If the successor voluntarily becomes a party to the action or the rule is made absolute, the successor shall have all the rights and liabilities of a party to the action. The court may order such continuances and extensions as may be neces- sary to afford the successor a reasonable opportunity to appear and prosecute or defend the action.
Rule 2354.Status of successor; continuance.
Adopted September 30, 1949 · Last amended April 12, 1999 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceA substituted successor has the full rights and liabilities of a party, and the court may grant continuances to give the successor a reasonable chance to appear and proceed.
Full Text of Rule 2354
Plain-English Summary
Once a successor voluntarily joins or the rule against them is made absolute, they become a party in full. Because a newcomer may need time to get up to speed, the court may order continuances and extensions so the successor can appear and prosecute or defend the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What standing does the successor have after substitution?
The same rights and liabilities as any party to the action.
Can the case pause for the successor?
Yes. The court may grant continuances and extensions as needed to give the successor a reasonable opportunity to appear and take part.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 2354 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 (213352).
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: status of successorcontinuance for successor