Pennsylvania Form DC-310, Civil Complaint, is the official Magisterial District Court form that a plaintiff files to start a civil money lawsuit (up to $12,000) against a defendant in a Pennsylvania Magisterial District Court. The form is published by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts under the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure for Magisterial District Judges, and the current version is identified as AOPC 310A with revision dates printed in the lower-left corner.
If you fill out DC-310 wrong, the magisterial district judge can dismiss your case for lack of venue, refuse service on the defendant, or enter a judgment that cannot be collected. Pennsylvania’s 514 magisterial district courts handle hundreds of thousands of civil filings each year, and according to the AOPC’s annual caseload statistics, landlord-tenant and civil money complaints together account for roughly 40% of all MDJ filings, with many pro se filers losing on technicalities tied to the complaint form itself.
Here is what you will learn in this guide:
- 📝 How to complete every box on Form DC-310 line by line.
- 💡 Three real filer scenarios with the exact entries they write.
- ⚖️ The statutes, rules, and deadlines that govern your filing.
- 💵 Current filing fees, service fees, and payment methods by channel.
- 🚫 The most common DC-310 mistakes and how to avoid them.
What Form DC-310 Is and Who Must File It
Form DC-310 is the standard Civil Complaint form used to start a money-damage lawsuit before a Pennsylvania magisterial district judge under Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. 304. The form is sometimes called “MDJS 308A” inside the Magisterial District Judge System software, but the public-facing AOPC version is the DC-310 PDF posted on the pacourts.us forms page. It is the gateway document for what most Pennsylvanians call “small claims court.”
You must file DC-310 if you are seeking money damages of $12,000 or less, exclusive of interest and costs, under 42 Pa.C.S. § 1515. Common filers include landlords chasing unpaid rent after eviction, contractors collecting on unpaid invoices, neighbors suing for property damage, small businesses suing on bad checks, and individuals recovering security deposits. Government agencies also use DC-310 to collect fines and penalties under local ordinances.
You should not use DC-310 for cases that involve title to real estate, claims above $12,000 you do not wish to waive, evictions (use the separate Landlord/Tenant Complaint, AOPC 310A-LT), or matters reserved for the Court of Common Pleas. Attorneys may file DC-310 on behalf of clients, and corporations must be represented by counsel under Walacavage v. Excell 2000, Inc., 480 A.2d 281 (Pa. Super. 1984), unless the corporation is a small entity authorized to appear pro se under Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. 207.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Before you open Form DC-310, gather every document and detail you will need to complete it without guessing. Walking into the magisterial district court office without your paperwork is the single most common reason filings are bounced back at the counter, according to guidance from the Lehigh County self-help page. The form is short, but each box demands precise, verifiable information.
Here is a pre-filing checklist with at least eight items you must have ready:
- Defendant’s full legal name. Without the exact spelling, the constable cannot serve, and any judgment may be uncollectible against the wrong entity.
- Defendant’s current street address. A P.O. Box alone is not sufficient for personal service under Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. 307, so you need a physical address.
- Your own legal name and mailing address. The court mails the hearing notice and judgment to this address, so a wrong ZIP code can cost you the case.
- Exact dollar amount of your claim. This must be $12,000 or less; anything larger must be waived in writing or filed in Common Pleas.
- Dates the debt or injury occurred. The judge uses these dates to confirm the claim is within the statute of limitations — four years for contracts, two years for trespass.
- Supporting documents. Bring your contract, lease, invoices, repair estimates, photographs, bad checks, demand letter, and any text or email evidence; without them you risk a defense verdict at the hearing.
- Magisterial district number. Locate the correct MDJ using the AOPC’s MDJ locator so you do not file in the wrong venue.
- Filing fee in the correct amount. Fees vary by claim size and county and are set under Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. 206; call the office to confirm before you arrive.
- Government-issued photo ID. Some MDJ offices require ID at the counter to verify the verification signature on the complaint.
If any item is missing, the clerk may accept the form but the judge will not issue a hearing date until the file is complete. Janet, a landlord in York County, learned this the hard way when she filed without her tenant’s forwarding address and waited six weeks for her case to even be docketed.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The official Form DC-310 lives on the AOPC’s public forms page at pacourts.us. You can also pick up a paper copy free of charge at any Pennsylvania magisterial district court office, and many county court websites — including the Allegheny County Fifth Judicial District, Chester County Civil Forms page, and the Adams County District Court page — host downloadable PDF copies.
