As amended through August 22, 2024
Rule 6.1 - Conciliation Court(a) There is hereby established a Conciliation Court. Except as provided in paragraph (c) assignment of cases to Conciliation Court shall be as provided by law.(b) Upon assignment of an action to the Conciliation Court the Clerk will schedule a conference or conferences with a family counselor. The parties must attend scheduled conferences. The counselor shall report to the Court the identity of a party failing to attend and the Court may take such action as it deems necessary or appropriate. The counselor shall notify the Court when counseling has concluded. Agreements reached between the parties as a result of the counseling shall be in writing, approved by the parties and counsel. An agreement is not binding until approved by written Order of the Court.(c) All domestic relation actions which involve a controversy over custody or visitation of minor children shall be assigned to the Conciliation Court for mediation. Temporary Restraining Orders and Orders to Show Cause relating to temporary custody or visitation will not be issued unless sufficient facts are set forth in the affidavits showing that the matter can not be adequately dealt with by mediation. Mediation must take place before the trial or hearing on custody or visitation.(d) Written information on the Conciliation Court shall be made available, at no cost, through the Clerk of the Court. Every attorney who represents a party in an action for annulment, dissolution of marriage or legal separation shall furnish to the client, as early in the case as possible, the written information. The Clerk shall furnish the written information to all persons filing actions for annulment, dissolution of marriage or legal separation in propria persona.Added Aug. 7, 1987, effective 11/24/1987.