effective July 26, 2004.

Rule W212.1 Certification of Readiness for Trial. Time for Completing Discovery

12, 2015, New Rule W212.1 adopted August 12, 2015 effective

2004, effective July 26, 2004. Rule W212.3(c) rescinded

adopted September 18, 2014, effective November 3, 2014.

2004, effective July 26, 2004.

ACTIONS AT LAW

2009, effective August 17, 2009.

from W270 August 31, 2000, effective October 23, 2000.

24, 2011, effective October 10, 2011.

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COMPULSORY ARBITRATION

Rescinded September 18, 2014; New Rule W1301 adopted

2025; adopted June 16, 2025; effective August 18, 2025.

Rescinded September 18, 2014; New Rule W1303 adopted

Rescinded September 18, 2014; New Rule W1312 adopted

ACTION IN EQUITY

ACTIONS PURSUANT TO PROTECTION FORM ABUSE ACT

ACTIONS FOR SUPPORT

2004, effective June 1, 2004.

ACTIONS FOR CUSTODY, PARTIAL CUSTODY AND VISITATION OF MINOR

CHILDREN

13, 2013, effective May 27, 2013. Amended and adopted August

26, 2025, effective October 6, 2025.

31, 2014, effective March 24, 2014.

13, 2013, effective May 27, 2013.

13, 2013, effective May 27, 2013. Amended and renumbered

9, 2020, effective August 24, 2020. Rescinded November 5, 2024;

13, 2013, effective May 27, 2013.

Rule W1915.10 Request for Custody Pretrial Conference. Pretrial Conference.

13, 2013, effective May 27, 2013.

New Rule W1915.12 adopted November 4, 2016, effective December

26, 2016.

13, 2013, effective May 27, 2013.

Rule W1915.15 Form of Complaint. Caption. Order. Petition to Modify a Partial

13, 2013, effective May 27, 2013. Rescinded 8/26/2025.

9/30/16, effective 11/20/16. Amended and renumbered September

30, 2016, adopted November 20, 2016.

ACTIONS OF DIVORCE OR ANNULMENT OF MARRIAGE

2004, effective June 1, 2004.

Rule W1920.42 Affidavit and Decree under Section 3301(c) or Section 3301(d)

1920.42(a) rescinded October 28, 2015; new rule adopted

18, 2023, new adopted March 18, 2023, effective April 18, 2023.

2004, effective June 1, 2004.

2004, effective June 1, 2004. Rescinded April 23, 2024; New

Rule W1920.53 Adopted April 23, 2024; Effective May 23, 2024.

2004, effective June 1, 2004.

2004, effective June 1, 2004. Rule W1920.55-2(d) rescinded

effective June 1, 2009.

2a(f) rescinded April 16, 2009; New Rule W1920.55-2a(f)

adopted April 16, 2009, effective June 1, 2009. Rescinded

2, 2021, effective February 1, 2021.

2016.

ACTIONS FOR WRONGFUL DEATH

JOINDER OF PARTIES

2004, effective July 26, 2004.

ENFORCEMENT OF MONEY JUDGMENTS FOR THE PAYMENT OF MONEY

DEPOSITIONS AND DISCOVERY

GENERAL RULES

adopted August 3, 2016.

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BUSINESS OF COURTS

Note: Rule W200 was rescinded effective July 26, 2004.

Note: Rule W200.1 was rescinded effective March 27, 1995.

Note: Rules W200.2, W200.3, W200.4 were rescinded effective July 26, 2004.

Note: Rules W200.5, W200.6 were rescinded effective March 27, 1995.

Note: Rule W200.7 was rescinded effective July 26, 2004.

Note: Rule W200.8 was rescinded effective December 16, 1997.

Note: Rule W200.9 was rescinded effective March 18, 1996.

Note: Rule W205 was rescinded effective March 27, 1995.

Note: Rule W205.1 was rescinded effective July 26, 2004.

RULE W205.2(a) PLEADINGS AND LEGAL PAPERS

(1) All pleadings and legal papers filed with the Prothonotary should be on white paper

approximately 8-1/2 inches by 11 inches, [with printed matter 6-1/2 inches by 9 inches]

with one inch margins on all four (4) sides. The lettering should be clear and legible and

no smaller than point 11.

(2) Pleadings and legal papers, including the original documents, should be filed without

“blue backs” or other covers, and should be bound in the upper left hand corner with a

single binder clip or staple. No tape should be used to cover the top of the paper or

document.

(3) The front page of the document should indicate the total number of pages, including

exhibits, submitted for filing. (For example: Page 1 of 10).

RULE W205.2(b) COVER SHEET

All parties required to file a cover sheet pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 205.5 shall also file a

Westmoreland County Civil Cover Sheet. The Westmoreland County Civil Cover Sheet shall be

in the form set forth in the Forms Section of the Westmoreland County Rules of Court.

Rule W205.4 Electronic Filing of Legal Papers in Westmoreland County

(a)(1) Except as noted below, use of the Westmoreland County electronic filing system is

permissive for the filing of all legal papers in the Civil Division and Family Division, in all actions

and proceedings brought in or appealed to the Court.

A. Use of the Westmoreland County electronic filing system is not permitted for the

following Civil Division filings:

1. Notice of Appeal to the Superior, Commonwealth or Supreme Courts, or Petition for

Review to the Commonwealth Court

2. Notice of Appeal from arbitration award

3. Notice of Appeal from magisterial district justice award

4. Emergency motion

5. Exemplification of Records

6. Praecipe to Reissue Writ

7. Petitions for Name Change

8. Oversized documents or documents that cannot be reduced into an 8 ½ x 11 inch

format.

9. License Suspension Appeals

10. Original Orders of Court or any filing that has attached to it an original Order of

Court

11. Confession of judgment

12. Petition for the Appointment of a Board of View

B. Use of the Westmoreland County electronic filing system is not permitted for the

following Family Division filings:

1. Legal papers related to actions under the Protection from Abuse Act

2. Legal papers relating to custody: legal custody; physical custody; supervised physical

custody; petition for modification of a custody order; petition for contempt; petition to

intervene as well as a complaint in divorce that contains a count for custody

3. Emergency motion

4. Original Orders of Court or any filing that has attached to it an original Order of

Court.

(b)(1) All legal papers shall be presented for electronic filing in PDF format.

(c)(1) Reserved.

(c)(2) All legal papers that are filed electronically shall be filed through the Prothonotary’s

electronic filing system. Attorneys and unrepresented parties may access the electronic filing

system through the Westmoreland County Prothonotary’s website,

https://www.westmorelandcountypa.gov/323/Prothonotary. To obtain access to the electronic

filing system, counsel and any unrepresented party must apply to the Prothonotary’s Office for a

user name and password. By logging into the electronic filing system and creating a user name

and password, the user consents to receive all notices generated by the Prothonotary and the

Courts electronically, via the email address provided in the user’s profile. By providing an email

address in a profile, the user is deemed to have provided an email address on a legal paper filed

consistent with Pa.R.Civ.P. 236(d).

(d)(1) The Prothonotary will accept for payment of all filing fees paid by the following credit and

debit cards: Discover, Visa and Master Card.

(e)(1) A filing party shall be responsible for any filing fee, delay, disruption, interruption of the

electronic signals and legibility of the document electronically filed, except when caused by the

failure of the electronic filing system’s website.

(e)(2)(A) The court upon motion shall resolve any dispute arising under paragraph (e)(1).

(e)(2)(B) If a party makes a good faith effort to electronically file a legal paper but it is not

received, accepted or filed by the electronic filing system, the Court may order that the paper be

accepted and filed nunc pro tunc upon a showing that the filing party or counsel made

reasonable efforts to present and file the paper in a timely manner.

(f)(1) Upon receipt of the legal paper, the Prothonotary shall provide the filing party with an

acknowledgment, which includes the date and time the legal paper was received by the

electronic filing system. The Prothonotary also shall provide the filing party with notice that the

legal paper was accepted for filing. If a legal paper is not accepted upon presentation for filing or

is refused for filing by the electronic filing system, the Prothonotary shall immediately notify the

party presenting the legal paper for filing of the date of presentation, the fact that the document

was not accepted or was refused for filing by the system, and the reason.

(f)(2) The Prothonotary shall continue to maintain a hard copy of any legal paper, notice or order

filed or maintained electronically under this rule.

(f)(3) For any legal paper over two hundred (200) pages that is electronically filed, the filing

party shall present or deliver to the Office of the Prothonotary an approved time-stamped hard

copy of this legal paper within fourteen (14) days of the time of the approval by the Office of the

Prothonotary.

(f)(4) The electronic filing of a legal paper does not satisfy the filing party’s obligation under the

Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure or the Westmoreland County Rules of Civil Procedure to

serve the legal paper on all parties to the litigation or on the Court.

(f)(5) The procedures for payment of the fees and costs related to electronic filing shall be set

forth on the Westmoreland County Prothonotary's website,

https://www.westmorelandcountypa.gov/323/Prothonotary.

Note: Attorneys and litigants who file documents are required to comply with the Public Access

Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial

Courts.

Note: Rule W206 was rescinded effective July 26, 2004.

RULE W206.1(a) PETITIONS – RULE TO SHOW CAUSE

No applications to the court other than those listed in Pa.R.C.P. 206.1(a) have been

designated by local rule as “Petitions.”

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RULE W206.4(c) PROCEDURES FOR ISSUANCE OF A RULE TO SHOW CAUSE

(1) The petition for the rule to show cause and a proposed Order substantially in the form

prescribed by Pa.R.C.P. 206.5(d) shall be presented in Motions Court. The petitioner

shall serve a copy of the petition and proposed Order on the respondent or respondents,

together with written notice of the time, date and location for presentation, at least four

(4) days in advance of the date when presentation is to occur. Service shall be made in

accordance with the Rules of Civil Procedure governing service of legal papers other than

original process.

(2) A certificate that the petition and proposed Order, and written notice of the time, date

and location of presentation have been served on the respondent or respondents, shall be

attached to the petition at the time of presentation.

(3) At the time of presentation, the court shall use the discretion granted by Pa.R.C.P. 206.4

to determine if a rule to show cause should be issued and whether any interim relief

requested should be granted. The interim relief may include a stay of execution.

(4) In the event the court grants the rule to show cause:

(a) The court shall enter an Order in accordance with Pa.R.C.P. 206.5.

(b) The petitioner shall file the petition and Order with the Prothonotary, who shall

issue the rule. Within three (3) days thereafter, the petitioner shall serve the rule

as directed in the Order, together with a copy of the petition and Order upon

which the rule was issued, which service shall be made in accordance with the

Rules of Civil Procedure governing service of legal papers other than original

process.

service with the Prothonotary, and shall deliver or mail a copy of the rule,

petition, Order and certificate of service filed to the chambers of the judge

assigned to the case.

(5) Upon filing an Answer, a respondent shall deliver or mail a copy thereof to the chambers

of the judge assigned to the case.

(6) If no answer is filed on or before the date Ordered, the petitioner may file a motion to

make the rule absolute in accordance with Rule W208.3(a).

RULE W208.2(c) MOTIONS. STATEMENT OF APPLICABLE AUTHORITY

All motions shall contain a specific citation to relevant constitutional provisions, case

law, statutes, regulations, Rules of Court or other applicable legal authority that permit the court

to grant the relief requested.

RULE W208.2(d) MOTIONS WITH CONSENT OR NO CONTEST

(1) All uncontested motions, or motions to which the consent of all parties has been

obtained, must be accompanied by a certificate stating that

(a) a copy of the motion and any proposed Order has been served on every other

party or attorney of record at least 4 days in advance of the date when the

presentation is to occur,

(b) written notice of the time, date and location for presentation was given at the

time the motion and any proposed Order was served, and

(2) Failure to comply with the foregoing shall result in the refusal of the court to hear the

motion.

RULE W208.2(e) MOTIONS. DISCOVERY

(1) All motions relating to discovery shall include a certificate signed by counsel for the

moving party that counsel for that party has conferred or attempted to confer with all

interested parties in order to resolve the matter without court action, and shall set forth

the nature of the efforts made to resolve the matter.

(2) Failure to comply with the foregoing shall result in the refusal of the court to hear the

motion.