Always confirm you have the most recent revision before filling it out. Look at the bottom-left footer of page one for the revision stamp; AOPC has updated DC-310 several times since 2018, and an outdated form may cite stale costs language. The current statewide PDF is the Civil Complaint form posted at this AOPC link, which is fillable in any free PDF reader such as Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Some counties allow electronic submission through the PACFile portal of the Unified Judicial System, but most magisterial district court civil complaints are still filed on paper at the counter. If you have a disability that prevents you from completing the form, contact the AOPC ADA coordinator for accommodation. If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may submit the In Forma Pauperis (IFP) petition along with DC-310.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Form DC-310 Line by Line
The face of DC-310 is a single page divided into a caption header, a claim block, a verification block, and a signature line. Page two is the Notice to Defend and Claim Rights, which the clerk completes for you. Below is a box-by-box walkthrough following Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. 304. Number each entry exactly as it appears on the official form.
Box 1: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, County
This box asks you to write the county in Pennsylvania where the magisterial district court sits. This anchors venue under Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. 302.
To answer it, print the county name in capital letters on the blank line after “COUNTY OF.” Do not write the city or the township; write only the county.
For example, Maria Lopez, who is suing a contractor over a botched bathroom remodel in Lancaster, writes LANCASTER on the line.
A common nuance arises when the defendant lives in one county but the cause of action arose in another; under Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. 302(A), you may file where the defendant can be served or where the transaction occurred. For landlord-tenant cases, file where the property sits.
A common mistake is writing the city — LANCASTER CITY — instead of the county; this can confuse routing and force a corrected filing, delaying your hearing date by weeks. The misconception here is that the county and the magisterial district are the same thing — they are not, since each county contains multiple magisterial districts.
Box 2: Magisterial District Number
This box asks for the three-part magisterial district number assigned by the AOPC, in the format MD-XX-X-XX. Each MDJ has a unique number; for example, MDJ Kelly S. Ballentine sits in MD-08-1-04 in Lancaster County.
To answer it, look up the number on the UJS Portal MDJ locator by entering the defendant’s address, then copy the result into the “Mag. Dist. No.” field exactly as listed.
For example, Carlos Rivera, suing a tenant in Pittsburgh’s East End, writes MDJ-05-2-15.
A nuance: some boundary streets straddle two districts, so always confirm with the AOPC locator rather than guessing from a map. The common mistake is using the court office number (an internal accounting code) instead of the magisterial district number; doing so can trigger rejection at the AOPC’s central indexing system. The misconception is that any nearby MDJ will accept your case — venue is not optional, and the wrong MDJ must transfer or dismiss the case under Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. 312.
Box 3: MDJ Name
This box names the specific magisterial district judge who will hear the case. The clerk will often complete it for you, but you should pre-fill it to avoid confusion at the counter.
To answer it, write the judge’s full name, including the title Magisterial District Judge or the abbreviation MDJ, exactly as published on the AOPC site.
For example, Maria Lopez writes MDJ Janice E. Wolfe.
A nuance arises when a senior MDJ is sitting by special assignment; in that situation, list the regular MDJ assigned to the district, not the visiting senior judge. The mistake here is writing only a first name or last name, which can lead to a misfile when two judges share a surname. The misconception is that the plaintiff picks the judge — venue rules, not preference, control which MDJ hears the case.
Box 4: MDJ Address and Telephone
This block asks for the street address and main phone number of the magisterial district court office. The clerk uses this so service paperwork comes back to the right office.
To answer it, copy the office address and phone number from the UJS court directory onto the lines provided. Use the courthouse address, not a P.O. Box.
For example, Carlos Rivera writes 5824 Forward Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 — (412) 422-6433.
A nuance: a few rural MDJs share office space and phones; always use the address listed for the specific magisterial district number, not the shared switchboard. The common mistake is using the prior MDJ’s address after a redistricting; Pennsylvania reshuffles MDJ boundaries every ten years under 42 Pa.C.S. § 1503. The misconception is that addresses listed on third-party legal sites are reliable; only the official UJS portal is current.
Box 5: Plaintiff — Name and Address
This box asks for your full legal name and mailing address as the plaintiff, the party bringing the lawsuit. If multiple plaintiffs exist, list each in the same block separated by commas or and.
