Rule 1707.Motion for Certification of Class Action. Time for Filing. Hearing.
Adopted June 30, 1977 · Last amended April 12, 1999 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1707 requires the plaintiff to move for class certification within thirty days after the pleadings close, allows the court to extend that time, and provides for a certification hearing.
(a)Within thirty days after the pleadings are closed or within thirty days after the last required pleading was due, the plaintiff shall move that the action be certified as a class action. The court may extend the time for cause shown. If the plaintiff fails to move for certification, the court if so notified shall promptly set a date for a certification hearing.
(b)The court may postpone the hearing to a later date pending the disposition of other motions or to permit discovery with respect to the class action issues.
(c)The hearing shall be limited to the Class Action Allegations. In determining whether to certify the action as a class action the court shall consider all relevant testimony, depositions, admissions and other evidence.
End
Plain-English Summary
Certification is the gateway of a class action, and this rule sets its timing. The plaintiff must move to certify the action as a class action within thirty days after the pleadings are closed or after the last required pleading was due, though the court may extend that time for cause. The motion leads to a hearing where the court decides whether the case qualifies.
Frequently Asked Questions
When must a plaintiff move to certify a class action?
Within thirty days after the pleadings are closed or the last required pleading was due, subject to extension for cause.
Official Note
Official Note: See Rule 1710(a) for the form of the court’s opinion and order.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 1707 adopted June 30, 1977, effective September 1, 1977, 7 Pa.B. 1956; amended April 12, 1999, effective July 1, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 2266. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (253383).
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. Last verified June 30, 2026. ·
Official text
Also known as:class certification motiontime for certificationcertification hearing