RULE W208.3(a) MOTIONS PROCEDURE

(1) The trial judge assigned to a specific case will hear all motions or petitions relating to

that case. Motions Court shall be held each Friday at 9:00 A.M.

(2) Argument on contested motions will be heard in Motions Court. The moving party shall

serve a copy of the motion and any proposed Order on every other party or attorney of

days in advance of the date when the presentation is to occur. The motion must be

accompanied by a certificate stating that a copy of the motion, proposed Order and

written notice has been so furnished. Failure to provide such certificate shall result in the

court’s refusal to hear the motion.

(3) Uncontested motions or motions to which the consent of all parties has been obtained

shall be presented in accordance with Rule W208.2(d), and may be presented at

Motions Court or in chambers at any time convenient to the court.

Note: Counsel is expected to appear for Motions Court promptly by 9:00 A.M. It is

anticipated that all motions should be heard by 10:00 A.M. If, upon presentation of the

motion, the Court determines that extended argument is required, the court shall

specially set a time for argument.

(4) Emergency motions in civil matters may be presented at a time prearranged with the

court. In emergency matters, the moving party must give telephone notice to every other

party or attorney of record prior to presenting the motion, and shall, at the time of

presentation of same, provide to the Court a certificate describing what notice was given.

Failure to provide such certificate may result in the court’s refusal to hear the motion.

RULE W210 FORM OF BRIEFS

(a) The Brief of the moving party shall contain a statement of the case, a statement of the

issues involved, the argument, and a short conclusion stating the precise relief sought.

(b) The Brief of the responding party need only contain argument.

day it is filed. A copy of a Brief shall be delivered or mailed to the chambers of the judge

assigned to the case.

Note: Rule W211 was rescinded effective July 26, 2004.

RULE W212.1 CERTIFICATION OF READINESS FOR TRIAL. TIME FOR

COMPLETING DISCOVERY AND FILING PRE-TRIAL

STATEMENT

(a) Any party may file a certificate with the Prothonotary that the case is ready for

trial. A copy of the certification found in the Forms section of these rules shall be served

on the judge assigned to the case, on the Court Administrator and on all other parties or

their counsel. Service shall be made at least twenty (20) days prior to the filing of the

certificate.

(b) Any party objecting to a Certificate of Readiness shall do so by filing and serving

Objections within ten (10) days of service of the Certificate of Readiness. Objections

shall be presented at Motions Court after four days' notice to all other parties or their

counsel, and after providing a courtesy copy to the Court.

(1) The pleadings are closed;

(2) Witnesses are presently available to appear at trial; and

(3) Discovery is complete, except for those depositions to be taken solely for the

purpose of being presented at trial, such as the depositions of expert witnesses.

(d) Upon receipt of the certification of readiness, the judge assigned to the case shall issue an

Order addressing the following matters:

(1) When Pre-Trial Statements shall be due pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 212.1(c)(2), which

dates shall be set prior to the Pre-Trial Conference.

(2) The date of the Pre-Trial Conference pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 212.3.

(3) Such other matters that may aid in the disposition of the case.

2007. Rescinded August 12, 2015, New Rule W212.1 adopted August 12, 2015 effective November

1, 2015.

RULE W212.3 PRE-TRIAL CONFERENCE.

(a) In addition to those matters for consideration at the Pre-Trial Conference held pursuant

to Pa.R.C.P. 212.3, the court shall place the case on a civil court Jury Trial List, or set the

date for the trial of a case without a jury.

(b) An Order shall be entered following the pre-trial conference pursuant to Pa.R.C.P.

212.3(b). A copy of the Order shall be provided to the Court Administrator.

each civil court judge. The Jury Trial Lists will be posted on the Westmoreland County

Web Site at www.co.westmoreland.pa.us.

Note: Beginning with the January, 2015 Jury Trial List, copies will no longer be mailed to

litigants and attorneys.

(d) Each civil court judge shall call his Jury Trial List during the week proceeding the first

week of the civil jury trial period. All attorneys responsible for trial shall be represented

at the call, and shall advise the court of the approximate length of the trial and disclose

any other relevant matters.

(e) The cases placed on the Trial List shall be continued only on the grounds and under the

procedures set forth in Pa.R.C.P. 216. Applications for continuance shall be presented at

Motions Court at least ten (10) days prior to the call of the Trial List. At the call of the

Trial List or at any time thereafter, continuances will be granted only for the most

compelling reasons; the need to schedule depositions shall not in itself be a compelling

reason.

Note: Rule W212.3 replaces the former rule of the same number entitled “Settlement

Conference.”

W212.3(c) rescinded September 18, 2014; New Rule W212.3(c) and its associated Note adopted

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Note: Rule W214 was rescinded effective December 16, 1997.

RULE W227.1 POST-TRIAL RELIEF

(a) Requirements for Filing and Service of Motion for Post-Trial Relief at the Office of the

Prothonotary.

(1) The original Motion for Post-Trial Relief should be filed at the Office of the

Prothonotary.

NOTE: Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 227.1(c), Motions for Post-Trial Relief must be filed within

ten (10) days after verdict, etc.

NOTE: Post-Trial motions shall comply with Pa.R.C.P. 227.3 concerning the request for

a transcript and objections thereto. See Pa.R.J.A. 5005.5, et seq., regarding the

request for transcript and payment of the transcript fee.

(2) At the same time the Motion for Post-Trial Relief is being filed with or mailed to

the Prothonotary, the moving party shall present or mail a copy of the Motion for

Post-Trial Relief to the chambers of the judge assigned to the case. The judge

assigned to the case shall prepare a Scheduling Order for oral argument, file the

original Order, and give or mail a copy of that Order to the moving party. Within

three (3) days of receipt of the Scheduling Order from the judge assigned to the

case, the moving party shall serve copies of the Scheduling Order on every other

party or attorney of record, shall file with the Prothonotary a certificate of

service of the Scheduling Order and shall mail or deliver a copy of the certificate

of service to the judge assigned to the case.

NOTE: The oral argument should be scheduled on the date set for argument court in the

second month following the month in which the verdict or decision was

rendered.

(3) Within three (3) days of filing the Motion for Post-Trial Relief, the moving party

shall serve every other party or attorney of record with a copy of the Motion for

Post-Trial Relief, shall file with the Prothonotary a certificate of service of the

Motion for Post-Trial Relief and shall mail or deliver a copy of the certificate of

service to the judge assigned to the case.

(b) Filing and Service Requirements for Briefs in Support and in Opposition of the Motion

for Post-Trial Relief

(1) The moving party shall file a Brief in Support with the Prothonotary within

twenty (20) days of filing the Post-Trial Motion, unless the court shall otherwise

establish the briefing schedule. Any other party may file a Brief in Opposition

within twenty (20) days after service of the moving party’s brief.

(2) Within three (3) days of filing the Brief, the writer shall serve a copy of the Brief

on every other party or attorney of record and shall mail or deliver a copy of the

Brief to the chambers of the judge assigned to the case. The writer shall file a

certificate of service with the Prothonotary, and shall mail or deliver a copy of

the certificate of service to the chambers of the judge assigned to the case on the

same day the certificate of service is filed.

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(1) Failure of the moving party to comply with the requirements of this rule shall

result in the dismissal of the Motion.

(2) If a non-moving party shall fail to comply with the requirements of this rule, the

party shall not be permitted to present any oral argument.

Note: Rule W227.2 was rescinded effective July 26, 2004.

Note: Rule W227.3 was rescinded effective March 27, 1995.

RULE W229 DISCONTINUANCE

(a) All costs of the Prothonotary and Sheriff shall be paid before discontinuance is accepted

by the Prothonotary.

(b) The Prothonotary shall promptly give notice of the case’s final termination to the

Westmoreland County Court Administrator and to the assigned Judge when the case is

discontinued.

RULE W260 IMPOUNDING MENTAL HEALTH FILES

The Prothonotary shall docket each action filed under the Mental Health Procedure Act

of 1966, and impound the file and all papers contained therein. The Prothonotary shall permit an

inspection of the case file only pursuant to an order of court or upon request of the counsel for

the party involved.

RULE W261 RECORDS

(a) The Court Administrator and members of a judge’s staff may remove records from the

Prothonotary’s office for official court business. In addition, referees, auditors, masters,

attorneys and other similar officers appointed by the court shall have authority to

remove records from the Prothonotary’s office. All such records shall be returned within

three months after their taking unless the court authorizes a longer retention.

(b) Except as provided in section (a), no record shall be removed from the Prothonotary’s

office except upon subpoena duces tecum or Order of court.

Note: Rule W270 was renumbered W1270 August 31, 2000.

RULE W300 BROADCASTING, TELEVISING, PHOTOGRAPHS

There shall be no broadcasting, televising, recording or the taking of photographs in the

courtroom and areas immediately adjacent thereto during sessions of court or recesses between

sessions, except that the court may authorize:

(a) The use of electronic or photographic means for the presentation of evidence, for the

perpetuation of a record, or for other purposes of judicial administration;

(b) The broadcasting, televising, recording, or photographing of investiture, ceremonial, or

naturalization proceedings;

proceedings under the following conditions:

(1) The means of recording will not distract participants or impair the dignity of the

proceedings; and

(2) The parties have consented, and the consent to being depicted or recorded has

been obtained from each witness appearing in the recording and reproductions;

and

(3) The reproduction will not be exhibited until after the proceeding has been

concluded and all direct appeals have been exhausted; and

(4) The reproduction will be exhibited only for instructional purposes in

educational institutions.

RULE W405 SHERIFF’S RETURN

(a) After successful service, the sheriff shall mail to the attorney requesting service a

notification upon which the sheriff shall indicate the date, place and time of service and

the person upon whom service was made, and in a case of service upon a corporation, the

capacity of the person upon whom service was made.

(b) After an unsuccessful attempt at service, the sheriff shall mail to the attorney requesting

service a notification upon which the sheriff shall indicate the means by which service

was attempted and the date on which the attempt was made.

RULE W430 LEGAL PERIODICAL

The Westmoreland Law Journal shall be the legal periodical for the publication of all notices.

RULE W609 BILL OF COSTS

(a) A bill of costs listing those items sought to be recovered as record costs must be filed

with the Prothonotary, within ten days of:

(1) the entry of a jury verdict;

(2) a final order, decree, or verdict of a judge sitting without a jury; or

(3) the day on which the Prothonotary makes the notation on the docket, pursuant

to Pa.R.C.P. 1307(a)(3), that Notice of any Award including record costs has

been mailed.

(b) A certificate that a copy of the bill of costs has been served on the opposing party or that

party’s counsel of record shall be filed with the bill of costs.

party or that party’s counsel of record within 10 days of receipt of a copy of the bill of

costs, in which event the trial judge, or judge assigned by the court administrator, shall

enter an order specifying which costs are allowable.

COMMENT: See: Zelenak v. Mikula, 911 A. 2d. 542 (Pa. Super. 2006) as to what is

included in record costs.

Absent an agreement between counsel regarding the payment of record costs,

the court has no authority to award costs to either party upon settlement.

Mancine v. Bilesimo. Jr., 69 W.L.J. 145, 146 n.1 (1987).

With regard to recovery of cost in an arbitration case, see Sillings v. Protected Home

Mutual Life Ins. Co., 84 W.L.J. 7 (2001).

2008.

Note: Rule W611 was rescinded effective July 26, 2004.

ACTIONS AT LAW

Note: Rule W1007 was rescinded effective July 26, 2004.

RULE W1007.1 JURY TRIAL; DEMAND; WAIVER

(a) The party demanding a jury trial shall place on the pleading or other paper in which the

demand is made, the words “JURY TRIAL DEMANDED,” immediately below the docket

number in the caption of the pleading or other paper.

(b) The appellant in an arbitration appeal must indicate on the notice of appeal whether any

party has previously demanded a jury trial or whether the appellant demands a jury trial

through the appeal process. A copy of any written demand for a jury trial by the appellee

must be served on the court administrator and the assigned judge.

Note: Rule W1012 was rescinded effective July 26, 2004.

Note: Rule W1017.1 was repealed effective April 3, 1995.

Rule W1012. Limited Entry of Appearance for Pro Bono Representation.

