Case Type

The majority of cases heard on this docket involve children that were born to unmarried parents. Typical issues involve custody, parenting time/visitation and child support matters.

General

Be prepared and on time for your scheduled court case. Check in with the court officer inside the courtroom upon your arrival at court. If you have cases scheduled in other courtrooms, please contact all parties or counsel as well as the Court and inform them in advance if you need to be late and we may be able to accommodate you. 

Professionalism

Professionalism and courtesy are required at all times from both parties and counsel. Counsel and/or litigants representing themselves are expected to be prepared for trial.

Courtroom Decorum and Dress

All parties and counsel are expected to wear appropriate attire in the courtroom and to conduct themselves is a courteous and professional manner. 

Continuances

Continuances must be requested on court-mandated forms. Youmust contact the opposing counsel (or the opposing party if they are not represented) to request a continuance prior to your scheduled court date. If there is no agreement on the continuance, the Magistrate will decide on the day of the hearing whether to grant the continuance. If extraordinary circumstances exist that require the continuance to be granted in advance, these matters will be considered on a case by case basis. All such continuances will be at the sole discretion of the Court.

Settlement/Mediation/Investigation

Settlement is strongly encouraged. Mediation may also be required by the court prior to having a hearing on any matters. A Family Assessment Investigation may also be ordered by the Court

Children

Do not bring children to court. If your case involves child related matters, the Court will schedule a time for the child to appear if it is appropriate. A guardian ad litem may be appointed to represent the best interests of your child prior to the Court speaking to your child.

Pretrial and Status Conferences

Pretrial conferences are conducted on contested issues. The parties may request a status conference at anytime if they feel it is necessary or would be helpful to resolve outstanding issues.

Scheduling Orders

Scheduling Orders or Case Management Orders may be issued at the discretion of the Court for cases that do not appear likely to settle or for cases that deal with complicated issues.

Trial Procedures

Stipulations are strongly encouraged prior to any trial, and can often times simplify issues for the parties and the court. All discovery should be completed prior to trial. Exhibits should be premarked and exchanged between counsel and/or the parties if they are representing themselves. A copy of the exhibits should be made available to the Magistrate during the trial.