Rule 1313 Form of Notice of Appeal

When you want to appeal an arbitration award in a civil case, you need to file a written notice with the prothonotary's office. This rule spells out exactly what that notice must say and how it should be formatted.

The notice needs to include the case caption, a statement that you're appealing the arbitrators' award, and the date the award was entered. You also need to say whether you want a jury trial for the appeal. If you don't check that box, you give up your right to a jury and the case will be decided by a judge instead.

The notice also requires you to confirm one of two things: either you've already paid the arbitrators for their work, or you've asked the court for permission to skip paying fees and costs because you can't afford them. You cross out whichever statement doesn't apply to your situation.

Finally, you just need to sign the notice yourself or have your attorney sign it. You don't need to get it notarized or swear to it under oath. This makes the process simpler than some other court filings that require formal verification.