32 V.S.A. § 1758: Masters, auditors, referees, and commissioners

(a) Unless otherwise provided, the pay and the expense allowance for commissioners, masters, auditors, and referees shall be fixed by the court or by the presiding judge thereof and paid by the State.

(b) The Superior Court may order that the cost of a master be shared by the parties, with the shares specified in the order, if:

(1) the distribution of property is contested and governed by 15 V.S.A. § 751 and the value of the property to be distributed exceeds $500,000.00; or

(2) one or both parties seek an award of maintenance under 15 V.S.A. § 752 and the parties have non-wage income of $150,000.00 or more, excluding up to $500,000.00 of income from the sale of a primary residence or jointly owned business.