(a) Attorneys who represent a client or clients pro bono through the Westmoreland

County Pro Bono program may file a praecipe for entry of limited appearance which

shall be in the form set forth in subparagraph (b) below and which shall be served

upon all parties to the action as provided by Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure

440(a)(1) and which shall set forth clearly the limitation of the attorney's

representation. The limited entry of appearance shall be accompanied by a Praecipe

to Proceed In Forma Pauperis, including certification by the representing attorney,

as is required by Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 240(d)(1). The fee for filing

the limited entry of appearance shall be waived.

(b) The praecipe for entry of limited appearance shall be in the following form:

CAPTION

PRAECIPE FOR ENTRY OF LIMITED APPEARANCE

To the Prothonotary:

Kindly enter my Limited Appearance for [Plaintiff's/Defendant's Name], in the above-captioned

matter. I hereby certify that I have accepted the representation of

other specified scope of representation as the circumstances dictate].

Upon completion of the representation as set forth above and consisted with Westmoreland

County Rule of Civil Procedure 1012(c), I may withdraw my appearance without further petition

or order of court.

[Name of attorney]

Attorney for Plaintiff/Defendant

Address

Telephone number

Supreme Court ID:

limited appearance. The praecipe for withdrawal of appearance shall be served upon all parties

and the assigned judge and any fee for filing such withdrawal shall be waived. The praecipe for

withdrawal of appearance may be filed without leave of court and shall be in the form set forth

below:

CAPTION

PRAECIPE FOR WITHDRAWAL OF LIMITED APPEARANCE

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To the Prothonotary: Kindly withdraw my Limited Appearance for [Plaintiff/Defendant] in the

above-captioned matter. I hereby certify that I have completed all my duties as set forth in my

I further certify that I have notified all parties and the assigned judge of my withdrawal.

Any further notices or communications shall be sent directly to the Plaintiff/Defendant at the

following address:

Plaintiff/Defendant's Name

Address:

Telephone number:

Attorney's name

Attorney for Plaintiff/Defendant

Address

Telephone number

Supreme Court ID:

DATE:

New Rule Adopted March 17, 2021, effective May 17, 2021.

RULE W1018 CAPTION

The caption for all matters filed in Divorce, Support, Custody, Partial Custody,

Visitation, Asbestos and Medical Professional Liability shall be as follows:

(a) The caption in Divorce matters shall be:

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY,

PENNSYLVANIA

CIVIL ACTION – DIVORCE

(b) The caption in Support matters shall be:

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY,

PENNSYLVANIA

CIVIL ACTION – SUPPORT

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY,

PENNSYLVANIA

CIVIL ACTION – CUSTODY

(d) The caption in Asbestos matters shall be:

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY,

PENNSYLVANIA

CIVIL ACTION – ASBESTOS

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(e) The caption in Medical Professional Liability matters shall be:

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY,

PENNSYLVANIA

CIVIL ACTION – MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY ACTION

2006.

RULE W1018.1 NOTICE TO DEFEND

The Lawyer Referral Service of the Westmoreland Bar Association is the agency to be

named in the notice to defend from which legal help can be obtained. The contact information is:

Lawyer Referral Service

Westmoreland Bar Association

Greensburg, PA 15601

(724) 834-8490

http://lrs.westbar.org

Note: A Complaint filed in an Arbitration case shall contain a Notice of Duty to Appear at

Arbitration Hearing immediately following the Notice to Defend. See Rule 1301

RULE W1021 AD DAMNUM CLAUSE

The ad damnum clause in any pleading shall state whether the damages are less than the

maximum amount for compulsory arbitration (see Westmoreland County Rule of Civil

Procedure W1301) set by this court.

Note: Rule W1028 was rescinded effective July 26, 2004.

RULE W1028(c) PRELIMINARY OBJECTIONS

(1) Requirements for Filing and Service of Preliminary Objections at the Office of the

Prothonotary

(a) At the same time the Preliminary Objections are being filed with or mailed to the

Prothonotary, the filing party, i.e., the objecting party, shall present or mail a

copy of the Preliminary Objections to the chambers of the judge assigned to the

case.

Note: Preliminary Objections seeking relief pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1028(a)(1), (5), (6),

(7) or (8) shall be endorsed with a Notice To Plead.

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(b) Within three (3) days of filing the Preliminary Objections, the objecting party,

shall serve that pleading on every other party or attorney of record and file a

certificate of service.

(2) Filing and Service of Brief in support of Preliminary Objections

(a) The objecting party shall file a Brief with the Prothonotary within thirty (30)

days of filing the pleading if the Preliminary Objections only set forth grounds

under subdivisions (2), (3) or (4) of Pa.R.C.P. 1028. Parties filing Preliminary

Objections raising any ground other than under subdivisions (2), (3) or (4) of

Pa.R.C.P. 1028 shall file a Brief within sixty (60) days of filing the Preliminary

Objections, unless the court, on motion of any party, sets a briefing schedule to

accommodate depositions or a hearing pursuant to 1028(c)(2).

Note: Preliminary Objections setting forth grounds other than under subdivisions (2),

(3) or (4) of Pa.R.C.P. 1028 must be endorsed with a Notice to Plead or no

response will be required under Pa.R.C.P. 1029(d). See Rule W210 for the form of

the Brief.

(b) The objecting party shall serve a copy of the Brief on every other party or

attorney of record on the same day it is filed. A copy of the Brief, a certificate of

service, together with a copy of any subsequent pleadings filed, shall be mailed or

delivered to the chambers of the judge assigned to the case.

(3) Filing and Service of Brief in opposition to Preliminary Objections

(a) A party to whom Preliminary Objections are directed shall file a Brief in

opposition with the Prothonotary within thirty (30) days of being served with

the objecting party’s Brief.

Note: See Rule W210 for the form of the Brief.

(b) Within three (3) days of filing the Brief in opposition, a party to whom

Preliminary Objections are directed shall serve a copy of the Brief on every other

party or attorney of record, and shall file a certificate of service with the

Prothonotary.

copy of the Brief, along with a copy of the certificate of service, to the chambers

of the judge assigned to the case on the same day the certificate of service is filed.

(4) Oral argument

Oral argument will only be scheduled upon the presentation of a motion in accordance

with the motions procedure in Rule W208.3(a).

(5) Sanctions

(a) Failure of the objecting party to comply with the requirements of this rule shall

result in the dismissal of the Preliminary Objections.

(b) If a party to whom the Preliminary Objections are directed fails to comply with

the requirements of this rule, that party shall not be permitted to present any

oral argument.

Note: A party filing an amended complaint pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1028(c)(1) shall

promptly notify the judge assigned to the case.

Rule W1028(c) shall not apply to family law actions governed by Pa.R.C.P. 1901

through 1940.9 or actions pursuant to the Eminent Domain Code of 1964.

Note: Rule W1034 was rescinded effective March 27, 1995.

RULE W1034(a) MOTION FOR JUDGMENT ON THE PLEADINGS

(1) Requirements for Filing and Service of a Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings and

Supporting Brief at the Office of the Prothonotary

(a) The original Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings shall be filed with or mailed

to the Prothonotary. A supporting Brief is required to be filed with a Motion for

Judgment on the Pleadings.

Note: See Rule W210 for the form of the Brief.

(b) A copy of the Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings and a copy of the

supporting Brief required shall, at the time the Motion is filed or mailed, be

presented or mailed to the chambers of the judge assigned to the case by the

party filing the Motion. The judge assigned to the case shall prepare a Scheduling

Order for oral argument, direct the filing of the original Order, and give or mail a

copy of that Order to the moving party.

to the case, the moving party shall serve copies of the Motion for Judgment on

the Pleadings, the Scheduling Order and the Brief on every other party or

attorney of record.

(d) The moving party shall file with the Prothonotary a certificate of service of the

Motion, the Scheduling Order and the Brief. A copy of the certificate of service

shall be mailed or delivered to the judge assigned to the case.

(2) Filing and Service requirements for Briefs in opposition to the Motion for Judgment on

the Pleadings

(a) A party to whom a Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings is directed shall file a

Brief in opposition with the Prothonotary within thirty (30) days of service of

the moving party's Motion and Brief.

Note: See Rule W210 for the form of the Brief.

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(b) Within three (3) days of filing the Brief, the party to whom the Motion is

directed shall serve a copy of the Brief on every other party or attorney of record,

and shall file a certificate of service with the Prothonotary.

Brief, along with a copy of the certificate of service, to the chambers of the judge

assigned to the case on the same day the certificate of service is filed.

(3) Sanctions

(a) Failure of the moving party to comply with the requirements of this rule shall

result in the dismissal of the Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings.

(b) If a non-moving party fails to comply with the requirements of this rule, that

party shall not be permitted to present any oral argument.

Note: Rule W1035 was rescinded effective July 26, 2004.

RULE W1035.2(a) MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT

(1) Requirements for Filing and Service of a Motion for Summary Judgment and Supporting

Brief at the Office of the Prothonotary

(a) A party intending to file a Motion for Summary Judgment should note the

requirements of Pa.R.C.P. 1035.2 that the Motion must be made after completion

of discovery relevant to the motion, including the production of expert reports,

as well as after the relevant pleadings are closed. See the Explanatory Comment

to Pa.R.C.P. 1035.2.

(b) A supporting Brief is required to be filed with a Motion for Summary Judgment.

Note: See Rule W210 for the form of the Brief.

required, shall, at the time the Motion is filed or mailed, be presented or mailed

to the chambers of the judge assigned to the case by the party intending to file

the Motion. The judge assigned to the case shall prepare a Scheduling Order for

oral argument, file the original Order, and give or mail a copy of that Order to the

moving party.

(d) Within three (3) days of receipt of the Scheduling Order from the judge assigned

to the case, the moving party shall serve copies of the Motion for Summary

Judgment, the Scheduling Order and the Brief on every other party or attorney of

record.

(e) The moving party shall file with the Prothonotary a certificate of service of the

Motion, Brief and Scheduling Order. A copy of the certificate of service shall be

mailed or delivered to the judge assigned to the case.

(2) Filing and Service requirements for Briefs in opposition to the Motion for Summary

Judgment

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(a) Within thirty (30) days of service of the moving party’s Motion and Brief, a party

to whom a Motion for Summary Judgment is directed shall file a Brief in

opposition, unless that party has requested and obtained an Order of court

granting leave to supplement the record pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1035.3, in which

event the court shall set a briefing schedule. If an Order granting such leave is

not obtained, there shall be no extension of the thirty (30) day period for filing

the Brief or continuance of the argument to allow supplementation of the record.

Note: See Rule W210 for the form of the Brief.

(b) Within three (3) days of filing the Brief, a party to whom the Motion is directed

shall serve a copy of the Brief on every other party or attorney of record and shall

file a certificate of service with the Prothonotary.

the required, specific response filed by that party pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1035.3,

and a copy of the certificate of service, to the chambers of the judge assigned to

the case on the same day the certificate of service is filed.

(3) Sanctions

(a) Failure of the moving party to comply with the requirements of this rule shall

result in the dismissal of the Motion.

(b) If a non-moving party shall fail to comply with the requirements of this rule, that

party shall not be permitted to present any oral argument.

Note: Rule W1047 was rescinded effective July 26, 2004.

RULE W1041.1 ASBESTOS LITIGATION. SPECIAL PROVISIONS.

(1) Assignments. Upon the filing of a case in asbestos, the Prothonotary shall assign the case

to one of the civil court judges, who will preside over all proceedings relating to the case,

including, but not limited to, discovery motions, argument court and trial.

(2) Captions. All pleadings, motions, briefs, memoranda and proposed orders shall include a

caption conforming to Westmoreland County Rule of Civil Procedure W1018(d).

(3) Case Management Orders. In all asbestos cases, the course of the litigation shall be

governed by the terms of a case management order (CMO).

(a) Any party may, by motion, present a CMO to the Court for approval within sixty

(60) days of the filing of the complaint. The proposed CMO shall set forth the

actual dates on which each stage of the litigation must be completed.

(b) If no CMO is approved by the Court and filed of record at the expiration of sixty

(60) days from the filing of the complaint, the Court will enter the following

CMO:

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY,

PENNSYLVANIA

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CIVIL ACTION – ASBESTOS

Plaintiff(s) )

Defendants )

1. This Case Management Order (CMO) is entered and is applicable to the above-captioned case pending in the Court of Common Pleas of Westmoreland County,

Pennsylvania.

