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Chapter III: Petition Practice and Pleading

Pennsylvania Orphans' Court Rules – 2026

All Sections Orphans' Court Rules Overview ← Previous Chapter II: Accounts, Objections and Distributions Next → Chapter IV: Format and Service of Legal Paper by Parties and Court; Electronic Filing

All Sections

Chapter I: Preliminary Rules Chapter II: Accounts, Objections and Distributions Chapter III: Petition Practice and Pleading Chapter IV: Format and Service of Legal Paper by Parties and Court; Electronic Filing Chapter V: Rules Governing Specific Types of Petitions Chapter VI: [Reserved] Chapter VII: Rules Relating to Pre-hearing and Hearing Procedure Chapter VIII: Reconsideration Chapter IX: Auditors and Hearing Officers Chapter X: Register of Wills Chapter XI: [Reserved] Chapter XII: [Reserved] Chapter XIV: Guardianships of Incapacitated Persons Chapter XV: Adoptions Chapter XVI: Proceedings Pursuant to Section 3206 of the Abortion Control Act Chapter XVII: [Reserved]
Rule 3.1 Petitions Generally Rule 3.2 Headings; Captions Rule 3.3 Contents of All Pleadings; General and Specific Averments Rule 3.4 Form of Petition; Exhibits; Consents; Signing and Verification Rule 3.5 Mode of Proceeding on Petition Rule 3.6 Pleadings Allowed After Petition Rule 3.7 Time for Filing and Service of Responsive Pleadings Rule 3.8 Headings of Responsive Pleadings Rule 3.9 Preliminary Objections Rule 3.10 Denials; Effect of Failure to Deny Rule 3.11 Answer with New Matter Rule 3.12 Signing Rule 3.13 Verification Rule 3.14 Amendment Rule 3.15 Pleading More Than One Cause of Action; Alternative Pleadings