# 42 Pa.C.S. § 5503: Commencement of matters

> Pennsylvania · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C55_S5503

## Section

- **Citation:** 42 Pa.C.S. § 5503
- **Heading:** Commencement of matters
- **Jurisdiction:** Pennsylvania
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** PA Code / Title 42 / Chapter 55 / Section 5503

## Text

(a) General rule.--A matter is commenced for the purposes of this chapter when a document embodying the matter is filed in an office authorized by section 5103 (relating to transfer of erroneously filed matters) or by any other provision of law to receive such document.

(b) Implementing court rules.--Subsection (a) may be made more specifically applicable to particular classes of matters, including interparty claims therein, by general rules further defining the document which when filed shall constitute the commencement of a matter. (Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days) 1978 Amendment. Act 53 amended subsec. (b). Cross References. Section 5503 is referred to in section 5552 of this title.

## Nearby sections

- [42 Pa.C.S. § 5501 Scope of chapter.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C55_S5501.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 5502 Method of computing periods of limitation generally.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C55_S5502.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 5503 Commencement of matters.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C55_S5503.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 5504 Judicial extension of time.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C55_S5504.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 5505 Modification of orders.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C55_S5505.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 5521 Limitations on foreign claims.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C55_S5521.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 5522 Six months limitation.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C55_S5522.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 5523 One year limitation.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C55_S5523.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 5524 Two year limitation.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C55_S5524.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 5524.1 Limitation and application for asbestos claims (Unconstitutional).](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C55_S5524.1.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 5525 Four year limitation.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C55_S5525.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 5526 Five year limitation.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C55_S5526.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 5527 Six year limitation.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C55_S5527.md)
- [42 Pa.C.S. § 5527.1 Ten year limitation.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C55_S5527.1.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_PA_T42_C55_S5503. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.