Divorce and family law cases often involve disputes that are deeply emotional — and legally complex. When those disputes include significant financial matters, parenting conflicts, or ongoing compliance issues, a special master can be a powerful tool for resolving problems efficiently and fairly.

What Is a Special Master?

A special master is a neutral professional appointed by a court to manage specific aspects of a case. They’re not judges, but they do perform judicial-like functions: collecting evidence, evaluating financial or factual disputes, making recommendations to the judge, and sometimes making decisions directly (depending on what the court grants). 

Unlike a mediator (who facilitates agreement) or a parent coordinator (who helps parents communicate), a special master often has more formal authority. They may take testimony, rule on the admissibility of evidence, and prepare detailed reports for the court. 

How Special Masters Are Used 

Kansas

• In Kansas family courts, the appointment of a special master is explicitly allowed under statutes such as K.S.A. 60‑252 and related provisions.
• When appointed, the master makes recommendations on factual findings, or even on how to dispose of certain issues. Those recommendations are typically subject to the judge’s review, unless the parties agree otherwise. 
• The court usually orders how the master will be paid; in many Kansas courts, the parties share the cost, with the court deciding the division. 
• There needs to be a record (transcripts or written documentation) so the judge can review the master’s work thoroughly. 
• A real-world example: In In re Marriage of Meek, the Kansas Court of Appeals noted a special master was appointed due to “complex issues” around dividing annuities and other financial assets. 

Missouri

• Missouri courts also use special masters, particularly for cases that are financially or factually complicated. 
• Under Missouri law (or court rules), the order that appoints the master must clearly define the master’s authority — what issues they handle, whether their findings are binding or just recommendations, and how they interact with the judge. 
• The cost of a special master in Missouri is typically shared by the parties; the court will often decide how fees are divided. 
• Because judges are busy, special masters help lighten the court’s load by handling discovery disputes, evidence gathering, and other issues that might otherwise bog down the case. 

Why a Court Might Order a Special Master

There are several scenarios where a judge would find it useful (or even necessary) to appoint a special master. Some of the most common:

1. Complex Financial Issues
   When divorce involves high-value or complicated assets (businesses, investments, annuities, etc.), a master with financial expertise can dig into records, trace assets, and make recommendations. 
2. Dispute or Non‑Compliance
   If one party is not following the court’s orders, a master can monitor compliance, investigate, and recommend enforcement measures. 
3. Judicial Efficiency
   Courts have limited time. By delegating certain tasks to a master, a judge can focus on the bigger picture while the master handles day-to-day issues, fact finding, or discovery. 
4. Expertise Needs
   Some cases require very specific knowledge (for example, forensic accounting or bankruptcy). A special master with that background can provide clarity in ways a judge might not have the bandwidth to do. 

Pros and Cons: Is a Special Master Right for You?

Pros:

• Speed & Efficiency: Masters often issue reports or decisions faster than a judge could handle on a busy court docket. 
• Expertise: Their specialized skills mean better analysis, especially for complicated financial or factual issues. 
• Neutrality: A master is an impartial professional whose job is to help the court — not advocate for one party. 
• Flexibility: Because they’re not bound by the formalities of a courtroom, they can meet more flexibly, which may reduce delays. 

Cons / Risks:

• Cost: Special masters charge fees (hourly or otherwise), and those costs can add up. 
• Limited Appeal: If a master’s report is “advisory,” you may only be able to object to it rather than appeal on the merits. 
• Lack of Formal Evidence Rules: Masters may not be strictly bound by rules of evidence, which can worry some parties. 
• Perceived Loss of Control: Some parties feel uneasy giving decision-making power (even partially) to someone other than a judge.
   

When It Might Be a Smart Move in Kansas or Missouri

Here are a few real-life-ish scenarios where asking the court (or agreeing to) a special master could make good sense:

• You and your spouse can’t agree on how to divide complex assets (like a business or retirement funds).
• You suspect one side is hiding or misrepresenting financial information.
• You want a decision-maker who’s more specialized than a judge on technical financial issues.
• The court’s schedule is slow, and you want a faster way to get decisions or reports on specific issues.
   

Final Thoughts

Special masters are powerful tools in family law cases — especially in Kansas and Missouri, where courts may appoint them for exactly the kind of high‑stakes, detailed work judges don’t always have bandwidth to manage. While there are costs and risks, their benefits often make a big difference in complicated or high-conflict divorces.

If you’re in the middle of a divorce or custody case and think a special master might help, talk to an attorney about whether it’s a smart strategy for your situation. Call The Binder Firm at (816) 866-8264 to schedule a consultation!