THE COURTS

Title 231--RULES OF
CIVIL PROCEDURE

PART I.  GENERAL

[231 PA. CODE CHS. 1900, 1910, 1915,
1920 AND 1930]

Amendments to the Rules of Civil Procedure relating to Domestic Relations Matters; No. 405 Civil Procedural Rules; Doc. No. 5

[34 Pa.B. 1754]

Order

Per Curiam:

   And Now, this 18th day of March, 2004, Rules 1905, 1910.25, 1910.27, 1915.12, 1915.15, 1915.16, 1920.71, 1920.73 and 1930.6 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure are amended as follows.

   This order shall be processed in accordance with Pa. R.J.A. 103(b) and shall be effective on June 16, 2004.

Annex A

TITLE 231.  RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE

PART I.  GENERAL

CHAPTER 1900.  ACTIONS PURSUANT TO THE PROTECTION FROM ABUSE ACT

Rule 1905.  Forms for Use in PFA Actions. Notice and Hearing. Petition. Temporary Protection Order. Final Protection Order.

   (a)  The Notice of Hearing and Order required by Rule 1901.3 shall be substantially in the following form:

(Caption)
NOTICE OF HEARING AND ORDER

*      *      *      *      *

   A hearing on the matter is scheduled for the ____ [,] day of ____ [19] 20__ , at __ .m., in Courtroom ____ at ____ Courthouse, ____ , Pennsylvania.

*      *      *      *      *

   YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO HAVE A LAWYER REPRESENT YOU AT THE HEARING. THE COURT WILL NOT, HOWEVER, APPOINT A LAWYER FOR YOU. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER [OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE], GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW [TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP]. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE. IF YOU CANNOT FIND A LAWYER, YOU MAY HAVE TO PROCEED WITHOUT ONE.

*      *      *      *      *

CHAPTER 1910. ACTIONS FOR SUPPORT

Rule 1910.25.  Enforcement. Support Order. Civil Contempt. Petition. Service. No Answer Required.

*      *      *      *      *

   (b)  The petition shall begin with an order of court in substantially the following form:

[CAPTION]
ORDER OF COURT

*      *      *      *      *

   YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER [OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE], GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW [TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP]. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.

*      *      *      *      *

Rule 1910.27.  Form of Complaint. Order. Income and Expense Statement. Health Insurance Coverage Information Form. Form of Support Order. Form Petition for Modification.

*      *      *      *      *

   (b)  The order to be attached at the front of the complaint set forth in subdivision (a) shall be in substantially the following form:

(Caption)
ORDER OF COURT

   You, ____ , defendant, are ordered to appear at ____ before ____ , a conference officer of the Domestic Relations Section, on the ____ day of ____ , [19] 20__ , at __ .M., for a conference, after which the officer may recommend that an order for support be entered against you.

*      *      *      *      *

   YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO A LAWYER, WHO MAY ATTEND THE CONFERENCE AND REPRESENT YOU. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER [OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE], GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW [TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU MAY GET LEGAL HELP]. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER.

   IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.

*      *      *      *      *

   (g)  The order to be attached at the front of the petition for modification set forth in subdivision (f) shall be in substantially the following form:

(Caption)
ORDER OF COURT

*      *      *      *      *

   YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO A LAWYER, WHO MAY ATTEND THE CONFERENCE AND REPRESENT YOU. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER [OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE], GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW [TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU MAY GET LEGAL HELP]. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.

*      *      *      *      *

CHAPTER 1915.  ACTIONS FOR CUSTODY, PARTIAL CUSTODY AND VISITATION OF MINOR CHILDREN

Rule 1915.12.  Civil Contempt for Disobedience of Custody Order. Petition. Form of Petition. Service. Order.

   (a)  A petition for civil contempt shall begin with a notice and order to appear in substantially the following form:

NOTICE AND ORDER TO APPEAR

   Legal proceedings have been brought against you alleging you have [wilfully] willfully disobeyed an order of court for (custody) (partial custody) (visitation).

*      *      *      *      *

   YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER [OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE], GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW [TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP]. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER.

   IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.

