FAQs • Westmoreland County, PA • CivicEngage

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How do I list a case for arbitration?: A Certificate of Readiness for Arbitration must be filed. The original is filed with the Prothonotary and a copy is sent to the Court Administrator’s Office. An arbitration notice is sent to all counsel approximately 30 days prior to the arbitration date.

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Courts - Civil

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1. Am I able to mail my motion to the judge?: This is a question that must be directed to the judge assigned to the case.

2. What civil cases are filed at the District Judge level?: Civil cases up to $12,000 are filed at the District Judge level.

3. How do I list a case for arbitration?: A Certificate of Readiness for Arbitration must be filed. The original is filed with the Prothonotary and a copy is sent to the Court Administrator’s Office. An arbitration notice is sent to all counsel approximately 30 days prior to the arbitration date.

4. Can the Court Administrator’s Office sign a motion for continuance from arbitration?: The Court Administrator’s Office can sign the first two uncontested motions for continuance. If there is more than two requests, or if the motion is contested, the motion must be presented to the assigned judge for signature.

5. What is the phone number for the pro bono office?: The phone number is (724) 837-5539. An individual may qualify for free legal representation through the pro bono office.

6. Does the motion need to be filed prior to presentment?: No, the attorney brings the original with him when he presents his motion.

7. What is the notice requirement for presenting motions?: To present a motion you must give at least four days notice.

8. When are civil motions heard?: Civil and orphan’s court motions are heard every Friday at 9:00 am before the assigned judge.

9. How do I put a case on the trial list for jury or non-jury?: A certification of readiness must be filed in order to get a case listed for jury or non-jury. The original must be filed with the Prothonotary and a copy sent to the Court Administrator's Office and the assigned judge. The Certification of Readiness is available on the website.

10. How many days do I have to file an appeal from an arbitration award?: An appeal must be filed within 30 days of an arbitration award.

11. What judge is assigned to my case?: We can check in the prothonotary’s system to see if a judge has been assigned. If there is no judicial assignment, and a motion is to be presented, we will assign a judge to the case.