PRETRIAL AND TRIAL PROCEDURE

Pretrials:

Each case must be pretried. It is the responsibility of the attorneys to set the first pretrial 30 days prior to the court date as indicated on the dismissal notice by appearing before the court clerk. Failure to set the pretrial or get a written continuance from the court will result in the matter being dismissed.

All parties must be present for the pretrial unless excused by the judge.

The purpose of the pretrial conference is to inform the court of the issues in this matter, to attempt to narrow the issues, determine what outside resources may be needed and to move the discovery along toward trial if necessary. The court generally expects specific tasks to be performed prior to the next pretrial date. That is not meant to mean the exchanging of the required information while in the clerks office waiting to see the judge but in advance so that we can have a meaningful pretrial conference. If matters can not be accomplished or unforeseen issues arise between pretrial dates the court will attempt to make time to address those issues before the next scheduled pretrial date so that the matter may keep moving forward.

Three pretrial conferences are scheduled every day except Monday starting at 8:30 a.m. and are set at 30 minute intervals. On Wednesday's pretrial conferences start at 8:30 a.m. and proceed on 30 minute intervals throughout the day.

Requests for the appointment of a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) should be made as early as possible so as to have adequate time for the GAL to obtain information and participate in the hearings. If the parties can agree on a GAL the court will generally approve that request.

Trials:

Trial settings are set by the judge and are typically within 60 days of the last pretrial setting. The last pretrial setting is generally held in the 6th month after filing. Most cases have one to three pretrial conferences prior to the trial setting. The majority of all cases are concluded within 9 months from the filing date.

When a case is set for trial the court will issue a pretrial order. The Pretrial Order form may be found on the Court Forms page. Failure to comply with the timing requirements and production requirements may result in the striking of pleadings or other sanctions.

Once a case is set for trial the court will generally not allow for the withdrawal of the attorney of record without good cause.

In high conflict custody cases the court will consider the use of a Parent Coordinator. The Parent Coordinator Consent Judgment form may be found on the Court Forms page. These individuals are appointed post trial.