Blair County - Divorce Information

Overview of the Divorce Master Process in Blair County, PA

The provided documents outline the procedural steps for a divorce case handled by the Divorce Master in Blair County, Pennsylvania. The process is governed by specific court rules (primarily Rule 1920) and involves the filing of various forms, payment of fees, and attendance at hearings.

Key Procedural Steps

• Filing the Complaint: The process begins with filing a Divorce Complaint (Rule 1920. 12).
• Inventory Requirement: An "Inventory and Appraisalment" must be filed (Rule 1920. 33(a)). This document lists all property owned or possessed by either party at the time the action was commenced, as well as any property transferred within the preceding three years.
• Appointment of Master: A "Motion for Appointment of Divorce Master" is filed along with a $750.00 Master Fee (Rule 1920.51).
  • Important Note: No Master will be appointed until the Inventory has been filed with the Prothonotary Office.
• Pre-Trial Phase:
  • An Order is entered appointing the Master.
  • A date for a Pre-trial with the Master is set by the Court.
  • Parties must file Pretrial Statements (Rule 1920. 33(b)).
  • A Pretrial Hearing is held to set the date for an Evidentiary Hearing.
• Evidentiary Hearing: A hearing is held where evidence is presented. The Master then files a "Report and Recommendation" (Rule 1920. 55-2(a)).
• Exceptions and Final Decree:
  • Parties have 10 days to file "Exceptions" (objections) to the Master's report.
  • If Exceptions are Filed: An Oral Argument date is set with a Judge (Rule 1920. 55-2(b)(c)). After the hearing, a Final Decree is entered by the Court.
  • If No Exceptions are Filed: The Final Decree is entered by the Court (Rule 1920. 55-2(d)).

Required Forms and Rules

The system relies on several specific forms and rules, many of which are noted as "Attached" in the summary:

• Rule 1920. 33(a): Governs the distribution of property and the requirement for an inventory.
• Form 1920. 75: The specific form used for the Inventory of Assets.
• Rule 1920. 51: Governs the motion to appoint a Master.
• Form 1920. 74: The form for the Motion for Appointment of Divorce Master and the fee payment.
• Rule 1920. 55-2: Governs the Master's report and the process for filing exceptions.
• Form 1920. 76: The Final Decree of Divorce form.

Inventory of Assets (Form 1920. 75)

The inventory form requires parties to list and itemize the following assets:

• Real Property
• Motor vehicles
• Stocks, bonds, securities, and options
• Certificates of deposit
• Checking accounts and cash
• Savings accounts, money market, and savings certificates
• Contents of safe deposit boxes
• Trusts
• Life insurance policies (including face value, cash surrender value, and beneficiaries)
• Annuities
• Gifts
• Inheritances
• Patents, copyrights, inventions, and royalties
• Personal property outside the home
• Business interests (including ownership percentage and officer/director positions)
• Employment termination benefits (severance pay, worker's compensation claims/awards)

Final Decree (Form 1920. 76)

The Final Decree is the court order that officially dissolves the marriage ("divorced from the bonds of matrimony"). It also includes provisions for:

• Retaining jurisdiction over any claims not yet resolved.
• Converting any existing spousal support orders into alimony pendente lite if economic claims remain pending.