PARENTING CONFERENCES Pilot Project
Michael S. Evans Commissioner, Third District Court

GOAL: To minimize the delay, expense and level of parental conflict in the resolution of custody disputes where custody evaluations have been ordered.

METHOD: Conduct settlement conferences with parents, counsel (as applicable) and custody evaluator AFTER completion of data gathering (interviews and testing) but BEFORE a written report is prepared or specific recommendation is offered.

PROCEDURE:

1) Parents, counsel and custody evaluator agree and Court order the evaluator to provide written notice to all upon completion of data gathering.

2) Commissioner's clerk promptly schedule a two hour parenting conference to be attended by parents, counsel and custody evaluator.

3) Custody evaluator offer general input as to the needs of the child(ren) and identify acceptable time-sharing/decision-making options.

4) Custody evaluator respond to appropriate (as determined by the Commissioner) questions and all engage in "brainstorming" dialogue.

5) Discussion deemed settlement negotiation and inadmissible at any subsequent hearing.

POTENTIAL OUTCOMES:

1) Final stipulation regarding custody/parent-time is read into record and final order entered. Custody evaluator dismissed and any remaining retainer refunded.

2) Interim agreement reached and implemented on trial basis to be reviewed at future parenting conference(s) specifically scheduled. Custody evaluation suspended.

3) Case Certified for Trial. Custody evaluator ordered to complete written report and recommendation by date certain. The Judges of the Third District have agreed to offer expedited trial settings in cases certified through this process.