Source: https://www.pacode.com/secure/data/231/chapter1930/chap1930toc.html
Timestamp: 2019-04-19 08:45:40+00:00

Document:
1930.1. Form of Caption. Confidential Information and Confidential Documents. Certification.
1930.2. No Post-trial Practice. Motions for Reconsideration.
1930.3. Testimony by Electronic Means.
1930.4. Service of Original Process in Domestic Relations Matters.
1930.5. Discovery in Domestic Relations Matters.
1930.6. Paternity Actions. Scope. Venue. Commencement of Action.
Rule 1930.1. Form of Caption. Confidential Information and Confidential Documents. Certification.
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 Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania (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.
I certify that this filing complies with the provisions of the Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania that require filing confidential information and documents differently than non-confidential information and documents.
The provisions of this Rule 1930.1 adopted December 2, 1994, effective March 1, 1995, 24 Pa.B. 6293; amended January 5, 2018, effective January 6, 2018, 48 Pa.B. 477; amended June 1, 2018, effective July 1, 2018, 48 Pa.B. 3520. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (390145) to (390146).
Rule 1930.2. No Post-trial Practice. Motions for Reconsideration.
(a) There shall be no motions for post-trial relief in any domestic relations matter, including Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence or Intimidation matters.
(b) A party aggrieved by the decision of the court may file a motion for reconsideration in accordance with Pa.R.A.P. 1701(b)(3). If the court does not grant the motion for reconsideration within the time permitted, the time for filing a notice of appeal will run as if the motion for reconsideration had never been presented to the court.
Pennsylvania Rule of Appellate Procedure 903 states that the Notice of Appeal shall be filed within 30 days after the entry of the order from which the appeal is taken, except as otherwise set forth in that rule.
(c) The court shall render its reconsidered decision within 120 days of the date the motion for reconsideration is granted, except as set forth in subdivision (e). If the courts decision is not rendered within 120 days, the motion shall be deemed denied.
(d) If the court does not enter a reconsidered decision within 120 days, the time for filing a notice of appeal will begin to run anew from the date of entry of the reconsidered decision or from the 121st day after the motion for reconsideration was granted.
(e) If the court grants the motion for reconsideration and files its order within the 30-day appeal period, the court may issue an order during the applicable 120-day period directing that additional testimony be taken. If the court issues an order for additional testimony, the reconsidered decision need not be rendered within 120 days, and the time for filing a notice of appeal will run from the date the reconsidered decision is rendered.
The provisions of this Rule 1930.2 adopted March 30, 1994, effective July 1, 1994, 24 Pa.B. 1941; amended May 31, 2000, effective July 1, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 3155; amended October 6, 2016, effective January 1, 2017, 46 Pa.B. 6612. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (376559) to (376560).
Rule 1930.3. Testimony by Electronic Means.
With the approval of the court upon good cause shown, a party or witness may be deposed or testify by telephone, audiovisual or other electronic means at a designated location in all domestic relations matters.
The provisions of this Rule 1930.3 adopted December 8, 1994, effective July 1, 1995, 24 Pa.B. 6399; amended May 31, 2000, effective July 1, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 3155. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (256290).
Rule 1930.4. Service of Original Process in Domestic Relations Matters.
(3) pursuant to special order of court.
See Pa.R.C.P. No. 76 for the definition of competent adult. Original process served on an incarcerated person in a domestic relations action must also include notice of any hearing in such action and specific notice of the incarcerated individuals right to apply to the court for a writ of habeas corpus ad testificandum to enable him or her to participate in the hearing. The writ is available if an incarcerated individual wishes to testify as provided by statute or rule, or if the incarcerated individuals testimony is sought by another. Vanaman v. Cowgill, 526 A.2d 1226 (Pa. Super. 1987). See 23 Pa.C.S. § 4342(j) and Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.3. In determining whether a writ of habeas corpus ad testificandum should be issued, a court must weigh the factors set forth in Salemo v. Salemo, 554 A.2d 563 (Pa. Super. 1989).
(b) Service in Protection From Abuse and Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence or Intimidation Matters. If personal service cannot be completed within 48 hours after a Protection From Abuse or a Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence or Intimidation petition is filed, the court may authorize alternative service by special order as set forth in subdivision (a)(3), including, but not limited to, service by mail pursuant to subdivision (c) of this rule.
(1) Except in Protection from Abuse and Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence or Intimidation matters, original process in all domestic relations matters may be served by mailing the original process, a notice or order to appear, if required, and other orders or documents, as necessary, to the defendants last known address by both regular and certified mail.
