No pleading need be filed in response to the petition or the certified emergency order. All averments not admitted shall be deemed denied.
Rule 1956.No Responsive Pleading Required.
Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1956 excuses a sexual-violence-or-intimidation defendant from filing a responsive pleading, with all unadmitted averments deemed denied.
Full Text of Rule 1956
Plain-English Summary
These cases move quickly, so the defendant is not burdened with formal pleadings. This rule provides that no pleading need be filed in response to the petition or certified emergency order, and treats every averment not admitted as denied — preserving the defendant's right to contest the allegations at the hearing without a written response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a sexual-violence protection defendant have to file an answer?
No. No responsive pleading is required, and unadmitted averments are deemed denied.
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: PSVI no answer requiredresponsive pleading sexual violencedeemed denied PSVI