Rule 16.23 - Physical and Mental Examinations of Minors in Family Law Actions(a) Applicability; Motion; Notice.(1) This rule governs a physical or mental examination of a minor in family law actions.(2) When ordering a physical or mental examination of a minor, the court may proceed under this rule or Rule 35. The court's order must state the court's reasoning for proceeding under either rule and must include findings as to the best interests of the child.(3) Upon motion and after notice to all parties and, if the minor is 14 years of age or older, to the minor to be examined, a court may for good cause order an examination of a minor's mental or physical condition.(b)Order. The provisions of Rule 16.22(b) apply to orders under this rule.(c)Recording. In a motion requesting an examination or an opposition thereto, the parties may request that an examination be recorded by audio or audiovisual means. When considering whether to approve a recording, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem for the minor, hold a hearing, or both. The court may grant a request to record the examination if making the recording is in the child's best interest. Any recording must be provided to the court and placed under seal. On motion, and for good cause, the court may permit distribution of the recording, which must include appropriate restrictions on its release and use. (d)Observers.(1) In General. In a motion requesting an examination or an opposition thereto, the parties may request that an observer be present at the examination. When considering whether to approve a request for an observer, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem for the minor, hold a hearing, or both. The court may grant a request for an observer if the observer's presence is in the child's best interest and would not compromise the examination. The observer may not be a party, a party's attorney, or anyone employed by a party or a party's attorney. If the minor is of sufficient age and maturity, the court may consider the child's preference in choosing the observer. The court must approve the observer before the examination, and the observer must not in any way interfere with, obstruct, or participate in the examination.(2)Parents. If ordered by the court, the parents or guardian of a minor may observe a physical examination, but may not interfere with, obstruct, or participate in the examination.(e)Examiner's Report. The examiner's report and access to it must comply with Rule 16.22(e)(1) and (3)-(6).(f)Stipulations. Any stipulation for a minor's examination must comply with Rule 16.22(f).Adopted effective 3/1/2019.Advisory Committee Note-2019 Amendment
Rule 16.23 is new and provides alternative procedures to Rule 35 for mental or physical examinations of minors in family law actions.