Rule 205.2.Filing Legal Papers with the Prothonotary.
Adopted December 5, 1985 · Last amended June 28, 2016 · Last verified June 30, 2026
Full Text of Rule 205.2
Plain-English Summary
This rule protects a filer from being turned away at the counter over local technicalities. If a paper satisfies the statewide rules, the prothonotary may not reject it for filing because of a local rule — including the common local rules numbered 205.2(a) and 205.2(b).
The point is access: a compliant paper gets into the record. Local requirements still exist and can matter, but they cannot be used as a reason to refuse a filing that already meets the statewide standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the prothonotary reject my filing for violating a local rule?
Not if the paper complies with the statewide Rules of Civil Procedure. The prothonotary may not refuse a compliant paper based on a local rule of civil procedure or judicial administration.
Official Note
Official Note: Rule 239.1(a) authorizes each court of common pleas to impose requirements governing the physical characteristics of pleadings and other legal papers. Rule 239.1(a) requires each court which has imposed requirements to promulgate a local rule, numbered Local Rule 205.2(a), listing the requirements. Similarly, Rule 239.1(b) also authorizes each court to require pleadings and other legal papers to be accompanied by a cover sheet. Rule 239.1(b) requires each court which has imposed the requirement to promulgate a local rule, numbered Local Rule 205.2(b), stating the requirement and setting forth the form of the cover sheet.
Amendment History
The provisions of Rule 205.2 adopted December 5, 1985, effective January 1, 1986, 15 Pa.B. 4491; amended October 24, 2003, effective 9 months after the date of the order, 33 Pa.B. 5506; amended November 2, 2005, effective immediately, 35 Pa.B. 6318; amended June 28, 2016, effective August 1, 2016, 46 Pa.B. 3797. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (340379).