THE COURTS

Title 255—LOCAL COURT RULES

LYCOMING COUNTY

Amendments to the Rules of Civil Procedure; Doc. No. CV-2023-00001

[53 Pa.B. 2297]
[Saturday, April 29, 2023]

Order

 And Now, this 24th day of March, 2023, it is hereby Ordered and Directed as follows:

 1) Lycoming County Rules of Civil Procedure L205.2, L208.3, L1910.12, L1910.14, L1910.15, L1915.3, L1915.8, L1915.12, L1920.16, L1920.51, L1920.53, and L1930.5 are amended as set forth as follows. (Underline is new language; strikeout is removed language.)

 2) New Lycoming County Rules of Civil Procedure L1915.4-3, L1920.55-1, and L1920.55-2 are promulgated, as set forth as follows.

 3) Lycoming County Rules of Civil Procedure L300, L411, L1910.22, L1915.3-1, L1915.3-2, L1915.3-3, L1915.3-4, L1915.10-1, L1915.10-2, L1920.13, L1920.21, L1920.31, L1920.32, L1920.33, L1920.42, L1920.43, L1920.45, L1920.55, L1920.71, L1920.73, L1920.74, L1920.75, L1920.76, and L1920.77 are rescinded.

 4) The Prothonotary is directed to do the following:

 a) File one (1) copy of this order with the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts;

 b) Distribute two (2) copies and a computer disk of this order to the Legislative Reference Bureau for publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin; and

 c) Forward one (1) copy of this order to the chairperson of the Lycoming County Customs and Rules Committee.

 5) The chairperson of the Lycoming County Customs and Rules Committee is directed to do the following:

 a) Publish the revised rules on the Lycoming Law Association website at https://www.lycolaw.org/rules-contents; and

 b) Compile the rule revisions within the complete set of local rules no later than 30 days following publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

 6) The new rules shall become effective 30 days after the publication of this order in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

By the Court

NANCY L. BUTTS, 
President Judge

 (Editor's Note: New text is printed in bold type and underscored. Deleted text is printed in bold type and bracketed.)

L205.2. Filing Legal Papers with the Prothonotary.

 (a) . . .

 (b) Required cover sheets.

 A. . . .

 B. Motion Cover Sheet. . . .

 . . .

 4. If expedited consideration by the court is requested or required by statute or rule of procedure, the filing party shall check the ''expedited consideration'' box on the cover sheet and state the reason for such consideration [shall be set forth on the cover sheet.] Simultaneously with the filing of the request, the filing party shall deliver a copy of the request to the court administrator who shall deliver the request to a judge. Such consideration must be requested if the date of the pretrial conference has been set or if the case has already been pre-tried.

 . . .

L208.3 Motions. Procedures. Briefs.

 (a) Motion procedure.

 . . .

 [E. Emergency petitions for child custody shall proceed under L1915.13-1.]

 (b) . . .

 [DOCKETS

L300. Dockets.

 The prothonotary shall keep and maintain the following dockets:

 A. Judgment docket.

 B. Mechanics lien docket, wherein shall be entered mechanics liens, releases and waivers thereof, and municipal claims.

 C. Federal tax lien docket, wherein shall be entered federal tax liens.

 D. Secured transaction docket.

 E. Fictitious names docket.

 F. General miscellaneous docket, wherein shall be entered all other actions and proceedings of every kind, except disciplinary cases.

 G. Supplemental or pre-index docket.

L411. Action for Support.

 In all actions against a defendant residing in Lycoming County, the domestic relations office shall serve the complaint, order and notice in accordance with Pa.R.C.P. 411.]

L1910.12. Exceptions Procedure.

 A. [This procedure shall apply to:

 1. all exceptions to the report and recommendation entered with respect to claims filed in or collected through the domestic relations office; and,

 2. all exceptions to the report and recommendation entered with respect to claims raised in a divorce action and which have not been filed in or collected through the domestic relations office.] When exceptions are filed with the domestic relations office, they shall have attached to them a copy of the order to which the exceptions have been taken. A rule L205.2(b)B motion cover sheet is required. The hearing officer who entered the order shall be served with a copy of the exceptions.

