FAMILY PROCEDURE


Motion Setting / Requests for Hearing Time:  All parties need to e-mail a copy of the motion to the Family Case Manager to obtain available dates and times for a hearing and must provide the following info:

  • Case number & style of case,
  • How much time you will need,
  • What kind of a hearing/motion would you like to set.

 

(Our office will give you dates and times before the Judge or Magistrate on the calendar that fits the motion and time requested.  Upon conferring with the opposing side(s) we will ask you to email our office to set the hearing. All motions must first be filed with the Clerk’s office prior to requesting a hearing.)

 

Zoom Appearances: Zoom Appearances are allowed without prior authorization for hearings that are 30 minutes or less.  Any hearing longer than 30 minutes will require prior approval and therefore a Motion and Order to Appear via Zoom must be sent via e-mail.

 

Emergency Motions: (Please refer to Administrative Order 5.039)

A motion for emergency hearing time filed with the Clerk of Court must be copied to the Judge’s office and Case Manager to secure a hearing.  The motion should be detailed and include the amount of time needed for the hearing.

 

Continuation of Case Management
Vanndaley Fowler, the Family Court Case Manager, must be contacted to address any continuances of Case Management Conferences.

 

Either Party may move the Court for entry of an Order continuing a case management conference to a later date by sending to the Case Manager a jointly-signed statement and Order ratifying the same that states: (1) Service of Process has been effectuated and an Answer or responsive pleading has been filed; (2) both parties have exchanged Financial Affidavits and have complied with mandatory disclosure requirements; (3) if there are minor children, that both parties have completed the parenting course and filed their Certificates of Completion; (4) that mediation has been completed or is scheduled and will not be cancelled except by Order of the Court; (5) the date and time of the new Case Management Conference that has been provided by the Case Manager and cleared by both parties, which conference shall be within 60 days of the originally scheduled date.

 

Continuation of the First Case Management


Petitioner may continue the first case management if service of process has not yet been effectuated.


Notice of Ready for Trial: A notice of ready for trial must be filed and a courtesy copy forwarded to Judge’s assistant and Family Case Manager.  Final hearings for DOM and Supplemental Petitions require a notice of ready for trial, if a minimum of 3 hours hearing time is requested.


Stipulation for Continuances:

Stipulations for continuances must be executed by the clients.