General Requirements of a Petition

Current through March 1, 2017

General Requirements of a Petition

Generally, a petition should contain the following:

1. A preliminary decree page attached to the front of the petition where indicated.

2. A decree page attached to the front of the petition (except for petitions filed with the Register of Wills).

3. The petition itself which should contain:

a. A caption, which should include a heading stating the purpose of the petition (see 1.3);

b. A statement of the facts in numbered paragraphs conforming to the requirements of the applicable court rule;

c. A request for the relief desired; and

d. The signature of the petitioner with his name typed under it.

4. An affidavit or verification (see 1.4).

5. Any required exhibits, consents or approvals. With respect to petitions requiring notice, counsel's certification listing the persons notified, stating the date and manner of service, together with a copy of the notice given, should be attached to the petition as a separate exhibit.

6. A cover sheet in the form required by the Orphans' Court. The form of cover sheet may be obtained from the Court's website http://courts.phila.gov/forms.html [copy on following page].

The petition should be prepared on 8-1/2" x 11" paper and should be typewritten (double spaced) or printed. See Rule 1.2.A, Sup. Ct. O.C. Rule 3.4 and Rule 3.4.A.

Click here to view