§ Rule 1920.54 Hearing by Master Report Related Claims

Rule 1920.54. Hearing by Master. Report. Related Claims

    (a) If claims for child support, alimony pendente lite, or counsel fees and expenses have been referred to a master pursuant to Rule 1920.51(a), the master's report shall contain separate sections captioned “Child Support,” “Alimony Pendente Lite,” or “Counsel Fees and Expenses” as appropriate. The report may be in narrative form stating the reasons for the recommendation and shall include a proposed order stating:

        (1) the amount of support or alimony pendente lite;

        (2) by and for whom it shall be paid; and

        (3) the effective date of the order.

    The Income and Expense Statements shall be attached to the report.

    (b) If a claim for alimony has been referred to a master, the report shall contain a separate action captioned        

    “Alimony.” The report shall conform to the requirements of subdivision (a) and, in addition, shall set forth

        (1) the findings required by Section 3701(a) of the Divorce Code, [FN1]

        (2) the relevant factors considered under Section 3701(b) of the Divorce Code, [FN2]

        (3) the nature, amount, duration and manner of payment of alimony, if any, and

        (4) the reason or reasons for the recommended denial or award of alimony.

    (c) If a claim for the determination and distribution of existing property rights and interests between the parties has been referred to a master, the report shall contain a separate section captioned “Division of Property.” The section shall be divided into two parts,

        (1) one captioned “Marital Property,” listing all property to be designated as such and including a proposed equitable distribution thereof with a discussion of the relevant factors considered under Section 3502(a) of the Divorce Code; [FN3] and

        (2) one captioned “Nonmarital Property,” listing all property to be designated as such.

    [FN1] 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 3701(a).

    [FN2] 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 3701(b).

    [FN3] 23 Pa.C.S.A. § 3502(a).