Ky. Sup. Ct. Order 2025-48 § 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.