What happens on the court date?
The first hearing on custody/visitation is called a Preliminary Hearing. People involved in the court hearing will already have received a copy of the summons, petition and initial order. The hearing is scheduled for 7 minutes. All parties involved will speak with a mediator prior to the hearing before the Judge. At the hearing, the Judge will be advised by the mediator that (a) the parties are in agreement to all issues and an order will be entered, or (b) the parties are not in agreement. If there is no agreement, the parties will be referred to a mandatory mediation orientation and a trial date will be set for a full hearing if the case is not settled in mediation. The Court may enter an order in the absence of a party if that party has been properly served with notice of the hearing. What happens when the Court enters a Preliminary Hearing Order? • The order may require parental evaluations/home studies to be conducted by the Dept. of Social Services and costs may be assessed. • Th
Roll Call starts at 9:00 a.m. Parties answer present when their name is called. Failure of tenant to appear results in a default. Failure of landlord to appear results in a dismissal. When both parties appear, conciliation is attempted between parties. Arrangement to pay rent is possible. If parties are not able to resolve their differences, the case goes before the court.