(i) Delivery of the certified mail shall be restricted to the addressee only and a return receipt shall be requested.
(ii) If the certified mail is refused by the defendant, but the regular mail is not returned within 15 days, service may be deemed complete.
(iii) If the mail is returned with notation by the postal authorities that it was unclaimed, service shall be made by another means pursuant to these rules.
(2) In Protection from Abuse and Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence or Intimidation matters, original process may be served by mail pursuant to this rule, if authorized by the court under subdivision (a)(3).
Nothing in this rule is intended to preclude a judicial district from utilizing the United States Postal Services return receipt electronic option, or any similar service that electronically provides a return receipt, when using certified mail, return receipt requested.
(d) Acceptance of Service. In lieu of service pursuant to this rule, the defendant or the defendants authorized agent may accept service of original process as set forth in Pa.R.C.P. No. 402(b).
(e) Service Within the Commonwealth. Original process shall be served on a defendant located within the Commonwealth within 30 days of the filing of the original process.
(4) as directed by the foreign authority in response to a letter rogatory or request.
In Protection from Abuse matters, a defendant outside of the Commonwealth must be personally served with original process. Service may be made either in accordance with subdivisions (a) and (b) governing personal service or as provided for by the law in the jurisdiction where the defendant resides or is located. If personal service cannot be completed within 48 hours after the filing of the original process, service outside of the Commonwealth may be made by other means authorized by this rule.
Sections 5323 and 5329(2) of the Judicial Code, 42 Pa.C.S. § § 5323 and 5329(2), provide additional alternative procedures for service outside the Commonwealth. For Protection from Abuse matters, personal service outside of the Commonwealth must be attempted first before service can be made by certified and regular mail or by other means prescribed in subsection (f) for out-of-state service.
(g) Reinstatement of Original Process. If service is not made as required by subdivision (e) or (f), the prothonotary shall reinstate the original process upon praecipe accompanied by the original process, or praecipe indicating that the original process has been lost or destroyed accompanied by a substituted original process.
(1) Original process may be reinstated at any time and any number of times. A new party defendant may be named in a reinstated original process.
(2) Reinstated original process shall be served as required by subdivision (e) or (f).
(v) other facts necessary for the court to determine whether proper service has been made.
(i) Personal Service Pursuant to Subdivision (a).
(A) The person serving the original process shall complete a proof of service.
(B) If a person other than a sheriff serves the original process, the proof of service shall be by an affidavit.
(C) The proof of service shall be filed in the appropriate filing office within ten days of the date of service.
(ii) Service by Mail Pursuant to Subdivision (c).
(A) Proof of service by mail shall be by an affidavit that includes the certified mail return receipt signed by the defendant except as set forth in (B).
(B) If the defendant has refused to accept the certified mail, the proof of service shall include the returned envelope with the notation that the defendant refused to accept delivery and an affidavit stating that the regular mail was not returned within 15 days after mailing.
(C) The proof of service shall be filed in the appropriate filing office within ten days of the date the defendant signed the certified mail return receipt or after the passage of time set forth in subdivision (c)(1)(ii).
(iii) Acceptance of Service Pursuant to Subdivision (d).
(A) If the defendant or the defendants authorized agent accepts service of the original process as set forth in subdivision (d), the defendant or the defendants authorized agent shall sign an Acceptance of Service.
(B) The Acceptance of Service shall be filed in the appropriate filing office within ten days of accepting service.
See Pa.R.C.P. No. 402(b) for the prescribed form document.
(3) Original Process Not Served.
(i) If the defendant cannot be served within the time allowed in subdivision (e) or (f), the person attempting service shall complete a proof of no service promptly.
(ii) If a person other than a sheriff attempts service of the original process, the proof of no service shall be by an affidavit stating with particularity the efforts made to effect service.
(iii) The proof of no service shall be filed in the appropriate filing office within ten days of the expiration of time allowed for service in subdivision (e) or (f).
See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.4(a). The Domestic Relations Section is the filing office for child support, spousal support and alimony pendente lite cases.
See Pennsylvania Rule of Professional Conduct 7.3(b)(4). The timing of an attorneys solicitation of a prospective client in actions governed by the Family Court Rules, see Pa.R.C.P. No. 1931(a), and actions pursuant to the Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence or Intimidation Act, see 42 Pa.C.S. § § 62A0362A20, is restricted until proof of service appears on the docket.
(i) Appearance at Hearing or Conference. A party appearing for the hearing or conference will be deemed to have been served.
