Rule 3028.Service of the Writ.

Adopted October 1, 1964 · Last amended December 19, 2003 · Last verified June 30, 2026

In one sentenceThe writ of revival must be served within ninety days, by the sheriff handing or mailing a copy, and if ordinary service cannot be made the court may allow service by special order or by publication on a showing of reasonable efforts.

Full Text of Rule 3028

Text sizeJump to: (a) (b)

(a) The writ shall be served within ninety days after its issuance by the sher- iff by handing a copy in the manner provided by Rule 402 or by mailing a copy in the manner provided by Rule 403.

(b) If service cannot be made as provided by subdivision (a), then service may be made

(1) in the manner prescribed by order of court pursuant to Rule 430(a), or

(2) by publication in the manner prescribed by Rule 430(b) upon the filing of an affidavit showing reasonable efforts to make service pursuant to subdivi- sion (a) and the reasons why such service could not be made.

Plain-English Summary

This rule sets how and when the revival writ reaches the parties. The sheriff serves it within ninety days of issuance, either by handing a copy over in the manner used for original process or by mailing it.

If that cannot be accomplished, service may be made as the court directs by special order, or by publication once the creditor files an affidavit showing reasonable efforts and why ordinary service failed. The Official Note gives the example of mail returned unclaimed despite a good address, where the court may permit service by regular mail. The deadline and the fallbacks keep a revival from stalling when a party is hard to find.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the writ of revival served?

In the manner the rule prescribes for reaching the parties to the revival.

Why does service matter in revival?

The revived lien binds only parties properly served, so service is a prerequisite to its effect.

Official Note

Official Note: For example, where the Postal Service shows a good address and mail ser- vice under subdivision (a) is returned unclaimed, the court pursuant to Rule 430 may permit service by regular mail.

Official Note: A special order of court under Rule 430(a) is not a prerequisite to service by publication under this rule.

Amendment History

The provisions of this Rule 3028 adopted October 1, 1964, effective April 1, 1965; amended through June 20, 1985, effective January 1, 1986 15 Pa.B. 2452; amended December 19, 2003, effec- tive July 1, 2004, 34 Pa.B. 22. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (213388).

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: service writ of revival