2. Plaintiff’s Answers to Standard Short Form Interrogatories shall be served on all

defense counsel within eight (8) months of the date of filing of the above action,

3. Discovery shall be completed within eighteen (18) months of the date of filing of

4. All Motions for Summary Judgment shall be filed within twenty (20) months of

accordance with Westmoreland County Rule of Civil Procedure W1035.2(a)(1).

5. Plaintiff’s Responses to Motions for Summary Judgment shall be filed within

twenty-one (21) months of the date of filing of the above action, i.e., on

6. Plaintiff may thereafter file a Certification of Readiness for Trial pursuant to

Rule W212.1.

7. Pursuant to Rule W212.1(c), upon the Court’s receipt of the Certification of

Readiness for Trial, the Court shall issue an Order addressing the deadlines for

filing Pre-Trial Statements and Case-Specific Expert Reports, the date of the

Pre-Trial Conference, and such other matters as may aid in the disposition of the

case.

8. Following entry of such Order, the case shall proceed in accordance with Rule

W212.3.

9. This Case Management Order may be modified by agreement of all parties

(subject to Court approval) or by Court approval upon motion of any party for

good cause shown.

BY THE COURT:

ASSIGNED JUDGE

(4) Selection of Lead Defense Counsel.

(a) Within sixty (60) days of the filing of the complaint, defendants shall select one

of their number to act as lead counsel for all defendants. Lead defense counsel

shall notify the Court in writing of their selection to act as lead defense counsel

within sixty (60) days of the filing of the complaint.

(b) In the event lead defense counsel ceases to act in that capacity, for any reason,

during the course of litigation, the defendants shall select replacement lead

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counsel within thirty (30) days. Replacement lead defense counsel shall notify

the court in writing of their selection to act as replacement lead defense counsel

within thirty (30) days.

(5) Filing of All Orders of Court. It is the responsibility of the moving party to file all original

Orders in the Office of the Prothonotary unless a moving party receives notice from the

Court that the Court has filed an original Order.

(6) Service of All Orders of Court. It is the responsibility of the moving party to serve copies

of all Orders upon all counsel of record in each case. If the Court serves copies of any

Order, such service shall be made to counsel for the moving party, counsel for the

plaintiff(s) and lead counsel for the defendants.

Note: Motions procedure is governed by Westmoreland County Rules of Civil Procedure

W208.2(e) and W208.3(a).

Note: Argument court matters, such as preliminary objections, judgment on the pleadings,

motions for summary judgment and motions for post-trial relief, are governed by

Westmoreland County Rules of Civil Procedure W1028(c), W1034(a), W1035.2(a) and

W227.1, respectively.

RULE W1270 SPECIAL PROCEDURES RELATING TO BOARD OF VIEW

PETITIONS

All Petitions for the Appointment of a Board of View shall adhere to the following:

(a) A designated judge shall hear all Petitions for the Appointment of Boards of View,

whether or not a judge has been previously assigned to the case.

(b) Any counsel who has entered an appearance for any condemnee shall be given four (4)

days’ advance notice of the date and time of submission of the Petition to the designated

judge.

shall be assigned in the event that either the petition with order attached represents the

initial filing in the proceeding or the Declaration of Taking initiating the proceeding

condemned multiple properties.

(d) It is intended that the same Board of View shall be appointed for all cases involving

multiple properties in the same project (whether or not more than one Declaration of

Taking has been filed) if the assessment of special benefits is applicable to the project.

(e) After appointment of the Board of View, the original and one copy of the petition with

order attached shall be filed with the prothonotary, who shall forward the copy to the

chairperson of the Board of View appointed.

effective October 23, 2000.

RULE W1272 APPEALS OF PROCEEDINGS UNDER THE EMINENT DOMAIN

CODE

Upon the filing of an appeal to the Court under 26 Pa.C.S.A. §517 where there are

objections raised by the appeal other than to the amount of the award, the court upon motion of

any party shall set a date for a hearing, briefing schedule, and a date for oral argument for

preliminary disposition of the appeal in accordance with 26 Pa.C.S.A. §518. This provision shall

pertain to all proceedings under the Eminent Domain Code and to proceedings in which the

procedure provided under the Eminent Domain Code applies.

RULE W1274 LAND USE APPEALS

(a) Upon the filing of a land use appeal, the Prothonotary shall send to the governing body,

zoning hearing board or agency whose decision has been appealed, by registered or

certified mail, the copy of the land use appeal notice, together with a writ of certiorari

commanding said governing body, zoning hearing board, or agency, within twenty (20)

days after receipt thereof, to certify to the court its entire record in the matter in which

the land use appeal has been taken or a true and complete copy thereof, including but not

limited to:

(1) transcripts of all testimony received at the hearing;

(2) all exhibits received at the hearing;

(3) the finding of fact and conclusions of law;

(4) notice of the decision.

(b) In addition to the foregoing, the solicitor of the governing body, zoning hearing board, or

agency whose decision has been appealed shall provide the court with a certified copy of

the zoning or land development ordinance pertaining to the appeal.

board or agency whose decision has been appealed shall provide a written notice to the

assigned judge, the parties or the counsel for the parties, and shall file a certificate with

the prothonotary that the complete record had been filed.

(d) Since in most cases the court will decide the appeal on the existing record, any party

after the record has been filed may present to the assigned judge, with notice to all other

parties, a proposed order setting a briefing schedule and a date for oral argument.

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COMPULSORY ARBITRATION

RULE W1301 CASES FOR SUBMISSION TO ARBITRATION

(a) All civil cases including Landlord/Tenant and Replevin actions wherein the amount in

controversy at issue (exclusive of interest and costs) is $50,000 or less, shall be heard and

decided by a board of arbitration consisting of three members of the bar. Cases involving title to

real estate or actions in equity are excluded from arbitration.

(b) The Prothonotary shall, at the time the complaint is filed, assign a trial judge.

1) Every complaint filed in Compulsory Arbitration, whether filed by a plaintiff against a

defendant or by a defendant against an additional defendant, shall contain, in addition to

the Notice to Defend required by Pa.R.Civ.P. 1018.1, a Notice of Duty to Appear at

Arbitration Hearing immediately following the Notice to Defend which shall be in the

form provided in Westmoreland County Rule of Civil Procedure 1303(b).

(d) The court, on its own motion or on motion of either party, may by depositions, settlement

conference, hearing or otherwise, determine that the amount actually in controversy does not

exceed $50,000 (exclusive of interest and costs) and enter an order referring the case to

arbitration.

Note: See W1312 for form, amount, and subject matter of awards.

RULE W1301.1 DISCOVERY IN ARBITRATION PROCEEDINGS

(a) A party to compulsory arbitration proceedings shall be limited, prior to the arbitration

hearing, to the discovery hereinafter set forth, unless additional discovery is deemed

necessary by counsel and is permitted by the court upon cause shown.

(b) Depositions may be taken only in the following instances:

(1) Where the party or person to be examined is

(i) aged or infirm, or

(ii) about to leave this county for a place outside the Commonwealth or a

place more than one hundred miles from the Westmoreland County

Courthouse, or

(2) Upon other good cause shown.

Failure to complete discovery within this period shall be deemed a waiver of discovery

prior to the hearing. Responses shall be made within the periods prescribed by the

Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.

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(d) Discovery to any party shall be limited to the following, applicable fourteen

interrogatories and requests for production of documents.

Discovery Directed To Any Party

(1) State your full name and address.

(2) State the full names, present addresses and telephone numbers of witnesses to

the incident described in the complaint and the names, present addresses and

telephone numbers of witnesses who will be called to testify at the hearing.

(3) It is requested that you produce any written statements, not subject to the

attorney-client privilege, signed, adopted or approved by any witness; a written

summary of any other statements (including oral statements), and identify any

witness who has given a stenographic, mechanical, electrical or other recording

that has not yet been transcribed.

(4) It is requested that you produce all photographs, maps, drawings, diagrams, or

other demonstrative evidence that may be introduced at the hearing or that may

otherwise pertain to the lawsuit.

(5) If this action arises from an accident involving your operation of a motor vehicle,

state whether you were in any way impaired in the operation of the vehicle and

produce a copy of your driver’s license and the police accident report.

Discovery Directed To A Party-Defendant

(6) State whether there is any insurance covering any defendant for the incident or

matter described in the complaint. If so, list the name of each company providing

coverage, together with the amount of coverage provided, and produce a copy of

each declaration page.

Discovery Directed To A Party-Plaintiff Claiming Personal Injuries

(7) Produce all medical documents, including hospital records, treating physician

and chiropractic records, or authorizations concerning your injuries.

(8) Disclose the name and address of each physician who treated you during the

period from five (5) years prior to the incident to the present date.

(9) Did you sustain injuries that resulted in work loss during the period from five (5)

years prior to the incident to the present date? Answer “Yes” or “No”.

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(10) If the answer to Interrogatory 9 is “Yes,” state the date of the injury, the nature of

the injury, and the dates of lost work.

(11) If a claim is being made for lost income, state the name and address of your

employer at the time of the incident, the name and address of your immediate

supervisor at the time of the incident, your rate of pay, the dates of work loss due

to the injuries from this accident, and the total amount of your work loss claim.

Interrogatories That Apply Only To Personal Injury Claims Arising Out Of A Motor Vehicle

Accident

(12) If you are making a claim for medical benefits or lost income, have you received

or are you eligible to receive benefits from Workers’ Compensation or any

program, group contract, or other arrangement for payment of benefits as

defined by Title 75 P.S. §1719(b)? Answer “Yes” or “No”.

(13) If the answer to Interrogatory 12 is “Yes”, set forth the type and amount of these

benefits.

(14) Are you subject to the “Limited Tort Option” or the “Full Tort Option” of

automobile insurance coverage, as defined in Title 75 P.S. § 1705(a) and (b)?

because the injuries fall within the definition of serious injury or because

one of the exceptions set forth in 75 P.S. § 1705(d)(1) – (3) applies)

Note: This rule does not affect the provisions or requirements of Pa.R.Civ.P. 1305.

Note: This rule does not preclude additional discovery under the Pennsylvania Rules of

Civil Procedure in cases appealed pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. § 1308.

RULE W1302 SELECTION OF ARBITRATORS

(a) The court administrator shall maintain a master list of arbitrators consisting of attorneys

actively engaged in the practice of law primarily in Westmoreland County. The master

list shall consist of names submitted by the Westmoreland Bar Association together

with names of qualified attorneys who individually apply to the court administrator. The

master list shall be maintained in alphabetical order, except for those submitted at a later

date in which case they shall be added chronologically based upon the date of

application. The master list shall indicate the attorney’s name, bar admission date,

identification number, and firm or association name.

(b) The court administrator shall assign each case on the arbitration list to a board

consisting of three members chosen from the master list. At least one arbitrator shall

have practiced law for at least three years. No two members shall be appointed from the

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same firm or association of attorneys, nor shall an attorney be appointed to a board who

shall be related by blood or marriage or who shall be a law partner or an associate of any

arbitrator or attorney of record in the case. Any attorney who shall be disqualified for

appointment to a board for any foregoing reasons, shall be appointed to another board

for which he/she shall not be disqualified.

at which time it shall be assigned and the appropriate room in which it is to be heard

shall be designated. The assigned judge or his designee may direct that a case be listed

specially with appropriate notice to both parties.

(d) The court will establish the amount and method of compensation for arbitrators. The

members of the board shall not be entitled to receive their fees until after filing a report

and award with the court administrator.

RULE W1303 HEARING

(a) With the exception of Landlord/Tenant appeals, which will be scheduled on the first

available date following 60 days from filing of the Complaint, the court administrator

shall schedule the case for arbitration upon receipt of a Certificate of Readiness.

(b) The court administrator shall, 30 days prior to the arbitration date, provide notice of the

hearing date to the parties. The Notice shall, pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1303(a)(2), contain

the following:

Notice of Duty to Appear at Arbitration Hearing

This matter will be heard by a board of arbitrators at the time, date and

place specified but, if one or more of the parties is not present at the hearing, the

matter may be heard at the same time and date before a judge of the court without

the absent party or parties. There is no right to a trial de novo on appeal from a

decision entered by a judge.

