NON-PRECEDENTIAL DECISION — SEE SUPERIOR COURT I.O.P. 65.37

MEMORANDUM BY PER CURIAM.

These consolidated appeals arise out of the judgment entered on March 9, 2015, by the Honorable Paul. F. Lutty, Jr., in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County. We remand for the preparation of a Rule 1925(a) opinion.

James and Helen Richards instituted this action in July 2008, asserting claims of negligent misrepresentation, fraudulent misrepresentation, violation of the unfair trade practices and consumer protection law ("UTPCPL"), breach of fiduciary duty, and negligent supervision related to the sale of a universal life insurance policy. The Richards alleged that the agent representing the corporate life insurance defendants misrepresented the premium payments required to sustain a $100,000 life insurance policy.

Following a non-jury trial, the trial court entered verdict in favor of the UTPCPL claim, but ruled against the claims of fraudulent misrepresentation and negligent misrepresentation.1 The trial court's verdict included interest, treble damages, and punitive damages. The trial court further granted the petition for counsel fees and costs under the UTPCPL.

Subsequent thereto, the parties filed appeals and conditional cross-appeals from the trial court's judgment, raising multiple allegations of trial court error. On July 6, 2015, the trial court filed a 5-page opinion2 pursuant to Rule 1925(a) in which it cursorily dismissed the issues raised on appeal, with little elaboration.

Upon receiving a notice of appeal from an order he has entered, a trial judge must generally file an opinion stating the reasons for his order "if the reasons do not already appear of record." Pa.R.A.P. 1925(a). Rule 1925 is important. Indeed, our Supreme Court has referred to it as "a crucial component of the appellate process." Commonwealth v. Lord, 719 A.2d 306, 308 (Pa. 1998). The rule "prescribes procedures intended to produce trial court opinions that adequately address alleged errors on appeal, so that the appellate court has the benefit of the trial court's analysis on the precise issues raised." G. Ronald Darlington, et al., Pennsylvania Appellate Practice § 1925:1, Volume 20A (2015-2016 ed.) (footnote omitted; emphasis added). "The absence of a trial court opinion poses a substantial impediment to meaningful and effective appellate review." Lord, 719 A.2d at 308.

Here, the trial court's reasons for its ruling do not readily appear of record, and the trial court's 1925(a) opinion does little to aid in our review of the issues the parties raise on appeal. For example, although the trial court states in its opinion that it was satisfied "Plaintiffs amply met their burden of proof under the UTPCPL" and that "Plaintiffs established reliance in this matter," Rule 1925(a) Opinion, 7/6/15 at 2, the trial court gives no suggestion on its reasoning behind these determinations. Thus, we cannot view the court's opinion as substantially complying with Rule 1925(a). See M.J.M. v. M.L.G., 63 A.3d 331, 336-337 (Pa. Super. 2013) ("[T]he purpose of a Pa.R.A.P. 1925(a) opinion is to address discrete issues raised by an appellant on appeal.").

The issues raised by the parties in this case are many and complex. As the trial court's Rule 1925(a) opinion does little to aid our resolution of these issues, the proper remedy is to remand to the court below with the mandate that a comprehensive opinion be promptly prepared and returned to us. "Only by this remand can the issues be properly framed after consideration and explanation by the court below." Dresner v. Povlow, 406 A.2d 350, 350 (Pa. Super. 1979) (per curiam).

Accordingly, we remand this case to the trial court for the preparation of a comprehensive opinion pursuant to Rule 1925(a) that addresses each issue raised in Appellants, Ameriprise Financial, Inc., Ameriprise Financial Services Inc., Riversource Life Insurance Company and Thomas A. Bouchard's appeal.3

The trial court is directed to forward the opinion to this Court within 60 days of our remand.

Case remanded. Panel jurisdiction retained.