Rule 2957.Praecipe for Writ of Execution; Amount; Items Claimed; Certification.
Last amended December 29, 2008 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceThe plaintiff may include the amount due, interest, attorneys’ fees, and costs in the praecipe for a writ of execution, with the certification the rule requires.
Full Text of Rule 2957
(b) The praecipe for the writ of execution shall contain the words ‘‘Confessed Judgment’’ immediately below the title of the praecipe and a certification that
(1) the praecipe is based upon a confessed judgment and
(2) the prothonotary is authorized to issue the writ of execution because
(i) notice has been served pursuant to Rule 2958.1 as evidenced by a return of service filed of record, or
(ii) notice will be served pursuant to Rule 2958.2 because the property to be levied upon consists solely of real property or real property and per- sonal property to be sold with the real property pursuant to Section 9604(a) of the Uniform Commercial Code, or
(iii) notice will be served pursuant to Rule 2958.3 because the property to be levied upon consists of personal property or personal property and real property, not within the scope of Rule 2958.2(a)(2), or
(iv) notice was served in connection with a prior execution on this judg- ment and no further notice is required under Rule 2958.4(b), or
(v) a petition to open or strike the judgment has been previously filed and notice is not required under Rule 2956.1(c).
Plain-English Summary
When moving to execute, the plaintiff files a praecipe for the writ. This rule allows the praecipe to state the amount due plus interest, attorneys’ fees, and costs, and it ties those figures to a required certification so the demand on execution is documented.
Frequently Asked Questions
What may the execution praecipe include?
The amount due, interest, attorneys’ fees, and costs, stated under the rule’s certification requirement.
What is a praecipe?
A written request directing the prothonotary to issue a particular paper—here, the writ of execution that starts collection on the judgment.
Official Note
Official Note: See Rule 2963 for the form of the praecipe for writ of execution upon a confessed judgment.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 2957 amended April 1, 1996, effective July 1, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 1806; amended October 15, 2004, effective immediately, 34 Pa.B. 5890; amended December 29, 2008, effective immediately, 39 Pa.B. 304. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (307566) to (307567).
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: praecipe writ of execution confessionamount claimed execution