A Practice Note explaining key issues counsel should consider when amending a civil pleading in a Pennsylvania court of common pleas. Specifically, this Note discusses the factors counsel should consider before amending a pleading, the relation back doctrine, amending a pleading as a matter of course, with the consent of adverse parties, or by leave of court. It also addresses how to draft, serve, and file a motion for leave to amend a pleading, the effect of the amendments, and how to respond to an amended pleading.