Execution shall be commenced by filing a praecipe for a writ of execution with the prothonotary of any county in which judgment has been entered. Except as otherwise prescribed by Rule 2974.1 governing a judgment entered by confes- sion, the praecipe shall be in the form prescribed by Rule 3254.
Rule 3161.1.Commencement.
Adopted April 1, 1996 · Last amended April 1, 1996 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceExecution on an ejectment judgment is commenced by filing a praecipe for a writ of execution with the prothonotary of any county where judgment is entered, in the form the rules prescribe.
Full Text of Rule 3161.1
Plain-English Summary
This rule fixes the starting point for executing on an ejectment judgment. The plaintiff files a praecipe for a writ of execution with the prothonotary of any county where the judgment has been entered.
The praecipe takes the form the rules prescribe, except where a judgment entered by confession calls for a different confession-of-judgment form. Filing it sets the execution in motion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is execution on an ejectment judgment started?
By filing a praecipe for a writ of execution with the prothonotary of any county in which the judgment has been entered.
Is there a special rule for confessed judgments?
Yes. A judgment entered by confession uses the form prescribed by the confession-of-judgment rule instead.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 3161.1 adopted April 1, 1996, effective July 1, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 1814.
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: commencement ejectment executionpraecipe writ of execution