Rule 1920.51.4 - Motion and Order for Appointment of Divorce Master(a) When the action is at issue any party may file a motion for the appointment of a Divorce Master substantially in the form provided by Pa.R.C.P. No. 1920.74.(b) In addition to the requirement for grounds for divorce to be established by the filing of the proper 3301 (c) or 3301 (d) documents prior to the appointment of a Divorce Master, the court may delay the appointment of a Divorce Master if: 1. The filing party did not file their inventory pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1920.33(a) or the motion for appointment was filed less than thirty (30) days following the filing of their inventory.2. The defendant has failed to appear in the action and the affidavit of non-military service pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1920.46 was not filed.3. A copy of the notice pursuant to B.R.C.P. 1920.51.4(c) is not attached to the motion to appoint or the motion was filed less than twenty (20) days after the date of the notice.4. The motion does not indicate that discovery is complete for the claims for which the Divorce Master is requested.5. Either party has raised a claim for alimony, counsel fees, or costs and expenses and the filing party failed to file their Income and Expense Statements as required by Pa.R.C.P. 1910.27(c)(2)(B), copies of their pay stubs for the preceding six months and copies of their most recent federal income tax return as required by Pa.R.C.P. 1920.31.(c) The court shall appoint a Divorce Master, in accordance with the claims to be determined as set forth in the motion.(d) At least twenty days prior to filing the motion for the appointment of a Divorce Master, the moving party shall serve all counsel of record and any unrepresented party with a copy of said motion and written notice of intention to file the motion. Written objections, if any, shall be filed and served on all counsel of record and any unrepresented party prior to the filing date. A copy of the notice shall be attached to the motion for appointment when it is filed.Berk. Cnty. Pa. 1920.51.4
Amended effective 2/12/2018 ; amended effective 7/9/2019; amended effective 3/14/2020.