Note: This local rule results in the loss of the right to a trial de novo on appeal. A dismissal or

judgment which results from this local rule will be treated as any other final judgment in

a civil action, subject to Pa.R.C.P. 227.1.

party believes it will need more than forty-five minutes to present its case.

(d) The court shall promulgate rules of procedure and rules of conduct to be followed by

various boards of arbitration. These rules shall be available through the court

administrator.

(e) All requests for continuance shall be submitted on a form available through the court

administrator. The court administrator may grant a maximum of two continuances

provided there is no objection. Any additional continuances must be approved by the

assigned judge.

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Rescinded September 18, 2014; New Rule W1303 adopted September 18, 2014, effective January 1,

2015.

RULE W1304 CONDUCT OF HEARING – GENERALLY

The board of arbitrators or a majority of the members thereof shall conduct the hearing

with due regard to the law and according to the established rules of evidence. The board shall

have the general powers of a court including administering oaths or affirmations, determining

admissibility of evidence, permitting testimony to be offered by depositions, and deciding the

law and the facts of the case submitted to them.

RULE W1305 CONDUCT OF HEARING – EVIDENCE

Each document submitted pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1305(b) shall state the name and

present address of the individual or entity who provided the information contained in the

document.

Note: Rule W1308 was rescinded effective January 1, 2007.

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RULE W1312 AWARD

(a) The oath or affirmation shall be administered by the court administrator.

(b) The Report and Award shall be in the form set forth in Pa.R.C.P. 1312.

(d) Arbitrators may award costs.

(e) Arbitrators may award possession in Landlord/Tenant matters.

(f) Arbitrators may award possession and monetary value of the property or special damages

sustained in a replevin action.

(g) Monetary awards shall not exceed the jurisdictional limit of $30,000 exclusive of interest

and costs.

Note: A copy of the Form of Oath, Award and Notice of Entry of Award form is provided in the

Forms section of the Westmoreland County Rules of Court.

Note: With regard to recovery of costs, see Mancini v. Southwestern Pennsylvania Transportation

Authority, 756 A.2d 108, 110 (Pa. Cmwlth. 2000) and Sillings v. Protected Home Mutual Life Ins.

Co. 84 W.L.J. 7 (2001).

Note: See: Zelenak v. Mikula, 911 A.2d 542 (Pa. Super. 2006) as to what is included in record

costs.

Note: See: Comment to Pa.R.C.P. 1301 for awarding possession and damages in replevin cases.

Rescinded September 18, 2014; New Rule W1312 adopted September 18, 2014, effective January 1,

2015.

ACTION IN EQUITY

RULE W1531 SPECIAL RELIEF. INJUNCTIONS

Where a preliminary or special injunction (one needing immediate relief) is assigned to a

judge who is unavailable, the Court Administrator (the civil division of the court administrator’s

office) shall reassign the case to a judge who is immediately available.

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ACTIONS PURSUANT TO PROTECTION FORM ABUSE ACT

Rule W1901.8 Withdrawal of PFA or PSVI

The following form may be used to seek permission to discontinue a Protection from

Abuse or Protection from Sexual Violence or Intimidation Petition after entry of a

temporary order:

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PA

CIVIL DIVISION – PROTECTION FROM ABUSE/PROTECTION FROM SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND

INTIMIDATION

)

Plaintiff, )

)

vs. ) No. of

)

Defendant. )

PETITION TO DISCONTINUE

OF PROTECTION FROM ABUSE OR PROTECTION FROM SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND

INTIMIDATION ACTION

I, , Plaintiff in the above-captioned

action, voluntarily request that my Protection from Abuse or Protection from Sexual Violence

and Intimidation action and Protection Order filed at the above-captioned number be

vacated.

I realize that by discontinuing my petition for a protection order, the Defendant is not

prohibited from having any form of direct or indirect contact with me. This discontinuance

does not prohibit me from petitioning for protection from abuse based on future incidents of

abuse, as defined by the Protection from Abuse Act or Protection from Sexual Violence and

Intimidation Act.

I further understand that by discontinuing my petition, I am not presently protected by any

Order of Court. I will receive a copy of the vacated Order.

I am discontinuing this Protection from Abuse action or Protection from Sexual Violence and

Intimidation of my own free will.

I verify that the statements made in this petition to discontinue a Protection from Abuse

action or Protection from Sexual Violence and Intimidation are true and correct. I understand

that false statements herein are subject to the penalties of Title 18, §4904, of the Pennsylvania

Consolidated Statutes relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.

Date Plaintiff

ACTIONS FOR SUPPORT

Note: Rules W1910.4 and 1910.5 were rescinded effective November 21, 2000.

RULE W1910.10 ALTERNATIVE HEARING PROCEDURES

Actions in support shall proceed under Rule W1910.12.

RULE W1910.11 OFFICE CONFERENCE

(a) The noncustodial parent should be prepared to pay the accumulated support due

(arrearages) at the time of the conference.

(1) All accumulated support due from the entry of the complaint is due immediately

upon entry of the temporary or consent support order.

(2) Upon verification, credit towards accumulated support due may be given to the

defendant for direct payments to the plaintiff made prior to or at the conference.

(3) If an order is not entered at the time of the conference, payment of accumulated

support due up to the date the order is received is due immediately upon receipt

of the order.

(b) The filing of a Petition for a de novo proceeding before a hearing officer shall not stop

payment of accumulated support due or payments pursuant to the temporary order.

State Collection and Disbursement Unit (SCDU) until payroll deductions begin.

RULE W1910.12 OFFICE CONFERENCE. HEARING. RECORD. EXCEPTION.

ORDER.

(a) Hearings

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(1) Hearings before a hearing officer will not be scheduled unless demanded. No

demand for a hearing officer will be accepted if an agreement is reached at the

office conference.

(2) When demanding a hearing before a hearing officer, the demanding party must

pay costs in the amount of $50.00 to the domestic relations section. No hearing

will be scheduled unless costs are paid within ten (10) days of the mailing of the

interim order.

(3) The demanding party shall serve a copy of the demand for a hearing on the non-excepting counsel or party if not represented.

(4) The domestic relations section shall give each counsel or party if not represented

notice of the date, time, and place of the hearing.

(b) Exceptions

(1) Upon filing exceptions to the hearing officer’s report, the excepting party shall:

A. Serve on the domestic relations section a copy of the exceptions and

deposit $50.00 toward the cost of transcript preparation.

B. Serve a copy of the exceptions on the non-excepting counsel or party if

not represented.

(2) The domestic relations section shall:

A. Notify the assigned judge, receive a time and date for the hearing on the

exceptions, and notify all counsel of record, or parties, if not represented

of the time and date of the hearing.

B. Bill the excepting party the balance of the transcription fee when the

transcript is delivered.

(3) Oral arguments shall be restricted to issues addressed in written briefs filed as

follows:

A. The excepting party must file a brief with a copy to the assigned judge

and opposing counsel or party, if not represented, no later than 20 days

before the hearing.

B. The non-excepting party must file a brief with a copy to the assigned

days before the hearing.

NOTE: The form of briefs is governed by W210.

RULE W1910.19 PETITION FOR MODIFICATION

(a) The domestic relations office will not accept for filing a petition which seeks any of the

following without leave of court:

(1) To decrease a minimum order of $50.00 or less; or

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(2) To modify an order that is on appeal to the court pursuant to a recommended

order; or

(3) To modify a support order because the petitioner has voluntarily left a job; or

(4) To modify an order which has been entered within the past six months.

(b) The domestic relations office will provide notice of the refusal to the party seeking the

modification.

Westmoreland County Rule of Civil Procedure W1920.6.

(d) If leave of court is granted to file the petition for modification, the date of the first

attempted filing shall be used as the filing date.

(e) The petitioner shall pay a fee of $25.00 to the domestic relations office with the filing of

each petition for modification.

RULE W1910.21 SUPPORT ORDER. ENFORCEMENT. WITHHOLDING OF

INCOME.

Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1910.21(f), upon review of the Domestic Relations Section and

without the need of a hearing, the DRS may administratively assess a payment of no more than

15% of the obligation toward any arrearages, current or future.

Note: Rule W1910.26 was rescinded effective November 21, 2000.

Note: Rule W1910.27 was rescinded effective December 3, 2000.

Note: Rule W1910.39 was rescinded effective November 21, 2000.

ACTIONS FOR CUSTODY, PARTIAL CUSTODY

AND VISITATION OF MINOR CHILDREN

Note: Rule W1915.1 was rescinded effective April 3, 2000.

RULE W1915.3 COMMENCEMENT OF ACTION, COMPLAINT, ORDER.

(a) All actions raising issues of custody, partial custody, or visitation of minor children shall

be commenced by the filing of a verified complaint or petition and a separate scheduling

order.

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(b) The petitioner shall, at the time of filing, proceed to the Westmoreland County Family

Court Administrator (Custody Office) for an assignment of a date and time for the

custody conciliation conference. The custody conciliation conference shall be scheduled

for a date and time not later than 45 days after filing of the complaint or count.

Prothonotary prior to the custody conciliation conference.

Amended and adopted August 26, 2025, effective October 6, 2025.

RULE W1915.3-5 PARTICIPATION IN PROCEEDINGS BY INCARCERATED

PARTY.

Any party to a custody action who is incarcerated and wishes to participate in any

proceeding shall make a formal request to the Court for transportation to the proceeding or for

participation by electronic means.

RULE W1915.4 CHILD PROGRAM.

All parties shall be given an ORDER pursuant to this Rule to attend the Children Hurt in

Loss Through Divorce/Separation (CHILD) Program prior to the Pretrial Conference,

Modification Hearing, or Contempt Hearing, and to provide proof of attendance to the Court at

the conference or hearing.

2014.

Note: Rule W1915.4-1 was rescinded effective May 27, 2013.

Note: Rule W1915.4-2 was rescinded effective May 27, 2013.

RULE W1915.4-3 CUSTODY CONCILIATION CONFERENCE

(a) Each party shall submit to the Westmoreland County Family Court Administrator

(Custody Office) at the time of the conference a completed Westmoreland County

Parent Information Form and proof of his or her most recent earnings. The Parent

Information Form is available from the Westmoreland County Custody Office or on-line

at www.co.westmoreland.pa.us.

(b) The parties may file with the family court administrator (custody office), an Election to

Proceed Through Mediation. The party filing the Election to Proceed Through Mediation

must Certify that all parties agree to mediation. Upon receipt of the Election and

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Certification, the family court administrator shall continue the scheduled Conciliation

Conference, and inform the mediator to schedule the Mediation.

administrator (custody office). Forms are available from the Westmoreland Pro Bono

Office on the fourth floor of the Westmoreland County Courthouse Annex or on-line at

www.co.westmoreland.pa.us.

(d) If neither an Election to Proceed Through Mediation pursuant to subsection (b), nor a

Custody Agreement pursuant to subsection (c) are filed with the family court

administrator (custody office), the Conciliation Conference shall proceed as follows:

(1) All parties, and any child, for whom custody or visitation is sought, shall be

present at the Custody Conciliation Conference, unless otherwise ordered by the

court. Failure of a party to appear at the Custody Conciliation Conference may

result in the entry of a custody order by the Court on the recommendation of the

custody conference officer in the absence of that party. The absent party may

also be subject to contempt proceedings.

(2) The custody conference officer, who is an attorney, shall conduct the non-record,

informal Conciliation Conference actively engaging the parties in order to reach

an agreement. The parties are given the opportunity to present the issues or

problems and to explore all available options for resolution.

(3) A Custody Agreement form is completed and signed when an agreement is

reached.

(4) If the parties cannot agree, the custody conference officer will forward a report

and recommended Order to the court.

A. The report shall contain the following:

1. An indication that the parties consent to an evaluation including

requirements such as physical or mental evaluations or home

studies be undertaken pursuant to Rule W1915.8;

2. Findings of fact on jurisdiction or venue issues; and

3. Recommendations for custody.

B. The order will include all areas of prior agreement.

C. Except as provided in subsection D., the order shall become a final order

unless a Request For Custody Pretrial Conference is filed within 30 days

of the date of service of the order. A copy of the order shall be served in

accordance with Pa.R.C.P. 236, with a copy to the family court

administrator (custody office).

