Rule 1915.26 - Notice Of Master's Conference(a) If a party is represented, notice of the Master's conference shall be served on the party by the master by first-class United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the party's counsel.(b) If a party is unrepresented, notice of the Master's conference shall be served on the party by the master by certified United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the party's last known address.(c) A copy of said notice shall be filed with the Prothonotary.(d) The following language shall be included in all notices of Master's conferences involving custody cases: YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT A HEARING ON THE ISSUES OF PARTIAL CUSTODY AND/OR VISITATION WILL BE HELD BY THE COURT-APPOINTED MASTER UNLESS YOU REQUEST IN WRITING PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE MASTER'S CONFERENCE THE MATTER BE HEARD BEFORE A JUDGE. THE FAILURE TO FILE SUCH WRITTEN REQUEST PRIOR TO THE CONFERENCE SHALL BE DEEMED A WAIVER OF YOUR RIGHT TO HAVE THE ISSUES OF PARTIAL CUSTODY AND/OR VISITATION HEARD BY A JUDGE. A COPY OF THE REQUIRED WRITTEN REQUEST HAS BEEN INCLUDED WITH THIS NOTICE FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE.
(e) The following form shall be included with all notices of Master's conferences involving custody cases: Click here to view image
REQUEST FOR A HEARING BEFORE A JUDGE
(f) I hereby certify that I desire a hearing before a Judge should the only unresolved issue involve either partial custody or visitation for the following reasons: There are complex questions of law, fact, or both. A hearing on the issue of partial custody or visitation would take longer than one hour. There are serious allegations affecting the child's welfare. Date: ___________________________ Plaintiff/Defendant
Adopted July 19, 2004, effective 30 days after publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Amended September 1, 2004, effective 30 days after publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.