The provisions of this Rule 1930.4 adopted October 2, 1995, effective January 1, 1996, 25 Pa.B. 4518; amended May 14, 1999, effective July 1, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 2767; amended October 11, 2002, effective immediately, 32 Pa.B. 5263; amended August 8, 2006, effective immediately, 36 Pa.B. 4709; amended March 4, 2014, effective in 30 days on April 3, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 1749; amended March 4, 2015, effective in 30 days on April 3, 2015, 45 Pa.B. 1354; amended October 6, 2016, effective January 1, 2017, 46 Pa.B. 6612; amended September 12, 2018, effective September 28, 2018, 48 Pa.B. 6257. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (392657) to (392659).
Rule 1930.5. Discovery in Domestic Relations Matters.
(a) There shall be no discovery in a simple support, custody, Protection from Abuse, or Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence or Intimidation proceedings unless authorized by order of court.
(b) Discovery shall be available without leave of court in accordance with Pa.R.C.P. Nos. 40014025 in alimony, equitable distribution, counsel fees and expense, and complex support proceedings.
The provisions of this Rule 1930.5 adopted May 5, 1997, effective July 1, 1997, 27 Pa.B. 2532; amended March 9, 1998, effective July 1, 1998, 28 Pa.B. 1391; amended June 5, 2001, effective immediately, 31 Pa.B. 3306; amended October 6, 2016, effective January 1, 2017, 46 Pa.B. 6612. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (322447).
Rule 1930.6. Paternity Actions. Scope. Venue. Commencement of Action.
(a) 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) An action may be brought only in the county in which the defendant or the child(ren) reside.
(c) An action shall be commenced by filing a verified complaint to establish paternity and for genetic testing substantially in the form set forth in subdivision (1). The complaint shall have as its first page the Notice of Hearing and Order set forth in subdivision (2).
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 Case Records Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania.
5. Defendant was/was not married at the time the child(ren) was/were conceived or born.
9. Plaintiff agrees to pay all costs associated with genetic testing directly to the testing facility in accordance with the procedures established by that facility.
Wherefore, Plaintiff requests that the court order Defendant to submit to genetic testing and to make the child(ren) available for genetic testing.
I verify that the statements made in this complaint are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I understand that false statements herein are made subject to the penalties of 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 relating to unsworn falsification to authorities.
YOU HAVE BEEN SUED IN COURT. If you wish to defend against the claims set forth in the following papers, you must appear at the hearing scheduled below. If you fail to do so, the case may proceed against you and a final order may be entered against you granting the relief requested by the plaintiff.
for a hearing on Plaintiffs request for genetic testing. If you fail to appear as ordered, the court may enter an order in your absence requiring you and your child(ren) to submit to genetic tests.
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.
County is required by law to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For information about accessible facilities and reasonable accommodations available to disabled individuals having business before the court, please contact our office. All arrangements must be made at least 72 hours prior to any hearing or business before the court. You must attend the scheduled conference or hearing.
(d) Service. Service of original process and proof of service in a civil action to establish paternity shall be in accordance with Rule 1930.4.
(e) Hearing and Order. At the hearing, the judge will determine whether or not the plaintiff is legally entitled to genetic testing and, if so, will issue an order directing the defendant and the child(ren) to submit to genetic testing, the cost of which shall be borne by the plaintiff.
The provisions of this Rule 1930.6 adopted June 5, 2001, effective immediately, 31 Pa.B. 3306; amended June 24, 2002, effective immediately, 32 Pa.B. 3389; amended March 18, 2004, effective June 16, 2004, 34 Pa.B. 1754; amended January 5, 2018, effective January 6, 2018, 48 Pa.B. 477; amended June 1, 2018, effective July 1, 2018, 48 Pa.B. 3520. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (390149) to (390151).
At any time in the proceedings, the court, the courts designee or the master, sua sponte or upon application of any party, may hold a status conference, in person or by any other means permitted by these rules, with counsel or with counsel and the parties in order to review the case status and expedite the litigation.
The provisions of this Rule 1930.7 adopted August 18, 2006, effective immediately, 36 Pa.B. 5571.
(a) A party representing himself or herself shall enter a written appearance which shall state an address, which need not be his or her home address, where the party agrees that pleadings and other legal papers may be served, and a telephone number through which the party may be contacted. The entry of appearance may include a facsimile number as provided by Pa.R.C.P. No. 1012.
(b) A self-represented party is under a continuing obligation to provide current contact information to the court, to other self-represented parties, and to attorneys of record.
(2) Filing an entry of appearance with the withdrawal of appearance signed by his or her attorney of record.
(d) The self-represented party shall provide a copy of the entry of appearance to all self-represented parties and attorneys of record.