 B. [The exceptions and two copies shall be filed with the prothonotary.] If a transcript is requested, a request for transcript form must be completed pursuant to L4007(A) and submitted to the senior court reporter. If the exceptions raise an issue not addressed in the order, a transcript must be requested. If a transcript is not requested and the court determines that the transcript was necessary, the court may, at its discretion, dismiss the exceptions.

 [C. Hearing Date.

 1. Upon the filing of exceptions under subparagraph A.1, above, a date for argument will be scheduled on the first available domestic relations hearing date occurring 21 days or more following the date of mailing of the temporary order.

 2. Upon the filing of exceptions under subparagraph A.2, above, a date for argument will be scheduled on the first available miscellaneous date 21 days or more following the date of mailing of the temporary order.

 D. At the argument, the parties will be required to stipulate on the record to all relevant facts which are not in dispute. If all of the facts necessary for resolution of the exceptions cannot be presented by way of stipulation, the court will direct preparation of a complete transcript of the proceedings held before the hearing officer, and require the posting of a deposit within a certain time period for preparation of the transcript by the party filing exceptions, or by both parties if cross-exceptions are filed, excepting any party who may have been granted leave to proceed in forma pauperis. The judge may also direct that further argument be held after the transcript is filed.

 E. Upon completion and filing of any transcript ordered, the exceptions will be resolved based upon the argument previously presented to the court and the transcript, along with any exhibits previously entered into the record. Unless directed by the court, no further proceedings will be scheduled. Final allocation of the cost of the transcript, including any payment by a party who was previously excused from posting a deposit, will be ordered upon resolution of the exceptions.

 F. If the deposit for the transcript is not paid as directed under sub-paragraph D, above, all exceptions may be decided by the court based upon the findings of fact made by the family court hearing officer.]

L1910.14. Defendant Leaving the Jurisdiction.

 Any request for relief under Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.14 shall be filed in the [office of the prothonotary with two copies: one each for the domestic relations office and the court administrator. The court shall then direct when and by what process the defendant shall be brought before the court.] domestic relations office.

L1910.15. Paternity.

 [A. Initially, the procedure provided for in Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.15(a) and (b) shall be followed.

 B. If the reputed father does not execute an acknowledgment of paternity, the court shall, on its own motion or motion of any party, including the domestic relations office, order blood tests pursuant to the Uniform Act on Blood Tests to Determine Paternity, 42 Pa.C.S. Section 6133 et seq. The domestic relations office will make arrangements for and schedule said testing. The costs for said tests will be advanced by the county from the Title IV-D Trustee Account. The costs will then become part of the cost of the case to be recovered from the defendant in the event of a verdict that he is the father of the subject child.

 C. After results of blood tests have been received, the domestic relations office shall schedule a conference with the parties to determine whether the reputed father is excluded from paternity, wishes to acknowledge paternity, or still denies paternity.

 D. If after the above conference there is neither an exclusion nor an acknowledgment of paternity, the domestic relations office shall request the office of the court administrator to place the case on the next appropriate pre-trial list and schedule it for trial.

 E. Thereafter, the procedure will be in accordance with Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.15(c) through (f).]

 A party shall commence an action for paternity, independent of a claim for support, by filing a complaint in the domestic relations office.

[L1910.22. Attachment of Wages, Salaries and Commissions.

 A. Proceedings for relief under Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.22, if not initiated upon motion of the court or the domestic relations office, shall be initiated by the filing of a petition and rule to show cause along with a copy for the domestic relations office, in the office of the prothonotary.

 B. The domestic relations office shall schedule a hearing before the family court hearing officer, who, after hearing, shall propose an order of court in conformity with the provisions of Pa.R.C.P. No. 1910.22(b) or (c).

