Ind. Marion Cnty. Fam. Local Rule LR49-FR00-500

PREAMBLE

The Members of the Family Law Section of the Indianapolis Bar Association, recognizing the high

degree of conflict and the volatile nature of domestic disputes, their impact on children and the need for

direction in balancing the duty to represent the client with the obligation to rational, peaceful and efficient

administration of justice, now make this pledge to promote the highest degree of respect and civility in

conduct with parties, attorneys and courts.

GUIDELINES

I will maintain the highest level of professional integrity and personal courtesy in all dealings with

parties, counsel, witnesses and courts.

I will advise clients that I am bound by the responsibilities and restrictions set forth in the Rules of

Professional Conduct in all matters relating to the handling of their cases.

I will pursue the advancement of clients’ legitimate objectives, but I will not participate in litigation

based upon vengeance or other inappropriate emotions.

I will use legal procedures for the fullest benefit of clients without misusing or abusing the legal

process.

I will not intentionally speak or act in an abrasive, hostile, offensive or acrimonious manner toward

parties, counsel or courts.

I will not knowingly misstate, mischaracterize or fail to disclose relevant facts or legal authority.

I will familiarize myself with and comply with all requirements of the common law, the trial rules, the

local rules, and the court policy and procedure.

I will endeavor to have clients fully disclose assets and liabilities, informally exchange information and

confer with opposing counsel to discuss settlement, stipulate undisputed matters, and identify issues prior

to scheduled hearings.

I will strive to reach agreements on procedural and preliminary matters consistent with clients’

legitimate objectives.

I will honor promises and commitments in an effort to raise the level of professionalism and civility in

domestic matters.

I will advise clients of the legal standards by which courts decide family law issues including the rebuttable

presumption of an equal division of the marital estate and application of the best interest standard when

determining custody of the children.

I will, whenever possible, encourage clients to reach amicable settlement of all issues after careful review

of statutes and reasonable consideration of the risks, costs, delay and emotional trauma of trial.

I will not seek judicial intervention in matters that can be resolved through cooperation and

communication between counsel and parties.

I will not resort to ex parte proceedings in the absence of extreme emergency, as the interests of justice

and fair play mandate notice to the opposing party.

I will not abuse time limitations set by courts, will be punctual and prepared for all court appearances

and I will notify the court promptly when a case has been settled or must be continued.

I will prepare clients and witnesses for court appearances and advise them of the conduct required of

them in order to promote the prompt and efficient administration of justice and to avoid conduct that

brings disorder, disruption and disrespect upon the courts.