Rule 240 - In Forma Pauperis - Civil Cases(1) Any party may apply to the Court for leave to proceed in forma pauperis according to the procedure set forth in Pa.R.C.P. No. 240 or pursuant to the Protection From Abuse Act, 35 P.S.(2) As an alternative to requesting relief by the means referred to in Rule 240(1) , where any applicant for leave to proceed in forma pauperis is represented by counsel who certifies on the application or by separate document that the applicant is indigent, and that such counsel is acting as Court-appointed counsel, or on behalf of a nonprofit legal services organization or Bar Association pro bono program providing free legal services to the applicant, then the Prothonotary shall forth with grant the application without an accompanying affidavit.(3) Although otherwise eligible for automatic forma pauperis states under Rule 240(2) , a party shall nonetheless make application as prescribed in Pa.R.C.P. 240 where relief is sought from payment of special or unusual expenses (that is, from costs not attributable to filing and service of process).(4) The right to apply for leave to proceed in forma pauperis shall likewise be available to parties in any civil action commenced before the minor Judiciary. Applications in such cases shall be submitted to and disposed of by the Court or Prothonotary in the same form and manner as set forth in Pa.R.C.P. 240, or where appropriate, Rule 240(2) above.(5) The provisions of the Rule shall not apply to actions in divorce or annulment of marriage, such matters being governed by the provisions of Pa.R.C.P. 1920.62.