When used in reference to documents filed pursuant to Pa.R.Civ.P. 1901— 1959, a ‘‘signature’’ includes a handwritten signature, a copy of a handwritten signature, a computer-generated signature, or a signature created, transmitted, received, or stored by electronic means by the signer or by someone with the signer’s authorization, unless otherwise provided in these rules.
Rule 1930.11.Signature.
Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1930.11 defines 'signature' for documents filed under the family-law rules to include handwritten, electronic, and other recognized forms.
Full Text of Rule 1930.11
Plain-English Summary
Family filings can be made on paper or electronically, and this rule keeps signatures flexible. For documents filed under the family-law rules (1901–1959), a 'signature' includes a handwritten signature, a copy of one, or an electronic signature as the rule recognizes — so a filing is not rejected over the form of the signature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a family-court filing need a handwritten signature?
Not necessarily; a 'signature' includes handwritten, copied, or electronic signatures as the rule recognizes.
Official Note
Comment. : See also Pa.R.Civ.P. 76 (defining ‘‘signature’’). This rule is intended to permit the use of other forms of signature to be deemed the equivalent of a handwritten or ‘‘wet’’ signature on documents, including, but not limited to, pleadings and verifica- tions. A signatory, regardless of the use of a signature in any permitted form, remains subject to sanc- tions pursuant to the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure, and penalties and liability as permitted by law. See, e.g., Pa.R.Civ.P. 1023.4; Pa.R.Civ.P. 4019; 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904; 42 Pa.C.S. §§ 2503, 8351. An original of an agreement, including a stipulation for entry of an agreed upon order, is not required to be filed. A duplicate of the agreement shall be admissible to the same extent as the origi- nal unless a genuine question is raised about the original’s authenticity, or the circumstances make it unfair to admit the duplicate. See Pa.R.E. 1003; Pa.R.Civ.P. 1019(i) (requiring a copy of an agreement to be attached to pleading).
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 1930.11 added November 26, 2025, effective January 1, 2026, 55 Pa.B. 8356.
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: signature family courtelectronic signature familysigning family documents