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COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

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PA Bulletin, Doc. No. 18-94

THE COURTS

Title 231—RULES OF
CIVIL PROCEDURE

PART I. GENERAL

[ 231 PA. CODE CHS. 1900, 1910, 1915, 1920, 1930 AND 1950 ]

Order Amending Rules 1901.3, 1901.6, 1905, 1910.4, 1910.7, 1910.11, 1910.27, 1915.3, 1915.4-4, 1915.7, 1915.15, 1915.17, 1915.18, 1920.13, 1920.15, 1920.31, 1920.33, 1920.75, 1930.1, 1930.6, 1953 and 1959 of the Rules of Civil Procedure; No. 674 Civil Procedural Rules Doc.

[48 Pa.B. 477]
[Saturday, January 20, 2018]

Order

Per Curiam

And Now, this 5th day of January, 2018, upon the recommendation of the Domestic Relations Procedural Rules Committee; the proposal having been published for public comment in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, 47 Pa.B. 4664 (August 12, 2017):

 It is Ordered pursuant to Article V, Section 10 of the Constitution of Pennsylvania that Rules 1901.3, 1901.6, 1905, 1910.4, 1910.7, 1910.11, 1910.27, 1915.3, 1915.4-4, 1915.7, 1915.15, 1915.17, 1915.18, 1920.13, 1920.15, 1920.31, 1920.33, 1920.75, 1930.1, 1930.6, 1953, and 1959 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure are amended in the following form.

 This Order shall be processed in accordance with Pa.R.J.A. No. 103(b), and shall be effective on January 6, 2018.

Annex A

TITLE 231. RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE

PART I. GENERAL

CHAPTER 1900. ACTIONS PURSUANT TO THE PROTECTION FROM ABUSE ACT

Rule 1901.3. Commencement of Action.

*  *  *  *  *

 (d) The master for emergency relief shall follow the procedures set forth in the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure Governing Actions and [proceedings before magisterial district judges] Proceedings Before Magisterial District Judges for emergency relief under the Protection From Abuse Act.

[Explanatory Comment—2006

New subdivision (c) reflects the 2005 amendments to the Protection From Abuse Act which prohibits charging fees or costs against the plaintiff. 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 6106(b). The 2005 amendments to 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 6110(e) of the Protection From Abuse Act authorize the use of masters for emergency relief which is reflected in new subdivision (d).]

Official Note: See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.1(b). This rule may require attorneys or unrepresented parties to file confidential documents and documents containing confidential information that are subject to the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts.

Rule 1901.6. [No responsive pleading required.] Responsive Pleading Not Required.

[No pleading need be filed in response] The defendant is not required to file an answer or other responsive pleading to the petition or the certified order, and all averments not admitted shall be deemed denied.

Official Note: For procedures as to the time and manner of hearings and issuance of orders, see 23 [Pa.C.S.A.] Pa.C.S. § 6107. For provisions as to the scope of relief available, see 23 [Pa.C.S.A.] Pa.C.S. § 6108. For provisions as to contempt for violation of an order, see 23 [Pa.C.S.A.] Pa.C.S. § 6114.

See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.1(b). This rule may require attorneys or unrepresented parties to file confidential documents and documents containing confidential information that are subject to the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts.

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

*  *  *  *  *

 (b) The petition in an action filed pursuant to the Act shall be substantially in the following form, but the first page (paragraphs 1 through 4), following the Notice of Hearing and Order, [must] shall be exactly as set forth in this rule:

*  *  *  *  *

Official Note: See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.1(b). This rule may require attorneys or unrepresented parties to file confidential documents and documents containing confidential information that are subject to the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts.

 (c) The Temporary Order of Court, or any continued, amended, or modified Temporary Order of Court, entered pursuant to the Act shall be substantially in the following form, but the first page [must] shall be exactly as set forth in this rule:

*  *  *  *  *

CHAPTER 1910. ACTIONS FOR SUPPORT

Rule 1910.4. Commencement of Action. Fee.

 (a) An action shall be commenced by filing a complaint with the domestic relations section of the court of common pleas.

Official Note: For the form of the complaint, see [Rule] Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.27(a).

See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.1(b). To the extent this rule applies to actions not governed by other legal authority regarding confidentiality of information and documents in support actions or that attorneys or unrepresented parties file support-related confidential information and documents in non-support actions (e.g., divorce, custody), the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts shall apply.

