(a) The successor may become a party to a pending action by filing of record a statement of the material facts on which the right to substitution is based.
Rule 2352.Substitution of successor.
Adopted September 30, 1949 · Last amended April 12, 1999 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceA successor may join a pending action by filing a statement of the material facts, and if they do not act voluntarily an adverse party may obtain a rule to show cause why they should not be substituted.
Full Text of Rule 2352
(b) If the successor does not voluntarily become a party, the prothonotary, upon praecipe of an adverse party setting forth the material facts shall enter a rule upon the successor to show cause why the successor should not be substituted as a party.
Plain-English Summary
This rule offers two paths. A successor who wants in files a record statement of the facts that make them the successor. If the successor stays out, an adverse party can move the court to enter a rule directing the successor to show cause why they should not be brought in as a party.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a willing successor join the case?
By filing of record a statement of the material facts on which the right to substitution rests.
What if the successor will not join on their own?
An adverse party may praecipe for a rule to show cause why the successor should not be substituted, putting the question to the court.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 2352 adopted September 30, 1949, effective April 1, 1950; amended April 12, 1999, effective July 1, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 2274. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (213351).
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 of successorrule to show cause successor