To answer it, write your name exactly as it appears on your driver’s license or Social Security card, followed by your full mailing address with ZIP+4 if known. Use upper- and lower-case as printed on the form.
For example, Maria Lopez writes Maria E. Lopez, 412 North Mulberry Street, Lancaster, PA 17603-2210.
A nuance: business plaintiffs must use the exact registered name filed with the Pennsylvania Department of State. A sole proprietor doing business as “Mike’s Plumbing” should write Michael Reynolds, t/a Mike’s Plumbing. The mistake of using a nickname or DBA without the legal name can void a judgment, because collection writs require an exact match. The misconception is that the court will “fix” name errors at the hearing — it cannot, and you would have to refile.
Box 6: Defendant — Name and Address
This box asks for the defendant’s full legal name and address. This is the single most important field on DC-310, because service, judgment, and collection all hinge on it.
To answer it, write the defendant’s first and last name, including middle initial if known, and their current street address. For business defendants, include the entity type: LLC, Inc., or Corp.
For example, Carlos Rivera writes Brandon T. Whitaker, 215 Negley Avenue, Apt. 3B, Pittsburgh, PA 15206.
A nuance: if you are suing both a business and its owner personally, list both on separate lines and explain joint liability in the claim section. A common mistake is suing only the trade name (Joe’s Garage) when the legal owner is a corporation (Joe’s Garage, Inc.); the Pennsylvania Superior Court has held this misnomer can void judgments. The misconception is that the post office will track down the defendant — service is the constable’s job, not USPS, and a stale address means the case stalls.
Box 7: Amount in Controversy (Ad Damnum)
This box, often labeled “Plaintiff(s) ask judgment against Defendant(s) for $___”, asks for the total dollar amount you want the court to award. It is bounded by the $12,000 cap in 42 Pa.C.S. § 1515(a)(3).
To answer it, write the exact dollar amount in numerals, without commas if the form uses tight spacing, and round to the nearest cent. Do not include “court costs” in this number — those are added separately by the clerk.
For example, Janet Hollis, a landlord in York, writes $4,275.00 for unpaid rent and damage to drywall.
A nuance: if your true damages exceed $12,000, you may waive the excess to keep the case in MDJ court under 42 Pa.C.S. § 1515(b), but write “Plaintiff waives any claim above $12,000.00” directly in the claim narrative. The mistake of listing $14,500 — even by accident — can cause the judge to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction. The misconception is that you can amend the amount upward later; you cannot once judgment is entered.
Box 8: Statement of Claim
This is the narrative box where you describe what happened, when, and why the defendant owes you money. Under Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. 304(B), the statement must be written on the form itself, not on attached sheets.
To answer it, write 3–5 short sentences that include: (1) the legal basis (contract, trespass, bad check); (2) the date and place of the events; (3) the amount owed and how you calculated it. Use plain language and avoid legalese.
For example, Aisha Brown, suing a contractor, writes: “On March 14, 2026, Defendant agreed in writing to install kitchen cabinets for $3,800 at Plaintiff’s home, 18 Pine Lane, Reading, PA. Defendant accepted a $1,900 deposit but never returned. Plaintiff demands $1,900 plus $375 in mitigation costs.”
A nuance: if the claim is for a civil fine under a local ordinance, you must cite the statute or ordinance by section number, per the printed instruction on DC-310. The mistake of writing only “He owes me money” is grounds for dismissal because it fails to state a claim under Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. 304. The misconception that you can “explain it at the hearing” is dangerous — the defendant has a right to notice of the claim before the hearing.
Box 9: Verification
This block contains the printed line “I, ____, verify that the facts set forth in this complaint are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief.” It triggers liability under 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904 for unsworn falsification.
To answer it, print your full legal name on the blank line. This is the same name you used in Box 5.
For example, Marcus Chen prints Marcus L. Chen on the verification line.
A nuance: if a corporation is the plaintiff, the authorized agent (not the attorney) must verify, and the agent’s title must appear under the signature. The mistake of skipping the verification line entirely will cause the clerk to refuse the filing because an unverified complaint is a nullity. The misconception is that the verification is “just a formality” — it is a sworn statement, and a knowingly false claim is a misdemeanor of the second degree.
Box 10: Plaintiff’s Signature
The signature line, labeled “Signature of Plaintiff or Authorized Agent,” is where the plaintiff personally signs the complaint.
