Rule 2951.Method of Proceeding.

Last amended December 29, 2008 · Last verified June 30, 2026

In one sentenceA confession-of-judgment action for money begins with a complaint in the Rule 2952 form, but judgment needs leave of court after notice if the instrument is over twenty years old or no original or copy showing the defendant’s signature is attached.

Full Text of Rule 2951

Text sizeJump to: (a) (b) (c)

(a) An action shall be commenced by filing with the prothonotary a complaint substantially in the form provided by Rule 2952.

(b) If the instrument is more than twenty years old, judgment may be entered only by leave of court after notice and the filing of a complaint.

(c) When the original or a photostatic copy or like reproduction of the instrument showing the defendant’s signature is not attached to the complaint, judgment may be entered only by leave of court after notice.

End

Plain-English Summary

Rule 2951 opens the procedure for a confession of judgment for money. The action begins when a complaint is filed with the prothonotary, substantially in the form Rule 2952 lays out. In the ordinary case the prothonotary then enters judgment on those papers under Rule 2956, without prior notice or a hearing.

Two situations call for a judge instead. If the instrument is more than twenty years old, judgment may be entered only by leave of court, after notice and the filing of a complaint. Leave of court after notice is also required when the complaint does not attach the original instrument, or a photostatic or similar copy, showing the defendant’s signature. In either case Rule 2952(a)(9) requires the complaint to include an application for leave to enter judgment after notice, and the Official Note leaves the procedure for notice and hearing to local practice.

The Note also flags sections of the Goods and Services Installment Sales Act that may limit where some of these actions can be brought.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a plaintiff start a confession-of-judgment action?

By filing a complaint with the prothonotary substantially in the form provided by Rule 2952.

When does a confession of judgment need leave of court?

In two cases. If the instrument is more than twenty years old, judgment may be entered only by leave of court after notice and the filing of a complaint. And if neither the original nor a reproduction of the instrument showing the defendant’s signature is attached to the complaint, judgment may be entered only by leave of court after notice.

Official Note

Official Note: The procedure for notice and hearing shall be in accordance with local practice. See sections 401(h) and 1205 of the Goods and Services Installment Sales Act, 1966, Special Sess. No. 1, October 28, P. L. 7, effective April 1, 1967, 69 P. S. 1401(h) and 2205 which may limit the venue for commencement of an action in certain cases.

Amendment History

The provisions of this Rule 2951 amended December 14, 1979, effective February 1, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 31; amended April 1, 1996, effective July 1, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 1806; amended November 14, 2007, effective December 14, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 6258; amended December 29, 2008, effective immediately, 39 Pa.B. 304. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (331710) to (331711).

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: method of proceeding confessioncommence confession action