Opinion ID: 1246954
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: discovery procedures applicable in divorce action

Text: 7. There is no merit in the contention that discovery under the new rules of civil procedure is not available in divorce actions. Chapter 518 on divorce is one of the special statutory proceedings listed in Appendix A and excepted by Rule 81.01 from the operation of the rules insofar as the statutes are inconsistent or in conflict with the procedure and practice provided by such rules. That the rules are applicable to such statutory provisions insofar as they are not inconsistent or in conflict is expressly declared by Rule 81.03 which provides that, where any statute, heretofore or hereafter enacted, whether or not listed in Appendix A, provides that any act in a civil proceeding shall be done in the manner provided by law, such act shall be done in accordance with these rules. No provision of c. 518 is inconsistent or in conflict with the discovery provisions of the rules of civil procedure. It follows that discovery is as fully available in a divorce action as in any other action. [15]