If a plaintiff has commenced an action in his or her own name and thereafter transfers the interest therein, in whole or in part, the action may continue in the name of the original plaintiff, or upon petition of the original plaintiff or of the transferee or of any other party in interest in the action, the court may direct the transferee to be substituted as plaintiff or joined with the original plaintiff.
Rule 2004.Transfer of Interest in Pending Action.
Adopted February 14, 1939 · Last amended April 12, 1999 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 2004 addresses what happens when a plaintiff transfers the claim, in whole or in part, after the action has begun.
Full Text of Rule 2004
Plain-English Summary
A claim can change hands mid-case. This rule addresses a plaintiff who, after commencing the action in their own name, transfers the interest in it in whole or part — allowing the action to continue in the original plaintiff's name or with the transferee substituted, so the transfer does not derail the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a plaintiff sells the claim during the lawsuit?
The action may continue in the original name or with the transferee substituted, as the rule provides.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 2004 adopted February 14, 1939, effective September 4, 1939; amended April 18, 1975, effective immediately, 5 Pa.B. 1820; amended April 12, 1999, effective July 1, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 2274. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (190554).
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: transfer of interestassign claim pending actionsubstitute transferee