(a) As used in this chapter: ‘‘action,’’ an action of divorce or an action for annulment of marriage, which may include the ancillary claims that may be joined with the action of divorce or for annulment under the Divorce Code, except as otherwise provided in these rules; ‘‘custody,’’ includes partial custody; ‘‘divorce,’’ divorce from the bonds of matrimony or dissolution of a civil union; ‘‘hearing officer,’’ shall have the same meaning as ‘‘master’’ as that term is used in the Divorce Code, 23 Pa.C.S. §§ 3101 et seq. ‘‘marital property rights’’ means those rights created solely by Section 3501 of the Divorce Code; and ‘‘nonmarital property rights’’ means all property rights other than marital property rights.
Rule 1920.1.Definitions. Conformity to Civil Action.
Last amended October 19, 2021 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1920.1 defines the terms for divorce and annulment actions, including the ancillary claims that may be joined, and runs the action on ordinary civil procedure except as the chapter provides.
Full Text of Rule 1920.1
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the procedure in the action shall be in accordance with the rules relating to a civil action.
Plain-English Summary
This chapter governs divorce and annulment, and the opening rule sets the vocabulary. It defines an 'action' as a divorce or annulment action, which may include the ancillary claims — alimony, equitable division, counsel fees, and custody — that may be joined, and defines related terms. Beyond the chapter's special rules, a divorce runs on ordinary civil procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a divorce action under this chapter?
An action of divorce or for annulment of marriage, which may include ancillary claims such as alimony and equitable division.
Official Note
Official Note: See Section 3104 of the Divorce Code for the ancillary claims that may be joined in a divorce action, except as otherwise provided in these rules. See Pa.R.C.P. No. 1920.31(a)(2) as to raising claims for child support, spousal support, and alimony pendente lite. The definition of divorce has been expanded to include civil unions. See Neyman v. Buckley, 153 A.3d 1010 (Pa. Super. 2016).
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 1920.1 amended December 16, 1983, effective July 1, 1984, 13 Pa.B. 3999; amended March 30, 1994, effective July 1, 1994, 24 Pa.B. 1943; amended July 30, 2018, effec- tive January 1, 2019, 48 Pa.B. 4960; amended October 19, 2021, effective January 1, 2022, 51 Pa.B. 6764. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (402500).
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 action definitionsannulment actionancillary claims divorce