Rule 1920.1. Definitions. Conformity to Civil Action

(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.

(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. 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).