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.
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.
In Pennsylvania, Lis Pendens is a legal term meaning “lawsuit pending” and serves as a public notice filed against a property involved in litigation. It signals to prospective buyers that the property is subject to a claim.
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.
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.
Other than resolution of the pending lawsuit, the only way to remove a lis pendens is by expungement, which requires a court order from a circuit judge. If you refuse service or the action is otherwise delayed, the lis pendens remains intact, making it difficult to sell or otherwise transfer a property.