(e) The assertion of self-representation shall not delay any stage of the proceeding.
, Plaintiff or Defendant (circle one), represent myself in the within action.
, Esq., as my attorney of record.
Withdraw my appearance for the filing party.
I understand that I am under a continuing obligation to provide current contact information to the court, to other self-represented parties, and to attorneys of record.
THE PARTY FILING THIS ENTRY OF APPEARANCE MUST PROVIDE NOTICE BY SENDING A COPY TO ALL PARTIES AND ATTORNEYS, INCLUDING THE ATTORNEY REMOVED FROM THE CASE.
This form cannot be used when filing for support through the Department of Public Welfare Bureau of Child Support Enforcements E-Services program. An entry of appearance form is available on the E-Services site for individuals filing through that program.
Withdrawal of appearance by counsel of record without the entry of appearance by a self-represented party is governed by Pa.R.C.P. No. 1012. Service of original process in domestic relations matters is governed by Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.4. Service of legal papers other than original process is governed by Pa.R.C.P. No. 440.
The provisions of this Rule 1930.8 adopted June 5, 2013, effective in 30 days on July 5, 2013, 43 Pa.B. 3329; amended March 4, 2015, effective in 30 days on April 3, 2015, 45 Pa.B. 1354. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (372675) to (372676).
Rule 1930.9. Family Court Forms.
Forms adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and included in the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure relating to the practice and procedure of domestic relations matters shall be accepted for filing in all jurisdictions. Some of these forms may be maintained for public access at a website designated by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
The provisions of this Rule 1930.9 adopted June 16, 2014, effective in 30 days on July 16, 2014, 44 Pa.B. 4168.
Rule 1931. Family Court Rules.
(1) Divorce, Annulment, Dissolution of Marriage.
(iii) Counsel Fees, Costs and Expenses.
(1) Unified Family Court Docketing. All actions under these Family Court Rules which involve identical parties shall be entered on the courts docket under the same primary case number. Additional letters or numbers may be added parenthetically to specify the type of action, judge assigned or other identifying information.
(2) Custody Agreements. If, at a support proceeding, it appears that resolution of custody issues will facilitate compliance with the child support order, the conference officer, hearing officer or master may provide the parties with a form custody complaint and form custody agreement, along with information as to where to file the completed documents, the filing fee and how to contact the lawyers referral service. The support conference officer, hearing officer or master shall not participate in custody negotiations, preparation of the forms or provide legal advice.
(c) Consolidation of Family Court Matters.
(1) General Rule. Two or more actions under these Family Court Rules involving the same parties and common questions of law and/or fact shall be consolidated for hearing or trial unless the court determines that it is inappropriate or impractical to do so.
(2) Trial Continuity. Trials before a judge or hearings before a master shall be scheduled to be heard on consecutive days or within a ten (10) day period. If not completed within the time allotted, the trial or hearing shall be concluded within ninety (90) days of the date of the commencement of the trial or hearing, unless a shorter time frame is required by statute or another procedural rule.
(i) Except as provided in subdivision (ii) below, in any matter brought under these Family Court Rules, a decision by a conference officer, master or judge shall be entered, filed and served upon counsel for the parties, or any party not represented by counsel, not later than thirty (30) days after the conference, hearing or trial concludes, unless a shorter time frame is required by statute or another procedural rule.
(ii) The time for entering and filing a decision may be extended if, within thirty (30) days of the conclusion of the conference, hearing or trial, the court extends the date for such decision by order entered of record showing good cause for the extension. In no event shall an extension delay entry of the decision more than sixty (60) days after the conclusion of the conference, hearing or trial.
(d) Continuing Education for Family Court Personnel.
(2) Initial Training. Within one (1) year of assignment to cases governed by these Family Court Rules, each master, hearing officer, conciliator, mediator and other court personnel designated by the president or administrative judge of each judicial district shall successfully complete the coursework developed or approved by the AOPC.
(3) Continuing Education. Each master, hearing officer, conciliator, mediator and other court personnel designated by the president or administrative judge who is assigned to cases governed by these Family Court Rules shall successfully complete six (6) hours of continuing education developed or approved by the AOPC each calendar year following the calendar year in which the initial training was completed.
(4) Compliance. The AOPC shall monitor compliance with the educational requirements of this rule.
The provisions of this Rule 1931 adopted December 17, 2002, effective immediately in the First, Fifth, Twenty-third and Forty-fifth Judicial Districts, 33 Pa.B. 13.

References: v. 
 § 4342
 v. 
 § 5323
 § 62
 § 4904