On its own motion or a party’s motion, the court may impose sanctions against any party or attorney who fails to comply or causes a party not to comply with these mediation rules. Sanctions may include an award of mediation costs and attorney fees, including those reasonably incurred in pursuing the sanctions.
Rule 1940.8.Sanctions.
Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1940.8 lets the court impose sanctions on a party or attorney who fails to comply with the mediation rules or causes another party not to comply.
Full Text of Rule 1940.8
Plain-English Summary
Mediation only works if the parties take part in good faith. This rule lets the court, on its own or a party's motion, impose sanctions against any party or attorney who fails to comply with the mediation requirements or causes another party not to comply, backing the process with consequences for obstruction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if a party refuses to participate in ordered mediation?
The court may impose sanctions on a party or attorney who fails to comply.
Official Note
Official Note: To the extent court orders are employed to direct parties regarding media- tion, contempt proceedings may also be instituted to enforce these orders.
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: mediation sanctionsfailure to mediatemediation compliance