Ind. Elkhart Cnty. Local Rule LR20-FL00-406

406.1. When Required

A Problem-Solving Settlement Conference is required for the following cases if they are assigned to the

Tailored or Judicial/Specialized Pathways: Domestic Relations (DR), Domestic Relations with Children

(DC), Domestic Relations without Children (DN), Juvenile Paternity (JP), Guardianship (GU), Adoption

(AD), Grandparent Visitation (GV), and Third-Party Custody (MI).

406.2. Waiver of Problem-Solving Settlement Conference

The Elkhart County Unified Family Court recognizes there may be situations in which it could be

dangerous for parties to conduct a Problem-Solving Settlement Conference. When domestic/family

violence is present within a case, or other mitigating circumstances that cause one or more parties to fear

for their mental, emotional, or physical safety in a one-on-one meeting with another party, a waiver may

be requested. The judicial officer may also issue an order waiving this requirement, and Family Court

Services staff may also recommend waiving a Problem-Solving Settlement Conference in the Triage

Assessment or after conducting a Family Needs Interview.

In general, the Court shall not favor waivers of this requirement, and waivers are to be sought only in the

most exceptional of circumstances. Failure to address the issue of a Problem-Solving Settlement

Conference in any manner is cause for the Court to require, within a stated period, an explanation of the

failure to address the requirement.

406.3. Court Ordered Problem Solving Settlement Conferences

The Court may order a Problem-Solving Settlement Conference, assisted or unassisted, at any time

immediately following the completion of Bundling, Triage, and Pathway Assignment processes in a case,

and may order multiple conferences to occur during the life of a case.