Rule 4019.1* - Family Discovery MasterIn order to facilitate the prompt disposition of discovery in domestic relations matters, the Court adopts the Family Discovery Master Program as follows:
(1) The Board of Judges appoints the Masters in Equitable Distribution and the Support Conference Officers to serve as Family Discovery Masters.(2) All motions respecting discovery in domestic relations matters shall be filed with the Prothonotary. The moving party shall include a cover sheet and a proposed order. The cover sheet must state that counsel have conferred in a good faith effort to resolve the discovery dispute.(3) The motions shall then be presented to the Family Discovery Master for a rule returnable and argument date. A certificate of service of the motion and rule returnable and argument date shall be filed in the Prothonotary's office by the moving party on or before the return date.(4) The rule returnable and argument date shall be at 1:00 p.m. on the first Wednesday following the 30th day subsequent to the filing of the petition in a hearing room located at 321 Swede Street, Norristown, PA.(5) If the motion is resolved amicably prior to the return day, the motion shall either be withdrawn or a stipulated order shall be submitted to the Family Discovery Master for submission to the signing Judge. If the motion is not resolved amicably prior to the return day, the parties shall appear, on the date and at the place specified in the Rule accompanying the motion, for argument before the Family Discovery Master. Should the moving party fail to appear, the motion shall be dismissed. Briefs in support of and in opposition to the motion may be submitted to the Family Discovery Master not less than two days prior to the day scheduled for argument before the Family Discovery Master.(6) After hearing arguments and upon consideration of the motion and answer, and any briefs filed, the Family Discovery Master shall submit a written recommendation and proposed order to the Judge assigned to the case for entry of an appropriate order.(7) This rule does not apply to motions for sanctions.Cover Sheet of Moving Party is available on Prothonotary's website under forms.
Montgo. Cnty. Pa. 4019.1*