*      *      *      *      *

Rule 1915.15.  Form of Complaint. Caption. Order. Petition to Modify a Partial Custody or Visitation Order.

*      *      *      *      *

   (c)  The order to be attached at the front of the complaint or petition for modification shall be in substantially the following form:

(Caption)
ORDER OF COURT

*      *      *      *      *

   YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER [OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE], GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW [TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP]. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.

*      *      *      *      *

Rule 1915.16.  Form of Order and Notice. Joinder. Intervention.

   (a)  The order and notice joining a party in an action under Rule 1915.6(a) shall be substantially in the following form:

(Caption)
ORDER AND NOTICE

*      *      *      *      *

   YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER [OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE], GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW [TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP]. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER.

   IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.

*      *      *      *      *

   (b)  The order for notice of the pendency of the action and the right to intervene required by Rule 1915.6(b) shall be substantially in the following form:

(Caption)
ORDER AND NOTICE

*      *      *      *      *

   YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER [OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE], GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW [TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP]. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.

*      *      *      *      *

CHAPTER 1920.  ACTIONS OF DIVORCE OR FOR ANNULMENT OF MARRIAGE

Rule 1920.71.  Form of Notice.

   The notice required by Rule 1920.12(c) shall be in the following form:

NOTICE TO DEFEND AND CLAIM RIGHTS

*      *      *      *      *

   YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER [OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE], GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW [TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP]. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER.

   IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.

*      *      *      *      *

Rule 1920.73.  Notice of Intention to Request Entry of Divorce Decree. Praecipe to Transmit Record Forms.

   (a)(1)  The notice of the intention to request entry of divorce decree prescribed by Rule 1920.42(d) shall be substantially in the following form if there is an attorney of record:

(Caption)
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO REQUEST ENTRY
OF DIVORCE DECREE

*      *      *      *      *

   ____ (PLAINTIFF/DEFENDANT) intends to file with the court the attached Praecipe to Transmit Record on or after ____ , [19] 20 __ requesting that a final decree in divorce be entered.

*      *      *      *      *

   (2)(i)  The notice of the intention to request entry of a § 3301(c) divorce decree prescribed by Rule 1920.42(d) shall be substantially in the following form if there is no attorney of record:

(Caption)
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO REQUEST ENTRY OF
§ 3301(c) DIVORCE DECREE

*      *      *      *      *

   You have signed a § 3301(c) affidavit consenting to the entry of a divorce decree. Therefore, on or after ____ , [19] 20__ , the other party can request the court to enter a final decree in divorce.

*      *      *      *      *

   YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER [OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE], GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW [TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP]. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.

_________________
(Name)

_________________
(Address)

_________________
(Telephone Number)

*      *      *      *      *

   (ii)  The notice of the intention to request entry of § 3301(d) divorce decree prescribed by Rule 1920.42(d) shall be substantially in the following form if there is no attorney of record:

(Caption)
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO REQUEST ENTRY
OF § 3301(d) DIVORCE DECREE

*      *      *      *      *

   You have been sued in an action for divorce. You have failed to answer the complaint or file a counter-affidavit to the § 3301(d) affidavit. Therefore, on or after ____ , [19] 20__ , the other party can request the court to enter a final decree in divorce.

*      *      *      *      *

   YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER [OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE], GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW [TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP]. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.

*      *      *      *      *

CHAPTER 1930.  RULES RELATING TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS MATTERS GENERALLY

Rule 1930.6.  Paternity Actions.

*      *      *      *      *

   (c)  Commencement of Action. An action shall be initiated by filing a verified complaint to establish paternity and for genetic testing substantially in the form set forth in subdivision (1) below. The complaint shall have as its first page the Notice of Hearing and Order set forth in subdivision (2) below.

*      *      *      *      *

   (2)  The Notice of Hearing and Order required by this rule shall be substantially in the following form:

(Caption)
NOTICE OF HEARING AND ORDER

*      *      *      *      *

   YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER [OR CANNOT AFFORD ONE], GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW [TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET LEGAL HELP]. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAWYER. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.

*      *      *      *      *

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 04-550. Filed for public inspection April 2, 2004, 9:00 a.m.]

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