To answer it, sign in blue or black ink directly on the printed line. Electronic signatures are accepted only when filed through PACFile.
For example, Janet Hollis signs Janet R. Hollis in cursive on the line.
A nuance: an attorney may sign for a client only after filing an Entry of Appearance under Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. 207.1. The mistake of typing your name instead of signing voids the verification, so the clerk will reject the form. The misconception is that anyone in the household can sign — only the named plaintiff or authorized agent can sign legally.
Box 11: Filing Costs Block
This box is a small grid in the upper-right corner labeled Filing Costs / Postage / Service Costs / Constable Ed. / Total. It is completed by the clerk, not the plaintiff.
To answer it, leave blank when filing. The clerk fills in each cost based on the schedule under Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. 206 and stamps the date paid.
For example, Carlos Rivera leaves the grid blank; the Allegheny County clerk later writes $96.25 in the Filing Costs row.
A nuance: filing fees vary by county and by the size of the claim, ranging from roughly $65 to $130. The mistake of writing your own numbers in this box can be read as fee tampering and will get the form rejected. The misconception is that the constable’s fee is part of the claim amount — it is added separately and recovered from the defendant if you win.
Box 12: Case Records Public Access Policy Certification
The bottom of DC-310 contains a certification that your filing complies with the Case Records Public Access Policy of the UJS. It is mandatory under the policy adopted in 2018.
To answer it, sign on the certification line indicating you have not included confidential information (Social Security numbers, financial account numbers) in the public filing.
For example, Aisha Brown signs the certification line right below her main signature.
A nuance: if your claim requires a Social Security number (e.g., to identify a tenant), file a separate Confidential Information Form under the public-access policy. The mistake of disclosing a full SSN in the statement of claim can result in the document being stricken from the record. The misconception is that the policy applies only to attorneys — it applies to all filers, including pro se.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Below are three of the most common DC-310 fact patterns walked end to end. Each scenario shows what one named filer enters in the major sections of the form. All entries are italicized so you can see them as they appear on the page.
Scenario 1: Janet, a Landlord Suing a Former Tenant for Damages
| Form Section | What Janet Enters |
|---|---|
| County | YORK |
| Magisterial District No. | MDJ-19-1-04 |
| MDJ Name | MDJ Linda L. Williams |
| Plaintiff Name & Address | Janet R. Hollis, 88 Maple Ridge Lane, York, PA 17402 |
| Defendant Name & Address | Travis K. Boone, 442 Edison Street, Apt. 2, York, PA 17404 |
| Amount Demanded | $4,275.00 |
| Statement of Claim | “Defendant rented 19 Oak St., York, PA, under written lease dated 6/1/24. Defendant vacated 2/28/26 owing $2,400 unpaid rent and caused $1,500 drywall damage and $375 carpet cleaning.” |
| Verification & Signature | Janet R. Hollis (printed and signed) |
Scenario 2: Carlos, a Contractor Suing a Homeowner for an Unpaid Invoice
| Form Section | What Carlos Enters |
|---|---|
| County | ALLEGHENY |
| Magisterial District No. | MDJ-05-2-15 |
| MDJ Name | MDJ Anthony Saveikis |
| Plaintiff Name & Address | Carlos M. Rivera, t/a Rivera Roofing, 1208 Beechwood Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15217 |
| Defendant Name & Address | Brandon T. Whitaker, 215 Negley Avenue, Apt. 3B, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 |
| Amount Demanded | $8,950.00 |
| Statement of Claim | “On 1/12/26, Plaintiff installed a new asphalt-shingle roof at 215 Negley Ave. for $8,950 under written contract. Defendant accepted the work but has refused to pay despite written demand on 3/3/26.” |
| Verification & Signature | Carlos M. Rivera (printed and signed) |
Scenario 3: Aisha, a Neighbor Suing for Property Damage
| Form Section | What Aisha Enters |
|---|---|
| County | BERKS |
| Magisterial District No. | MDJ-23-3-07 |
| MDJ Name | MDJ Phyllis J. Kowalski |
| Plaintiff Name & Address | Aisha N. Brown, 18 Pine Lane, Reading, PA 19606 |
| Defendant Name & Address | Gregory P. Adler, 22 Pine Lane, Reading, PA 19606 |
| Amount Demanded | $1,840.00 |
| Statement of Claim | “On 4/2/26, Defendant negligently felled a tree that struck Plaintiff’s fence at 18 Pine Lane, Reading. Replacement estimate from Klein Fencing dated 4/9/26 is $1,840. Defendant refused written demand.” |
| Verification & Signature | Aisha N. Brown (printed and signed) |
How to File the Completed Form
Once DC-310 is filled out and signed, you must file it with the magisterial district court that has venue under Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. 302. Pennsylvania allows three primary filing channels, though availability depends on county.
