The Orphans’ Court Procedural Rules Committee has proposed amendments to Pa. Rules of Orphans’ Court Procedure 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, 14.6, 14.7, 14.8, and 14.9 in order to carry out changes to guardianship practice that were made by the Act of December 14, 2023, P.L. 446, No. 61 (”Act 61”), which will be effective June 11, 2024.

Act 61 made reforms in the mandatory appointment of counsel, certification of guardians, consideration of less restrictive alternatives before the appointment of a guardian, and scheduling review hearings when there may be a change in capacity. While these changes were largely self-executing, the committee believed amendments to the procedural rules were warranted.

Comments to the proposed rules should be submitted by email (which is preferred) or regular mail by May 1, 2024.

“Proposed Amendment of Pa.R.O.C.P. 14.2, 14.3, 14.4, 14.6, 14.7, 14.8, and 14.9,” 54 Pa.B. 1654 (3/30/2024).