 C. Should either party to the proceeding disagree with the determination of the family court hearing officer, exceptions may be filed in accordance with the procedure found in Lyc. Co. R.C.P. L1910.10 and the matter will be heard by the court de novo.]

CUSTODY AND VISITATION MATTERS

L1915.3. Custody [Petitions and Procedure] Pleadings.

 A. All [petitions] pleadings relating only to custody [or visitation with] of minor children shall [be filed in accordance with] include a motion cover sheet pursuant to rule L205.2(b)B.

 [B. All counts in a divorce complaint and all petitions relating to custody, partial custody, or visitation, of minor children shall be processed in accordance with Lyc.Co.R.C.P. L1915.3, et seq.

 C. As part of the pre-trial procedures, the court administrator shall refer a] B. All custody-related [complaints or petitions] pleadings, [(]other than those alleging contempt or [those accompanied by a petition for emergency relief, see L1915.13-1 and L1915.13-2)] requesting special relief, shall be referred to a family court hearing officer for the scheduling of an initial conference with the parties and their respective counsel.

 [D] C. If the custody action is [based upon] included in a count [of] in a divorce complaint, an initial conference before a hearing officer will be scheduled upon the filing of a [written] praecipe [or other written request by either party]. The praecipe must include an updated criminal record/abuse history verification completed by the filing party and a blank verification form for the opposing party, along with the order/notice required by Pa.R.C.P 1915.15(c).

 [E. The court or hearing officer shall enter an order or notice scheduling the initial conference to be held at the earliest available date.

 F. The moving party shall cause service of the complaint or petition or praecipe filed under subparagraph 1 or 2, above, and order or notice for conference, to be made on the opposing party.

 G. Any pleading which requests the scheduling of a proceeding and also requests entry of a temporary order to maintain de facto custody provisions pending the initial conference shall set forth withspecificity those facts supporting the Request for the temporary custody order pending the initial conference.

L1915.3-1. Initial Conference.

 A. The parties and their respective counsel shall appear at the initial conference before the family court hearing officer.

 B. If the parties reach an agreement resolving all of the issues raised, the hearing officer shall forward an order to the court for approval setting forth the terms of such agreement.

 C. If the parties do not reach an agreement resolving all issues raised, the hearing officer will conduct a non-record proceeding to establish a recommended interim order as to custody, partial custody or visitation, which will govern pending further proceedings. This non-record proceeding may be a conference with attorneys, conference with parties, and/or the taking of testimony under oath and receipt of other evidence and arguments of counsel as the hearing officer deems appropriate, based upon the particular issues raised.

 D. At the conclusion of the proceeding, the hearing officer shall: 1) give the parties oral notice of the essential aspects of the recommended interim order and reasons for the recommendation; 2) make an initial determination as to the use of mediation, psychological evaluations or home studies, in accordance with Rules L1915.7 and L1915.8; 3) shall set a date for the pretrial conference.

L1915.3-2. Exceptions and Reconsideration of Interim Order.

 A. No exceptions may be filed to an interim order entered in a custody action. Any matter not stipulated to at the initial conference may be reviewed at the pre-trial conference or resolved at trial.

 B. Should a significant change in circumstances arise after entry of an interim order and before the pre-trial conference necessitating a modification of the interim order, which modification cannot be amicably agreed upon pending the pretrial conference, either party may file a motion for reconsideration of the interim order, setting forth all pertinent facts in support thereof or verified by the filing party. The court administrator shall refer such motion to the hearing officer who entered the interim order. Based on the allegations of the motion, the hearing officer may take any one or more of the following actions deemed appropriate under the circumstances: 1) enter an order summarily denying the motion; or 2) hold a telephone or other conference with counsel for both parties; or 3) after providing the opposing party an opportunity to respond, enter a modified interim order; or 4) direct that the matter be resolved at the pre-trial conference.

