Ky. Sup. Ct. Order 2024-07 § 6

(1) References.

References to master commissioners for special proceedings shall be warranted only in

special cases and in cases where such reference is mandated by statute or rule of

court. Cases may be regarded as special due to complexity of issues, damages which

are difficult to calculate, a multiplicity of claims the priority of which must be

established, matters of accounting involving complex or numerous transactions, or

similar exceptional circumstances.

(2) Meetings.

When an order of reference is made the circuit court clerk shall forthwith furnish the

master commissioner and all parties not in default with a copy of the order of

reference. Upon receipt, the master commissioner shall forthwith set a time and place

for the first meeting of the parties or their attorneys to be held within 20 days after the

date of the order of reference and shall provide notice. It is the duty of the

commissioner to proceed with reasonable diligence. Either party, on notice to the

parties and master commissioner, may apply to the court for an order requiring the

commissioner to speed the proceedings and to make his or her report. If a party fails

to appear at the time and place appointed, the master commissioner may proceed ex

parte or adjourn the proceedings to a future day, giving notice to the absent party of

the adjournment.

(3) Witnesses.

In special proceedings, the parties may procure the attendance of witnesses before the

master commissioner by the issuance and service of subpoenas as provided in CR 45.

If, without good cause shown, a witness fails to appear or give evidence, he or she may

be held in contempt and be subject to the provisions of CR 37 and CR 45.

(4) Statement of Accounts.

When matters of accounting are in issue before the master commissioner, he or she

may prescribe the form in which the accounts shall be submitted. Upon objection of a

party to any accounting, the master commissioner may require a different form of

statement to be furnished, or take testimony, or receive written interrogatories.