Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 45, November 9, 2024
Rule 1206 - Commencement of ProceedingsA. A proceeding for emergency relief(2) in connection with claims of sexual violence or intimidation shall be commenced by the filing of a petition by the plaintiff with the hearing officer on a form that shall be prescribed by the State Court Administrator. The petition shall be signed by the plaintiff and shall set forth the names and addresses of the plaintiff and the defendant and the names, addresses and ages of any person on whose behalf the plaintiff is seeking relief. The plaintiff shall also allege in the petition, in general terms, the cause for seeking emergency relief.
B. Upon issuance of an emergency order, the hearing officer shall provide the plaintiff with instructions regarding the commencement of proceedings in the court of common pleas and regarding the procedures for initiating a contempt charge should the defendant violate the emergency order. The hearing officer shall also advise the plaintiff of the existence of rape crisis centers in the county or in nearby counties in the case of sexual violence, as well as programs for victims of domestic or sexual violence in the county or in nearby counties and inform the plaintiff of the availability of legal assistance without cost if the plaintiff is unable to pay therefor.C. The petition shall be filed and service shall be made without prepayment of costs.The provisions of this Rule 1206 amended March 27, 1992, effective immediately, 22 Pa.B. 1900; amended November 2, 2001, effective 2/1/2002, 31 Pa.B. 6385; amended June 29, 2015, effective 7/1/2015, 45 Pa.B. 3811; amended October 28, 2016, effective 12/31/2016, 46 Pa.B. 7165; amended June 1, 2018, effective 7/1/2018, 48 Pa.B. 3581.