L1915.3-3. Approval of Recommended Orders.

 Any recommended interim order of the hearing officer shall be submitted to the court for approval and upon court approval shall have the effect of a pre-trial order.

L1915.3-4. Mediation.

 The hearing officer may refer the parties to mediation and, if so, may direct a date by which the parties must commence the mediation process. The date set for the pre-trial conference shall allow sufficient time for completion of the mediation process. If mediation terminates prior to the anticipated completion date, the mediator shall notify the court administrator who may then reschedule the pre-trial conference for an earlier date. The expense of mediation shall be paid by the parties in accordance with the agreement between Lycoming County and the mediator as the same may exist from time to time.]

1915.4-3. Initial Conference.

 A. The parties and their respective counsel shall appear at the initial conference before the family court hearing officer.

 B. If the parties reach an agreement resolving all of the issues raised, the hearing officer shall forward an order to the court for approval setting forth the terms of such agreement.

 C. If the parties do not reach an agreement resolving all issues raised, the hearing officer will conduct a non-record proceeding to establish a recommended interim order as to custody, partial custody or visitation, which will govern pending further proceedings. This non-record proceeding may be a conference with attorneys, conference with parties, and/or the taking of testimony under oath and receipt of other evidence and arguments of counsel as the hearing officer deems appropriate, based upon the particular issues raised.

 D. At the conclusion of the proceeding, the hearing officer shall: 1) give the parties oral notice of the essential aspects of the recommended interim order and reasons for the recommendation; 2) make an initial determination as to the use of mediation, psychological evaluations or home studies, in accordance with Rule L1915.8; 3) shall set a date for the pretrial conference.

 E. No exceptions may be filed to an interim order entered in a custody action.

 F. Any recommended interim order of the hearing officer shall be submitted to the court for approval and upon court approval shall have the effect of an interim pre-trial order.

 G. The hearing officer may refer the parties to mediation and, if so, may direct a date by which the parties must commence the mediation process. The date set for the pre-trial conference shall allow sufficient time for completion of the mediation process. If mediation terminates prior to the anticipated completion date, the mediator shall notify the court administrator who may then reschedule the pre-trial conference for an earlier date. The expense of mediation shall be paid by the parties in accordance with the agreement between Lycoming County and the mediator as the same may exist from time to time.

L1915.8. Physical/Mental/Psychological Examinations and Home Studies.

 [A.] Upon agreement of the parties at the initial conference, the hearing officer may include in the recommended interim order a direction that the parties obtain physical, mental or psychological examinations and/or home studies, prior to the date of the pre-trial conference and may establish a date by which the parties must make the initial arrangements. Where mediation is utilized, the order may provide that the evaluation be undertaken during the mediation process, deferred until mediation is complete or be left for consideration at the pre-trial conference. Unless otherwise directed by the court or hearing officer or agreed upon by the parties, the expense of any evaluation shall be borne initially by the party requesting the evaluation.

 [B. Any request by the parties for evaluations made after the initial conference and not made at the pre-trial conference or entered into by stipulation must be made by motion in accordance with Pa.R.C.P. No. 1915.8, alleging specific facts and reasons for the request, with a hearing to be held after reasonable notice to the other party.

 C. Unless otherwise directed by the court or hearing officer or agreed upon by the parties, the expense of any evaluation shall be borne initially by the party requesting the evaluation and shall be paid in accordance with Pa.R.C.P. No. 1915.8. A final allocation of the expense may be made by the court upon entry of an order or decision rendered on any issues raised in the proceeding.

 D. Any evaluation filed with the court shall not be available for public inspection and shall be impounded by the prothonotary.

L1915.10-1. Pre-trial Conference.

 At the time set for the pre-trial conference, both parties shall submit a pre-trial memorandum in the form prescribed by the court. Both parties and their respective counsel shall appear before the court for presentation of the issues and discussion of possible settlement and disposition of any matters referred to the pre-trial conference judge

L1915.10-2. Continuances.

