Rule 2963.Praecipe for Writ of Execution. Certification. Form.

Adopted April 1, 1996 · Last amended December 29, 2008 · Last verified June 30, 2026

In one sentenceRule 2963 prints the praecipe a plaintiff files to have the prothonotary issue a writ of execution on a confessed judgment, naming the sheriff, defendant and any garnishee, stating the amounts claimed, and certifying how the notice rules are satisfied.

Full Text of Rule 2963

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The praecipe for a writ of execution upon a confessed judgment shall be substantially in the following form: [Caption] PRAECIPE FOR WRIT OF EXECUTION UPON A CONFESSED JUDGMENT To the Prothonotary: Issue a writ of execution upon a judgment entered by confession in the above matter,

(1) directed to the sheriff of county;

(2) against , defendant; and (Name of Defendant)

(3) against , garnishee; (Name of Garnishee)

(4) and enter this writ in the judgment index

(a) against , defendant and (Name of Defendant)

(b) against , as garnishee, (Name of Garnishee) as a lis pendens against real property of the defendant in name of garnishee as follows: (Specifically describe property) (If space insufficient attach extra sheets)

(5) Amount due $ Interest from $ Attorneys’ fees** $ (Costs to be added) $ Certification I certify that

(a) This praecipe is based upon a judgment entered by confession, and (Delete four of the following paragraphs which are inapplicable.)

(b) Notice has been served pursuant to Rule 2958.1 at least thirty days prior to the filing of this praecipe as evidenced by a return of service filed of record.

(c) Notice will be served at least thirty days prior to the date of the sheriff’s sale of real property pursuant to Rule 2958.2.

(d) Notice will be served with the writ of execution pursuant to Rule 2958.3.

(e) Notice was served in connection with a prior execution on this judgment and, pursuant to Rule 2958.4(b), no further notice is required.

(f) Notice is not required under Rule 2956.1(c) because a petition to open or strike the judgment was previously filed. (Attorney for Plaintiff)

End

Plain-English Summary

This form carries out Rule 2957 and, for confessed judgments, takes the place of the ordinary Rule 3251 praecipe. Addressed to the prothonotary, it asks for a writ of execution directed to the sheriff of a named county, against the defendant and any garnishee. It can direct entry of the writ in the judgment index, including as a lis pendens against the defendant’s real property held in a garnishee’s name. It then lists the amount due, interest, attorneys’ fees and costs to be added.

The certification is the heart of the form. The plaintiff’s attorney certifies that the praecipe rests on a confessed judgment and keeps the one paragraph, of five, that fits the case: advance notice served under Rule 2958.1; notice to be served under Rule 2958.2 or 2958.3; no new notice needed under Rule 2958.4(b); or no notice needed because a petition to open or strike was already filed.

The Official Note explains the optional parts: the county is named when the writ goes to another county’s sheriff under Rule 3103(b), and the garnishee and judgment-index lines are completed only when a garnishee is named or entry is wanted. The praecipe may also include a certification as to waiver of exemption and directions to the sheriff about property to levy upon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Rule 2963 provide?

The form of the praecipe for a writ of execution on a confessed judgment, with its certification.

Which rule does this form serve?

It carries out Rule 2957, which allows the plaintiff to state the amount due, interest, fees, and costs under certification.

Official Note

Official Note: Under paragraph (1) when the writ is directed to the sheriff of another county as authorized by Rule 3103(b), the county should be indicated. Under Rule 3103(c) a writ issued on a transferred judgment may be directed only to the sheriff of the county in which issued.Paragraph (3) above should be completed only if a named garnishee is to be included in the writ. Paragraph (4)(a) should be completed only if entry of the execution in the county of issuance is desired as authorized by Rule 3104(a). When the writ issues to another county entry is required as of course in that county by the prothonotary. See Rule 3104(b). Paragraph (4)(b) should be completed only if real property in the name of a garnishee is attached and entry as a lis pendens is desired. See Rule 3104(c). Certification as to waiver of exemption may be included in the praecipe. Specific directions to the sheriff as to property to be levied upon may be included in the praecipe or by separate direction at the option of plaintiff.

Amendment History

The provisions of this Rule 2963 adopted April 1, 1996, effective July 1, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 1806; amended September 13, 1996, effective immediately, 26 Pa.B. 4636; amended December 19, 2003, effective July 1, 2004, 34 Pa.B. 22; amended December 29, 2008, effective immediately, 39 Pa.B. 304. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (306116) to (306117) and (302557) to (302558).

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 execution formcertification form execution