The praecipe for a writ of execution in an action of mortgage foreclosure shall be substantially in the following form: [Caption] PRAECIPE FOR WRIT OF EXECUTION (Mortgage Foreclosure) To the Prothonotary: ‘‘Issue writ of execution in the above matter: Amount due $ Interest from $ [Costs to be added] $ ‘‘ Attorney for Plaintiff’’
Rule 3256.Praecipe for writ; mortgage foreclosure.
Adopted March 30, 1960 · Last amended March 30, 1960 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceThis rule supplies the form of the praecipe a plaintiff files to obtain a writ of execution in a mortgage-foreclosure action.
Full Text of Rule 3256
Plain-English Summary
This rule prints the praecipe that begins execution on a mortgage-foreclosure judgment. Captioned in the action, it directs the prothonotary to issue a writ of execution to sell the mortgaged property.
The Official Note observes that local practice may require additional information. As the first step in carrying out a foreclosure judgment, the praecipe sets the sale process in motion, and a standard form keeps these requests uniform across counties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a foreclosure writ requested?
By filing this praecipe directing the prothonotary to issue a writ of execution to sell the mortgaged property.
Does local practice add anything?
It may; the note flags that local practice can require additional information.
Official Note
Official Note: Adopted March 30, 1960, effective November 1, 1960. Local practice may require that a description of the property be included in the praecipe.
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 mortgage foreclosure