In person at the MDJ office. Bring the original signed DC-310 plus one copy for each defendant. The clerk stamps the original, dockets the case, and issues a hearing notice typically within 12–60 days. Filing fees range roughly from $65 (claims under $500) to about $130 (claims near $12,000), per the schedule under Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. 206. Most offices accept cash, money order, or check made payable to the magisterial district court; a few accept debit cards. Keep your stamped copy as proof of filing.
By mail. Mail the original signed DC-310 with a check for the filing and service fees to the MDJ office address listed in Box 4. Call the office in advance to confirm the exact total. Processing takes 5–10 business days from receipt; the clerk will mail back your stamped copy with the hearing date.
Electronically via PACFile. Some counties accept civil complaints through the UJS PACFile portal, which charges a small e-filing convenience fee on top of the statutory filing cost. Pay with credit card. You will receive an electronic time-stamped receipt as proof of filing.
After filing, a constable or sheriff’s deputy will personally serve the defendant under Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. 307. You should not attempt service yourself; in MDJ court, only an authorized officer can serve a civil complaint.
What Happens After You File
Once your DC-310 is filed and stamped, the clerk schedules a hearing within roughly 12 to 60 days under Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. 305, with the exact window controlled by local docket congestion. The constable then serves the defendant a copy of your complaint plus the Notice to Defend. The defendant is not required to file a written answer — they simply must appear at the hearing and present a defense.
If the defendant has a counterclaim within the MDJ’s jurisdiction, they must file their own DC-310 against you at least five days before the hearing, per the printed instruction on the form itself. At the hearing, both parties present testimony, exhibits, and witnesses. The MDJ issues a judgment, usually the same day, and mails the Notice of Judgment, Form DC-308 to both parties.
Either party may appeal a money judgment to the Court of Common Pleas within 30 days under Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. 1002. If no appeal is filed, the prevailing plaintiff can transfer the judgment to Common Pleas and pursue collection through wage garnishment (limited in Pennsylvania) or bank levy under the Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
Filling DC-310 looks simple, but small mistakes can cost you the case or stall service for weeks. Below are the ten most common errors.
- Listing the wrong county. Filing in a county with no venue can lead to dismissal under Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. 312, forcing you to refile and repay fees.
- Wrong magisterial district number. A mismatched MD-XX-X-XX number routes the file to the wrong office, which delays docketing.
- Suing a trade name only. A judgment against “Joe’s Garage” is unenforceable if the legal entity is “Joe’s Garage, Inc.”
- Demanding more than $12,000. The judge will dismiss for lack of jurisdiction unless you waive the excess in writing.
- Vague statement of claim. “He owes me money” is grounds for dismissal because it fails the notice requirement.
- Skipping the verification. An unverified complaint is a nullity; the clerk will reject the filing at the counter.
- Typing instead of signing. A typed name on the signature line voids the verification and the form will be returned.
- Disclosing Social Security numbers. Putting an SSN in the statement of claim violates the Public Access Policy.
- Wrong defendant address. A bad address means the constable cannot serve, freezing the case until you correct it.
- Filing past the statute of limitations. Contract claims expire in four years and trespass claims in two years under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524.
Do’s and Don’ts
The following list distills 30 years of DC-310 filing wisdom into six quick rules each.
Do’s
- Do verify the defendant’s address with a recent utility bill or skip-trace because service hinges on accuracy.
- Do bring exhibits to the hearing, since the judge cannot read documents you only describe.
- Do keep a stamped copy of DC-310 for your records and any future appeal.
- Do request waiver of fees with the IFP petition if you cannot pay, because indigent filers have a constitutional right to court access.
- Do confirm the revision date on the form so you are not using a withdrawn version.
- Do call the MDJ office before filing to confirm fees and accepted payment methods.
Don’ts
- Don’t attach extra pages instead of writing the claim on the form, because Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. 304 requires the narrative on the face of DC-310.
