IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS OF NORTHAMPTON COUNTY
PENNSYLVANIA
CIVIL DIVISION
IN RE: ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER
2006- 3 - CHILD CUSTODY
CONFERENCE PROCEDURE
ORDER OF COURT
AND NOW, this 27th day of February, 2006, Rule N1915.1, is amended as follows:
14. Following receipt of ordered evaluations and investigations, but prior to listing for trial, either party may praecipe the matter for conference with the custody conference officer who previously conferenced the matter.
15. At least twenty-one days prior to non-jury trial, all custody matters shall have a pre-trial conference.
A. At least three days prior to the pre-trial conference, the parties shall file with the Prothonotary and exchange with each other pre-trial memoranda.
B. The parties shall provide the custody conference officer at the pre-trial conference copies of the pre-trial memoranda and all evaluations and reports.
C. The pre-trial memorandum shall include: (1) a brief narrative statement of the procedural history and relevant facts; (2) a summary of all legal and factual issues;
(3) the names and addresses of all witnesses to be called at trial with a summary description of the witness’ anticipated testimony; (4) a list of all exhibits to be used at trial; and (5) a statement of any requested stipulations of fact or admissibility of exhibits.
D. The parties shall be prepared to discuss settlement at the pre-trial conference.
Counsel shall have the client available in person or by telephone.
E. After the pretrial conference, the conference officer shall file a written recommendation for disposition of the issues including reasons therefore. Said
recommendation shall be filed at least seven days prior to the non-jury trial.
This order shall become effective April 3, 2006.
BY THE COURT:
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ROBERT A. FREEDBERG, P.J.