Orphans' Court Procedural Rules Committee
The Orphans’ Court Procedural Rules Committee reviews current rules governing statewide practice and procedure in the Orphans’ Court and recommends new rules as necessary.
Committee appointments are typically for six-year terms. In special circumstances the Supreme Court may extend or reduce the term of an appointment. Committee members are appointed by the Supreme Court and are knowledgeable about the Pennsylvania orphans' court rules and experienced in orphans' court practice in Pennsylvania. The Orphans’ Court Procedural Rules Committee has one ex-officio member who is identified by, and is a member of, the Pennsylvania Association of Court Management.
Committee Members
Honorable Emil A. Giordano (ret.), Chair
Julian E. Gray, Esq, Vice Chair
Thomas J. Dempsey, Jr., Esq.
Dianne C. Magee, Esq.
Kendra D. McGuire, Esq.
Hon. Lois Murphy
Hon. Lawrence J. O’Toole, Jr.
Shabrei M. Parker, Esq.
Christy Donofrio, Esq., ex officio
Latisha Bernard Schuenemann, Esq.
Staff Members
Pamela Walker, Counsel
Tricia D. Carbaugh, Assistant
Proposed Rules for Public Comment
| Proposal | Deadline |
|---|---|
|
Proposal regarding In Forma Pauperis
|
June 30, 2022 |
|
Proposed Amendment of Pa.R.O.C.P. 5.50 - Small estate revisions
|
July 15, 2022 |
Approved Rules
| Description | Effective Date |
|---|---|
| Amendment of Rule 1.5; Rescission of Rules 15.1 – 15.9, Forms 15.6, 15.8, and 15.9, and Paragraph (F) of the Appendix of Forms; Adoption of new Rules 15.1– 15.22, Forms A-05 through A-09, and Paragraph (F) of the Appendix of Forms | July 01, 2022 |
| Amendment of Pa.R.O.C.P. 1.3, 2.11, 9.1, 9.2, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, and 9.8 | April 01, 2022 |
| Rule 10.5 is amended | April 01, 2022 |
| Amendment of Pa.R.O.C.P. 1.99 | January 01, 2022 |
| Rule 1.1 is amended | October 01, 2021 |