Rule 411.Actions for Support.
Adopted July 5, 1985 · Not amended since adoption · Last verified June 30, 2026
Full Text of Rule 411
Plain-English Summary
This rule provides a streamlined service method for support cases. When an official of the domestic relations section serves original process in a support action within the Commonwealth, the official may send the defendant a copy of the complaint and order by ordinary mail; a defendant who attends the hearing in person is deemed to have been served.
The alternative uses two mailings. The official may instead send two copies of the complaint and order — one by a form of mail requiring the defendant’s signed receipt and one by ordinary mail — with service complete on the return of the receipt.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a support complaint served?
An official of the domestic relations section may send the complaint and order by ordinary mail (attendance at the hearing counts as service), or send two copies — one by receipt-signed mail and one by ordinary mail.
Official Note
Official Note: For general provisions governing service in an action for support, see Rules 400(b)(2), 402 and 404. The rules governing service in support actions are only applicable when the venue provisions of Support Rule 1910.2 have been met. Otherwise, the action must proceed under the intercounty provisions of Sections 6712 and 6773 of the Judicial Code, 42 Pa.C.S. §§ 6712 and 6773, or the interstate provision of Section 6754 of the Judicial Code, 42 Pa.C.S. § 6754.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 411 adopted July 5, 1985, effective January 1, 1986, 15 Pa.B. 2452; rescinded June 14, 1999, effective September 1, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 3191. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (256957). (Editor’s Note: The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania suspended its order of June 14, 1999, published at 29 Pa.B. 3191 (June 26, 1999). See 29 Pa.B. 4859 (September 18, 1999).)