 Any requests for a continuance of the initial conference, pre-trial conference or trial must be made on forms provided by the court administrator's office at the earliest opportunity. Continuance requests will be evaluated in light of the court's policy that custody disputes should be promptly resolved.]

L1915.12. Required Certification for Petition for Civil Contempt Relating to a Custody Order.

 A. . . .

 1. The opposing party is represented by counsel. Counsel was [apprized] apprised of the alleged contemptuous conduct and that a contempt petition would be filed unless remedial steps were offered, but the opposing party, through counsel, has declined to offer sufficient remedial steps. Such remedial steps may include assurance of compliance with the order and replacement time for custody or visitation time claimed to have been lost to the petitioning party by the alleged contemptuous conduct.

 2. . . .

DIVORCE OR ANNULMENT OF MARRIAGE

[L1920.13. Interim Relief.

 Any request for interim relief raised under Pa.R.C.P. No. 1920.13(c) shall be initially referred to the family court office for hearing. Proposed orders entered after hearing are subject to the exception procedure set forth in Lyc.Co. R.C.P. L1920.55.]

L1920.16 Bifurcation.

 [A. A praecipe to transmit record requesting entry of a divorce decree under Domestic Relations Code § 3301(c) or § 3301(d) should not be filed prior to the resolution of all other claims raised unless an order has been entered permitting bifurcation or the other party consents to bifurcation. The filing party must indicate in the praecipe to transmit that either, (1) there are no outstanding claims, or (2) bifurcation has been consented to by the other party, as verified by an affidavit attached to the praecipe to transmit, or approved by court order, a copy of which is attached to the praecipe to transmit. Where the other party does not consent to bifurcation, a] A request for bifurcation shall be made by motion in accordance with the procedure set forth in rule L205.2(b)B., and [may be referred by the court, in its discretion, to the family court hearing office for hearing thereon.] will be scheduled before a judge for a hearing.

 [B. A motion for appointment of master to hear a claim for divorce on ''fault'' grounds may include a request for bifurcation. If such a request is included, the master shall rule on both the claim for divorce and the request for bifurcation. If both are granted, the master shall forward to the court a proposed decree, retaining jurisdiction of all outstanding claims. If the request for bifurcation is denied, assuming the claim for divorce is granted, no decree shall be entered until all remaining claims are resolved.

L1920.21. Bill of Particulars.

 A. A praecipe for a rule to file a bill of particulars shall be considered untimely filed if it is filed after notice of the scheduling of a master's hearing on the contested divorce has been given, provided a copy of the motion for appointment of master was served on opposing counsel or party. All other objections as to the untimely filing of such a praecipe shall be raised by petition and rule.

 B. A non pros entered pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No. 1920.21(b) shall not be effective against ancillary claims for relief pleaded if grounds for divorce other than those under Domestic Relations Code Sections 3301(a) or 3301(b) have been alleged in the complaint or answer.

L1920.31. Joinder of Related Claims. Economic.

 A. Any motion for sanctions filed pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. 1920.31 may be referred to the family court office for hearing thereon. Any oral motion for sanctions made before a master at the time of hearing shall be disposed of by the master in the same manner as the court under Pa.R.C.P. No. 4019, subject to the exceptions procedure of Lyc.Co.R.C.P. L1920.55.

 B. A preliminary conference on any issues raised in the pleadings will be scheduled only if requested by the filing of a praecipe.

 C. A request for a hearing on child support, spousal support, alimony pendente lite, health insurance or interim counsel fees shall be made by filing a praecipe for hearing setting forth the claims to be heard. An original and copy for the family office shall be filed with the prothonotary and copies shall be served on the opposing counsel or party.

L1920.32. Joinder of Related Claims.

 Custody. All claims involving custody joined with an action for divorce or annulment shall be governed by the procedures set forth in rule L1915.3 et seq.

L1920.33. Joinder of Related Claims.

