As amended through June 1, 2022
a. Within ten (10) days after the filing of a petition under Section 7 of the Act, the Motions Judge of the Court of Common Pleas shall schedule a hearing at which the petitioner must prove the facts justifying the relief requested by a preponderance of the evidence. The Court shall advise the respondent of his right to be represented by counsel. No pleading need be filed in response to the petition. b. Emergency petitions pursuant to section 10 of the Act shall be presented to the Motions Judge of the Court of Common Pleas during normal Courthouse hours; otherwise to the on-call Magisterial District Judge. The Motions Judge or Magisterial District Judge shall accept and decide such emergency petitions promptly pursuant to Section 10 of the Act. c. Certified orders of the Magisterial District Judge shall be filed in the Prothonotary's office by 9:15 a.m. on the following business day, at which time they shall expire. d. The Magisterial District Judge shall advise the petitioners of the need to appear before the Motions Judge at 9:15 a.m. on the Court's next business day for continuing relief. Effective 9/5/2011; amended effective 1/1/2022