Rule 441.Service on Minors or Incapacitated Persons.
Adopted July 5, 1985 · Last amended June 3, 1994 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 441 provides that legal papers other than original process are served on a minor party in the manner of Rule 440 upon the party’s attorney of record or guardian, and on an incapacitated party upon that party’s guardian, guardian ad litem or attorney of record.
(a)Service of legal papers other than original process upon a party who is a minor shall be made in the manner prescribed by Rule 440 upon the party’s attorney of record or, if none, the party’s guardian. If the party has no attorney of record or guardian, service may be made upon the minor.
(b)Service of legal papers other than original process upon a party who is an incapacitated person shall be made in the manner prescribed by Rule 440 upon the party’s guardian, guardian ad litem or attorney of record.
End
Plain-English Summary
This rule adapts ordinary paper service for parties who are minors or incapacitated. Legal papers other than original process are served on a minor party in the manner of Rule 440, directed to the party’s attorney of record or, where appropriate, the party’s guardian. If the minor has neither an attorney of record nor a guardian, the papers may be served on the minor.
The same approach applies to an incapacitated party, with service made in the manner of Rule 440 upon that party’s guardian, guardian ad litem or attorney of record.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are court papers served on a minor or incapacitated party?
In the manner of Rule 440 — on a minor party’s attorney of record or guardian, and on an incapacitated party’s guardian.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 441 adopted July 5, 1985, effective January 1, 1986, 15 Pa.B. 2452; amended June 3, 1994, effective July 1, 1994, 24 Pa.B. 3019. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (146629) to (146630).
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 on minorsservice on incapacitated personsguardian service papers