How will child custody and visitation be determined?
If the parties are not able to agree on custody and parenting time issues, the County Friend of the Court will make an initial determination as to both issues on a temporary basis. If either party objects to the temporary order of the Friend of the Court they may request a full formal hearing to be conducted by the Referee for the Friend of the Court. At the time of such a formal hearing a mini-trial occurs where witnesses are called, sworn, and able to be cross-examined by the parties or their attorneys. After the formal hearing has been completed the Referee will issue a written opinion making a recommendation for custody, parenting time, and child support issues. If either party timely objects to the written opinion of the Referee that was issued subsequent to the formal hearing, then both parties will be allowed to have a “Denovo” trial before the Circuit Court judge assigned to hear the case.
