As used in this chapter, ‘‘action’’ means any civil action or proceeding brought in or appealed to any court of record which is subject to these rules, including actions to obtain judg- ment upon a mechanics’ lien claim but shall not include actions to enforce municipal liens and claims; ‘‘successor’’ means anyone who by operation of law, election or appointment has succeeded to the interest or office of a party to an action.
Rule 2351.Definitions.
Adopted September 30, 1949 · Last amended December 16, 2003 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceFor the substitution chapter, “action” is defined broadly and “successor” means anyone who by operation of law, election, or appointment succeeds to a party’s interest or office.
Full Text of Rule 2351
Plain-English Summary
The chapter on substituting parties begins by defining its key terms. “Action” covers civil matters in or appealed to a court of record, including suits on a mechanics’ lien claim but not actions to enforce municipal liens. “Successor” captures the person who steps into a party’s shoes—by law, by election, or by appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who counts as a “successor”?
Anyone who has succeeded to the interest or office of a party by operation of law, election, or appointment.
Does the chapter cover every kind of case?
It covers actions in or appealed to a court of record subject to the rules, with the stated carve-outs for municipal lien enforcement.
Official Note
Official Note: See Rule 2004 governing the substitution of a person to whom a voluntary transfer is made. See also the following rules governing the removal of a particular party and substitution of a successor: Rule 2033, (guardian of a minor), Rule 2060, (guardian ad litem of an incapacitated person) and Rule 2203, (plaintiffs in an action for wrongful death).
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 2351 adopted September 30, 1949, effective April 1, 1950; amended May 27, 1964, effective June 30, 1964; amended April 12, 1999, effective July 1, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 2274; amended December 16, 2003, effective July 1, 2004, 34 Pa.B. 9. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (296719).
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: substitution definitionssuccessor defined