Last amended December 29, 2008 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceAn action is commenced by filing a complaint in the form Rule 2952 provides, with separate handling for instruments signed before and after a stated date.
(a)An action shall be commenced by filing with the prothonotary a com- plaint 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 instru- ment showing the defendant’s signature is not attached to the complaint, judg- ment may be entered only by leave of court after notice.
Plain-English Summary
This rule sets how a confession-of-judgment action begins. The current path is to file a complaint that follows the Rule 2952 form. The rule preserves an older method for certain instruments executed before a fixed date, so the right procedure depends on when the instrument was signed.
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.
Does the same procedure apply to every instrument?
No. The rule distinguishes instruments by their date of signing, with the older instruments handled under the prior procedure the rule preserves.
Official Note
Official Note: The procedure for notice and hearing shall be in accordance with local prac- tice. 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