Elk & Camp. Cnty. Pa. 1920.51

As amended through December 1, 2017

Rule 1920.51 - Appointment of Master

1. The Court shall, whenever necessary, appoint a permanent master who shall be an attorney. The party requesting the appointment of a master shall file with the appropriate county Prothonotary a motion for the appointment of a master in substantially the form prescribed in Pa.R.C.P. 1920.74. The permanent master's base fee for all claims related to a divorce shall be $500. Said fee is payable to the permanent master and shall be submitted with the motion for the appointment of a master at time of filing of the motion. The permanent master may petition the Court for additional fees in appropriate circumstances and the allocation of the permanent master's fee may be determined in the master's report and recommendation.

2. All claims for equitable distribution, alimony, alimony pendente lite, attorney's fees and costs must be raised of record before being referred to a permanent master for hearing.

3. The permanent master shall prepare a case management order and schedule the master's pre-hearing conference or hearing.

4. The permanent master shall conduct the conference/hearing in accordance with Pa.R.C.P. 1920.55-2 and the established rules of law and evidence. The permanent master shall have the general power of a court, including, but not limited to:

a. The power to issue subpoenas and the power to issue an attachment upon allowance by the court for failure to comply therewith.

b. The power to administer oaths or affirmations to witnesses, to determine the admissibility of evidence, to permit testimony to be offered by deposition, and to decide the law and facts of the case submitted.

c. The power to compel the production of all books, paper, and documents which shall be deemed material to the case.

5. The permanent master shall tape record the hearing for later transcription upon request by any party. The party requesting the same shall pay the cost thereof.

6. Forms and procedures with respect to a claim for custody and/or visitation incident to a divorce shall be as prescribed by Local Rule L1915.3, L1915.4-2 and L1915.15.

Elk & Camp. Cnty. Pa. 1920.51