At any stage of the proceeding, upon affidavit that a party is about to leave the jurisdiction, the court may issue appropriate process directing that the party be brought before the court at such time as the court may direct. At that time, the court may direct that the party give security, with one or more sureties, to appear when directed by the court or to comply with any order of court.
Rule 1920.44.Party Leaving Jurisdiction. Security.
Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1920.44 lets the court, on an affidavit that a party is about to leave the jurisdiction, issue process to bring the party in and require security in a divorce case.
Full Text of Rule 1920.44
Plain-English Summary
A spouse who flees can frustrate a divorce's economic claims. On an affidavit that a party is about to leave the jurisdiction, this rule lets the court issue appropriate process to bring the party before it and require security — a guarantee against the party's obligations — so the leaving party cannot escape the court's reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can the court do if a spouse is about to leave the state during a divorce?
On affidavit, it may issue process to bring the party in and require security.
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: party leaving jurisdiction divorcedivorce securityfleeing spouse divorce