Rule 1003.Waiver of Rules. Extension of Time.

Adopted June 25, 1946 · Not amended since adoption · Last verified June 30, 2026

In one sentenceThe parties may waive by agreement the rules on how an action is commenced and the time for serving process or filing and serving pleadings, and the court may on cause shown extend or shorten those times.

Full Text of Rule 1003

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Rules relating to the manner of commencing an action or the time for serving process or for filing or serving pleadings may be waived by agreement of the parties. The court on cause shown may extend or shorten the time within which pleadings shall be filed or process served.

End

Plain-English Summary

This rule gives litigants and the court room to adjust the procedural timetable. By agreement, the parties may waive the rules governing the manner of commencing an action and the time for serving process or for filing and serving pleadings.

Independently, the court may on cause shown extend or shorten the time within which pleadings are filed or process served. The combination lets routine scheduling be handled by consent and lets the court step in when fairness calls for more or less time, without disturbing the substantive rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the parties agree to change the procedural deadlines?

Yes. The rules on commencing an action and the time for serving process or filing and serving pleadings may be waived by agreement, and the court may extend those times.

Amendment History

The provisions of this Rule 1003 adopted June 25, 1946, effective January 1, 1947.

Source & verification. Rule text, the Official Note, and the amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the Pennsylvania Code, Title 231, the official compilation of rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. This rule has not been amended since its adoption. Last verified June 30, 2026. · Official text

Also known as: waiver of rulesextension of timeagreement of parties