Appeals

PRIOR TO FILING WITH THE PROTHONOTARY OFFICE, PLEASE REFER TO THE PA RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE AND LANCASTER LOCAL RULES OF COURT FOR APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTS AND RULES.
 
 **All paperwork for existing cases must include case number (CI-yy-xxxxx)**
 **STATE AND LOCAL COVER SHEETS ARE REQUIRED ON ALL FILINGS, EXCEPT WHERE NOTED**
 **Court Administration Office Scheduling Cover Sheet (CAOSCS) required for scheduling a hearing**
 **All fees must be paid at the time of filing**
 **For parties to receive copies, please include self-addressed, stamped envelopes**

Arbitration Award

File a notice of appeal from the Award of Arbitrators with a state and local cover sheet (original, plus two copies with a check and self-addressed, stamped envelopes for all parties), plus any additional copies required by the filing party. This does not require cover sheets.

Board of Assessment

To file an appeal from the board of assessments, you must file a petition. You must file an original and one copy.

The Higher Court

File a notice of appeal to the Superior or Commonwealth Court with docket entries and proof of service (original and a copy with two separate checks), plus any additional copies required by the filing party. Contact the Court Reporter's Office to obtain a transcript of a hearing.

 There are two fees: one to the Prothonotary, and one to the Higher Court. Please send two checks; one for each office.

Driver's License or Vehicle Registration Suspension

To appeal a suspension, you must file a petition, a proposed order, and a copy of the letter from the Department of Transportation. These forms are located in the Self-Help Center.

Traffic Citation

A traffic citation is appealed in the Clerk of Courts' Office.

Zoning Hearing

To appeal a ruling from the Zoning Hearing Board, file a petition with local and state cover sheets and a copy of the board's decision. You must file an original and a copy and any additional copies for all parties. Be sure to include all of the appropriate addresses.

Magisterial District Judge

Magisterial District Judge (MDJ) appeal for money must be filed within 30 days of the date of judgment from the MDJ form. Please use the instructions available through the Prothonotary Office forms site.

Landlord Tenant

Magisterial District Judge appeal for possession in a landlord tenant action must be appealed within 10 days of the date of judgment.Please use the instructions available through the Prothonotary Office forms site..