 Section 961 of the Judicial Code, 42 Pa.C.S. § 961, provides that each court of common pleas shall have a domestic relations section.

 (b) No filing fee shall be required in advance.

Rule 1910.7. [No] Pleading by Defendant Not Required. Question of Jurisdiction or Venue or Statute of Limitations in Paternity.

 (a) [No] An answer or other responsive pleading by the defendant shall not be required, but if the defendant elects to file a pleading, the domestic relations office conference required by the order of court shall not be delayed.

Official Note: See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.1(b). To the extent this rule applies to actions not governed by other legal authority regarding confidentiality of information and documents in support actions or that attorneys or unrepresented parties file support-related confidential information and documents in non-support actions (e.g., divorce, custody), the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts shall apply.

 (b) If defendant raises a question of jurisdiction or venue or in paternity cases the defense of the statute of limitations, the court shall promptly dispose of the question and may, in an appropriate case, stay the domestic relations office conference.

Rule 1910.11. Office Conference. Subsequent Proceedings. Order.

*  *  *  *  *

 (c) At the conference, the parties shall furnish to the officer true copies of their most recent federal income tax returns, their pay stubs for the preceding six months, verification of child care expenses, and proof of medical coverage [which] that they may have or have available to them. In addition, [they] the parties shall provide copies of their Income Statements and Expense Statements in the forms required by [Rule 1910.27(c), completed as set forth below] Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.27(c) and completed as set forth in (1) and (2) of this subdivision.

Official Note: See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.1(b). To the extent this rule applies to actions not governed by other legal authority regarding confidentiality of information and documents in support actions or that attorneys or unrepresented parties file support-related confidential information and documents in non-support actions (e.g., divorce, custody), the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts shall apply.

 (1) For cases which can be determined according to the guideline formula, the Income Statement must be completed and the Expense Statement at Rule 1910.27(c)(2)(A) should be completed if a party is claiming unusual needs and unusual fixed expenses that may warrant a deviation from the guideline amount of support pursuant to Rule 1910.16-5 or seeks apportionment of expenses pursuant to Rule 1910.16-6. In a support case that can be decided according to the guidelines, even if the support claim is raised in a divorce complaint, no expense form is needed unless a party claims unusual needs or unusual fixed expenses or seeks apportionment of expenses pursuant to Rule 1910.16-6. However, in the divorce action, the Expense Statement at Rule 1910.27(c)(2)(B) may be required.

*  *  *  *  *

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

 (a) The complaint in an action for support shall be substantially in the following form:

*  *  *  *  *

NOTICE

 Guidelines for child and spousal support, and for alimony pendente lite have been prepared by the Court of Common Pleas and are available for inspection in the office of Domestic Relations Section,

_________________
(Address)

Official Note: See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.1(b). To the extent this rule applies to actions not governed by other legal authority regarding confidentiality of information and documents in support actions or that attorneys or unrepresented parties file support-related confidential information and documents in non-support actions (e.g., divorce, custody), the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts shall apply.

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

*  *  *  *  *

 (c) The Income Statements and Expense Statements to be attached to the order in subdivision (b) shall be [in] substantially in the following form:

 (1) Income [Statement] Statements. This form must be filled out in all cases.

Official Note: See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.1(b). To the extent this rule applies to actions not governed by other legal authority regarding confidentiality of information and documents in support actions or that attorneys or unrepresented parties file support-related confidential information and documents in non-support actions (e.g., divorce, custody), the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts shall apply.

*  *  *  *  *

 (2) Expense Statements. An Expense Statement is not required in cases [which] that can be determined pursuant to the guidelines unless a party avers unusual needs and expenses that may warrant a deviation from the guideline amount of support pursuant to [Rule] Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-5 or seeks an apportionment of expenses pursuant to [Rule] Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-6. [(See Rule 1910.11(c)(1)).] See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.11(c)(1). Child support is calculated under the guidelines based upon the monthly net incomes of the parties, with additional amounts ordered as necessary to provide for child care expenses, health insurance premiums, unreimbursed medical expenses, mortgage payments, and other needs, contingent upon the obligor's ability to pay. The Expense Statement in subparagraph (A) [below] shall be utilized if a party is claiming that he or she has unusual needs and unusual fixed expenses that may warrant deviation or adjustment in a case determined under the guidelines. In child support, spousal support, and alimony pendente lite cases calculated pursuant to [Rule] Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-3.1 and in divorce cases involving claims for alimony [or], counsel fees, or costs and expenses pursuant to [Rule] Pa.R.C.P. No. 1920.31(a), the parties [must] shall complete the Expense Statement in subparagraph (B) [below].

