Section 9.30 Special Master

• Library: Family Law Deskbook and 2014 Supp

XI. (§9.30) Special Master

The use of a special master in court proceedings is authorized under Rule 68.01. But special masters should not be used to determine custody matters. In M.F.M. v. J.O.M., 889 S.W.2d 944 (Mo. App. W.D. 1995), the court strongly declared, “Where the best interests of a child are concerned, it is essential that the trial court have the opportunity to observe the demeanor of the conflicting parties.” Id. at 950. The court...