Last amended May 31, 2000 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1910.9 bars discovery in a support action unless authorized by special order of court, apart from the limited exchanges the conference rules allow.
(a)Except as provided in Rule 1910.11(j) and Rule 1910.12(c), there shall be no discovery in an action for support unless authorized by special order of court.
(b)Where a party is employed, the court shall ascertain the party’s earnings and may enter an order directing the employer to furnish earnings information to the court as provided by Rule 1910.28.
End
Plain-English Summary
Support cases rely on a quick exchange of income information rather than full-blown discovery. This rule bars discovery unless the court authorizes it by special order, except for the limited disclosures the office-conference rules already require. Keeping discovery off by default keeps support cases fast and inexpensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is discovery allowed in a support case?
Not unless authorized by special order of court, beyond the limited exchanges the conference rules require.
Official Note
Official Note: The rule relating to discovery in domestic relations matters generally is Rule 1930.5.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 1910.9 amended May 5, 1997, effective July 1, 1997, 27 Pa.B. 2532; amended March 2, 2000, effective immediately, 30 Pa.B. 1646; amended May 31, 2000, effective July 1, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 3155. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (265460).
Source & verification. Rule text, the Official Note, and the amendment
history are reproduced verbatim from the Pennsylvania Code, Title 231, the official compilation
of rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Last verified June 30, 2026. ·
Official text
Also known as:support discoveryno discovery supportspecial order discovery