Rule 1551.Form of Action.

Adopted April 26, 1955 · Last amended December 16, 2003 · Last verified June 30, 2026

In one sentenceExcept where the partition chapter says otherwise, an action for the partition of real estate follows the ordinary rules for a civil action.

Full Text of Rule 1551

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Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the procedure in an action for the partition of real estate shall be in accordance with the rules relating to the civil action.

End

Plain-English Summary

This rule opens the partition chapter by tying it to general civil practice. An action to partition real estate — to divide property among co-tenants or sell it and split the proceeds — proceeds under the rules for a civil action except where this chapter supplies its own provision.

The chapter therefore addresses only what is special to partition, such as the parties, the required averments, the hearing officer, and the division-or-sale procedure, and leaves the ordinary course of the case to the general rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an action for partition?

A civil action by which co-owners of real estate divide it or have it sold and the proceeds split.

Amendment History

The provisions of this Rule 1551 adopted April 26, 1955, effective November 1, 1955; amended December 16, 2003, effective July 1, 204, 34 Pa.B. 9. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (255272).

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: partition actiondivide co-owned landform of partition action