Rule 1351.Form of Writ of Summons.

Adopted June 25, 1946 · Last amended April 23, 1985 · Last verified June 30, 2026

In one sentenceThis rule supplies the standard form of the writ of summons, the document directed to the defendant that commences an action begun by summons and tells the defendant it has been sued.

Full Text of Rule 1351

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The writ of summons shall be directed to the defendant and shall be substantially in the following form: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania County of [Caption] To You are hereby notified that (Name(s) of Plaintiff(s)), has (have) commenced an action against you. Date (Name of Prothonotary or (Clerk) By (Deputy) Seal of the Court

End

Plain-English Summary

This rule prints the writ of summons that starts an action when a plaintiff chooses to begin by summons rather than complaint. Captioned in the action and directed to the defendant, it notifies the defendant that an action has been commenced against them.

The writ is what gives the court its initial hold on the case and the defendant its first formal notice. A uniform form makes sure every summons conveys the same essential warning and information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a writ of summons?

A document that notifies a defendant that a civil action has been commenced against them.

Amendment History

The provisions of this Rule 1351 adopted June 25, 1946, effective January 1, 1947; amended through April 23, 1985, effective July 1, 1985, 15 Pa.B. 1728. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (87297).

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: writ of summons formcommence action by summonsform of summons