Official Note: See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.1(b). To the extent this rule applies to actions not governed by other legal authority regarding confidentiality of information and documents in support actions or that attorneys or unrepresented parties file support-related confidential information and documents in non-support actions (e.g., divorce, custody), the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts shall apply.

 (A) Guidelines Expense Statement. If the combined monthly net income of the parties is $30,000 or less, it is not necessary to complete this form unless a party is claiming unusual needs and expenses that may warrant a deviation from the guideline amount of support pursuant to Rule 1910.16-5 or seeks an apportionment of expenses pursuant to Rule 1910.16-6. At the conference, each party must provide receipts or other verification of expenses claimed on this statement. The Guidelines Expense Statement shall be substantially in the following form.

*  *  *  *  *

CHAPTER 1915. ACTIONS FOR CUSTODY OF MINOR CHILDREN

Rule 1915.3. Commencement of Action. Complaint. Order.

 (a) Except as provided by subdivision (c), an action shall be commenced by filing a verified complaint substantially in the form provided by [Rule] Pa.R.C.P. No. 1915.15(a).

Official Note: See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.1(b). This rule may require attorneys or unrepresented parties to file confidential documents and documents containing confidential information that are subject to the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts.

 (b) An order shall be attached to the complaint directing the defendant to appear at a time and place specified. The order shall be substantially in the form provided by Rule 1915.15(b).

*  *  *  *  *

Rule 1915.4-4. Pre-Trial Procedures.

*  *  *  *  *

 (b) Not later than five days prior to the pre-trial conference, each party shall file a pre-trial statement with the prothonotary's office and serve a copy upon the court and the other party or counsel of record. The pre-trial statement shall include the following matters, together with any additional information required by special order of the court:

*  *  *  *  *

 In addition to the above items included in the pre-trial statement, any reports of experts and other proposed exhibits shall be included as part of the pre-trial statement served upon the other party or opposing counsel, but not included with the pre-trial statement served upon the court.

Official Note: See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.1(b). This rule may require attorneys or unrepresented parties to file confidential documents and documents containing confidential information that are subject to the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts.

 (c) If a party fails to file a pre-trial statement or otherwise comply with the requirements of subdivision (b), the court may make an appropriate order under Pa.R.C.P. No. 4019(c)(2) and (4) governing sanctions.

*  *  *  *  *

Rule 1915.7. Consent Order.

 If an agreement for custody is reached and the parties desire a consent order to be entered, they shall note their agreement upon the record or shall submit to the court a proposed order bearing the written consent of the parties or their counsel.

Official Note: See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.1(b). This rule may require attorneys or unrepresented parties to file confidential documents and documents containing confidential information that are subject to the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts.

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

 (a) The complaint in an action for custody shall be [in] substantially in the following form:

*  *  *  *  *

Official Note: The form of complaint is appropriate [where] if there is one plaintiff and one defendant and [where] if the custody of one child is sought, or [where] if the custody of several children is sought and the information required by paragraphs 3 to 7 is identical for all of the children. [Where] If there are multiple parties, the complaint should be appropriately adapted to accommodate them. [Where] If the custody of several children is sought and the information required is not identical for all of the children, the complaint should contain a separate paragraph for each child.

See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.1(b). This rule may require attorneys or unrepresented parties to file confidential documents and documents containing confidential information that are subject to the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts.

 (b) A petition to modify a custody order shall be [in] substantially in the following form:

*  *  *  *  *

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

______   _________________
Date        Petitioner

Official Note: See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.1(b). This rule may require attorneys or unrepresented parties to file confidential documents and documents containing confidential information that are subject to the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts.

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

*  *  *  *  *

Rule 1915.17. Relocation. Notice and Counter-Affidavit.

*  *  *  *  *

 (i) The notice of proposed relocation shall be substantially in the following form:

*  *  *  *  *

 YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER, GO TO OR TELEPHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. 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.

______
______
______
______

Official Note: See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.1(b). This rule may require attorneys or unrepresented parties to file confidential documents and documents containing confidential information that are subject to the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts.

