Except as provided by Rule 2963 governing execution upon a judgment entered by confession, the praecipe for a writ of execution shall be substantially in the following form: [Caption] PRAECIPE FOR WRIT OF EXECUTION To the Prothonotary: Issue writ of execution in the above matter,
Rule 3251.Praecipe for Writ of Execution. Money Judgments.
Last amended December 19, 2003 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceThis rule supplies the form of the praecipe a creditor files to obtain a writ of execution on a money judgment, directing the sheriff and any garnishee and stating the amount due.
Full Text of Rule 3251
(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 judgment index
(a) against , defendant, and (Name of Defendant)
(b) against , as garnishee, as a lis pendens (Name of Garnishee) 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 $ [Costs to be added] $ Attorney for Plaintiff)
Plain-English Summary
This rule prints the praecipe that sets a money-judgment execution in motion. Except where a confessed judgment calls for a different form, the praecipe directs the writ to the sheriff of a named county, names the defendant and any garnishee, and asks that the writ be entered in the judgment index — including as a lis pendens against the defendant’s real property held in a garnishee’s name.
It states the amount due with interest and costs. Supplying a standard praecipe keeps these requests uniform and ensures the writ carries the information the sheriff and the prothonotary need to levy and to fix the lien.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a creditor request a writ of execution?
By filing the praecipe in this form with the prothonotary, directing the writ to the sheriff and stating the amount due.
What does the praecipe include?
The county and sheriff, the defendant and any garnishee, a request to index the writ, and the amount due with interest and costs.
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)(1). 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 3251 amended April 1, 1996, effective July 1, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 1806; amended April 20, 1998, effective July 1, 1998, 28 Pa.B. 2026; amended December 19, 2003, effec- tive July 1, 2004, 34 Pa.B. 22. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (243946) to (297587).
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 executionexecution praecipe form