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CASE MANAGEMENT PROCEEDINGS

It is the intent of the Los Angeles Superior Court to manage Family Law cases in order to focus on early resolution of cases through settlement, expedite the processing of cases, and to reduce the costs of litigation.

At the first hearing calendared by a party after the response to Petition is filed, the Court may hold a status conference. At the status conference, the Court may review the progress of the case, identify unresolved issues, develop discovery plans and discuss the possibility of settlement.

At the status conference, the parties shall inform the Court of the following matters:

(1) attendance of both parties at PACT and Family Court Services Mediation;

(2) completion and service by both parties of a complete Preliminary Declaration of Disclosure;

(3) filing with the Court of a Declaration Regarding Service of Declaration of Disclosure and Income and Expense Declaration;

(4) readiness of the parties to participate in mediation;

(5) appropriateness of referral to arbitration;

(6) willingness of the parties, to limit, schedule or expedite discovery and willingness without waiting for a discovery request, to provide to the opposing side, with the name and, if known, the address and telephone number of each individual likely to have discoverable information that supports the party's disclosures and a copy of, or a description by category and location of, all documents, data compilations, and tangible things that are in the possession, custody or control of the party and that supports the party's disclosures;

(7) appropriateness of implementation of case management pursuant to Family Code section 2451;

(8) willingness to stipulate to the appointment of Court experts, and to allocate the expense for the appointment, or to schedule a hearing for the appointment of Court experts and the allocation of the expenses for the experts.

At any status conference, the Court may:

(1) schedule disclosure of expert witnesses, by stipulation upon agreement;

(2) require filing of stipulations, if issues can be narrowed;

(3) set dates for further status conference, as needed but no later than every six months;

(4) set dates for other court-ordered events that are to take place before the next status conference;

(5) set the date for trial and/or settlement conferences; and

(6) take such other action, as permitted by law, which could tend to promote the just and efficient disposition of the case.

Appearance at any status conference by counsel and any self-represented party, either in person or by telephone (if approved in advance by the Court) is mandatory. Failure to appear shall result in the setting of an Order to Show Cause why sanctions should not be imposed. No appearance is required if excused by the Court, or if a judgment has been filed, or if the case has been dismissed.

(Rule 14.12 adopted and effective 7/1/04.)