(a) A party representing himself or herself shall enter a written appearance which shall state an address, which need not be his or her home address, where the party agrees that pleadings and other legal papers may be served, and a tele- phone number through which the party may be contacted. The entry of appear- ance may include a facsimile number as provided by Pa.R.C.P. No. 1012.
Rule 1930.8.Self-Represented Party.
Adopted June 5, 2013 · Last amended March 4, 2015 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1930.8 requires a self-represented party in a family case to enter a written appearance stating an address for service, which need not be a home address.
Full Text of Rule 1930.8
(b) A self-represented party is under a continuing obligation to provide cur- rent contact information to the court, to other self-represented parties, and to attorneys of record.
(c) When a party has an attorney of record, the party may assert his or her self-representation by:
(1) Filing a written entry of appearance and directing the prothonotary/ court clerk to remove the name of his or her counsel of record with contempo- raneous notice to said counsel, or
(2) Filing an entry of appearance with the withdrawal of appearance signed by his or her attorney of record.
(d) The self-represented party shall provide a copy of the entry of appearance to all self-represented parties and attorneys of record.
(e) The assertion of self-representation shall not delay any stage of the pro- ceeding.
(f) The entry of appearance of a self-represented party shall be substantially in the following form: [CAPTION] ENTRY OF APPEARANCE OF SELF-REPRESENTED PARTY PURSUANT TO Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.8 I, , Plaintiff or Defendant (circle one), repre- sent myself in the within action. REMOVAL OR WITHDRAWAL OF COUNSEL OF RECORD (If Applicable) Remove , Esq., as my attorney of record. Withdraw my appearance for the filing party. Esq. (Print name) ID# Signature DATE: I understand that I am under a continuing obligation to provide current contact information to the court, to other self-represented parties, and to attorneys of record. All pleadings and legal papers can be served on me at the address listed below, which may or may not be my home address pursuant to Rule 1930.8: Print Name Signature Telephone number Address FAX City, State, Zip Code Date THE PARTY FILING THIS ENTRY OF APPEARANCE MUST PROVIDE NOTICE BY SENDING A COPY TO ALL PARTIES AND ATTORNEYS, INCLUDING THE ATTORNEY REMOVED FROM THE CASE.
Plain-English Summary
Many people handle family cases without a lawyer, and the court still needs to reach them. This rule requires a self-represented party to enter a written appearance stating an address where papers can be served — which need not be the party's home address, an important protection in cases involving abuse. The appearance keeps the party in contact with the court while guarding their safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a self-represented party have to give a home address?
No. The address for service need not be a home address.
Official Note
Official Note: This form cannot be used when filing for support through the Department of Public Welfare Bureau of Child Support Enforcement’s E-Services program. An entry of appear- ance form is available on the E-Services site for individuals filing through that program.
Explanatory Comment. —2013 Withdrawal of appearance by counsel of record without the entry of appearance by a self- represented party is governed by Pa.R.C.P. No. 1012. Service of original process in domestic relations matters is governed by Pa.R.C.P. No. 1930.4. Service of legal papers other than original process is governed by Pa.R.C.P. No. 440.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 1930.8 adopted June 5, 2013, effective in 30 days on July 5, 2013, 43 Pa.B. 3329; amended March 4, 2015, effective in 30 days on April 3, 2015, 45 Pa.B. 1354. Immedi- ately preceding text appears at serial pages (372675) to (372676).
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: self-represented party family courtpro se family courtaddress for service