A petition seeking judicial relief prior to an arbitration award not otherwise specified in this Chapter shall conform to the requirements of Pa.R.Civ.P. 1964(a)—(d) and contain a notice substantially in the following form: To: (Name of Adverse Party) You are hereby notified to file a written response to the enclosed petition within 20 days of the date of service of this notice or an order may be entered against you. YOU SHOULD TAKE THIS PAPER TO YOUR LAWYER AT ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LAWYER, GO TO OR TELE- PHONE THE OFFICE SET FORTH BELOW. THIS OFFICE CAN PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT HIRING A LAW- YER. IF YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO HIRE A LAWYER, THIS OFFICE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION ABOUT AGENCIES THAT MAY OFFER LEGAL SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE PERSONS AT A REDUCED FEE OR NO FEE.
Rule 1963.Petition for Judicial Relief: Prior to Arbitration Award.
Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1963 governs petitions for judicial relief connected to a family-law arbitration before an award is made, where not otherwise specified in the chapter.
Full Text of Rule 1963
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Plain-English Summary
Some court relief is needed while an arbitration is still underway — for interim protection, for example. This rule governs petitions for judicial relief sought before an arbitration award that are not otherwise specified in the chapter, conforming them to the chapter's requirements so the court can act without disturbing the arbitration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a court grant relief while a family-law arbitration is pending?
Yes. Rule 1963 governs petitions for judicial relief sought before an award.
Official Note
Comment. : This rule is intended to govern petitions, including, but not limited to, those seeking court selec- tion of an arbitrator, objecting to the selection or continued service of an arbitrator, staying arbitra- tion, terminating arbitration, or consolidating separate arbitrations. See Pa.R.Civ.P. 1962 for a petition to compel arbitration.
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: pre-award arbitration reliefinterim arbitration relief familyjudicial relief before award