Juvenile Court Rules  Rules for the Care and Protection of Children: Rule 15. Trial readiness conference (Effective August 4, 2025)

A trial readiness conference shall be scheduled and held not more than two weeks prior to the start of the hearing on the merits. All parties and attorneys are required to be present, in-person, for the conference.

Any stipulations to adjudication or termination of parental rights along with any relevant post adjudication agreements shall be submitted at the conference.

If stipulations are not presented at the conference and the parties indicate that the case shall go forward on the hearing on the merits, the following factors shall be reviewed by the parties:

• (i) all discovery is complete;
• (ii) all motions have been decided;
• (iii) expert witnesses, if applicable, are available and will be called;
• (iv) number and availability of expected witnesses, including a written witness list from each party;
• (v) submission of court investigator’s report;
• (vi) need and availability for interpreters; and
• (vii) all parties, counsel, and witnesses are ready and available to proceed.

After the trial readiness conference has been held, the judge shall confirm the previously scheduled dates for the hearing on the merits. If as a result of the trial readiness conference it is determined that additional dates are necessary for the hearing on the merits, the court shall schedule the additional dates immediately. The dates shall be scheduled to be held consecutively from the previously scheduled dates.

Because hearings on the merits are scheduled as consecutive dates, it is important that parties make every effort to resolve the case ahead of time with a stipulation or confirm that trial preparation is near completion and the hearing on the merits will begin on the previously selected dates. Rescheduling the hearing on the merits shall not be granted at the trial readiness conference, absent extraordinary circumstances. If the hearing on the merits is continued, it shall be scheduled as consecutive dates.