Last amended August 26, 2011 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1910.5 requires a support complaint to follow the prescribed form, omits the notice to defend or plead, and has an order directing the parties to appear attached at the front.
(a)The complaint shall be substantially in the form provided by Rule 1910.27(a).
(b)The complaint shall not contain a notice to defend or be endorsed with a notice to plead.
(c)An order shall be attached at the front of the complaint directing the defendant to appear before an officer for a conference at the time and place directed by the court. The order shall be substantially in the form provided by Rule 1910.27(b) and must include notice that a child support order may be entered against either party without regard to which party initiated the action.
End
Plain-English Summary
A support complaint is built to move quickly to a conference or hearing. This rule requires it to follow the form the rules provide, and — unlike an ordinary complaint — it carries no notice to defend or notice to plead. Instead, an order directing the parties to appear is attached at the front, steering the case toward the support conference rather than a paper exchange.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a support complaint include a notice to defend?
No. It carries no notice to defend or notice to plead; an order to appear is attached instead.
Official Note
Official Note: Neither Rule 1018.1 nor Rule 1361 applies to a complaint in an action for support.
Official Note: For service of original process in support matters, see Rule 1930.4.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 1910.5 amended May 31, 2000, effective July 1, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 3155; amended August 26, 2011, effective November 1, 2011, 41 Pa.B. 4847. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (293833) to (293834).
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:support complaintorder to appear supportform of support complaint