 (j) The counter-affidavit that must be served with the relocation notice shall be substantially in the following form as set forth [at] in 23 Pa.C.S. § 5337(d):

*  *  *  *  *

 I verify that the statements made in this counter-affidavit are true and correct. I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 (relating to unsworn falsification to authorities).

______   _________________
(Date)        (Signature)

Official Note: See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.1(b). This rule may require attorneys or unrepresented parties to file confidential documents and documents containing confidential information that are subject to the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts.

Rule 1915.18. Form of Order Directing Expert Examination and Report.

 The order of court directing expert evaluation in a custody matter pursuant to [Rule] Pa.R.C.P. No. 1915.8 shall be [in] substantially in the following form:

*  *  *  *  *

CHAPTER 1920. ACTIONS OF DIVORCE OR FOR ANNULMENT OF MARRIAGE

Rule 1920.13. Pleading More Than One Cause of Action. Alternative Pleading.

*  *  *  *  *

 (c) The court may order alimony pendente lite, reasonable counsel fees, costs and expenses pending final disposition of any claim.

Official Note: See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.1(b). This rule may require attorneys or unrepresented parties to file confidential documents and documents containing confidential information that are subject to the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts.

Rule 1920.15. Counterclaim. Subsequent Petition.

*  *  *  *  *

Official Note: See [Rule] Pa.R.C.P. No. 1920.31, which requires the joinder of certain related claims under penalty of waiver. A claim for alimony must be raised before the entry of a final decree of divorce or annulment.

See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.1(b). This rule may require attorneys or unrepresented parties to file confidential documents and documents containing confidential information that are subject to the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts.

Rule 1920.31. Joinder of Related Claims. Child and Spousal Support. Alimony. Alimony Pendente Lite. Counsel Fees. Costs and Expenses.

 (a)(1) [When either] If a party has raised a claim for alimony [or], counsel fees, or costs and expenses, [each party] the parties shall file a true copy of the most recent federal income tax return, pay stubs for the preceding six months, a completed Income Statement in the form required [at Rule] by Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.27(c)(1), and a completed Expense Statement in the form required by [Rule] Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.27(c)(2)(B). A party may not file a motion for the appointment of a master or a request for court action regarding alimony, alimony pendente lite [or counsel fees, cost], counsel fees, or costs and expenses until at least 30 days following the filing of that party's tax returns, Income Statement, and Expense Statement. The other party shall file the tax returns, Income Statement, and Expense Statement within 20 days of service of the moving party's documents. If a claim for child support, spousal support, or alimony pendente lite is raised in a divorce complaint, [no expense form is] an Expense Statement is not needed in a support action that can be decided pursuant to the support guidelines unless a party claims unusual needs or unusual fixed expenses [or], seeks deviation pursuant to [Rule] Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-5, or apportionment of expenses pursuant to [Rule] Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.16-6.

Official Note: See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.1(b). This rule may require attorneys or unrepresented parties to file confidential documents and documents containing confidential information that are subject to the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts.

 (2) If a party fails to file the documents as required by subdivision (a)(1), the court on motion may make an appropriate order under Rule 4019 governing sanctions.

*  *  *  *  *

Rule 1920.33. Joinder of Related Claims. Equitable Division. Enforcement.

 (a) If a pleading or petition raises a claim for equitable division of marital property under Section 3502 of the Divorce Code, the parties shall file and serve on the other party an inventory, which shall include the information in subdivisions (1) through (3) and shall be substantially in the form set forth in Pa.R.C.P. No. 1920.75. Within 20 days of service of the moving party's inventory, the non-moving party shall file an inventory. A party may not file a motion for the appointment of a master or a request for court action regarding equitable division until at least 30 days following the filing of that party's inventory.

Official Note: See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.1(b). This rule may require attorneys or unrepresented parties to file confidential documents and documents containing confidential information that are subject to the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts.

 The inventory shall set forth as of the date of separation:

*  *  *  *  *

 (b) Within the time required by order of court or written directive of the master or, if none, at least 60 days before the scheduled hearing on the claim for equitable division, the parties shall file and serve upon the other party a pre-trial statement. The pre-trial statement shall include the following matters, together with any additional information required by special order of the court:

*  *  *  *  *

 (10) a proposed resolution of the economic issues raised in the pleadings.

Official Note: See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.1(b). This rule may require attorneys or unrepresented parties to file confidential documents and documents containing confidential information that are subject to the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts.

 (c) If a party fails to file either an inventory, as required by subdivision (a), or a pre-trial statement, as required by subdivision (b), the court may make an appropriate order under Pa.R.C.P. No. 4019(c) governing sanctions.