 Property. Any motion for sanctions filed pursuant to Pa.R.C.P. No. 1920.33(c) may be referred to the family court office for hearing thereon. Any oral motion for sanctions made before a master at the time of hearing shall be disposed of by the master in the same manner as the court under Pa.R.C.P. No. 4019, subject to the exception procedure of Lyc.Co.R.C.P. L1920.55

L1920.42. Affidavit and Decree Under § 3301(c) or § 3301(d) of the Domestic Relations Code.

 A. A copy of the praecipe to transmit record, proposed divorce decree, and notice that decree will be entered (unless notice has been waived under Pa.R.C.P. No. 1920.42(e)) shall be server upon opposing counsel or party and a certificate of service shall be filed.

 B. If related claims are resolved by means of a written agreement between the parties, a copy of the agreement may be attached to the praecipe to transmit record along with an appropriate proposed decree. If related claims are pending, the attached proposed decree shall contain a provision reserving the court's jurisdiction over the unresolved issues.

 C. A decree will not be entered unless the appropriate administrative fee has been paid to the prothonotary or the court has granted leave to proceed in forma pauperis.

L1920.43. Special Relief.

 The court, in its discretion, may refer certain requests for special relief to the family court office for hearing thereon.

L1920.45. Counseling.

 Requests for counseling shall be made on a form provided by the family court office. The request will be scheduled by the family court office for conference or hearing, as may be appropriate. When there is no other provision governing the time within which counseling may be requested or carried out, any request must be filed within such time as to not delay trial or a hearing.]

L1920.51. [Hearing by the Court.] Appointment of [Master] Hearing Officer.

 [A. All claims for relief on the merits, other than disputed claims as to custody or paternity shall initially be heard by a family court hearing officer or master. Any request for hearing before the court on matters other than custody and paternity shall be made by motion and will be granted by the court only upon cause shown.

 B. Prior to a hearing on claims for equitable distribution, alimony or final counsel fees, costs and expenses, a pre-trial conference between counsel for the parties and the appointed master shall take place to narrow the claims to be determined, review compliance with discovery or disclosure, and to discuss settlement alternatives. The master may enter orders subject to court approval, pursuant to stipulation of the parties or in aid of the anticipated hearing.

 C. A decree under Domestic Relations Code Sections 3301(a) and 3301(b) will not be entered unless the appropriate administrative fee has been paid to the prothonotary or the court has granted leave to proceed in forma pauperis.

 D. The recommendation for disposition made by the master or hearing officer shall include a determination of the amount of master's fees or stenographic costs and a recommendation as to their allocation.]

 A. The following matters shall be heard by a hearing officer:

 1. Alimony.

 2. Equitable division of marital property.

 3. Counsel fees.

 4. Costs and expenses.

 5. Divorce pursuant to 3301(a) or 3301(b) of the Divorce Code.

 6. Date of separation dispute under 3301(c)2 or 3301(d) of the Divorce Code.

 B. Upon the appointment of a hearing officer pursuant to A.1—A.4 above, an order will be entered scheduling a scheduling conference with the hearing officer.

 C. Upon the appointment of a hearing officer pursuant to A.5-A.6 above, an order will be entered scheduling a hearing with the hearing officer.

 D. Appointment of Hearing Officer. Form of Order.

 1. The motion for appointment of hearing officer shall be accompanied by a proposed order that identifies the section of the Divorce Code under which grounds have been established and the ancillary claims the hearing officer is being appointed to hear.

 2. The motion for appointment of hearing officer shall indicate under which section of the Divorce Code the divorce is being sought, as well as indicate the date the affidavit of consent or affidavit of separation were filed.

 3. The form of the proposed order shall be substantially as follows:

IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF LYCOMING COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Plaintiff	:
vs	:	NO.
Defendant	:

ORDER

 AND NOW, this _________________ day of ______ , 20 __ , upon receipt of plaintiff's motion for appointment of hearing officer, the court hereby finds that grounds for divorce have been established pursuant to [§ 3301(c)][ § 3301(d)] of the Divorce Code, as averred in the attached motion.