- Don’t try to serve the defendant yourself, because only constables and sheriffs can serve civil complaints.
- Don’t list a P.O. Box as the defendant’s only address since service requires a physical location.
- Don’t sign for someone else unless you are an attorney with an Entry of Appearance.
- Don’t ignore counterclaims, because failing to defend the defendant’s counterclaim can flip the judgment.
- Don’t miss the 30-day appeal deadline, since it is jurisdictional and not extendable.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Filing DC-310 pro se is common, but professional help has real advantages depending on the stakes.
Pros of filing pro se
- Saves money because attorney fees can dwarf small judgments.
- Faster filing since you control your schedule.
- Direct knowledge of the facts means you can write the statement of claim in your own words.
- Educational because you learn how the courts work for future disputes.
- Lower risk for claims under $1,000, where attorneys often decline anyway.
Cons of filing pro se
- No legal advice when the defendant raises a defense you did not anticipate.
- Procedural mistakes like venue errors can sink the case.
- No collection plan if you win — collection is a separate process most pros do better.
- Emotional stress of cross-examining a former friend or business partner.
- Corporate plaintiffs generally cannot represent themselves and must hire counsel.
Filing by Paper vs. PACFile at a Glance
| Feature | Paper Filing | PACFile E-Filing |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Every MDJ in Pennsylvania | Limited to participating counties |
| Filing Fee | Statutory fee under Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. 206 | Same statutory fee plus convenience fee |
| Payment | Cash, check, money order | Credit or debit card |
| Proof of Filing | Date-stamped paper copy | Electronic timestamp receipt |
| Processing Time | Same-day if filed in person | Typically 1–2 business days |
| Best For | Most pro se filers | Attorneys with high filing volume |
FAQs
Do I need an attorney to file DC-310?
No. Individuals may file pro se. Corporations generally need counsel under Walacavage v. Excell 2000, but small entities may appear under Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. 207.
Is the maximum claim really $12,000?
Yes. Under 42 Pa.C.S. § 1515, MDJ jurisdiction caps civil claims at $12,000, exclusive of interest and costs. You may waive any excess to keep jurisdiction.
Do I write the city or county in Box 1?
No. Write the county only. Writing a city like LANCASTER CITY instead of LANCASTER can confuse routing and force a corrected filing.
Can I leave the Filing Costs box blank?
Yes. The clerk completes the Filing Costs grid; plaintiffs should not write in it. Filling it in yourself can be read as fee tampering.
Should I list a P.O. Box for the defendant in Box 6?
No. Service of process requires a physical street address. A P.O. Box alone means the constable cannot perform personal service under Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. 307.
Do I sign the verification line in Box 9 even if I am not under oath?
Yes. The verification carries criminal liability for false statements under 18 Pa.C.S. § 4904. It is mandatory.
Can I file DC-310 online?
Yes, in counties that accept PACFile submissions. Most rural counties still require paper filing at the MDJ counter.
How long do I have to file?
Yes, deadlines apply: four years for written contracts and two years for trespass and tort claims under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524.
Can I sue more than one defendant on one DC-310?
Yes. List each defendant by full legal name and address in Box 6, separated by and. Each defendant must be served separately.
Do I attach my contract to DC-310?
No. The narrative goes on the form itself, but you may bring the contract as an exhibit to the hearing.
What if I cannot afford the filing fee?
Yes, you may file an In Forma Pauperis petition under 246 Pa. Code Rule 206 to waive filing and service costs.
Can I appeal an unfavorable judgment?
Yes. Either party may appeal de novo to the Court of Common Pleas within 30 days under Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. 1002. Missing the deadline forfeits appeal rights.
Should I write my Social Security Number anywhere on DC-310?
No. The UJS Public Access Policy bars SSNs in public filings. Use a separate Confidential Information Form if needed.
Can I amend my DC-310 after filing?
Yes, with leave of the MDJ before the hearing under Pa.R.C.P.M.D.J. 309. After judgment, amendments are generally not allowed.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out Pennsylvania Civil Cover Sheet (Common Pleas) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Pennsylvania Form DC-04 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Pennsylvania Form DC-06 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Pennsylvania Form DC-104 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Pennsylvania Form MJ-307 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Pennsylvania Praecipe for Writ of Summons + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Washington Form LT 01 (w/Examples) + FAQs