Rule 1920.31 - Joinder Of Related Claims. Child And Spousal Support. Alimony. Alimony Pendente Lite. Counsel Fees. Expenses(a)(3) Where a claim for spousal support and/or alimony pendente lite is made in a complaint for divorce or annulment or in a counterclaim thereto, the party filing a pleading containing such a claim shall: (i) file at the Domestic Relations Section a time-stamped copy of the pleading and proof of service thereof, a praecipe for conference, and the Domestic Relations data sheet, and(ii) serve a copy of the request for conference on the opposing party, or if represented, on the attorney of record in the action for divorce or annulment. ***
(e) The divorce master shall be appointed to consider petitions seeking interim counsel fees and expenses. Such petitions shall be filed with the Clerk of Judicial Records and a time-stamped copy sent to the master.(1) In addition to the information required to be submitted pursuant to Pa. R.C.P. 1920.31(a)(1), the petition shall include written estimates as to the amounts requested for interim counsel fees and expenses and the basis for the requests.(2) All averments contained in such petitions shall be deemed denied. However, the respondent shall have a period of twenty (20) days in which to file an answer, which shall be filed and a time-stamped copy sent to Family Court Administration.(3) The matter shall be scheduled for a non-record conference with the master. After consideration of the petition, the answer, supporting documentation, and argument, the master shall prepare a recommended Order addressing the petition.(4) A recommended Order which is not based upon agreement of the parties shall provide for twenty (20) days from the filing, during which time either party may file exceptions and demand a hearing de novo before the Court. A time-stamped copy of exceptions filed shall be provided to Family Court Administration for scheduling.(f) The master shall be appointed to consider petitions for modification of post-divorce alimony. Such petitions shall be filed with the Clerk of Judicial Records and a time-stamped copy sent to Family Court Administration.(1) The matter shall be scheduled for conference. If the petition is not resolved during the conference, a record hearing shall be scheduled before the master.(2) The notes of testimony shall be transcribed and a report shall be generated by the master as soon as administratively possible following the hearing.(3) Either party may file exceptions to the report of the master within twenty (20) days from the date the report is filed of record.(4) A time-stamped copy of any such exceptions filed shall be provided to Family Court Administration to schedule for argument before a judge and to set a briefing schedule.