 _________________ is hereby appointed hearing officer with respect to plaintiff's claims for: ___________________________ .

 By the Court,

 Judge

L1920.53. Hearing by [Master] Hearing Officer.

 Report. Requests for continuances of conferences or hearings before a [master or family court] hearing officer shall be directed to the [family court hearing office for decision by the master or] hearing officer. [Any disagreement with the decision of the hearing officer or master may be referred to the court for review.]

L1920.55-1. Matters Referred to a Hearing Officer.

 The procedure of Pa.R.C.P. 1920.55-2 is hereby adopted.

L1920.55-2. Exception Procedure.

 [A. All] The original and one copy of exceptions to a [Master's] hearing officer's report and recommendation [entered with respect to claims of child support, spousal support, alimony pendente lite or interim counsel fees raised in a divorce action shall be filed and processed in accordance with the procedure set forth in L1910.12.] shall be filed with the prothonotary and include the report and recommendation to which the exceptions have been taken. A rule L205.2(b)B motion cover sheet is required. The cover sheet shall indicate whether a transcript is required. If a transcript is requested, the procedure of rule L4007(A) shall be followed.

 [B. Upon the filing of exceptions as to child support, spousal support, alimony pendente lite or interim counsel fees the recommended order shall be entered as a temporary order as to those issues and the exceptions shall not act as a stay pending resolution of the exception.

L1920.71. Form of Notice.

 The form of notice to defend and claim rights shall be in the form set forth in Pa.R.C.P. No. 1920.71 and Lyc.Co.R.C.P. L1018.1.

L1920.73. Form of Praecipe to Transmit Record.

 The family court office shall prepare a form suitable for use in Lycoming County and this form shall be made available in the office of the prothonotary and the family court office.

L1920.74. Form of Motion for Appointment of Master.

 The family court office shall prepare a form suitable for use in Lycoming County and this form shall be made available in the office of the prothonotary and the family court office.

L1920.75. Form of Inventory and Appraisement.

 The family court office shall prepare a form suitable for use in Lycoming County and this form shall be made available in the office of the prothonotary and the family court office.

L1920.76. Form of Divorce Decree.

 The Family court office shall prepare a form suitable for use in Lycoming County and this form shall be made available in the office of the prothonotary and the family court office.

L1920.77. Forms for Counseling.

 The family court office shall prepare a form suitable for use in Lycoming County and this form shall be made available in the office of the prothonotary and the family court office.]

L1930.5. Discovery.

 [A.] Any request for discovery [in addition to that permitted by the rules shall be] in a simple support, custody, protection from abuse or protection from victim of sexual violence or intimidation case shall be made to the court by filing a motion for leave to take discovery setting forth the type of discovery sought and reasons therefor. This shall not preclude the parties from stipulating to additional discovery. All discovery authorized by order of court shall be subject to the limitations of rule L4005.

 [B. The serving of interrogatories concerning alimony or the determination and distribution of property rights shall be considered untimely if filed after notice of the scheduling of a master's hearing on those claims has been given, provided a copy of the motion for appointment of master was served on opposing counsel or party.

 C. In the case of interrogatories served pursuant to rules of civil procedure, the first set of interrogatories propounded to a party may not exceed fifty (50) in number, including subparts, whether or not they are separately numbered. In the event that the response given to the first set of interrogatories is considered by the requesting party to indicate a need for additional interrogatories, a second set of interrogatories, again limited to fifty (50) including subparts, may be served upon a party. The second set of interrogatories must be case specific. The responding party shall not be compelled to answer any interrogatories beyond the number allowed under this rule. The court may, in its discretion, allow additional interrogatories to be served in an appropriate case.]

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 23-566. Filed for public inspection April 28, 2023, 9:00 a.m.]

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