(a) There shall be no discovery in a simple support, custody, Protection from Abuse, or Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence or Intimidation proceedings unless authorized by order of court.
Rule 1930.5.Discovery in Domestic Relations Matters.
Adopted May 5, 1997 · Last amended October 6, 2016 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 1930.5 bars discovery in simple support, custody, Protection From Abuse, and sexual-violence-protection cases without court approval, while allowing it in other family matters.
Full Text of Rule 1930.5
(b) Discovery shall be available without leave of court in accordance with Pa.R.C.P. Nos. 4001—4025 in alimony, equitable distribution, counsel fees and expense, and complex support proceedings.
Plain-English Summary
Family cases vary in how much discovery they need, and this rule draws the line. There is no discovery in a simple support, custody, Protection From Abuse, or Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence or Intimidation case without leave of court, keeping those high-volume, fast-moving cases lean. In more complex matters, such as equitable division, discovery proceeds under the general rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there discovery in a custody or support case?
Not in a simple case without court approval; discovery is available in more complex family matters like equitable division.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 1930.5 adopted May 5, 1997, effective July 1, 1997, 27 Pa.B. 2532; amended March 9, 1998, effective July 1, 1998, 28 Pa.B. 1391; amended June 5, 2001, effective immediately, 31 Pa.B. 3306; amended October 6, 2016, effective January 1, 2017, 46 Pa.B. 6612. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (322447).
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: discovery domestic relationsno discovery custody supportfamily court discovery