Rule 1920.16 - SEVERANCE OF ACTIONS AND CLAIMS(a) Where one or more additional issues are pending, a decree of divorce or annulment may be entered if the parties stipulate. A bifurcation stipulation shall include the following: I understand that having a divorce entered prior to the disposition of additional issues poses substantial risks and may result in additional litigation. These risks have been thoroughly discussed with my attorney and I am willing to have the divorce decree entered prior to the disposition of any outstanding additional issues. I shall pursue any additional issues and claims without unreasonable delay.
(b) A bifurcation stipulation shall be signed by the parties and their respective counsel. A stipulation entered between unrepresented parties shall be approved only upon petition and hearing.(c) Where the action is ready for the entry of a decree of divorce or annulment but bifurcation is opposed, the court may upon application and after hearing enter a bifurcation order if (1) neither party would be substantially economically prejudiced and (2) the opposing party is unreasonably delaying the entire action by failing to file required pleadings or failing to initiate other appropriate action.Amended effective 3/1/2021; revised 2/23/2022; amended effective 2/1/2024.