judge or the judge’s designee and hold a pre-trial conference. The attorneys shall bring their calendars and be prepared to set a hearing date.
(B) During the Pre-Trial Conference, the Court will set a Settlement Conference date and a hearing date.
(C) The attorneys and their clients are expected to attend the Settlement Conference in person and shall be prepared to discuss settlement of all or some of the issues between the parties. The attorneys must meet with the judge or the judge’s designee during or at the conclusion of the Settlement Conference to discuss their progress.
(D) Continuing a Settlement Conference date may cause the Court to continue the contested hearing date on the court’s motion.
(E) Contested hearing time is not to be used for settlement negotiations. The Court will expect the parties to begin promptly at the hearing time.
(F) The Court may waive the requirements in this rule for good cause shown, or in an emergency situation.
(G) The judge may implement this rule for any hearing of any length at their discretion.
(III) Guardian Ad Litem
(A) Appointment.
A party in a family law case may request the Court to appoint a Guardian Ad Litem (“GAL”) to represent the child or children’s interests. The Court may appoint the GAL, by order or after a hearing, and the GAL shall keep time records for all services rendered.
The parties may select either “Track One” or “Track Two” GAL Appointment, as set out in the next sections.
(B) “Track One” GAL Appointment.
A “Track One” GAL Appointment is the traditional, full GAL Report with interviews of the parties, children, and other individuals who may have information relevant to the GAL’s investigation.
(C) “Track Two” GAL Appointment.
A “Track Two” GAL Appointment requires the GAL only to interview the parties and the child or children and to provide written recommendations to the parties. The parties would then proceed to mediation. If mediation is not successful, either party may request the GAL to provide a full report, subject to Section D below concerning fees.