Rule 1021.Claim for Relief. Determination of Amount in Controversy.
Adopted June 25, 1946 · Last amended April 12, 1999 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1021 requires a pleading demanding relief to specify the relief sought, bars claiming a specific sum for unliquidated damages, requires a statement about the compulsory-arbitration limit where local rules apply, and lets the court determine the amount in controversy.
(a)Any pleading demanding relief shall specify the relief sought. Relief in the alternative or of several different types, including an accounting, may be demanded.
(b)Any pleading demanding relief for unliquidated damages shall not claim any specific sum.
(c)In counties having rules governing compulsory arbitration the plaintiff shall state whether the amount claimed does or does not exceed the jurisdictional amount requiring arbitration referral by local rule.
(d)The court on its own motion or motion of any party may by discovery, pretrial conference, hearing or otherwise, determine the amount actually in controversy and enter an order of reference to arbitration.
End
Plain-English Summary
This rule governs the demand for relief. Any pleading demanding relief must specify the relief sought, and relief may be demanded in the alternative or in several types, including an accounting.
Money demands are constrained. A pleading demanding unliquidated damages may not claim a specific sum; in counties with compulsory arbitration, the plaintiff states whether the amount claimed does or does not exceed the arbitration limit; and the court may, by discovery or otherwise, determine the amount in controversy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I state a dollar amount for pain and suffering?
No. A pleading demanding unliquidated damages may not claim any specific sum, though in arbitration counties it must state whether the amount exceeds the arbitration limit.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 1021 adopted June 25, 1946, effective January 1, 1947; amended December 16, 1983, effective July 1, 1984, 13 Pa.B. 3999; amended December 21, 1993, effective July 1, 1994, 24 Pa.B. 119; amended April 12, 1999, effective July 1, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 2266. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (234003).
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. Last verified June 30, 2026. ·
Official text
Also known as:claim for reliefamount in controversyad damnumunliquidated damages