In Westmoreland County divorces, if the parties are unable to agree upon the financial aspects of support and equitable distribution of marital property, then after all other processes have been tried, including a conference at the courthouse, then the Court can appoint a Master.
That Master will generally first try to get the case settled, but if that’s not successful, then a trial is scheduled. The Master will hear testimony and consider exhibits before making a decision, which is recommended to the Judge who ultimately presides over the case. If a litigant doesn’t like the outcome of a Master’s trial, then the attorney can file “exceptions” to the recommended Order, which means that the Judge will consider whether the Master’s ruling was legally correct.
If you have any questions about the topic discussed in this article, or any family law matter, please give us a call at Bononi & Company (724) 832-2499.