D. When the court orders an evaluation, the order will also direct that a

Pretrial Conference be scheduled. The Request requirement of

subsection C. does not apply when the Pretrial Conference is ordered.

E. The Request For Custody Pretrial Conference is available at the family

court administrator (custody office) on the fourth floor of the

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Westmoreland County Courthouse Annex or on-line at

www.co.westmoreland.pa.us.

RULE W1915.4-4(b) JUDICIAL CUSTODY (PRETRIAL) CONFERENCE

(a) The parties shall file a pre-trial statement, in the form substantially similar to

the form set forth in subparagraph (e) below, which shall list all witnesses,

including experts, and anticipated evidence on each custody factor. The pretrial statement shall be completed by the parties or counsel and shall be filed,

submitted to the court, and served on the opposing party at least five days

prior to the pre-trial conference.

(b) All parties and any child for whom any form of custody is sought shall be

present at the Judicial Custody Conference unless either waived by the

parties or their counsel, or Westmoreland County Rules of Civil Procedure

permitted to be absent by court order. Failure of a party to appear at the

Judicial Custody Conference may result in the entry of a custody/visitation

order by the court.

pending custody issues. Any Agreement shall be reduced to writing and

entered as an Order of Court.

(d) If no agreement is reached, the court may enter a new Order pending the

Custody Hearing and shall issue an Order listing the matter for trial.

(e) The pre-trial statement shall be substantially in the following form:

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF

WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

CIVIL ACTION - CUSTODY

Plaintiff )

)

Defendant )

PRE-TRIAL STATEMENT

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This pre-trial statement is filed pursuant to Westmoreland County Rule of Civil

the above captioned case.

WITNESS LIST (MUST BE COMPLETE). PROVIDE NAME, ADDRESS, TELEPHONE

NUMBER OF EACH WITNESS:

EXPERT WITNESSES: PROVIDE NAME, ADDRESS TELEPHONE NUMBER OF

EACH EXPERT. ATTACH WRITTEN REPORT.

IDENTIFY EXHIBITS REQUESTED BY STIPULATION (SCHOOL OR MEDICAL

RECORDS, HOME EVALUATION, OTHER). ATTACH A COPY OF EACH EXHIBIT.

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CUSTODY FACTORS

FACTOR MOTHER PARTY THIS FATHER

FACTOR

FAVORS?

(1) Which party is more

likely to ensure the

safety of the child.

(2) The present and past

abuse committed by a

party or member of the

party's household, which

may include past or

current protection from

abuse or sexual violence

protection orders where

there has been a finding

of abuse.

(2.1) The information

set forth in section

5329.1(a) (relating to

consideration of child

abuse and involvement

with protective services).

(2.2) Violent or

assaultive behavior

committed by a party.

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FACTOR MOTHER PARTY THIS FATHER

FACTOR

FAVORS?

(2.3) Which party is

more likely to

encourage and permit

frequent and

continuing contact

between the child and

another party if contact

is consistent with the

safety needs of the

child.

(3) The parental duties

performed by each party

on behalf of the child.

(4) The need for

stability and continuity

in the child's education,

family life and

community life, except if

changes are necessary to

protect the safety of the

child or a party.

(5) The availability of

extended family.

(6) The child's sibling

relationships.

(7) The well-reasoned

preference of the child,

based on the child's

developmental stage,

maturity and judgment.

(8) The attempts of a

party to turn the child

against the other party,

except in cases of abuse

where reasonable safety

measures are necessary

to protect the safety of

the child. A party’s

reasonable concerns for

the safety of the child

and the party’s

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FACTOR MOTHER PARTY THIS FATHER

FACTOR

FAVORS?

reasonable efforts to

protect the child shall not

be considered attempts to

turn the child against the

other party. A child’s

deficient or negative

relationship with a party

shall not be presumed to

be caused by the other

party.

(9) Which party is more

likely to maintain a

loving, stable, consistent

and nurturing

relationship with the

child adequate for the

child's emotional needs.

(10) Which party is

more likely to attend to

the daily physical,

emotional,

developmental,

educational and special

needs of the child.

(11) The proximity of

the residences of the

parties.

(12) Each party's

availability to care for

the child or ability to

make appropriate child-

care arrangements.

(13) The level of

conflict between the

parties and the

willingness and ability of

the parties to cooperate

with one another. A

party's effort to protect a

child or self from abuse

by another party is not

evidence of

unwillingness or

inability to cooperate

with that party.

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FACTOR MOTHER PARTY THIS FATHER

FACTOR

FAVORS?

(14) The history of drug

or alcohol abuse of a

party or member of a

party's household.

(15) The mental and

physical condition of a

party or member of a

party's household.

(16) Any other

relevant factor.

PLEASE ATTACH REQUESTED STIPULATION OF FACTS.

Printed Name Identify (Plaintiff, Defendant, Counsel, etc.)

Signature Date

Amended and renumbered September 20, 2016, effective 11/20/16. Rescinded November 5, 2024;

New Rule W1915.4-4(b) adopted November 5, 2024, effective December 23, 2024.

Note: Rule W1915.7 was rescinded effective April 3, 2000.

RULE W1915.8 PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EXAMINATION OF PERSONS

(a) The court may order Evaluations in accordance with Pa.R.C.P. 1915.8 on its own motion,

if consented by the parties and indicated in the report of the custody conciliation officer,

or in ruling on a motion or petition of either party. In the event an evaluation is ordered, a

Pretrial Conference will be automatically scheduled.

(b) Failure to pay for the examination as ordered may result in contempt proceedings and

appropriate penalties as provided in Pa.R.C.P. 1915, et seq.

RULE W1915.10 REQUEST FOR CUSTODY PRETRIAL CONFERENCE. PRETRIAL

CONFERENCE. DECISION.

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(a) A party may file a Request for a Custody Pretrial Conference in the Westmoreland

County Prothonotary’s office anytime within 30 days from the date of service of a

Custody Order issued as a result of a Conciliation Conference. Prior to filing the

Request, the moving party shall deliver the Request to the chambers of the assigned

judge for the scheduling of a Pretrial Conference. When Custody Evaluations have been

ordered, a Pretrial Conference is automatically scheduled and a Request need not be

filed. (See: W1915.8(a).)

(b) The moving party must serve a copy of the Request and signed Scheduling Order on the

days of receiving the signed Order. The Request For Custody Pretrial Conference and

Scheduling Order are available at the Westmoreland County Custody Office on the

fourth floor of the Westmoreland County Annex or on-line at

www.co.westmoreland.pa.us.

RULE W1915.12 ENFORCEMENT. CONTEMPT

(a) Upon filing of any motion or petition alleging violation of a custody or partial custody

order, and seeking enforcement of the order, whether or not sanctions are requested, the

Court shall direct the parties to appear before the Court for a 15 minute conference to

conciliate the disagreement. All parties and their counsel shall appear for this

conference.

(b) If the enforcement request is not disposed of at the conciliation conference, the Court

shall schedule an additional hearing before the Court to address the alleged violation.

RULE W1915.13 SPECIAL RELIEF

Motions for Special Relief will be screened before any hearing is scheduled. Special Relief

may be denied without a hearing.

Note: Rule W1915.15 was rescinded effective August 26, 2025.

RULE W1915.17 RELOCATION

(a) A Complaint for Custody shall be filed prior to or simultaneously with the filing of any

Notice of proposed relocation.

(b) Any Notice proposing relocation shall comply with 23 Pa. C.S.A. §5337(c) and shall be

filed with the Prothonotary prior to being served on all other parties. A copy shall also be

served on the chambers of the assigned judge.

be filed with the Prothonotary, served on all other parties, and together with a

scheduling order for a relocation hearing, served upon the chambers of the assigned

Judge.

2016, adopted 11/20/2016.

Note: Rule W1915.19 that was adopted February 10.2012, effective April 2, 2012 was

renumbered to W1915.17 11/20/16. Rule W1915.19 no longer exists.

ACTIONS OF DIVORCE OR ANNULMENT OF MARRIAGE

RULE W1920.4 SERVICE; NOTICE

(a) When service is made within the Commonwealth by registered or certified mail,

restricted delivery, return receipt requested, service shall not be valid if the return

receipt is not signed by the defendant personally. The return receipt card shall be

attached to the affidavit of service.

(b) When a special order for service is sought, a motion, or petition shall be presented to the

court, setting forth what attempts have been made to serve the defendant, as well as the

nature and extent of the good faith investigation to locate the defendant.

with the complaint.

(d) The affidavit of service must set forth with particularity the pleadings, attachments and

documents so served.

RULE W1920.6 MOTIONS; NOTICE

(a) Written notice of presentation of a petition or motion which requires action by a judge

or master, other than the scheduling of a hearing date, shall be mailed to the other party’s

counsel, or to the other party if unrepresented, at least 4 days prior to presentment of the

petition or motion. Notice shall be substantially in the form prescribed by WF1920.6.

(b) Reasonable notice is required when the relief sought is a preliminary injunction.

Note: A copy of the Notice of Presentation form is provided in the Forms section of the

Westmoreland County Rules of Court.

Note: Rule W1920.12 was rescinded effective August 17, 2004.

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RULE W1920.31 JOINDER OF RELATED CLAIMS

All financial data and statements required by Pa.R.C.P. 1920.31 shall be filed and served

in accordance with Westmoreland County Rule of Civil Procedure W1920.50 concerning the

“All Counts Conference.”

RULE W1920.32 JOINDER OF RELATED CLAIMS. CUSTODY. HEARING BY

COURT.

(a) All Complaints containing a Custody Count and all Counts of Custody filed separately

must be accompanied by a scheduling order.

(b) The Custody Count shall follow the practice and procedures governing Custody.

2000. Amended and adopted August 26, 2025, effective October 6, 2025

RULE W1920.33 JOINDER OF RELATED CLAIMS. DISTRIBUTION OF

PROPERTY. ENFORCEMENT.

(a) Each party in all cases in which a master has been appointed shall file a pre-trial

statement, pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1920.33(b). The original pretrial statement shall be filed

with the Prothonotary within 20 days of receipt of the order appointing the master. Each

party shall serve copies of the pretrial statement on the master and opposing counsel, or

on the unrepresented adverse party, by first class mail on the same day as filing.

(b) The exhibit list as set forth in [item 6 above] Pa.R.C.P. 1920.33(b)(4) shall be served in

duplicate and shall be in substantially the following format:

Exhibit List

Description Stipulated Stipulated Objection

Authentic Admissible

etc. …

exhibit list and to return the list to the other party.

(d) Failure to comply with this rule may be enforced by sanctions, with attorney’s fees costs

and expenses to be determined by the master or court.

xlii

RULE W1920.42 AFFIDAVIT AND DECREE UNDER SECTION 3301(c) OR

(a) The court may require a hearing before the entry of a decree in divorce under sections

3301(c) or 3301(d) of the Divorce Code.

(b) Where both parties have filed affidavits under section 3301(c) of the Divorce Code

evidencing consent to the entry of a final decree, the plaintiff shall file at the

prothonotary a Pennsylvania vital statistics form, an affidavit of non-military service of

defendant, and a proposed decree in divorce. Upon receipt of a praecipe to transmit the

record, the prothonotary shall deliver all of the papers filed at that number and term to

the court for entry of the decree in divorce. The proposed decree in divorce shall include

a clause retaining jurisdiction in the court of all other related claims that have been

joined, and which have not been decided by the court as of the date of the presentation of

the proposed decree in divorce.

breakdown and the plaintiff has filed and served an affidavit and blank counter-affidavit

under section 3301(d) of the Divorce Code, the averments of which the defendant has

either admitted or not denied; the plaintiff shall file a written Notice of Intention to File

the Praecipe to Transmit Record with the court and serve the defendant at his/her last

known address. The notice, which shall include a proposed praecipe to transmit the

record, shall be served at least 20 days in advance of the time and date the plaintiff

intends to file the praecipe to transmit the record required by Pa.R.C.P. 1920.42.

(1) The plaintiff shall also file the Pennsylvania vital statistics form, an affidavit of

non-military service of defendant, a proposed decree in divorce, and an affidavit

that notice was sent to the defendant as required above. The proposed decree in

divorce shall include a clause retaining jurisdiction in the court of all other

related claims which have been joined and which have not been decided by the

court as of the date of the presentation of the proposed decree in divorce.

