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Rule 1920.43.Special Relief.

Last amended March 30, 1994 · Last verified June 30, 2026

In one sentenceRule 1920.43 lets the court grant special relief at any time after a divorce complaint is filed, on a petition showing facts entitling the party to it.

Full Text of Rule 1920.43

Text sizeJump to: (a) (b)

(a) At any time after the filing of the complaint, on petition setting forth facts entitling the party to relief, the court may, upon such terms and conditions as it deems just, including the filing of security:
(1) issue preliminary or special injunctions necessary to prevent the removal, disposition, alienation or encumbering of real or personal property in accordance with Rule 1531(a), (c), (d) and (e); or
(2) order the seizure or attachment of real or personal property; or
(3) grant other appropriate relief.
(b) Where property ordered attached is in the possession of a garnishee, the practice and procedure shall conform as nearly as may be to Rules 3111 to 3113 and Rules 3142 to 3145 governing attachment execution. Judgment shall not be entered against a garnishee except by order of the court.
End

Plain-English Summary

Divorce cases can need interim protection of people or property. This rule lets the court, at any time after the complaint is filed, grant special relief on a petition setting forth facts entitling the party to it — for example, to preserve marital assets or protect a party. The relief holds things steady while the divorce and economic claims are decided.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a court act to protect assets during a divorce?

Yes. It may grant special relief on petition at any time after the complaint is filed.

Official Note

Official Note: See Section 3505 of the Divorce Code relating to injunction against disposition of property pending suit.

Amendment History

The provisions of this Rule 1920.43 amended March 30, 1994, effective July 1, 1994, 24 Pa.B. 1943. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (159458) to (159459).

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: divorce special reliefpreserve marital assetsinterim divorce relief