Section 65.14. Children’s Fast Track and Other Family Fast Track Appeals

A. In accordance with Pa.R.A.P. 102, revised in 2009, and in accordance with a program first established in this court in 2000, the court shall expedite handling of appeals involving parent-child relationships as follows:

1. Children’s Fast Track: All cases involving dependency, termination of parental rights, adoption, custody, or paternity shall be designated as Children’s Fast Track in the Superior Court.

2. Other Family Fast Track: Central Legal Staff in its discretion may expedite other appeals involving the parent-child relationship. Such cases shall be designated ‘‘Other Family Fast Track.’’

B. For all cases designated as Children’s Fast Track or Other Family Fast Track, primary responsibility for monitoring the receipt of the record shall rest with the Central Legal Staff.

1. Upon receipt of an appeal that has been designated Children’s Fast Track appeal by the trial court and/or the parties, the Prothonotary shall forward a letter from the President Judge of the Superior Court to the trial court judge, with copies to the clerk of the lower court, counsel for the parties or to the parties themselves if they are proceeding pro se, and Central Legal Staff. The letter shall stress the importance of the trial court’s duty to send the record to the Superior Court in a timely manner, and shall stress the Superior Court’s internal operating policy with respect to extensions of time for briefing, as set forth in § 65.21 B.2.

2. In all cases designated Other Family Fast Track by the Superior Court, the Central Legal Staff shall forward the letter from the President Judge as set forth in the preceding paragraph B.1.

3. Upon receipt of an appeal that has not been designated Children’s Fast Track by the trial court or the parties, the Prothonotary or Central Legal Staff may designate the appeal as a Children’s Fast Track appeal if the circumstances so warrant. In such a case, the procedures set forth in paragraph B.1. or B.2. above will apply.

The provisions of this § 65.14 adopted March 16, 2009, effective immediately, 39 Pa.B. 1613.