Rule 1327.Confirming Arbitration Award.

Adopted December 28, 2005 · Not amended since adoption · Last verified June 30, 2026

In one sentenceRule 1327 lets any party move to confirm an arbitrator's award, but only against a party who either took part in the arbitration hearing or signed a writing, after the claim was filed with the arbitrator, agreeing to submit it to the arbitrator.

Full Text of Rule 1327

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Any party may file a motion to confirm an arbitration award which was entered by an arbitrator only if

(1) the party against whom an arbitration award is sought to be confirmed either

(i) attended a hearing before the arbitrator, or

(ii) signed a writing after the claim that is the basis for the arbitration award was filed with the arbitrator, agreeing to submit the claim to the arbitrator, or

(2) The arbitration award was entered following a court order or docket entry staying proceedings pending arbitration as provided by Rule 1329.

End

Plain-English Summary

This rule opens the path to turning a private arbitration award into an enforceable court judgment. A party may move to confirm the award against someone who took part — who attended the hearing before the arbitrator or signed a writing, after the claim was filed with the arbitrator, agreeing to submit it — and an award entered after proceedings were stayed pending arbitration under Rule 1329 may also be confirmed. The limit guards against confirming an award against a party who never truly agreed to or joined the arbitration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can an arbitration award be confirmed against?

A party who attended the hearing before the arbitrator, or who signed a writing agreeing to submit the claim after it was filed with the arbitrator. An award entered after a court order or docket entry staying proceedings pending arbitration under Rule 1329 may also be confirmed.

Official Note

Official Note: The writing under subparagraph (1)(ii) may provide for the arbitrator to decide the claim in a proceeding that does not involve a personal appearance before the arbitrator, such as a proceeding in which the hearing before the arbitrator involves only a review of documents submitted by the parties. See Rule 1328 for the procedure to confirm an arbitration award entered as provided by either subparagraph (1)(i) or (ii).

Official Note: See Rule 1329 for the procedure to compel arbitration and to confirm the arbitration award.

Amendment History

The provisions of this Rule 1327 adopted December 28, 2005, effective February 1, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 174.

Source & verification. Rule text, the Official Note, and the amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the Pennsylvania Code, Title 231, the official compilation of rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. This rule has not been amended since its adoption. Last verified June 30, 2026. · Official text

Also known as: confirm arbitration awardenforce arbitration awardmotion to confirm award