(2) If the defendant does not object within the time allotted, the court may either

enter a decree in divorce, or schedule a hearing.

(d) If the defendant objects and raises new legal or factual issues, a hearing shall be held

before the court or a master, as the court may direct.

(e) In the event that an agreement is reached in equitable distribution or in any case in

which ancillary claims are raised, the parties shall submit a praecipe for an order

approving grounds for divorce with the praecipe to transmit record.

(f) In the event that equitable distribution or ancillary claims are raised and resolved before

the All-Counts Conference Officer or are resolved by the parties through mediation, the

All-Counts Conference Officer or the mediator shall submit the praecipe for an order

approving grounds for divorce with the praecipe to transmit record.

NOTE: A form praecipe for an order establishing grounds is provided in the Forms section of the

Westmoreland County Rules of Court.

xliii

2015; new rule adopted October 28, 2015, effective December 21, 2015. Rule 1920.42 rescinded on

xliv

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY,

PENNSYLVANIA

FAMILY DIVISION

Plaintiff

Defendant

PRAECIPE FOR AN ORDER APPROVING GROUNDS FOR DIVORCE

To the Honorable Judge,

 PLAINTIFF  DEFENDANT requests the Court enter an Order approving

grounds for divorce based on the information herein with the Court retaining jurisdiction

over unresolved ancillary claims.

1. Check the applicable section of the Divorce Code.

Grounds for Divorce: Irretrievable breakdown under:

 Section 3301(c)(1)

 Section 3301(c)(2)

 Section 3301(d)

2. Service of Complaint:

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3. Complete either paragraph (a) or (b).

a) Section 3301(c)(1) or (2) of the Divorce Code – Insert the date each party

signed

the Affidavit of Consent, and if the ground for divorce is under Section

2201(c)(2) of the Divorce code, insert the date the spouse was convicted of the

personal injury crime identified in 23 Pa.C.S.§3103 next to the appropriate

party and complete (1) and (2).

1) The date the party signed the Affidavit to Establish Presumption of

Consent under Section 3301(c)(2) of the Divorce Code:

2) The date of filing and manner of service of the Affidavit to Establish

Presumption of Consent under Section 3301(c)(2) of the Divorce Code

and a blank County-Affidavit under Section 3301(c)(2) upon the other

party:

b) Section 3301(d) of the Divorce code:

1) The date the Affidavit under Section 3301(d) of the Divorce Code was

2) Date of filing and manner of service of the Affidavit under Section

3301(d) of the Divorce Code and blank Counter-Affidavit under Section

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3301(d) of the Divorce Code upon the other party:

5. Complete either (a) or (b).

a) Notice of intention to File the Praecipe for an Order Approving Grounds for a

Divorce:

b) The date of filing of the party’s Waiver of Notice of Intention to File the

Praecipe for and Order Approving Grounds for Divorce:

Respectfully Submitted,

Attorney for Plaintiff/Defendant

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RULE W1920.50 ALL COUNTS CONCILIATION CONFERENCE

(a) After completion of discovery and prior to the appointment of a master to take testimony

on remaining issues pursuant to W1920.51, and after filing “Addendum A” substantially

in the form prescribed by WF1920.50, and any attachments; the court shall order, upon

the request of either party, an all counts conciliation conference.

(b) Either party may request an all counts conciliation conference by presenting or mailing

to the family court administrator a Motion to Schedule All-Counts Conciliation

Conference, Order, and a copy of Addendum A and any attachments. Upon receipt of the

Motion to Schedule All Counts Conciliation Conference and Order, the family court

administrator shall note the day and time of the conference on the original order, forward

the motion and order to the court for signature, and file the original motion and order

with the prothonotary. After filing the original motion and order, the family court

administrator shall mail a copy of the motion and order to the moving party. The moving

party shall then serve the non-moving counsel or party, if not represented, with a copy of

the motion and order, Addendum A, and any attachments. A copy of the forms and

attachments shall be served on the opposing counsel or party, if not represented, and on

the family court administrator.

party that wants an all counts conciliation conference may file and present to the Court a

motion to proceed.

(d) The non-moving party shall file their Addendum A and any attachments at least twenty

(20) days prior to the scheduled conference, and serve a copy of Addendum A and any

attachments on the moving counsel or party, if not represented, and on the family court

administrator.

(e) Both parties shall submit a written proposal for settlement at the time of the conference.

(f) Failure to file the required forms, attachments and proposals may result in sanctions.

Note: This rule requires the completion of an All Counts Conciliation Conference worksheet

for submission with the written proposal for settlement. A sample of the Motion to

Schedule All Counts Conciliation Conference and Order and the forms included in

“Addendum A”, including the Income and Expense Statement, Inventory and

Appraisement of Property and Marital Asset and Liability Summary forms are provided

in the Forms section of the Westmoreland County Rules of Court.

RULE W1920.51 HEARING BY THE COURT; APPOINTMENT OF MASTER;

NOTICE OF HEARING

(a) Before any certificate of appointment shall be issued by the prothonotary to any master

in those cases initiated by an uncontested complaint in annulment, or a section 3301(a)

or (b) divorce, or where an agreement has been reached by the parties on any such other

claims that have been raised by the parties, the plaintiff shall deposit the sum of $138.00

with the prothonotary; $113.00 of the deposit shall be minimum fee for the master, and

xlviii

$25.00 shall be minimum fee for the stenographer. In addition, the plaintiff shall pay the

prothonotary’s fee. The court may order additional compensation for the master their

report is filed.

(b) In all other cases, before any certificate of appointment shall be issued by the

prothonotary to any master, the party moving for the appointment shall deposit an initial

sum of $248.00 with the prothonotary; $223.00 shall be a minimum fee for the master,

and $25.00 shall be a minimum fee for the stenographer. In addition, the moving party

shall pay the prothonotary’s fee. The initial deposit of $248.00 shall be for one-half days’

work. For each half day thereafter the master shall receive a minimum fee of $150.00; and

for each half day of transcribing, the stenographer shall receive a minimum fee of $20.00.

The master shall certify the time expended to the court. The master may petition the

court for additional compensation after the report is filed.

3301(c) or (d) and no issues other than divorce are raised.

Note: Subsection (c) expands the prohibitions found at Pa.R.C.P. 1920.51(2)(ii) to include all

(d) The master shall give the attorneys for each party at least 10 days’ written notice of the

time and place of taking testimony and of the claims the master will hear. If there is no

appearance entered on behalf of the defendant, the master shall give notice to the

defendant by registered mail, return receipt requested at the last known address of the

defendant.

Note: See Pa.R.C.P. 1920.33(b) and W1920.33 for requirements regarding the mandatory filing

of a pre-trial statement.

Note: Rule W1920.51(4) was rescinded effective June 1, 2004.

RULE W1920.51a HEARING BY THE COURT. ALL COUNTS MASTER. NOTICE OF

HEARING

All interim issues in a divorce action including the claim of alimony pendente lite, counsel

fees, costs and expenses, and injunctive relief, when appointed to a master, shall be heard by the

permanent all counts master.

(a) The all counts divorce master may address the amount of child support if the amount is

consented to by the parties. If the parties do not agree to the amount of child support,

the all counts divorce officer shall only take testimony on the claim of child support at

the direction of the court, or in the event the support-hearing officer certifies a conflict.

(b) The all counts divorce master shall take testimony on claims for child support, alimony

pendente lite, or counsel fees and expenses prior to taking testimony on any other claims.

prepare a report and order for those issues resolved or consented to, and schedule the

xlix

remaining issues for a date and time certain. Exceptions may be filed pursuant to

Pa.R.C.P. 1920.55-2 and W1920.55-2a.

RULE W1920.53 HEARING BY MASTER. REPORT. MASTER’S FEES.

In the event the court-appointed Master’s fees exceed Five Thousand Dollars ($5000.00),

the Master shall present a Petition for approval of such fees to the Judge to whom the

case has been assigned.

effective May 23, 2024.

RULE W1920.54 HEARING BY MASTER. REPORT. RELATED CLAIMS.

Subject to the direction and control of the court, the all counts divorce master shall have

the usual powers of a referee in equity in regard to the detention of witnesses for examination

and the general course of the proceedings. The master shall rule on objections to the competency

or relevancy of testimony. If the master sustains the objection the testimony shall not be heard or

reported. Parties may file exceptions to the master’s rulings.

Note: Rule W1920.55-1 was rescinded effective June 1, 2004.

RULE W1920.55-2 MASTER’S REPORT. NOTICE. EXCEPTIONS. FINAL DECREE.

(a) The excepting party shall serve a copy of exceptions on the family court administrator

when filing the original exceptions to the report of a master appointed pursuant to

W1920.51. Upon receiving exceptions pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1920.55-2(b) and (c), the

family court administrator shall immediately schedule a hearing, mail notices of the

hearing date to the parties by first class mail, and forward its copy of the exceptions to

the assigned judge.

(b) The excepting party must file briefs with the assigned judge no later than 20 days before

the hearing, and the non-excepting party must file its brief with the assigned judge no

later than 10 days before the hearing.

(d) If no party files Exceptions to the Master’s Report within 20 days of the date of receipt

or the date of mailing of the report, whichever occurs first, the prothonotary shall

immediately deliver the file to the court for entry of the decree.

(e) Unless otherwise directed by the Court, the prothonotary shall pay no master’s fee until

the master files the report and transcript of testimony. Failure of the master to file the

report as required shall result in a forfeiture of the master’s fee, and the prothonotary will

refund the fee to the party who paid it.

W1920.55-2(d) rescinded April 16, 2009. New Rule W1920.55-2(d) adopted April 16, 2009,

effective June 1, 2009.

RULE W1920.55-2a ALL COUNTS MASTER’S REPORT. NOTICE. EXCEPTIONS.

FINAL DECREE.

(a) The all counts master’s shall report pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1920.55-2.

(b) When filing the original exceptions to an all counts master’s report with the

prothonotary, the excepting party shall also serve a copy on the family court

administrator. The family court administrator shall immediately schedule the hearing on

the exceptions upon receipt of the exceptions and the fifty (50) dollars deposit towards

completion of the transcript required by subsection (c) below. The court administrator

shall mail notices of the hearing date to the parties by first class mail before forwarding

its copy of the exceptions to the assigned judge.

towards the preparation of the transcript The final cost of the transcript will be billed

against the excepting party at a rate of $2.00 per page less the fifty (50) dollars

deposited. Failure to request or pay for the transcript may result in dismissal of the

exceptions.

(d) The excepting party must file briefs with the assigned judge no later than 20 days before

the hearing, and the non-excepting party must file its brief with the assigned judge no

later than 10 days before the hearing.

(e) Oral arguments shall be restricted to issues addressed in written briefs.

(f) If no party files exceptions within 20 days of the date of receipt or the date of mailing of

the report, whichever occurs first, the order shall be final.

Rule W1920.55-2a(f) adopted April 16, 2009, effective June 1, 2009.

Note: Rule W1920.63 was rescinded effective April 16, 2001.

RULE W1930 FAMILY DIVISION CASE ASSIGNMENTS

(a) Petitions to appoint a standby guardian, as well as any filings in divorce, support,

custody cases, or Family Division cases other than Protection from Abuse and

Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence or Intimidation cases, shall be assigned to a

judge by the Family Court Administrator, using the defendant's last name to assign

the case.

(b) The Family Court Administrator shall attempt to ensure that if the same parties have

previously had a matter assigned to a judge, that judge shall be assigned to the new

matter in order to preserve the "one family, one judge" concept of case assignment.

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RULE W1940.1 VOLUNTARY MEDIATION

(a) The parties may agree to mediate custody and visitation matters before a neutral

mediator. The parties are responsible to pay for mediation services. Mediation shall be

conducted in accordance with Pa.R.C.P. 1940-1 et. seq.

Pa.C.S.A. § 5949(b). Confidentiality may be waived in writing by the parties.

(d) The Westmoreland County Family Court Administrator (Custody Office) shall provide

the mediators with dates and times for which to schedule a Conciliation Conference for

those who have not succeeded through mediation. The mediator shall immediately

schedule by Notice those who have not settled through Mediation. The date and time

scheduled for the conciliation conference shall forthwith be reported by phone or

facsimile to the family court administrator (custody office).

