Rule 1302(c). Distribution of Pleadings.

The original files may be acquired from the Prothonotary on the date of the hearing by the Chairman of the Board. Electronic copies of the pleadings shall be distributed to all members of the board by the Prothonotary via electronic distribution no earlier than forty-five (45) days prior to the scheduled hearing nor later than thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled hearing.

Note: See Adams County Rule of Judicial Administration No. 310 about removing papers from the Prothonotary’s Office.

Rule 1302(d). Arbitrators' Fees.

  • Fees paid to the arbitrators for their services shall be set by Administrative Order of the Court.
  • In the event that a case is settled, withdrawn or terminated within forty-five (45) days of a scheduled hearing date but before the hearing date, the board shall not be required to file a report and award. The board members shall be entitled, however, to one-half of the arbitration fees. In such instance, the Court Administrator, upon notice from the Prothonotary that a praecipe has been filed, shall certify the settlement, withdrawal or termination of the case to the Controller so that the said fees may be paid.

Rule 1303. Hearing.

  • Schedule.
  • The Court Calendar shall have at least two days in each month scheduled for arbitration hearings. Each hearing shall commence at either 8:15 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 12:30 p.m., or 2:30 p.m. Arbitration hearings shall be scheduled for one of the designated arbitration days by Court Administration. Unless by Order of the Court of Common Pleas of Adams County, no hearing shall be scheduled within 90 days of the date that notice of hearing is provided to the parties. A party requesting that a matter be listed for arbitration shall provide notice of the request to the Court Administrator's Office concurrent with the filing of the request with the Prothonotary. The request to list a matter for arbitration shall identify all counsel involved in the litigation or who may otherwise have a conflict in serving as an arbitrator.
  • If the matter involved in the arbitration is anticipated to involve complex issues of law or lengthy evidence presentation, the Court, through written notice to Court Administration, shall be advised of the same. If the party moving to list the case for arbitration hearing believes the matter to involve complex litigation, the party shall so advise the Court in writing at the time the request for arbitration hearing is filed and shall include in the request the anticipated length of hearing. If the non-moving party anticipates complex litigation, the non-moving party shall advise the Court in writing of the same within seven (7) days of receipt of notice from the moving party of the request to list for arbitration hearing. An untimely request to list the matter as a complex case shall be denied as untimely.
  • In the event either party identifies the arbitration as one involving a complex case, if appropriate, the Court shall specially appoint a board of arbitrators and have the matter specially set by Court Administration. The Court reserves the right to deny a party’s request to have the matter specially set as a complex case.
  • If the case is settled before the hearing date, plaintiff's counsel shall, prior to the date of the scheduled hearing, file with the Prothonotary a praecipe to settle, discontinue and/or satisfy the action. Failure to do so may subject counsel, in the sole discretion of the Court, to sanctions including imposition of all costs of arbitration. Upon receipt of a praecipe to settle, discontinue and/or satisfy an action, the