(a) The prothonotary on praecipe filed within such time as not to delay the trial shall enter a rule as of course upon the party seeking a divorce under Sec- tion 3301(a) or (b) of the Divorce Code or an annulment to file a bill of particu- lars as to such cause of action.
Rule 1920.21.Bill of Particulars in Divorce or Annulment. Non Pros.
Adopted June 27, 1980 · Last amended April 8, 1992 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1920.21 lets a party seeking a fault-based divorce or annulment be required, on praecipe, to file a bill of particulars, with a non pros for failure to do so.
Full Text of Rule 1920.21
(b) If a bill of particulars is not filed within twenty days after service of the rule or within such further time as the court may allow, the prothonotary upon praecipe shall enter a judgment of non pros against the defaulting party with respect to the cause of action for divorce under Section 3301(a) or (b) of the Divorce Code, or the cause of action for annulment.
(c) No answer to a bill of particulars is required.
Plain-English Summary
A spouse defending a fault-based divorce is entitled to specifics. This rule lets a party, by praecipe, require the party seeking a fault divorce or annulment to file a bill of particulars detailing the alleged grounds. If the moving party fails to file it, the prothonotary may enter a judgment of non pros — dismissing the claim for want of prosecution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bill of particulars in a divorce?
A detailed statement of the alleged grounds, which a party may require the spouse seeking a fault divorce to provide.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 1920.21 adopted June 27, 1980, effective July 1, 1980, 10 Pa.B. 2967; amended January 28, 1983, effective July 1, 1983, 13 Pa.B. 677; amended April 8, 1992, effective July 1, 1992, 22 Pa.B. 2221. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (134362) and (159453).
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: bill of particulars divorcefault divorce particularsnon pros divorce