Columbia Supp. L. R. 6.012

As amended through January 17, 2024

Rule 6.012 - SETTLEMENT CONFERENCES

The following procedures shall apply to pre-trial settlement conferences in all pending civil and domestic relations cases, when ordered by the court pursuant to UTCR 6.010, 6.200. or requested by a party or the party's attorney:

(1) A settlement conference will be scheduled upon the request of one party, unless the opposing party demonstrates good cause why a settlement conference should not be held.

(2) Settlement conferences will be scheduled to allow adequate time for meaningful settlement discussions. Additional settlement conferences may be scheduled by the judge or by agreement of all attorneys and parties.

(3) A trial-setting conference is not required prior to a pretrial settlement conference; however, a pretrial settlement conference shall not delay the trial scheduling.

(4) No information disclosed will be revealed by the settlement judge or by any of the parties to the judge who will thereafter try the case, unless the parties have agreed that the settlement conference judge may preside at the trial. The settlement judge may preside at the trial upon stipulation of the parties.

(5) All trial attorneys and parties or representatives of a corporation or insurance company who have full authority to settle and compromise the litigation must personally appear at the pre-trial settlement conference. However, the judge may permit remote appearances for good cause.

(6) Each attorney or party shall file as confidential a pretrial statement one (1) week before the settlement conference. In domestic relations cases, parties shall include all documents otherwise required by UTCR Chapter 8 pertaining to domestic relations cases, unless waived by the court.

(7) In the event the case does not settle, materials or notes prepared by the pretrial settlement judge may be placed in the court file as confidential documents.

(8) In the event a case settles, the court will issue an order directing a party to prepare and file the proposed judgment within thirty (30) days of the conference. Settlements may also be placed on the record at the conclusion of the settlement conference. Trial dates will not be cancelled until the judgment has been filed.

Columbia Supp. L. R. 6.012

Amended effective 2/1/2024.