*  *  *  *  *

Rule 1920.75. Form of Inventory.

 The inventory required by [Rule] Pa.R.C.P. No. 1920.33(a) shall be substantially in the following form:

*  *  *  *  *

LIABILITIES

Item
Number
Description of
Property
Names of
All Creditors
Names of
All Debtors
Estimated Value at
Date of Separation

Official Note: See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.1(b). This rule may require attorneys or unrepresented parties to file confidential documents and documents containing confidential information that are subject to the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts.

CHAPTER 1930. RULES RELATING TO DOMESTIC RELATIONS MATTERS GENERALLY

Rule 1930.1. [Form of Pleadings.] Form of Caption. Confidential Information and Confidential Documents. Certification.

(a) The form of the caption in all domestic relations matters shall be substantially [as follows] in the following form:

In the Court of Common Pleas of ______ County, Pennsylvania

A. Litigant, )
         Plaintiff )
vs. ) No. [of 19 ] (Docket number)
B. Litigant, )
         Defendant )

(Title of Pleading)

Official Note: As domestic relations matters are no longer quasi-criminal, the phrase ''Commonwealth ex rel.'' shall not be used in the caption of any domestic relations matter.

(b) Unless public access is otherwise constrained by applicable authority, any attorney, or any party if unrepresented, who files a document pursuant to these rules with the prothonotary's office shall comply with the requirements of Sections 7.0 and 8.0 of the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts (Policy) including a certification of compliance with the Policy and, as necessary, a Confidential Information Form, unless otherwise specified by rule or order of court, or a Confidential Document Form in accordance with the Policy.

Official Note: Applicable authority includes but is not limited to statute, procedural rule, or court order. The Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts (Policy) can be found on the website of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania at http://www.pacourts.us/public-records. Sections 7.0(D) and 8.0(D) of the Policy provide that the certification shall be in substantially the following form:

I certify that this filing complies with the provisions of the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts that require filing confidential information and documents differently than non-confidential information and documents.

The Confidential Information Form and the Confidential Document Form can be found at http://www.pacourts.us/public-records. In lieu of the Confidential Information Form, Section 7.0(C) of the Policy provides for a court to adopt a rule or order permitting the filing of a document in two versions, a ''Redacted Version'' and an ''Unredacted Version.''

Rule 1930.6. Paternity Actions. Scope. Venue. Commencement of Action.

 (a) [Scope.] This rule shall govern the procedure by which a putative father may initiate a civil action to establish paternity and seek genetic testing. Such an action shall not be permitted if an order already has been entered as to the paternity, custody, or support of the child, or if a support or custody action to which the putative father is a party is pending.

 (b) [Venue.] An action may be brought only in the county in which the defendant or the child(ren) reside.

 (c) [Commencement of Action.] An action shall be [initiated] commenced 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].

Official Note: See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.1(b). This rule may require attorneys or unrepresented parties to file confidential documents and documents containing confidential information that are subject to the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts.

 (1) The complaint filed in a civil action to establish paternity shall be substantially in the following form:

*  *  *  *  *

CHAPTER 1950. ACTIONS PURSUANT TO THE PROTECTION OF VICTIMS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE OR INTIMIDATION ACT

Rule 1953. Commencement of Action.

*  *  *  *  *

 (c) Any fees associated with this action shall not be charged to the plaintiff.

Official Note: See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.1(b). This rule may require attorneys or unrepresented parties to file confidential documents and documents containing confidential information that are subject to the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts.

Rule 1959. Forms for Use in Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence or Intimidation Actions. Notice and Hearing. Petition. Temporary Protection Order. Final Protection Order.

*  *  *  *  *

 (b) The petition in an action filed pursuant to the Act shall be identical in content to the following form:

*  *  *  *  *

VERIFICATION

 I verify that the statements made in this petition are true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904, relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.

_________________
Signature

_________________
Date

Official Note: See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.1(b). This rule may require attorneys or unrepresented parties to file confidential documents and documents containing confidential information that are subject to the Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: Case Records of the Appellate and Trial Courts.

 (c) The Temporary Order of Court, or any continued, amended or modified Temporary Order of Court, entered pursuant to the Act shall be identical in content to the following form:

*  *  *  *  *

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 18-94. Filed for public inspection January 19, 2018, 9:00 a.m.]



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