A small claims case starts by filing a claim with the Pennsylvania Magisterial District Court. You'll serve a copy of the claim and court date on the "defendant," the person or company you're suing. At the trial, you'll present evidence supporting your case.
A small claims case starts by filing a claim with the Pennsylvania Magisterial District Court. You'll serve a copy of the claim and court date on the "defendant," the person or company you're suing. At the trial, you'll present evidence supporting your case.
In Pennsylvania, a lawsuit involving a claim of $12,000.00 or less can be filed in Magisterial District Court. For claims over $12,000.00, the party filing the lawsuit, who is known as the plaintiff, must file in the Court of Common Pleas.
After the action is resolved, the attorney for the plaintiff should file a praecipe to remove the lis pendens and resulting cloud on title. Note that if a defendant believes a lis pendens has been filed improperly, it may make a motion with the court to have it stricken.
How Long Does a Lis Pendens Last in Pennsylvania? Under Pennsylvania law, a Lis Pendens typically remains recorded for a period of fifteen years. This duration provides adequate notice to interested parties about ongoing litigation or other legal actions involving the real property.
To file a lis pendens, the party filing must have or show one of two things: That there is a recorded instrument, usually some mortgage or encumbrance, or perhaps something related to a construction mechanics lien—that potentially provides the filer the right to the property on or in the document.
The complaint must be filed with a magisterial district court that has venue over the claim. Venue is the geographic location where either a defendant can be served or where the cause of action occurred. Landlord / tenant complaints are filed where the property is located.
Generally speaking, if a lawsuit is to be filed, it must be done within two years of the date the injury-causing event occurred. However, Pennsylvania does have what is known as a discovery rule. This rule can extend the length of time a person has to file suit in some cases.