Orphans’ Court
Account
A statement prepared by a Fiduciary at the close of his or her
administration of an estate to reflect transactions that have occurred.
The statement is presented to the court as part of the process whereby the
fiduciary seeks discharge from liability for the events disclosed.
Cases Filed refers to the number of account statements filed with the Orphans'
Court Clerk during the year. Cases Disposed refers to the number of accounts
confirmed (i.e., a confirmation is a judicial determination that the account
filed is in proper order).
Adoption
A legal proceeding in which a child's rights and duties toward his or
her birth parents are terminated and similar rights and duties toward his or
her adoptive parents are substituted. Cases Filed refers to the number of
petitions for adoption filed during the year. Cases Disposed refers to the
number of final decrees entered either granting or denying a petition.
Appointment of Guardians
A proceeding through which a determination is made regarding an individual’s
capacity to make or communicate a responsible decision that concerns his or
her person or property (see Incapacitated Person). Cases Filed refers to the
number of petitions for the appointment of a guardian (see Fiduciary) for a
person or estate filed during the year. NOT included are petitions for the
appointment of a guardian for the person or estate of a minor; petitions to
appoint a guardian ad litem; petitions to adjudicate a person competent who
was previously adjudged incompetent; petitions for the sale, exchange,
mortgage or lease of real property; and so on. Cases Disposed refers to the
number of orders issued adjudicating pending petitions.
Cases Disposed
See specific classifications (Account, Adoption, Relinquishment/Termination, Appointment of Guardians) for a definition of cases disposed by category.
Fiduciary
A person or institution with a legal responsibility for the money or
property of another. The term includes executors, administrators,
guardians, and trustees subject to the jurisdiction of the Orphans'
Court Division.
Incapacitated Person
An adult whose ability to receive and evaluate information effectively
and communicate decisions in any way is impaired to such a significant
extent that he or she is partially or totally unable to manage financial
resources or meet essential requirements for physical health and safety.
Judge (Contested)
A disposition category referring to the number of cases in which disputed
issues of fact were resolved in a hearing before a judge.
Non-Judicial Officer (Contested)
A disposition category referring to the number of cases in which disputed
issues of fact were resolved before a quasi-judicial officer
(e.g., auditor, master or examiner).
Other (Disposition)
A residual disposition category that includes petitions withdrawn,
cases discontinued, cases transferred, and respondent deceased, etc.
Relinquishments/Terminations
Relinquishment is the voluntary ending of the rights of a parent with
respect to his or her child. Termination is the involuntary ending of the
rights of a parent with respect to his or her child. Cases Filed refers
to the number of petitions filed either to relinquish or to terminate
parental rights during the year. Cases Disposed refers to the number of
final decrees entered either granting or denying the petition.
Uncontested
A disposition category referring to the number of cases disposed
in which there were no evidentiary hearings.
|