Amended and renumbered September 20, 2016, effective 11/20/16.

RULE W1940.4 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OF THE MEDIATOR

Mediators shall certify, on a form supplied by the Family Court Administrator,

compliance with the minimum qualifications specified in Pa.R.C.P. 1940.4.

Note: Rule W1960 was rescinded effective May 25, 2010.

Rule W1940.1 that was adopted February 3, 2000, effective April 3, 2000 was amended

ACTIONS FOR WRONGFUL DEATH

RULE W2205 NOTICE TO PERSONS ENTITLED TO DAMAGES

Whenever notices are sent pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 2205, a certificate of service of such

notices shall be promptly filed in the prothonotary’s office, setting forth the names and addresses

of the persons to whom the notices were sent.

JOINDER OF PARTIES

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Note: Rule W2227 was rescinded effective July 26, 2004.

RULE W2232 DEFECTIVE JOINDER. CHANGE OF PARTIES

(a) Notice under Pa.R.C.P. No. 2232(a) to a person required to join in an action as a party

plaintiff pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No. 2228 shall be given within thirty (30) days of service

of the complaint on the defendant.

(b) The notice shall be made using the following form:

NOTICE OF PENDING ACTION

You are hereby directed to join in this action as a party plaintiff within thirty (30) days if

you desire to assert against me any claim for damages arising therefrom. IF YOU FAIL TO JOIN

THIS ACTION, YOUR CLAIM WILL BE BARRED (LOST) AND THE CASE WILL

PROCEED WITHOUT YOU.

Pa.R.C.P. No. 402.

Note: Rule W2253 was rescinded effective July 26, 2004.

ENFORCEMENT OF MONEY JUDGMENTS FOR THE PAYMENT OF MONEY

RULE W3129 NOTICE OF SALE; REAL PROPERTY

(a) All writs and certified copies of orders certified from the record by the prothonotary

directing judicial sales of real estate shall be filed with the sheriff not less than 60 days

before the date of sale and shall be accompanied by:

(1) Four typewritten copies of a notice containing the information required in

Pa.R.C.P. 3129.2 on a form which shall be provided by the sheriff for the purpose

of preparing handbills and for publication pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 3129.2(d); and

(2) One typewritten copy of the full legal description of the property on a format

which shall be provided by the sheriff for the purpose of preparing a deed.

(3) The Writ of Execution shall contain the full legal description of the property.

(b) In all judicial sales of real estate, the following conditions shall apply:

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CONDITIONS OF SALE

Successful bidders shall pay ten percent of the bid in either cash, certified check,

or cashier’s check at the time of the sale, and the balance prior to 11:00 a.m. of the due

date supplied by the sheriff. The property will be resold if the balance is not paid by the

due date. All money paid in at the original sale shall be applied to any deficiency in the

price at which property is resold. If the sale has been previously adjourned to this date,

the successful bidder shall pay the full amount of the bid at the time of sale. If the

successful bidder is the plaintiff in the writ of execution, the entire amount of the bid

shall be paid in 10 days. If plaintiff fails to pay the purchase money, the sheriff may return

the writ “Real Estate Unsold” stating in the return that the sale was held pursuant to the

writ, that the plaintiff was the successful bidder at the sale, that the plaintiff failed to pay

the bid and complete the sale, and that the plaintiff shall thereupon forfeit all moneys

advanced. Such forfeited advanced money shall be applied by the sheriff first to costs on

the writ and second to liens in order of their priority. A bid of $1.00 shall constitute a bid

of costs and the amount of any municipal claims due.

In addition to price, all successful bidders are bound and required to pay the

county realty transfer tax which is required for the purpose of recording the deeds.

Pursuant to 72 P.S. 8100-C, et seq., the 1% Pennsylvania realty transfer tax will be paid by

the sheriff from the proceeds of the sale. Purchasers must record their own deeds and pay

the necessary recording fees.

Pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 3136, notice is hereby given that a schedule of distribution

will be made in accordance with the schedule unless exceptions are filed thereto, within

10 days thereafter. No further notice of the filing of the schedule of distribution is

required.

January, March, May, July, September, and November. If any of those days fall on a legal

holiday, the sale shall be held on the Tuesday immediately following.

(d) Persons other than the sheriff serving the notice of sale pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 3129.2,

shall file their original affidavits of service with the prothonotary and a copy with the

sheriff not less than 15 days prior to the sale date.

DEPOSITIONS AND DISCOVERY

Note: Rule W4001 was rescinded effective August 3, 2016.

RULE W4002 PLACE OF DEPOSITIONS

If the parties do not agree, the place of the taking of any deposition of a non expert shall

be in the Westmoreland County Courthouse or the Westmoreland Bar Association

Headquarters in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, unless the court otherwise directs.

RULE W4005 WRITTEN INTERROGATORIES

Any party filing written interrogatories on any other party shall forthwith serve a notice

thereof with the prothonotary and each party or attorney of record. The moving party shall also

serve copies of the interrogatories on any other party if requested.

GENERAL RULES

RULE W6001 Rules Governing Appeals from Real Estate Tax Assessments.

The following provisions shall govern all tax assessment appeals from decisions of the Board of

Assessment Appeals:

(a) Parties.

(1) The following parties must be listed in the caption of the appeal:

(i) owner(s) of the real estate and/or taxable property;

(ii) the Westmoreland County Board of Assessment Appeals;

(iii) the municipality in which the property is located;

(iv) the school district in which the property is located; and

(v) the County of Westmoreland.

(2) Any entity that has an interest in the appeal in addition to those set forth in

subsection (a) (1) of this Rule may enter an appearance, subject to the objection

of any party listed in aforesaid subsection. Such entity must provide notice of its

appearance to all other parties within five (5) days of its entry.

(b) Caption.

(1) The party filing the appeal to court shall be designated as the appellant. The

Board of Assessment Appeals shall be designated as the appellee. All other

lvi

parties set forth above at (a) shall be designated as interested parties. The Tax

Map Number assigned to the parcel that is the subject of the appeal shall be

listed below the appellant/appellee/interested parties. The Tax Map Number

shall be listed in the format shown on the forms appended to this Rule and

contain 15 digits and include dashes. The Prothonotary shall index each appeal

by each party and the Tax Map Number. The caption shall be in a form

substantially similar to the example appended to this Rule.

(1) An appeal from the decision of the Board of Assessment Appeals must be verified

by the owner or other appropriate party and filed with the Prothonotary within

thirty (30) days of the date of mailing of the notice of decision by the Board.

(2) An appeal shall contain the following:

(i) names of the parties;

(ii) identification of the property by address;

(iii) a reference to the source of ownership for, or interest in, the parcel

designated by the Tax Map Number;

(iii) a concise statement of the reasons for the appeal; and

(iv) a copy of the decision of the Board of Assessment Appeals.

(3) No Order of Court is required to file an appeal.

(d Notice.

Within five (5) days from the date of filing a tax assessment appeal, the appellant shall

serve a copy of the appeal upon all other parties including the Board, the County, the

municipality, and the school district in which the real estate is situate; and upon the property

owner, if the owner is not the appellant. Service shall be by certified mail, return receipt

requested and by first class mail, postage pre-paid or personal service by hand delivery and

acceptance by the served party. A certificate of service shall be filed by the serving party within

ten (10) days of said service.

(e) Withdrawal of Appeals.

No appeal may be withdrawn without the consent of all other parties or by leave of court.

(f) Motions.

(1) All motions in real estate tax assessment appeals shall be presented to the Judge

assigned to the case by the Court Administrator.

(2) The Appellant shall provide to the Court a proposed order for a status

conference within forty-five (45) days from the date of service of the appeal upon

the Board of Assessment Appeals. The Appellant shall provide the Court with a

self-addressed, envelope, postage pre-paid, in which the Court will return the

executed original order to said Appellant. Upon receipt of the order scheduling

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the status conference, the Appellant shall promptly file the original order with

the Prothonotary and serve a copy of the order on all parties and/or each attorney

of record by first class mail. A Certificate of Service showing the same shall be

filed with the Prothonotary within ten (10) days of said service. All parties must

appear personally or through counsel at the status conference. At that time the

Court may issue a scheduling order that includes, but is not limited to, a time for

the exchange of any expert reports and a time for the completion of discovery.

The Court will schedule a settlement conference or set a trial date for the appeal.

The proposed order shall be in a form substantially similar to the example

appended to this Rule.

(g) Discovery.

(1) Discovery pursuant to the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure is specifically

authorized during an appeal from an assessment fixed by the Board of

Assessment Appeals.

Explanatory Note

The Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure are not applicable to tax assessment appeals

except as specifically authorized by the county Local Rules of Court. See Appeal of

Borough of Churchill, 575 A.2d 550, 525 Pa. 80 (1990)]

(h) Trial.

(1) When discovery is completed, the appellant shall request the assigned judge to

schedule the appeal for trial.

(2) Upon the request of the appellant, the Court shall schedule the trial for a date

certain.

(3) In the event the appellant fails to request a date certain for trial of the appeal,

upon the motion of any party or upon the judge's own motion, the Court may

enter an order setting the date for trial.

(4) A motion to continue the trial shall be presented to the Court at least two weeks

prior to the date scheduled for trial. In deciding such a motion for continuance,

the Court will consider the grounds set forth in Pa. R.C.P. No. 216.

IN CASES THAT HAVE BEEN INACTIVE FOR AN UNREASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME, ON

MOTION OF ANY PARTY THE COURT MAY ISSUE A RULE TO

SHOW CAUSE WHY THE APPEAL SHOULD NOT BE

TERMINATED. THE COURT UPON RETURN OF SAID RULE MAY

TERMINATE INACTIVE CASES PURSUANT TO THE STANDARDS

AND PROCEDURES ARTICULATED IN PA. R.C.P. NO. 230.2.

lviii

Note: Rule W6001.1 was rescinded effective March 1, 2002.

Note: Rule W6001.2 was rescinded effective March 1, 2002.

RULE W6007 APPROVAL OF SURETIES

No lawyer, court employee, deputy, clerk or other such officer shall execute any bond as

security in any action or matter pending in court, except by written leave of the court.

RULE W6017 DEPOSITORIES

On the payment of money into court for any purpose, the same shall be deposited at

interest in such bank as the court may designate, to the credit of the court in the particular case,

and shall be drawn out only upon an order of the court attested by the prothonotary.

RULE W6027 STATUTORY OR LICENSE SUSPENSION APPEALS

(a) All statutory or license suspension appeals shall be commenced by the filing of a petition.

(b) If a supersedeas or stay is not automatically granted by the filing of the petition, the

petitioner shall present the assigned judge an unsigned order of court granting the

supersedeas or stay and setting a date and time of the hearing.

petitioner shall, within thirty (30) days of the filing of the petition for appeal, file a

signed order setting a date and time of the hearing. Failure to file the signed order may,

upon motion of the opposing party, result in the dismissal of the petition.

Note: Rule W6082 was rescinded effective October 10, 1994.

lix

Westmoreland County Rules of Criminal Procedure

WESTMORELAND COUNTY RULES OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE

renumbered from WC328 May 10, 2001, effective July 2, 2001. Rescinded

Rescinded September 8, 2004; New Rule WC114 adopted September 8,

2004, effective November 1, 2004.Rescinded August 17, 2015, New Rule

effective February 22, 1999. Renumbered from WC302 May 10, 2001,

effective July 2, 2001.

effective September 24, 2001.

effective February 22, 1999. Revised and renumbered from WC112 May

10, 2001, effective July 2, 2001.

effective May 16, 2022.

Westmoreland County Rules of Criminal Procedure

effective April 22, 2013.

adopted December 16, 1995, effective January 15, 1996. Renumbered from

renumbered from WC140A May 10, 2001, effective July 2, 2001.

renumbered from WC145 May 10, 2001, effective July 2, 2001.

and (h) revised June 21, 2023, effective August 7, 2023.

Rescinded September 8, 2004; New Rule WC114 adopted September 8,

2004, effective November 1, 2004.

Westmoreland County Rules of Criminal Procedure

iii

Provenance

Source: www.westmorelandcountypa.gov
Retrieved: 2026-09-30
Edition: 2026-09-30
Content hash: b2cb8e547f6025a5353cc317be48333a76c31ad0ff45fb21988b0b4baa0bc843

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